NAAAP Seattle

Recap: 2011 NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair

2011-08-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

Boston, MA - The 2011 NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair was NAAAP’s latest conference with over 620 attendees from 13 chapters and ventures from both Canada and US. Leaving our week in Boston, we achieved four goals:

     • Educated ourselves on Asian issues and identified chapter opportunities and go-do’s for the upcoming year.
     • Built organizational relationships with sponsors and other chapters as well as building our own leadership capacity.
     • Attended National Board and Sr. Advisory Board Meetings.
     • Acknowledged our achievements in Marketing (winner), Community Service (winner), Membership (top 3 finisher) and Programs (top 3 finisher) at the Gala.

Scroll below for event highlights and thank yous.

Highlights

Thank Yous
     • The Boston Chapter for hosting the convention and led by Samson Lee.
     • The National administration for creating this leadership opportunity year over year.
     • Our membership and board members who attended getting opporutnities to meet employers and attend sessions.
     • The numerous sponsors and career fair exhibitors.
     • The generous volunteers for their time and talents.

And that’s a wrap. Mark your calendars for the NAAAP Convention 2012 which will be held in New York City August 23-25. This will be a celebration of NAAAP’s 30th anniversary.

NAAAP Seattle Board

Top 10 Tips When You Arrive in Boston for the 25th NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair Presented by Macy's

2011-08-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Boston, Ma is the site for the 25th NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's

In a few days we'll be checking into our flights heading of on our journey to Revolutionary Leadership, so here are some arrival tips for you on what to expect and fun facts, etc about BOSTON, MA:

1. Logan International Airport--Boston's main airport has 5 terminals, A, B, C, D and E. It is not large enough to have a tram system, but plenty of buses, shuttles, silver line, shuttle bus to the T (T is our subway/MBTA/MTA public transportation system).

2. Taxi cab fare to the seaport hotel would be about $15 including the tip. Logan is only 3 miles from the hotel.

3. The cheapest way would be to take the silver line, SL1 To the World Trade Center Stop and will be $2 one way. Have singles or change, I can't remember if there are tix machines outside the terminals or not. If there are, you can pay cash or by credit for a tix. The silver line looks like a long bus. If in doubt, ask the bus driver (before you pay) if it goes to the World Trade Center Stop. The ride will be about 15 min. Once at the WTC Stop, it will feel like a subway stop (underground), so exit up to the ground level and the hotel is one block away. The hotel number is 800-440-3318.

4. There is also a shuttle bus that goes to the T as I mentioned above. It is $2 one way. If by accident you take this (because it looks similar to the silver line) you will arrive at the blue line airport stop. The T has only 4 lines, all colors, red, blue, orange and green. You can take this blue line to the orange to the red, get off at south station to the silver line. Then follow #3 above. You will not have to pay again to board the silver line at this junction.

5. There is a water taxi too which will be great for August weather but windy/cold for this month. See http://www.seaportboston.com/maps-and-location.aspx for the information.

6. The hotel is in a relatively new developed area called seaport district. In the last 5-10 yrs, Boston has made large efforts to get more people in this area ie new convention center, musuem of contemporay art, westin, other hotels, restaurants, etc. The hotel is right on one section of Boston's beautiful waterfront (one of the reasons why I chose this venue). On an August day, attendees can walk to the water for a nice breathe of ocean air in between workshops. You will see what I mean when you get here. This area is a short car ride from chinatown, financial district, faneuil hall. The conceriage can provide you with a city map. The World Trade Center is across the street on the ground level, and there is a walkway on second floor from the hotel to the WTC.

7. Quick bite/beverage or convenience--If needed, there is a 7 Eleven shop across the street. There might be a dunkin donuts next to the 7 Eleven too. You will be in Dunkin Donuts Nation (and Red Sox Nation!!!!) as it started here in Boston actually in Quincy the town I live in. The Boston Creme Donut is okay, but I suggest waiting to have the famous Boston Creme Pie! The coffee prices are cheaper than Starbucks.

