Anil Sharma and Sandy Chau are trailblazing immigrant entrepreneurs who have not only built remarkable business empires but have also left a lasting impact on their communities through philanthropy, mentorship, and leadership development. Both exemplify how resilience, innovation, and service can shape legacies that extend far beyond personal success. They will both give keynote speeches during the Welcome Dinner of AAUC’s 2025 Unity Summit in Washington, D.C., on September 16, 2025.
Anil Sharma came to the United States from India in 1997 with just $100 in his pocket. From these humble beginnings, he founded 22nd Century Technologies, an IT systems integrator focused on the public sector. Under his leadership as CEO, the company grew from a $2 million startup into a $400 million enterprise with over 6,000 employees. Sharma has been a vital force in supporting the nation’s digital transformation and safeguarding critical infrastructure. He’s also an active angel investor, having funded and mentored numerous tech startups. Notably, he pledged $1 million through TiE Global’s Accelerate Program to support young entrepreneurs with scalable, tech-driven solutions.
Sharma’s philanthropic reach is equally impressive. He serves as Chairperson of the Advisory Board for Salvation Army Loudoun County and supports organizations like Missionaries of Charity, Special Olympics, Feed the Hungry of Loudoun, FACETS, and HOPE. He actively promotes education by supporting STEM initiatives in Loudoun County Public Schools and offering scholarships, paid internships, and academic outreach. His contributions have earned him accolades such as the Distinguished Service Award, TiE Gov Con Elite Leader, and NVTC Top 50.
Similarly, Sandy Chau has built an extraordinary legacy as a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and social justice advocate. Born in Shanghai and raised in Hong Kong and Vietnam, Chau began his career in Vietnam in the early 1970s before moving to San Francisco, where he supported minority enterprises through Asian Inc. In 1978, he founded Universal Semiconductor and later played a pivotal role in creating AAMA (Asian American Multi Technology Association) in 1979. His business endeavors extended across the Pacific Rim, including leadership roles and ventures in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and the U.S.
Chau founded Acorn Campus, one of the first tech incubators offering seed funding to startups, and actively invested in high-tech ventures with the Acorn group. Beyond business, he’s a passionate philanthropist focused on civic participation and education. He founded Civic Leadership USA (CLUSA) to empower Asian American civic engagement and served as President of the Shin Shin Education Foundation, which supports underprivileged schools in rural China. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and MBA from UC Berkeley
Both Sharma and Chau are not only business leaders but also community builders. Their achievements are marked by a dedication to innovation, education, and giving back. Through their work, they’ve empowered thousands of individuals and helped shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
