Amplify Nashville Nominations

Amplify Honoree Nomination Form

Guidelines for Nomination: The purpose of Amplify Nashville is to celebrate immigrants and refugees who have made a significant impact in our city. We know that every Nashvillian born outside of the United States has a unique and powerful story, but for the purposes of this event, please focus on an individual’s contribution to Nashville. We are looking for those who have made and continue to make our city a better place through their investment in Nashville.

Past Amplify Nashville honorees include:

• Li Weaver, for her work establishing cross-cultural business partnerships in both Asia and North America that have enriched Middle Tennessee and her advocacy to promote Asian culture and education across the state.
• Manuel Cuevas, for his contributions to American music and fashion through his custom-made designs featuring hand-stitched detail that serve and honor each musical artist he works with.
• Mina Johnson, for serving as Nashville’s first Japanese naturalized citizen to be elected to Metro Council, and continues to be an active voice for her community, both as an immigrant and a Nashvillian.
• George Hanna, for being instrumental in establishing the presence of the Egyptian community in Nashville through his work at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel.
• Alex Jahangir, for the way he saw immigrant and refugee communities being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and sought to provide resources and build trust in these communities.
• Kasar Abdulla, for her role in establishing the Welcoming Tennessee Initative, which was honored by President Obama, and for her work as the Director of Community Outreach at Valor Collegiate Academies.
• Jose-Luis Ayala, for creating economic opportunity for immigrants through his role as the co-founder and president of Las Palmas Mexican Restaurante.
• Fabian Bedne, for his service as Nashville’s first Latino Metro Council member.
• Mohamed-Shukri Hassan, for his entrepreneurial support and guidance within Nashville’s international community.
• Jen-Jen Lin, for her work as founder of the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville.
• Cano & Esen Ozgener, for their contribution to Nashville’s economy as the founders of CAO International and to the city’s cultural landscape as the founders of OZ Arts Nashville.
• Renata Soto, for her service as the co-founder and former Executive Director of Conexión Américas.
• Getahn Ward, for his work as an award-winning journalist, professor, and community activist.

Bridge Builder honorees: Along with our exceptional immigrant honorees, Amplify Nashville also honors one U.S.-born individual or entity who has helped our city take great strides in support of immigrants and refugees. These Bridge Builders often stand in the gap, empowering immigrants and native Nashvillians to work alongside one another to build a better Nashville for all who call our city home. Bridge Builder honorees can be individuals, corporations, or entities.

Past Bridge Builder honorees include:

• Daren Dickson and Todd Dickson for their vision for and leadership of Valor Collegiate Academies’ diverse-by-design charter school network.
• Cordia Harrington, for her legacy as a successful businesswoman matched by her legacy as a supporter of Nashville’s international community.
• Belmont University for their commitment to education and employment opportunities for immigrants and refugees.
• Dr. Michael Spalding for his work creating scholarships for DREAMers through Equal Chance for Education.
• Former Mayor Karl Dean for establishing the Mayor’s Office of New Americans during his time as Nashville’s mayor.