John Calamos, founder and global CIO of Calamos Investments, is a pioneering figure in convertible securities and risk-managed equity investing. After serving as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, he launched his investment firm in 1977 with a strategy centered on convertibles—an overlooked asset class he helped bring into mainstream institutional portfolios. Under his leadership, Calamos Investments grew into a multibillion-dollar asset manager serving global institutions, public funds, and private wealth clients, while Calamos became known as a leading author and educator on volatility, capital structure, and portfolio construction. His disciplined, analytical approach has earned him a reputation as both an innovator and one of the most respected long-term investors in modern finance.

David Tran is the Vietnamese‑born entrepreneur and founder of Huy Fong Foods, creator of the iconic Sriracha “Rooster Sauce.” After fleeing Vietnam in 1979 aboard the Huey Fong ship, he started the company in Los Angeles in 1980. With no advertising and relentless quality control, his Sriracha brand grew into a billion‑dollar business, stocked in U.S. supermarkets and cult‑favorite restaurants worldwide.

Daniel D’Aniello is an American business leader and co‑founder of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms. A Syracuse and Harvard University alumnus, he served as vice president at Marriott before launching Carlyle in 1987. A decorated U.S. Navy officer, D’Aniello stepped down as chair in 2018 and now emphasizes philanthropy in veterans’ affairs and higher education. 

Arturo “Arte” Moreno is the first Mexican‑American to own a major U.S. sports franchise after purchasing the Anaheim Angels in 2003. A self‑made billionaire, he built his fortune in billboard advertising—expanding Outdoor Systems into an $8 billion sale—then transformed the Angels into a $2.7 billion-plus franchise. His leadership spans sports, media and community investment.