Eden Cai Awarded at the Beacon Awards by the Ellis Island Honors Society
On January 23, 2025, Eden Cai, CEO and Co-founder of GardenStar, was recognized as an honoree at the respected Beacon Awards sponsored by the Ellis Island Honors Society. As a mother of two, a first-generation immigrant from China, and an innovative leader in the real estate sector, Cai’s journey is one of inspiration and remarkable achievement.
Cai’s story exemplifies resilience and determination. Born and raised in a real estate family in China, she made the bold decision to move to the United States alone at the age of 19 to pursue graduate study. Over the years, she built an impressive career in finance and real estate, holding different roles at Capital One, US Bank and SMI Group, before founding GardenStar Group. The firm focuses on building single family housing communities in the southern United States and integrating technology into real estate development.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cai serves on the Harvard Alumni Real Estate Board and co-founded The Mulan Group, a women’s empowerment organization in New York City. Her efforts in entrepreneurship and community building earned her the Serica Award in 2024, continuing her impact on the industry and beyond.
As Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Cai has not only forged a path for herself but has also inspired future generations of immigrants and American citizens to do the same.
The Beacon Award celebrates Cai’s inspiring work ethic, her role as an immigrant and entrepreneur, and her dedication to creating meaningful, lasting change in the world. Her contributions continue to leave an incredible mark, inspiring others to dream big and strive for impactful achievements.
About Ellis Island Honors Society
The Ellis Island Honors Society was created on its founders’ profound conviction that the diversity of the American people is what makes this nation great. EIHS’ mission includes a commitment to honoring and preserving the nation’s ethnic and cultural diversity and to foster respect and understanding for the varied communities that constitute our country. In support of these goals, in 1986, EIHS began awarding the Ellis Island Medal of Honor to individuals of immigrant descent and others of distinguished character who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents, and selfless generosity, all while maintaining the values of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.
In addition to honoring and promoting examples of immigrant contributions to the United States, the Ellis Island Honors Society supports the preservation of the Ellis Island National Monument, ensuring this gateway of hope is available for future generations of visitors. Ellis Island Honors Society also supports the education of students with immigrant heritage and raises funds for culturally focused events, emergency relief, and humanitarian programs by mobilizing its community of awardees and friends.
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