Learn about the 2021 Laureates: Virginia Ali, Ben's Chili Bowl
Author: JA of Greater Washington
Community Involvement
Published:
Monday, 01 Nov 2021
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Image caption: Virginia Ali, Owner Ben’s Chili Bowl
On December 1, 2021, four great Washingtonians will receive the region’s signature lifetime achievement award, joining the more than 125 Laureates in the Washington Business Hall of Fame who serve as role models to the next generation of business leaders. Their careers and backgrounds are as broad and diverse as their accomplishments are far-reaching.
The Learn About the Laureate series serves as an opportunity for the Greater Washington business community to get to know the 2021 Washington Business Hall of Fame inductees just a little bit better.
Check out Virginia Ali’s Q&A with JA below!
JA: What was the hardest job you have ever done?
Ali: My most difficult job was terminating a team member for the first time after she had violated the rules/standards of our business. It was her third offense, so I had no other option, but it was difficult for me because I care deeply about all of our team members. Still, we must maintain our ethical standards for the business, and hopefully, the experience helped her to learn and develop a better work ethic.
JA: Did you have a mentor or a role model over the course of your career?
Ali: My mentors were my parents. They taught us to care for one another, to be respectful of ourselves and others, and to live a life of integrity, good character, and high moral standards while working hard to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves.
JA: If you were to create a slogan or theme song for your life, what would it be?
Ali: My theme song would be “People who love people are the luckiest people in the world.” This is meaningful to me because I truly love people!
Image caption: Ben's Chili Bowl Calendar featuring Martin Luther King Jr. in 1969
JA: If you could choose one person, living or dead, to have dinner with, who would it be?
Ali: I would want to have another nice dinner with Martin Luther King. Looking back at the progress he made for people of color and for humanity as a whole, I wonder what he would think of current events in today’s world.
JA: Did you have a teacher or educator over the course of your schooling who had lasting impact on your life?
Ali: Mrs. Ball was the teacher who made the greatest impact on me. She was an excellent teacher and a kind and gentle person.
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Image caption: President Obama visits (Left to Right) Vida Ali, Virginia Ali, and Sonya Ali at Ben's Chili Bowl
JA: The global pandemic has caused young people to reconsider the connection between their education and an uncertain future. What should students be doing today to help prepare them for a successful tomorrow?
Ali: Students should be working harder than ever to study, to continue academic or vocational education, and then to focus on the career or vocation that will bring the most joy either for themselves personally or for the good of humankind, and hopefully both. They should always choose a field that brings great satisfaction. Do everything well and with great enthusiasm! It becomes a wonderful way of life!
JA: What can the Greater Washington business community do to build and sustain a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce?
Ali: The business community should establish more mentoring and development programs to provide equal access to everyone, especially the disadvantaged. Increasing the skill and earning power of each person will benefit everyone as program participants become contributing members of society.
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Image caption: Virginia grills a hot dog at Ben's Chili Bowl
JA: What is the one thing you want the Greater Washington business community to know about your company?
Ali: It has been an honor to serve the community for over 63 years.
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