Itzhak Perlman Headlines Great Neck Park District’s Summer Concert Series
17 hours ago
United States Albert K. Shen, with a career spanning government, entrepreneurship, politics, and corporate strategy, currently serves as a strategic corporate advisor to the President and Board of Directors of GDAACC.
Albert K. Shen, National Deputy Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, shared his parents' immigration story as part of the #MyAAPIStory series for Immigrant Heritage Month.
Serves as a strategic corporate advisor to the President and Board of Directors of GDAACC to enhance and innovate business delivery models.
Appointed as National Deputy Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, assisting in managing day-to-day activities and promoting growth and global competitiveness of minority entrepreneurs.
Participated as a speaker for 'The Future of AI in Healthcare' event for APIAHF Voices 2025, drawing on his career spanning government, entrepreneurship, politics and corporate strategy.
Quoted as the former deputy chief of minority business development under President Obama, discussing disparities in government contracting and their impact on minority-owned businesses.
Listed as 'People' on their website, highlighting his past appointment by President Obama as the National Deputy Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency.
Albert K. Shen was born in Connecticut. His parents, who had moved from China to Taiwan during their childhoods, later immigrated to the U.S. and met in New York City. The family moved to Pullman, Washington, where his father pursued a PhD in immunology and his mother operated a small gift shop and a Chinese restaurant. Growing up, Albert participated in his family’s Chinese opera performances across Washington State and Canada, a tradition that connected them to their Chinese heritage. His upbringing involved helping in his mother’s businesses and learning Chinese culinary traditions from his father. He later pursued higher education, graduating from the University of Washington with degrees in Chemistry and Environmental Science.
After completing his education, Albert Shen established his own civil engineering firm. Through this experience, he gained insight into the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses, which motivated his involvement in community service. He began serving on non-profit boards within the Asian American community. During the 2008 recession, he actively engaged in policy advocacy for minority businesses at local, state, and federal levels. His commitment to education led to his appointment to the Seattle Community College Board of Trustees, where he held the position of Board Chair. His work and community involvement caught the attention of Chris Lu, President Obama’s then-Special Assistant and Cabinet Secretary, who encouraged him to join the Obama Administration.
In 2014, Albert Shen was appointed as the National Deputy Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, he advised the MBDA National Director and managed the agency’s daily operations, focusing on promoting the growth and global competitiveness of minority entrepreneurs. His initiatives at MBDA included developing sustainable policies, leading legislative and intergovernmental policy priorities, and addressing international trade, government contracting, and access to capital. Throughout his career, Shen has been recognized for his contributions to the business and community sectors, receiving awards such as the Seattle Mayor’s Small Business of the Year in 2009 and the U.S. Small Business Administration Region X Minority Champion of the Year Award in 2012.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
