Bridging Cultures, Building Success
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Dottie Li, founder and CEO of Trans-Pacific Communications LLC, has built an impressive career helping professionals navigate cultural and linguistic barriers in the workplace. A former journalist and public relations expert, she transitioned into government contracting with a mission to improve cross-cultural communication in federal agencies. Despite having no prior business experience, Dottie successfully leveraged the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program to secure multiple federal contracts. With determination and the right guidance, she won a five-year, $4 million contract with the Food and Drug Administration and later supported the Small Business Administration by translating critical COVID-19 materials into 17 languages.
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Dottie’s hard work and perseverance have earned her widespread recognition, including being named—twice—as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record. She is the first Chinese-American woman to receive this honor, a testament to her leadership and impact. With the support of the Maryland APEX Accelerator and her unwavering commitment to empowering professionals, Dottie continues to break barriers and set new milestones in the field of cross-cultural communication.
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Navigating the complexities of government contracting wasn’t easy, but Dottie found crucial support from the APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC). She credits counselor Richard Paden for providing timely advice that helped her overcome challenges, recalling a pivotal moment when she reached out to him from a client site in need of urgent guidance. "I knew who could help me out in this jam," she said, emphasizing the value of having a knowledgeable support system. With expert counseling and training from APEX, she mastered federal procurement processes, improved her business strategy, and built long-term success in her field.
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For small businesses looking to break into government contracting, Dottie offers key advice: be patient, persistent, and highly visible. "If you keep at it, you become a recognized name in your field," she says, stressing the importance of showcasing expertise through speaking engagements, networking, and continuous learning. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of APEX Accelerator’s resources in helping small businesses thrive in the competitive world of government contracting.
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Listen to her story on our podcast
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