8. Bostonians are quite reserved and very courteous. If you smile first, they will smile back! :-) The largest ethicites are of Irish or Italian descent. As a result, catholicism is a dominant religion here. There is a chinese catholic church in chinatown! :-) I went to mass in cantonese a few years ago! That was cool!

9. Asian population-- the APA population of Massachusetts was 5%. NAAAP Boston membership is 42% Chinese, 8% Taiwanese, 6% Korean and smaller percentages in other ethnicites. Lowell (more than 20 mi northwest from Boston) has a large Cambodian (10% wow) population. Near the city, Quincy (town I live in), Brighton and Malden are the towns with the highest number of Asian residents outside of Chinatown.

10. Weather--please check the weather for packing your lugguage! It changes quickly, we have a saying here 'If you don't like the weather, just wait a minute' and it is so true!

Regards,
Petula Lee
NAAAP Boston National Rep
2011 NAAAP Convention Associate Director

What's Next?

2011-07-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

2011 NAAAP Seattle Board members: (l to r) Sherwin Tsao (Technology) Julie Pham (PR/Marketing) Claire Ding (Secretary) Michael Okimura (Professional Development) Amy Duong (Student Relations) and Hang Chen (National Rep.)

Seattle, Wa - As the NAAAP Seattle Board met for its mid-year retreat this past Sunday at Nikkei Concerns, a leading provider of health services in the Pacific Northwest, we stood in what's next? and a theme of revolutionary change giving us a platform for a day long discussion to take NAAAP Seattle to a higher level.

Our primary concern, which is not specific to our organization, was succession planning and retention. Since our board committments are two years in length and about fifty percent of our board will have their terms expiring this year, our challenge is to retain current board members through re-election and recruit new board members. As board members this challenge gives us an opportunity to set policies and structures for our current environment not to say the least of retaining and recruiting the leadership of NAAAP Seattle.

That said, we had a lively discussion with both positive and negative inputs from all board members. Overall, it gave us all the needed inspiration for what's to come. As we've learned, this is a process and every consideration needs to be put on the table for either adoption or elimination. Stay tuned!

(l to r) Marian Liu (VP External Affairs) Jeffrey Hattori (Chief Executive Officer, Nikkei Concerns ) Judy Yu (Past NAAAP Seattle President and Faciliator) Albert Shen (Past NAAAP National President) Rick Takeuchi (Human Resources Director, Nikkei Concerns) and Barry Mar (Consultant)

If you have any questions about the NAAAP Board or want to know about the roles and responsibilities of being on the NAAAP Seattle Board, please visit our Board page.

Regards,
NAAAP Seattle Board

Other resources:

Road To Revolutionary Leadership, Seattle Style

2011-07-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Check out Road to Revolutionary Leadership, Seattle Style video

Less than four weeks left before NAAAP-Seattle starts its journey to Boston, for the 25th NAAAP national Convention & Diversity Career Fair hosted by NAAAP-Boston Aug 11-13. This year's theme is "Road to Revolutionary Leadership."

NAAAP-Seattle will be well represented this year at the National Convention. President Gil Gido, Vice President David Eam, and National Rep Hang Chen are NAAAP national convention veterans. They will be joined by first-time NAAAP convention goers PR/Marketing Chair Julie Pham, Student Relations Chair Amy Duong, Secretary Claire Ding, Social Chair Heidi Yu, and Membership Chair Kevin Chang.

To aid NAAAP Boston's marketing efforts, NAAAP-Seattle Marketing Committee Member Jason Chen produced a special promotional video featuring Seattle's journey. As a musician himself, Chen paid special attention to the soundtrack, using a moody melody to set an introspective tone that contrasts with the call for revolution. The video also features images of Chen and his fellow Marketing committee member, Ngam Nguyen.

Seattle-based company Microsoft is a silver sponsor for the convention.
Come join NAAAP-Seattle in Boston. Registration is still open.

