Event Title:

Organization:

  Literary

  San Francisco

Start Date:

  1/13/2026

End Date:

  1/13/2026

Start Time:

  5:00 PM

End Time:

  7:30 PM

Event Info: 

  Immigrant entrepreneurs share stories of resilience, entrepreneurship and belonging, exploring how building a business can create both freedom and community. Inspired by Dr. Fei-Fei Li's memoir "The Worlds I See," the panel highlights the vision, sacrifice and creativity that shape entrepreneurial journeys. Moderated by San Francisco-based entrepreneur and community leader Cynthia Huie, panelists reflect on the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in a new land and how their enterprises nurture legacy, community, opportunity and hope for the next generation.

Our panelists will be selling their products beginning at 5 p.m. in the Koret Lobby. The panel discussion starts at 6 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium.

Cynthia Huie is the founder and co-owner of On Waverly, a bookshop, gift store and community space in Chinatown. She also serves as President of the San Francisco Small Business Commission.

Jeffrey Dumlao is the owner and head designer of Chartreuse by Roje, a boutique floral studio that celebrates creativity and beauty one stem at a time.

Nafy Flatley is the founder of Teranga, a San Francisco-based company inspired by the vibrant flavors and wellness traditions of Senegal.

Naz Khorram is a queer Iranian artist, activist and entrepreneur who founded Arcana, a Mission District gathering space that weaves together art, plants, food and music.

Wendy Lieu is a first-generation Vietnamese American chocolatier and co-founder of Socola Chocolatier, known for its inventive, award-winning confections that blend Vietnamese flavors with modern craft.

https://sfpl.org/events/2026/01/13/panel-worlds-we-built-resilience-entrepreneurship-and-belonging

Location:

  San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium

Room:

Address:

  100 Larkin Street

Phone:

  415-557-4400

City:

  San Francisco

State/Province:

  CA