Asian American Entrepreneur Li Named Montgomery County's 2024 Small Business Leader

NORTH BETHESDA, Md. – Asian Americans are often perceived as excelling in scientific fields, but relatively fewer have made a significant mark in the business world. However, some have succeeded in both areas, and one notable example is Rose Li.

Rose Li, founder of Rose Li & Associates, leads a health-focused firm dedicated to advancing science through research, analysis, science communication, and event planning. Her contributions earned her the 2024 Small Business Leader of the Year award from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce of Maryland. The award recognizes business leaders who excel in driving positive impact through their work. Li stands out as the only awardee of Asian heritage among this year's honorees.

Li founded Rose Li & Associates in 2003 as a one-person operation and the firm has since expanded to nearly 60 employees. To advance science in service of humanity, Li and her team begin by conducting environmental scans to assess what has already been explored on a specific topic. This involves understanding the current state of knowledge, identifying past discoveries, and pinpointing gaps or areas of uncertainty that could guide future research.

“My north star has been a commitment to making a positive impact as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Li said when accepting the award.

Among all her works, Li is especially passionate about supporting older adults through AI and technological innovations. Her dedication to the field of aging spans many years. Li conducted postdoctoral research on aging in Asia at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Before founding her own firm, she served as Chief of the Population and Social Processes Branch in the Behavioral and Social Research Division of the National Institute on Aging. Additionally, she was appointed Chairperson of Maryland’s State Commission on Aging during Larry Hogan’s administration.

After founding her own company, Li integrates science and public policy approaches to support aging populations. “The goal of the program is to accelerate innovation and help older adults live longer, healthier lives within their communities,” she explained, breaking down complex research service into simple, relatable terms.

Zach Schultz, the principal and co-leader of Miles & Stockbridge’s Corporate, Securities and Tax Practice Group, praised Li as “a trailblazer” when presenting the award to her. Schultz further noted that Li “has redefined what a small yet mighty service provider can achieve in shaping critical scientific initiatives.

Li has inspired those around her to aim higher, dream bigger, and embrace a sense of purpose in serving the public good through science and research. “Rose is the main reason I’m working here,” said Amanda Curran, vice chair of Rose Li & Associates. With over two decades of experience supporting small businesses in the federal sector, Curran now oversees financial strategy, operational direction, and corporate administrative management for the company.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population in Montgomery County has grown significantly in recent years. By 2022, the number of AAPI residents reached 162,062, accounting for 15% of the county’s population and outpacing the overall population growth.

Li is not the first AAPI recipient of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Award. Previous winners include Tarandeep Bawa of ITegrity, Inc. (2023), Zhensen Huang of Precise Software Solutions (2022), and Sophia Parker of DSFederal (2017).

Watch the video below to learn more about Rose Li and her work.