Reyna Rollolazo named NAAAP-Seattle 2011 College Scholarship Winner

2011-06-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

NAAAP-Seattle awards Reyna Rollolazo its 2011 NAAAP-Seattle College Scholarship. Reyna will receive $3000 to attend the School of Law in the University of Washington this fall.

Reyna Rollolazo was born and raised in the south end of Seattle in the Rainier Beach area. She attended Franklin High School and graduated cum laude last June from the University of Washington with a major in Law, Societies and Justice and a minor in Diversity.

As an undergraduate, Reyna had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Italy and Greece. As instilled in her by her family, being involved and giving back to the APA community is vitally important to Reyna. Thus, she has undertaken leadership positions within several UW student organizations including the Filipino American Student Association and the Sisterhood of Pi Nu Iota (a Filipina interest group), which have allowed her to connect with and serve the community as well as develop as a leader. Reyna’s passion in life is advocating for social justice, and she has done so thus far through her internships at Justice Works!, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as her current internship with the Japanese American Citizens League.

In efforts to become a better advocate, Reyna will begin studying at the University of Washington School of Law this fall. At UW Law, Reyna plans to recruit more undergraduate APAs and students of color as well as increase campus awareness of diversity issues. For fun, Reyna Tahitian dances with Te Fare O Tamatoa (a Tahitian dancing and drumming school), and spends time with her family.

Reyna Rollolazo will be honored at the NAAAP-Seattle Scholarship Gala on November 5 at Woodland Park Zoo.

NAAAP-Seattle announces its high school student college scholarship process. NAAAP-Seattle will award three winners in the Greater Seattle area. Each winner will receive $2,500 to go towards educational purposes. To apply, complete an application form and submit it along with the most current official high school transcript. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, September 21, 2011.

Refresh 2011 helps InterIM CDA Revitalize a Community

2011-06-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

(Top to Bottom) Refresh 2011 Icon; NAAAP Seattle Board Member David Eam; Auction and Reception at Seattle's Downtown Grand Hyatt Hotel; NAAAP Seattle Board Member Kevin Chang and President Gil Gido with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.

Seattle, Wa - Thanks to dedicated staff, volunteers, patrons and sponsors, last night's InterIM CDA's 2011 Refresh Gala went without a hitch raising necessary funds to keep their mission alive. Executive Director Hyeok Kim said of the event appreciatively, "our work is due in part to the strong need for housing in the community. Thank you all."

In its four decade history InterIM CDA hasn't stopped to sustain and promote the vibrancy and cultural legacy of Seattle’s Chinatown/International District and the broader Asian and Pacific Islander community through affordable housing and community development. Projects include the Samaki Commons, both a transitional stop between homelessness and long-term housing as well as a refuge for newly migrated residents who need a sense of home while transitioning to American life.

Derek Wing co-emceed a program including a speech from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and a video message from US Senator Patty Murray.

Doris Koo, former President and CEO of Enterprise Community Partners Inc was the first recipient of the new Bob Santos Leadership in Sustainability Award! She received this award for her nearly 30 years of experience in affordable housing and community development. She has been a highly successful developer, public agency administrator, and nonprofit executive.

Notable appearances were made by Jean Godden; Bruce Harrell ; Ruth Woo ; Uncle Bob Santos ; Sharon Tomiko Santos ; Larry Phillips .

Lastly, we'd be remissed if we didn't acknowledge Nancy Ko who led the behind the scenes logistics. Nancy was a NAAAP Seattle Board member for several terms, serving as a Social Committee Chair, VP of Operations and then a Board at Large. Thanks Nancy!

