WINNING DIFFERENTLY 🏆

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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend?

Award shows, recognition lists, and major milestones have dominated the headlines lately. While it's exciting to celebrate the winners, the more interesting question is: What did they do differently to get there?

After all, there's no award category for the late nights, failed attempts, and fresh starts that made it possible.

If you find this newsletter interesting, refer it to your friends by sharing this link and receive amazing gifts from AHN!

🎉 Connect with founders, investors, and tech leaders at Diverse Perspectives Happy Hour!

Looking to expand your network and meet people shaping the future of tech? Join us for an evening of meaningful conversations with founders, investors, and executives from diverse backgrounds.

Event Details:

 🗓️ July 30, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT
📍 Cooley LLP, Seattle, WA

Why You Should Attend:

 🤝 Build meaningful connections with founders, investors, and executives
💡 Exchange ideas with leaders across the tech ecosystem
🚀 Discover new opportunities for collaboration and growth
🌏 Connect with a community committed to expanding access and opportunity

🎉 Celebrate leadership, connection, and community at HER Legacy: A Women's Leadership Luncheon!

Join women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals in Las Vegas for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and valuable connections. Hear from accomplished women leaders as they share their journeys, the lessons they've learned, and how they're building legacies that last.

Event Details:

🗓️ Tuesday, August 11, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM PT
📍 Ichiza Original, Las Vegas, NV

Why You Should Attend:

✨ Hear inspiring stories from accomplished women leaders
🤝 Connect with entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders
💼 Grow your network through meaningful conversations
🌸 Learn how women are building businesses and creating lasting impact

Hosting something for the community?

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THIS WEEK: WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS BRANDS

Building a brand or business?

Join the AHN Directory and get discovered by the community.

The Founder Who Made Healthy Asian Cooking More Accessible

After moving to the U.S., ChihYu Smith struggled to find Asian recipes that fit her clean-eating lifestyle. Instead of giving up the flavors she grew up with, she began creating healthier versions and sharing them online through I Heart Umami.

What started as a personal passion grew into a trusted recipe platform, online cooking programs, and the best-selling cookbook Asian Paleo. Today, millions of home cooks use her recipes to enjoy healthier Asian meals without sacrificing authenticity.

The takeaway is simple: the best businesses often begin by solving a problem you've experienced yourself.

Interested in supporting founders building impactful brands?

Join our private investor network and stay connected to future opportunities across the AHN ecosystem.

Alysa Liu Takes Home Best Breakthrough Athlete at the ESPYs

Olympic champion Alysa Liu added another milestone to an unforgettable year after winning Best Breakthrough Athlete at the ESPYs. Following her historic performance at the Milan Winter Olympics, where she captured two gold medals, Liu continues to prove that her comeback is one of the biggest stories in sports.

Accepting the award, Liu reflected on the challenges that shaped her journey, including stepping away from figure skating for two years before returning to the top. She thanked her team and said the honor felt like a breakthrough not just for her career, but for herself and for the sport she has loved since she was five years old.

Read the full article here.

Filipino Creators Bretman Rock and Niana Guerrero Join TIME100 Creators List

Filipino American creator Bretman Rock and Filipina social media star Niana Guerrero have been named to TIME's 2026 TIME100 Creators list, recognizing 100 of the world's most influential digital voices. Both were honored in the Titans category alongside some of the biggest names shaping online culture today.

Bretman Rock built a global following through beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment content, while Niana Guerrero became one of the Philippines' biggest social media stars after going viral for her dance videos at just 12 years old. Their recognition highlights the growing global impact of Filipino creators and the influence they continue to have across digital platforms.

Read the full article here.

Canva's Billionaire Cofounders Begin Next Phase of Their Billion-Dollar Giving Plan

Canva cofounders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht have unveiled the Global Goals Platform, a new initiative designed to ask people around the world what changes they want to see in their communities, countries, and the world. The project is backed by the Canva Foundation and marks the next step in the couple's long-term plan to give away the majority of their wealth.

After signing The Giving Pledge in 2021, Perkins and Obrecht committed to donating more than 80% of their personal wealth and eventually giving away a 30% stake in Canva, the private company now valued at $42 billion. They hope the new platform will help direct future philanthropy toward the goals people care about most.

Read the full article here.

The Real Difference Between Brands in the Age of AI

AI has become part of everyday marketing. In fact, 87% of marketers now use AI in their workflow, making it less of a competitive advantage and more of a standard tool.

The brands that stand out aren't the ones using AI the most. They combine AI with strategy, creativity, and human insight to create content that feels authentic and connects with their audience.

The takeaway is simple: AI helps you work faster, but it's your strategy and perspective that make your brand memorable.

A $10,000 Grant Opportunity for Eligible Small Businesses

AHN and National ACE are proud to share a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the growth of their businesses. 

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, eligible small business owners can apply for a $10,000 grant after completing two Digital Ready learning resources and submitting an application.

The program is designed to help businesses strengthen their digital capabilities while providing access to funding that can support future growth. If your business meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and apply.

Unlock Payroll Tax Benefits and Savings With ADP’s SMB Solutions

Managing payroll, HR, and tax compliance requires time, accuracy, and constant attention to changing regulations. For many small and mid-sized businesses, these responsibilities can take focus away from strategic growth.

Through our partnership with ADP, SMB leaders gain access to reliable, cloud-based payroll and human capital management solutions designed to simplify operations while maximizing cash flow. 

How ADP supports your growth:

• AI-Enhanced Payroll: Reduce errors and late penalties with automated filings and AI-powered error detection that flags discrepancies before you pay.

• Maximum Tax Credit Recovery: ADP’s specialists use your payroll data to uncover valuable incentives—including R&D credits (now with expanded eligibility) and Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

• Built-In Compliance: Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory shifts, including new retirement plan mandates and updated wage bases, with automated system updates.

• Scalable HR Infrastructure: From your first hire to your 500th, access integrated tools for recruitment, benefits administration, and 24/7 HR advisory support.

Strategic payroll management is a reinvestment in your business. Fill out our form to connect with an ADP specialist for a personalized review of your current payroll process or review of potential payroll tax savings.

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