Ambassador of the Year

2012 Ambassador of the Year: Rita Kolenko

Rita Kolenko is a tough, energetic businesswoman who has made it a habit to not only succeed, but to help and guide others to success as well. She’s an independent owner for Motives Cosmetics as well as a certified trainer for the award-winning cosmetics line, and has traveled throughout the country helping other Motives consultants become empowered and motivated. Rita is originally from San Francisco and came to Sacramento for rehabilitation after a life-altering accident that left her in a coma and, for a moment, clinically dead. She uses her experiences as a platform and training ground to motivate others and always gives unselfishly of her time and talents to help others. The Sacramento Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce is a critical tool for Rita, because she feels that it exposes her and the other members to opportunities they would not otherwise have and really want to make a difference in the community. Rita serves as an Ambassador for this amazing organization to help connect people and help influence others to be their best. Rita lives by her personal motto: “Making every day count!”

Past Ambassador of the Year Recipients

2011	Benjamin Phillips-Lesenana

2010	Megan Franks	Megan graduated from UC Davis with degrees in Linguistics and Biological sciences. Initially she worked in the hospitality industry - first doing sales and event planning for a catering company, then working at the Sacramento Marriott doing graphic design, promotional events, marketing, and sales. Her diverse skill set now includes web page and graphic design and the entire Adobe Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). She transitioned into the non-profit industry last year when she decided to take on the position of Community Development Manager for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. She approaches everything with passion and energy, and enjoys helping other SACC members get the most out of the chamber. Megan is the current chair of the SACC ambassador program.

2009	Jeff Louie	Jeff is a UC Berkeley Graduate with a background in technology, sociology, political science, and business. For the past 7 years he's been starting and running small businesses around the Sacramento Region. In 2008, he co-founded Capsity Offices, Sacramento's 1st Entrepreneurial Fueling Station, and continues to have his hand in several other business ventures and community based organizations. He was the Asian Chamber Ambassador of the year in 2009 and continues to be active in several other business associations and networks.

2008	Santos Duran	Santos is a Vietnam veteran, serving two years in combat, receiving 2 Purple Hearts for his service. Upon returning, he immediately began working and going to school (Univ. of Santa Clara) in the evenings to obtain his degrees; Math Major, and Business Minor, finally in 1976. His working experience was primarily in the Silicon Valley era, becoming a Materials Mgr. and eventually a Direction of Operations for firms such as HP, AMC, Atari, and ending with Intel Corp before changing his vocation to the Insurance industry in 1995. He currently represents American National Insurance Company (since 2004) and he provides insurance in Life, Annuity, Home, Auto, Boat, RV, Motorcycle and Classic Cars, as well as, Financial Services for retirement planning. He takes a personal interest in helping others protect what they value most. Santos is a former chair of the SACC Ambassador program.

2007	Kevin Nakano	Kevin graduated from UC Santa Barbara with degrees in Film and Asian American Studies. After graduating, he worked in the Los Angeles film industry doing film production work. He then returned to Sacramento and earned a Business Administration degree from Sac State. After graduation, he obtained an auditor position with Ernst & Young LLP (international CPA firm). After he left EY, he fell into the real estate industry where he has been ever since. He's a licensed Realtor that helps clients buy and sell real estate. He maintains the Certified Distressed Property Expert and the Certified HAFA Specialist designations. Kevin is a former chair of the SACC Ambassador program.

For Ambassador contact information, click here.