Best regards,

NAAAP Seattle Board

For more information on InterIM CDA, please visit their website:

InterIM CDA projects: http://www.interimicda.org/index.php?/real_estate_development/affordable_housing/

Website: http://www.interimicda.org/

Event entertainment provided by Morning Star Korean Culture Center

Sponsors: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (Platinum), JPMorgan Chase (Gold) ; Kantor Taylor and Union Bank (Silver); Marpac (Bronze)

A WIN!ning Weekend

2011-06-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Seattle, Wa - NAAAP Seattle had one of the best weekends of its 32 year history. On Friday, we held our signature monthly mixer at Citrus Seattle. The sun was out and with the patio doors open a cool breeze wafted through the lounge area where 60 of our esteemed guests and members socialized talking about current events. Then on Saturday, the Women in NAAAP (WIN!) Regional Conference took place at the Microsoft Conference Center with our specials guests Brad Baldia, NAAAP National President and Judi Rhee Alloway, WIN! National Program Director. The program was as one would expect for a conference serving 120+ attendees: 4 tracks, 3 keynotes, and 25 sessions focused on leadership and calling one to Invest in Yourself.

Phyllis Campbell, Chair, JPMorgan Chase, delivered a memorable lunch keynote strongly encouraging attendees to:

Take Care of Yourself: Self-Care is Smart Care;
Get Ready!;
Turning challenges into opportunities;
Perfection is overrated: It’s okay to make mistakes; and
The more you give, the more you receive.

Following the event, a welcome reception for conference volunteers and special guests was held at the Microsoft Store in Bellevue which included a store tour and a few rounds of Kinect. The event was catered by I Just Love My Apron.

Then on Sunday, NAAAP Seattle held a community service event at Farestart, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless and disadvantaged men and women transform their lives through job training and placement in the food industry.

Overall a WIN!ning weekend for NAAAP Seattle! Thank you to all that made it happen.

Join us in Boston, MA for the 25th Annual NAAAP National Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's. It's happening August 11-13th, so register by June 25th to get an early bird discount.

NAAAP Seattle Board

NAAAP Seattle Social Mixer and WIN! Preview at Citrus Seattle

Melanie Caoile, Microsoft Corporation welcomes attendees at the 2011 WIN! Conference

Negotiation: Learning how to talk your way into and out of situations. Kim Tran, Seattle City Light

JD Hokoyama, LEAP and Phyllis Campbell, JPMorgan Chase

Phyllis Campbell, JPMorgan Chase and the WIN! Scholarship winners. Scholarships were generously awarded by JPMorgan Chase.

Business Panel: (l to r) Assunta Ng, NW Asian Weekly; Isabell Sheang, Microsoft Corporation; Olivia Lippens, Clear Channel Outdoors; Mary Pugh, Pugh Capital Management Inc.

NAAAP Seattle President, Gil Gido talks about what to do after the event: Network on the WIN! Social Networking site.

(l to r) Brad Baldia, NAAAP President; Alison Hammet-Cumming, Mary Kay; Gil Gido, NAAAP Seattle President; Sherwin Tsao, Web Chair; Casey Huang, Scholarship Chair; Claire Ding, Secretary; Kevin Chang, Membership Chair; Judi Rhee Alloway, WIN! National Director; Hang Chen, National Rep and WIN! Conference Chair; Amy Duong, Student Relations Chair; Julie Pham, PR/Mkting Chair; David Eam, VP Operations; Vivian Hauer, Treasurer. Not pictured: Marian Liu, VP External Affairs; Michael Okimura, Professional Development Chair; Jenafer Park, Community Service Chair; Heidi Yu, Social Chair.

WIN! event reception at the Microsoft Store in Bellevue, Wa

Touring the Microsoft Store and testing out a 3-D laptop.

I Just Love My Apron event spread.

A Kinect Dance Battle being observed.

Judi Rhee Alloway, WIN! National Program Director in front of FareStart-Seattle.

Volunteers at FareStart-Seattle

More Photos: http://donaldpham.smugmug.com/Organizations/20110604-NAAAP/17394866_wVFC6c#1323834997_xRWDs5W

Mary Kay Beauty consultation: http://www.marykay.com/alisonhc

Web design: http://www.jfudesign.com/print/win.html

23rd Annual Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce - Seattle Gala

2011-05-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Seattle, Wa - The 23rd Annual Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce took place atop the Columbia Tower Club last night. With breaktaking views of the Seattle skyline, organization and civic leaders (Esther Lee, President TSCCS; Michelle Liu, President TJSCCS; Conrad Lee, City of Bellevue; Brad Owens, Lt. Gov) took the podium to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization in the past year. With a mission to build a network of Taiwanese Generations which will act as a resource for future developments on the community, corporate, national, and international level, the event acknowledged their progress towards these goals and set new ones.

