FQM at Capitol Hill: Honoring Heritage, Leadership, and Cultural Dialogue During Jewish American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a moment that reflected both historical remembrance and contemporary leadership, FQM Global Culture, The French Way was honored to be invited to the Capitol Hill celebratory luncheon held on May 19 as part of the annual Jewish American Heritage Month and America 250 commemorations.

The distinguished gathering brought together members of Congress, foreign ambassadors, business leaders, civic figures, and representatives from religious and cultural communities in a shared recognition of the enduring contributions of Jewish Americans to the story of the United States.

The Congressional Honorary Host Committee included U.S. Senator Tim Scott, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, and U.S. Representative Grace Meng, reflecting the bipartisan and national significance of the occasion.

Representing FQM at the luncheon was our Washington, D.C. Correspondent, Dr. Bruno Mazali, whose presence further strengthened the publication’s growing engagement with cultural diplomacy, leadership, and international dialogue in the nation’s capital.

Dr. Bruno Mazali and Ms. Myong H. Chong.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the event for FQM was the opportunity for Mr. Mazali to introduce us to Myong H. Chong, a business leader, philanthropist, and advocate for U.S.–Korea relations whose life and career embody the intersection of innovation, public service, and cross-cultural bridge-building. As founder and CEO of Hanna Isul™ Skin Therapy, Myong Chong has spent more than three decades pioneering advanced skincare treatments rooted in scientific research and holistic wellness. Her work led to the development of the patented SOVAS-5™ technology and collaborations with leading medical researchers advancing non-invasive skincare science.

Yet her impact extends far beyond business.

Today, Myong serves as National President of the Federation of Korean American Associations (FKAA), representing Korean American communities across all fifty states while fostering stronger ties between the United States and South Korea. Through both FKAA and her previous leadership with the Federation of Mid-South Korean Associations (FEMSKA), she has championed cultural exchange, civic engagement, and leadership development within Korean American communities.

Ms. Myong H. Chong.

Equally inspiring is her philanthropic work through the Myong Chong Foundation, which supports ministry, addiction recovery services, and educational scholarships. Her guiding philosophy remains deeply rooted in healing and service. As she beautifully expresses it: “Through my skin care and my foundation, I want to continue my journey to help people to heal.”

Throughout the luncheon, the spirit of remembrance and civic contribution remained central.

This year’s celebration honored the countless contributions Jewish Americans have made throughout the nation’s 250 years of independence while reaffirming the values of freedom, resilience, public service, and cultural heritage. Among the distinguished honorees was entrepreneur, philanthropist, and national security advocate Elliott Broidy, who received the Visionary Award for his leadership in education, public safety, cultural philanthropy, and efforts to combat antisemitism and extremism. Rabbi David Baron, spiritual leader of Temple of the Arts, received the Creativity in the Jewish Community Award for his contributions to Jewish cultural and religious life, Holocaust education, philanthropy, and public remembrance initiatives.

Nobel Prize-winning scientist Dr. Harvey J. Alter was presented with the Dr. David Nassy Award in Medicine for his groundbreaking research leading to the discovery of hepatitis B and C viruses; work that transformed blood safety and revolutionized the treatment of chronic liver disease worldwide.

The event itself was organized by Project Legacy under the leadership of Ezra Friedlander, continuing a tradition that traces back to the early 1980s, when Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel joined Malcolm Hoenlein in discussions with President Ronald Reagan that ultimately helped establish National Jewish Heritage Week, which later evolved into today’s month-long national observance.

For FQM, the luncheon served as more than a ceremonial gathering. It reflected something increasingly important in today’s world: the power of cultural memory, civic dialogue, and international understanding to bring communities together across backgrounds and generations.

At a time when conversations surrounding identity, heritage, and coexistence continue to shape global society, events such as these remind us that diplomacy is not confined to embassies or political chambers alone. It also lives through shared history, cultural recognition, philanthropy, education, and human connection.

And perhaps that is precisely what made this Capitol Hill gathering so meaningful; not simply the honoring of the past, but the collective commitment to preserving values that continue to shape the future.