Paul Oakenfold and Others Honored at 2017 Entrepreneur Awards

VAN NUYS - Legendary DJ/music producer Paul Oakenfold spoke of his passion for music and innovation as he received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the 2017 Entrepreneur Awards on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at Allure Events Center.

“I am very grateful to be here and receive this award. I am very appreciative and thankful to be with all of you,” Oakenfold said, then joked “I hope you will all keep listening to my music after tonight!”

Oakenfold was joined more than 250 VIP guests at the invitation-only, black tie event presented by the World Networks for the third year, celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurism.

The iconic musician received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for his music and philanthropic activities around the world from event host Lousine Karibian, who is founder and CEO of the World Networks.

“Paul exemplifies the dynamism, vision and perseverance of a true artist and entrepreneur,” Karibian said. “Like many of our honorees, Paul has a great entrepreneurial spirit that has paved the way for his success as a DJ, music producer, business owner and philanthropist. He is an inspiration to all of us with his artistry, hard work and ability to succeed where others have not.”

Recognized for his leadership and unwavering support of San Fernando Valley business people, Kenn Phillips, president and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance was presented the Lifetime Leadership Award.

“I would like to thank The World Networks for this recognition and to Lousine Karibian for continuing to support our entrepreneurial human spirit,” Phillips said. “It is more powerful than any drug and needs to be nourished every day.”

Receiving the Entrepreneur of the Year Award were Ivy Ejam, CEO of Business & Bliss LLC, and Josh Heffler, managing partner of Zero G Colony.

Receiving the Inspiration Award were Richard Elden, CEO of dbest products, who recently appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and earned $350,000 investment from show panelists; and Anthony Cohen, CEO and chairman of Bridgegate Films, Hollywood Licensing Group, Stearns Cohen Media Group and HollywoodandMe.com.

Receiving the Ambassador Awards were Sai Suman, fashion designer and entrepreneur; Peter Yahiayan, real estate and finance expert; Faith Harrington-Boutin, managing director of FVM Global Magazine; Ford Austin, actor/filmmaker; Anoush Sadegh, sales and marketing director of Mercedes Encino; Tiphany Adams, actress/reality star; Iskander Lemseffer, founder of Lab Art; and Louise Mardirossian Gill, TV host/philanthropist.

Honorary presenters included, Actress Vida Ghaffari (“The Mindy Project”), Kelly Nishimoto, designer and TV Personality; Valerie McCaffrey, Hollywood casting agent; Chester Chong, President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles; Mark Sevier, co-founder of the Nollywood Film Awards; and Michael Tse chairman of International Fashion Supermodel Contest and Global Film Awards.