Congratulations to the organization for such a great event and welcoming NAAAP Seattle into their community for the celebration.
Website(s):

http://tccseattle.org/
http://tjccna.org/

TSCC and TJSCC members and guests arriving and networking at the event.

Room preparations

Seattle Skyline from atop the Columbia Tower Club

iSoftStone Opens US Headquarters in Kirkland, Wa

2011-05-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Photo by Harver Yang

Kirkland, Wa - iSoftStone, Inc, a global IT services and enterprise application company, proudly opened its North American headquarters in Kirkland, Washington at 5808 Lake Washington Blvd NE Ste. 400. NAAAP Seattle along with 100 clients, community and civic leaders attended to hear from executive leaders and to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

SVP of iSoftStone Inc. Anders Brown expressed proudly, “We had only 40 employees back in 2008, but with the combined global vision and platform of iSoftStone and our local employees’ commitment to deliver quality technology projects and solutions for our customers, we have grown to over 200 –a five-fold increase." This opening represents the growth of the company both here in Washington State as well as in China.

Congratulations!

For more on the grand opening, go to: http://www.isoftstone.com/en/news/2011/20110526.htm

(l to r) Lincoln Popp (Sr. VP, iSoftStone) Edward Yang (NAE President, iSoftStone) Conrad Lee (City of Bellevue) TW Liu (Chairman & CEO, iSoftStone) Julien Loh (Governor’s office) Anders Brown (Senior VP, iSoftStone) Photo by Harver Yang

(l to r) Dr. Yushi Shen (Microsoft CHIME Board of Directors Chair) Gil Gido (NAAAP Seattle President)

(l to r) Heidi Yu (NAAAP Seattle Board Member, iSoftStone, Inc BDM) TW Liu (Chairman & CEO, iSoftStone)

Grand Opening Attendees

WIN! Profile #3: Phyllis Campbell (Keynote Speaker)

2011-05-22T09:36:00.001-07:00

How Campbell invests in herself?
Campbell believes in the personal "ROI" equation: there is a positive return for investing in your own well-being. The quote that is applicable is "Above all, tend to yourself as a beloved garden: with respect and passion," (author unknown).

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #18: Kendee Yamaguchi

2011-05-19T21:21:00.001-07:00

Kendee Yamaguchi (Government/non-profit Mentorship Panel)

How Yamaguchi invest in herself?
A personal investment having high impact on her professional success is her practice of yoga. She makes it a priority to practice yoga at least three times a week, which provides her with a foundation to take on challenges, clarity and makes her a more balanced person.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #17: Lillian Tsai

2011-05-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

Lillian Tsai (Effective Leadership in a Multicultural Enviroment Talk)

How Tsai invests in herself?
She exercises regularly and eats organic foods, and gets massages once a month. She reads ferociously and invests in continuing education. She doesn’t sweat the small stuff and forgives and forgets whenever possible.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #16: Mary Pugh

2011-05-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mary Pugh (Business/Finance Mentorship Panel)

How Pugh invests in herself?
Pugh invests in herself through continuing education such as reading, conferences, networking groups and volunteer experiences. She does a lot of reading and interacting with people that have opinions and perspectives that she find valuable.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #15: Jeanne Nguyen

2011-05-19T21:14:00.003-07:00

Jeanne Nguyen (Financial Budgeting Workshop)

How Nguyen invests in herself?
Nguyen spends a great deal of energy identifying mentors to learn from and consult with through work or networking. She also volunteers in the professional community as well as attend technical training workshops in order to stay proficient in her profession.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #14: Assunta Ng

2011-05-19T21:13:00.001-07:00

Assunta Ng (Business/Finance Mentorship Panel)

