The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2012 Washington state Minority Champion of the Year is Albert Shen, owner of Shen Consulting, Inc., a project planning, design, and construction management company. His firm helped complete some of the largest transportation capital improvement programs in the Puget Sound region including a third Sea-Tac runway, and a new airport consolidated rental car facility.
“During off hours Shen focuses extra time and energy on initiatives benefiting the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community,” said Seattle SBA District Director Nancy Porzio. “His volunteer work with the Seattle Chinatown International Preservation Development Authority aspires to build multi-cultural business prosperity.”
He was appointed by Governor Gregoire to serve as a Commissioner elevating attention to Asian Pacific American business community issues and co-chair the Economic Development committee. He hosted a White House Business Council Roundtable between minority-owned businesses and Obama Administration officials to discuss challenges faced during the recession.
Shen is also a Trustee for the Seattle Community Colleges and recently met with White House and Congressional leaders in Washington DC to advocate on how education and economic equity are equally vital to America’s role in the 21st century economy.
“Albert Shen was instrumental in forming the Minority Business Action Committee (MBAC), to enhance the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) voice in politics and to foster collaboration and advocacy practices between MBEs and elected officials to find solutions to issues in the state of Washington,” said Assistant Associate Administrator Calvin Goings.
“For impressive results from his contributions and advocacy efforts, we are proud to name Albert Shen as SBA’s 2012 Washington State Minority Services Champion,” said Seattle SBA District Director Nancy Porzio.