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Houston's Asian American Journeys: Donna Fujimoto Cole

Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios and Yetter Coleman LLP

Donna Fujimoto Cole has made many contributions to the city of Houston, serving as a leader in the chemical industry and the Asian American community. Guided by her belief in advocating for civil rights, community organizing, and the power of mentoring, Donna shares her insights on overcoming hardship, coming to terms with identity, and finding moral courage during difficult times.

On Creating Community:

On Speaking Up:


About Donna Fujimoto Cole

Donna Fujimoto Cole, Pres/CEO of Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc., founded the company in 1980, at the age of 27 with $5000, divorced, with a four year old daughter. After working for Goldking Chemical for four years and owning 3 percent of the company, the partners started del Rey Chemical International where Ms. Cole was named VP Sales and a 26 percent owner. Subsequently DuPont, Exxon, Monsanto and Shell encouraged Donna to start her own business because they appreciated the responsiveness, honesty, market intelligence and sourcing in short supply. Ms. Cole has experience with start ups, joint ventures, acquisitions and divestures in the chemical manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and packaging areas. Cole Chemical's revenues are in excess of $80 million supplying chemicals, synthetic lubricants, fuels and specialty chemicals with supply chain management services to the aerospace, automotive, refineries, petrochemical, specialty chemical plants, personal care, and electric utility industries. In 2009, Houston Woman Magazine named Donna one of Houston's 50 most influential women.


About Houston's Asian American Journeys

In partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios, Asia Society Texas presents a new video series, Houston's Asian American Journeys. Through short video interviews with local Asian Americans, the series illuminates the voices that make up a vital part of the most diverse city in the U.S.

Featuring Houstonians who reflect the richness and diversity of the local Asian American communities, the series highlights a variety of experiences, cultures, religions, and ethnicities and explores themes of identity, memory, and shared humanity. In sharing these personal journeys, Asia Society Texas and the University of St. Thomas seek to build empathy and connectivity between people, as well as deepen our collective understanding of Asian American experiences in Houston.

Houston's Asian American Journeys Heaven Chee

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Heaven Chee

A lawyer, community activist, and proud graduate of Alief ISD, Heaven Chee shares her perspectives on growing up in Houston, the importance of mentorship and advocacy, and building relationships between different Houston communities.
Houston's Asian American Journeys Dr Khawaja Azimuddin

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Dr. Khawaja Azimuddin

Known and loved for his leadership in the Houston community, Dr. Khawaja Azimuddin reflects on his refugee journey and shares his belief in the power of art to bring people together.
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Donna Cole

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Donna Fujimoto Cole

A leader in Houston's chemical industry and Asian American community, Donna Fujimoto Cole shares her insights on overcoming hardship, organizing, and finding moral courage.
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Glen Gondo

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Glen Gondo

Meet Glen Gondo, who brought sushi to HEB supermarkets across Texas, and hear about his passion for sharing Japanese culture and dedication to the Asian American political and cultural spheres.
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Mal Bernardo

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Mal Bernardo

Whether through connecting with students in her classroom or enjoying the many food stops in Houston, teacher Mal Bernardo embraces the city as she explores how her identity and family history impact her perspective.
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Y. Ping Sun

Houston's Asian American Journeys: Y. Ping Sun

Recognized throughout Houston and the globe for her dedication to education and community service, Y. Ping Sun is a leader and legend in Houston's Asian American community. Learn about her journey to the United States in a short interview.

About the University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally and lead ethically.

By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community, and our student body reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.


About UST Max Studios

In his lifetime, St. Maximilian Kolbe founded and ran a radio station and several publications. It is in this tradition that University of St. Thomas – Houston steps into the realm of digital content creation through MAX Studios. Inspired by St. Maximilian’s passion and emboldened by St. John Paul II’s words in his encyclical “Redemptoris Missio,” MAX Studios’ goal is to provide fresh monthly content and conversation. MAX Studios aims to encounter the surrounding culture while highlighting the diversity of the Catholic Faith Tradition.


About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.


Series Sponsor

Yetter Coleman

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