On the evening of October 30, 2026, a significant event took place in Philadelphia at the Live! Casino Hotel, as approximately 400 individuals from the business, political, and community sectors gathered for the second Annual Golden Eagle Awards banquet hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Asian American Business Alliance (AABAGP).
The ceremony celebrated three outstanding recipients: Dr. Joseph Kim, Dr. Stephen Tang, and the Vietnamese coffee shop, Caphe Roasters. Each recipient was honored for their extraordinary contributions and commitment to their communities. During the event, Dr. Stephen Tang passionately dedicated his award to his 91-year-old mother, reminiscing about the sacrifices his family made when they immigrated across the ocean, uncertain of what the future would hold. He also paid tribute to his father, who was unable to witness this proud moment.
Lois Kang, the president of the AABAGP, expressed that the Golden Eagle Award embodies the core values the organization seeks to promote: visionary leadership, excellence in business performance, and a profound impact on both the economy and the community at large. The awardees shared their entrepreneurial journeys, reflecting on the sacrifices made by their parents, the support received from their communities, and the responsibilities they feel to create opportunities for others now that they have achieved success.
Dr. Stephen Tang serves as the chairman of NOWDiagnostics (NOWDx), a medical technology company, and previously held positions as president and CEO of OraSure Technologies and the University City Science Center. He also founded his own consulting firm, Tangent2Cogent LLC, in 2022.
During his speech, Dr. Tang recounted the challenges he faced in leading organizations through crises. He described the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis when many startup tenants at the Science Center were unable to pay their rent. Rather than focusing solely on collecting rent, he emphasized the importance of helping these tenants survive during difficult times.
Reflecting on the adversities in his career, Tang attributed his ability to persevere to the people around him who were willing to share the burdens. He encouraged young individuals to embrace challenges and to remember to help others when they gain opportunities: “When you walk through that door, also remember to leave it open for those who come after you.”
Another award recipient, Dr. Joseph Kim, the founder and CEO of the biotechnology company AGENTA Therapeutics, shared his remarkable story of resilience. Having immigrated from South Korea to the United States at the age of eleven with minimal English skills and only $300 in savings, he understood the transformative power of education and opportunity.
Dr. Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, “Every blessing in my life comes from God,” and he sincerely thanked the great nation that provided him a new beginning.
He noted that in every company he has led, he has reminded his team that “patients are still waiting.” This serves as a reminder that their work is not solely about them, but for those who rely on them—mothers seeking treatment, children waiting for cures, and families in need of hope.
Currently, Dr. Kim continues to pioneer new cancer therapies utilizing human immune cells in his entrepreneurial endeavors. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, research partners, and team throughout his journey.
Thu Pham, co-founder and CEO of Caphe Roasters, a Vietnamese coffee shop located in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, shared her mother’s inspiring story of hard work and perseverance. Immigrating to Philadelphia in 1998, her mother worked tirelessly as a seamstress in a small factory, often putting in long hours from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. while still preparing meals for the family.
Pham articulated the lessons she learned growing up, emphasizing values such as never wasting food and the importance of family shared meals. Despite limited time and resources, her mother also managed to help several family members immigrate to the United States. The home they have lived in serves as a significant space, not only for their growing family but as a testament to her parents’ sacrifices and hopes for a better future for their children.
She remarked that her mother’s example instilled in her the core values of hard work, the importance of community, and the need to create opportunities for the next generation. These life experiences became the foundation upon which Caphe Roasters was established.
In 2018, Thu Pham, along with two Asian partners, founded Caphe Roasters with the mission of passing on their culture through Vietnamese coffee and giving back to the Kensington community. The company dedicates a substantial portion of its profits annually to support the nonprofit organization 12 Plus. One of the early employees, who joined the company through this initiative, was encouraged to return to school, ultimately earning an associate degree and pursuing a degree in business.
Pham articulated that success in business is not only about the company’s growth but also about the opportunities it creates for others.
As a descendant of immigrants, she recognizes that building a future in a new land requires sacrifice, resilience, and community support. “We pay tribute to our ancestors, thanking those who welcomed us into these communities and fostered a sense of belonging, while also hoping that future generations will have the same opportunities to create their own futures.”
David Oh, AABAGP’s chairman, underscored the importance of collaboration between government and community organizations. He announced that a fund of $150,000, championed by Councilmember Jim Harrity, supported various community initiatives, such as free entrepreneurship workshops and radio entrepreneurship programs.
Councilmember Harrity expressed that he was given support and acceptance by the Asian community when he was younger, hence his motivation to give back. He noted that, despite their differing political affiliations, both he and David Oh aim to assist others without bias. “David was only looking to help you. So am I; I simply want to help others.”
Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla also expressed his commitment to continuing to serve the Asian community, reinforcing the collaborative spirit shared by those in attendance.
Through stories of perseverance and community support shared by the awardees, the evening was a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions of the Asian community to the fabric of American society.