Maryland's Korean-American first lady receives leadership award

WASHINGTON, July 14 (Yonhap) -- Maryland's Korean-American first lady, Yumi Hogan, received a leadership award for her efforts to foster better relations between Asian nations and her state, her aides said Thursday.

Hogan, wife of Gov. Larry Hogan, received the Inspirational Leader Award from the International Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes civic awareness, public service and economic effectiveness in the Asian-Pacific American community.

"We would like to honor you as a trail blazing political and community leader who is a role model not only to Asian-Pacific Americans but all Americans," Chilling Tong, founder of the Washington-based organization, said in a ceremony Wednesday, according to aides to Hogan.

"Your work touched all of us, especially for the empowerment of woman and young generations through education and art. Your efforts have brought better relations with Asian countries and diversity to Maryland," she said.

Other recipients included Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Grace Meng (D-NY) who received the Public Servant Award.

jschang@yna.co.kr
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