Humanistic Bodhisattva Honored: Avelyn Busch Receives 2025 Women of Achievement Award
By Ching Pan, Life News Agency, Los Angeles, USA
Avelyn Busch, Vice President of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter, was honored with a 2025 Woman of Achievement Award by California State Senator Bob Archuleta of District 30 on March 29, 2025. The award ceremony took place at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Busch was recognized for her outstanding contributions to community service, representing Hsi Lai Temple in receiving this prestigious recognition.
Her husband Neal Golub; son Colin Busch; daughter Caitlen Busch; Venerable Zhi Xing, then Director of the Social Education & Outreach Department of Hsi Lai Temple; and Echo Tsai, President of the BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, were present to celebrate the occasion, along with nearly 200 attendees.
In his speech, Senator Archuleta noted that March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of women. Out of nearly one million residents in Senate District 30, only 17 women were selected for their achievements across diverse fields including government, education, healthcare, public safety, social services, and economic development. He emphasized the significance of this recognition and expressed his sincere admiration for the honorees.
When introducing each recipient, Senator Archuleta praised Busch for her dedication since joining BLIA in 2011. Over the years, she has actively participated in various programs organized by Hsi Lai Temple and the Los Angeles Chapter, taking on leadership roles as event coordinator for initiatives such as the annual scholarship program for students of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD) and food drives and distributions benefiting communities in Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Whittier, and La Habra. She also represents Hsi Lai Temple at local Hacienda Heights Improvement Association (HHIA) meetings. Known for her warmth, dependability, patience, and diligence, Busch brings exceptional organizational skills and a strong sense of mission to all her community service work.
As each awardee took the stage to accept their honor, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers. This year’s Woman of the Year, Patricia Yoon, gave a heartfelt speech recalling her immigration journey to the U.S. at the age of two, when her family had only $7 to their name. She expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support. “Dreams gave me the motivation to keep going,” she said, “and hard work made it all possible.” Her story moved many to tears.
Busch shared that she never imagined receiving such an honor and expressed her sincere thanks to Senator Archuleta, Hsi Lai Temple, and BLIA for providing her with a meaningful platform to serve. “I truly enjoy every moment of it,” she said.
Her husband, Neal Golub, remarked that Avelyn is the most remarkable woman in his life and promised to continue supporting her. Both Colin and Caitlen Busch said they were proud of their mother.
Venerable Zhi Xing thanked Busch for embodying the “Four Givings” taught by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, and for leading fellow BLIA members into the heart of the community. “She has the power to inspire many people to help spread Humanistic Buddhism,” she said.
President Echo Tsai added, “We at the Los Angeles Chapter are truly grateful for Avelyn’s dedication. We hope all BLIA members will follow her example in serving the community and making our association shine.”
