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Chao Family Foundation made a gift in 2012 to support the Foreign Policy Colloquium held annually by The National Committee on US-China Relations. The Colloquium was initiated 11 years ago. Over a period of three days, Chinese graduate students from across America are brought together with the top influencers of America’s foreign policy, including think tanks, political and government officials, NGOs and corporate leaders. The seminar exposes participants to an intense examination of the intricate factors that influence foreign policy decisions. National Committee on United States-China Relations The National Committee on United States-China Relations was established in 1966 for the purpose of opening channels of communication between the US and China, chiefly to thaw out what was at the time a rather difficult relationship between the two countries. The Committee’s academic, business and civic leaders strongly believed that it was in the best interest of the US to have positive interactions with China. In a non-political fashion, the Committee initiated programs of cultural, educational and technological exchanges that would create an atmosphere for positive, stable and long-term mutually beneficial interactions. Carla A. Hills chairs a distinguished Board of Directors that consists of the most prominent corporate and political leaders of the US. Through the leadership of the board and its committees, the founding principles of the National Committee’s initiators have been preserved via a rich matrix of programs designed to strengthen communications, exchange and outreach between the US and China. Programs include: political and national security briefings, educator and student exchange programs, sister-city programs such as visits to Chinese cities and exchange opportunities for city leaders, collaborative projects to address natural disasters, collaborative work on economic and environmental sustainability issues, open exchange of intellectual and technological ideas, public information campaigns and other strategies to facilitate mutual cultural understanding and appreciation. As a member of the Young Leaders Forum of the Committee, Angela Chao was especially happy to be involved with the Chao Family Foundation’s gift to support the 2012 annual Colloquium.

As the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, the Honorable Elaine L. Chao is the first American woman of Asian heritage to be appointed to the United States Presidential cabinet post in American history. Serving from 2001 to 2009, she holds the record for the longest tenure as the Secretary of Labor since World War II. Elaine Chao came to the United States with her family when she was eight years old, not able to speak the language. Her parents taught her to contribute to society, and that anything was possible in America through education and hard work. She went on to earn an A. B. in economics from Mt. Holyoke College, and a MBA from Harvard Business School. Her early career was in the private sector, serving as a banker with Citicorp, and as Vice President of Syndications at the Bank of America Capital Markets Group. She was selected to receive a White House Fellowship, which led to a career in government. She has served as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Director of the Peace Corps. Among her accomplishments, she established the first Peace Corps programs in the newly emerging republics of the former Soviet Union and the Baltic states. As U.S. Secretary of Labor, she oversaw record improvements for worker safety and health while promoting higher levels of competitiveness in the American workforce in the global economy. Secretary Chao has also been recognized for her leadership role in the non-profit sector. As President and CEO of the United Way of America, she restored confidence in an organization that had been tainted by ethical misconduct and financial mismanagement and abuse. Secretary Chao has received 34 honorary doctorate degrees for her many public and non-profit sector accomplishments, including opening up new pathways for women and Asian Americans. She is a respected thought leader and speaker on many issues of public interest, including employment, workforce training and strengthening America’s competitiveness. Secretary Chao also serves on the boards of public and nonprofit institutions including the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors and Global Advisors; New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Secretary Chao is married to the Republican Leader of the United States Senate, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and commutes between her home in Louisville and Washington, D. C. She also has the distinction of being the first Kentuckian to serve in a Cabinet position since 1945, and the first Kentucky woman ever appointed to the President’s cabinet.

James Chao, founder and chairman of the Foremost Group, was honored with the 2018 Lloyd's List Americas Awards Lifetime Achievement. His company, renowned for its eco-friendly ship designs, has been led by his daughter Angela, growing its advanced bulk carrier fleet. Chao's journey began in a small village near Shanghai, where his academic excellence and maritime skills led him to become a young ocean-going marine captain. He continued his education in America, leading to a notable maritime career and philanthropy, including educational scholarships through a foundation established with his wife. For a detailed read, please visit the original article: James Chao named 2018 Lloyd's List Americas Awards Lifetime Achievement winner.