EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.

Samantha Le, President/CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, has been recognized as one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honorees for 2025, a prestigious list that highlights influential young leaders making a difference in their industries and communities.

Le, a prominent advocate for economic development in South King County, has played a key role in strengthening business opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, the Seattle Southside Chamber has expanded its outreach, championed small business growth, and facilitated workforce development initiatives to bolster the regional economy.

“I am humbled and grateful,” Le said. “This honor is not just an acknowledgment of my journey – it is a celebration of the incredible work of our Seattle Southside communities. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that we are stronger when we work together.”

Le is among nearly 200 applicants who were reviewed by a panel of past “40 Under 40” honorees and vetted by the Puget Sound Business Journal’s editorial team. The program, now in its 27th year, has recognized over 1,000 business leaders across Washington state for their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community engagement.

The 2025 class will be featured in a special edition of the Puget Sound Business Journal on April 25 and honored at an awards reception on April 24 at the Alaska Care Retreat in Seattle.

About Samantha Le

Le came to the U.S. as a Vietnamese American refugee, and has since become a powerhouse in South King County’s business community. As President and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber and Executive Director of the Success Foundation, she champions equitable economic growth, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. The daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Le understands firsthand the challenges businesses face and works to build an inclusive, sustainable economy.

Here’s her full bio from the chamber website:

“Samantha Le is a Vietnamese American refugee with deep roots in South King County, serving as the President and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Success Foundation. With a background as the daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Samantha brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities businesses face and works to strengthen the connection between economic development and community well-being.

“Samantha is a proven leader in advancing equitable economic growth through innovative initiatives. She oversees programs that drive workforce development, such as the “Workforce Discovery Lab,” which connects students with professional development and career exploration opportunities that lead to low-barrier, high-earning career paths. Her leadership also focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in non-traditional industries and fostering policies that create inclusive, sustainable business ecosystems.

“Samantha’s approach to business leadership emphasizes collaboration and strategic partnerships, enabling businesses and communities to thrive together. She believes in turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. “The greatest economic resource any community has are the people that live and work there. When we come together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” she says.

“A dynamic advocate for the South King County business community, Samantha is committed to fostering vitality in the region by driving forward-thinking economic development strategies that empower businesses and build stronger communities.”