How Ng invests in herself?
Ng invested in a membership at the Seattle Rotary Club, where she gets to meet great people and listen to fantastic speakers, including Nelson Mandela. She also invests in all types of books for self-improvement.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #13: Olivia Lippens

2011-05-19T21:11:00.001-07:00

Olivia Lippens (Business Mentorship Panel)

How Lippens invests in herself?
She invests in her education, both formally and informally. She strives to be a student of human behavior and learning the importance of listening to others when they speak, not just hearing what is being said. She set boundaries early, take risks and drive as hard as she can every day.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #12: Nirmala Krishnan

2011-05-19T21:10:00.001-07:00

Nirmala Krishnan (Business Strategy & Execution Success)

How Krishnan invests in herself?
She invest her time in continuous learning, looking for opportunities to enhance her technical as well as leadership and other soft skills through training and education.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #11: Elaine Kitamura

2011-05-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Elaine Kitamura (Dress and Networking Etiquette Workshop)

How she invests in herself?
Kitamura seeks opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It is important to her to remember her cultural values and heritage because that has helped her to know herself and understand how to invest in other qualities to improve constantly.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #10: J.D. Hokoyama

2011-05-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

J.D. Hokoyama (21st Century Leader Talk)

How Hokoyama invests in himself?
Hokoyama only takes jobs that he has passion and excitement for. He makes sure to give himself proper rest, so he can refresh and rejuvenate his mind, body and spirit.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #9: Gil Gido

2011-05-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

Gil Gido (Time Management Workshop)

How Gido invests in himself?
By investing his time in participating in NAAAP-Seattle, the experience has prepared him for other leadership opportunities as well as running a business.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #8: Theresa lp Froehlich

2011-05-19T21:04:00.001-07:00

Reverend Theresa lp Froehlich (Strategic Life Planning Workshop)

How Rev. Froehlich invests in herself?
Having been born with an underprivileged background, Froehlich learned, at a very young age, the importance of self-leadership and investing in oneself. She struggled against all odds to pursue an education. She now holds two master’s degrees.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Speaker Profile #7: Aimee Do

2011-05-19T21:00:00.001-07:00

Aimee Do (Technology Mentorship Panel)

How Do invests in herself?
She was a little girl when she came from Vietnam, a war torn country before 1975. Her parents lost everything. She invests in herself by making learning a journey in my life, whether it is from the institutions that she attended, her working experiences, or from the people who are part of her life.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Profile #6: Stacey Derk

2011-05-19T20:59:00.001-07:00

Stacey Derk (Effective Communications; Conflict Resolutions Workshops)

How Derk invests in herself?
She invests in herself through constant learning, she takes in-person classes when she have time, online classes when she need more flexibility, audio classes in her car, and learn informally via reading.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Profile #5: Christine Chen

2011-05-19T20:55:00.001-07:00

Christine Chen (Personal Branding Workshop)

How Chen invests in herself?
Chen just completed her yoga teacher training certification, believing that the business world can benefit greatly from the principles and practice of yoga. To share her passion for yoga, she teaches classes in the Seattle area.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Profile #4: Leah Carrido

2011-05-19T20:54:00.001-07:00

Leah Carrido (Technology Mentorship Panel)

How Carrido invests in herself?
Carrido started maintaining boundaries between work and home like turning off her cell phone in the evening or simply switching off from work as soon as she gets home. She also delegates tasks so that she does not become overwhelmed.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Profile #1: Dr. Jeudi Boulom

2011-05-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jeudi Boulom (Parenting Panel)

How Dr. Boulom invests in herself?
Despite her sister’s warning that pursuing higher education would anger her father, Dr. Boulom invested in her life by going to college. She was the first one in her family to graduate from college. Since then, her siblings have followed her footsteps and all graduated from college.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

WIN! Profile #2: Crishna Bose-Bansal

2011-05-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Crishna Bose-Bansal (Parenting Panel)

How Dr. Bose-Bansal invests in herself?
She invests in herself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet, regular exercise, and a personal trainer.

The WIN! Conference will be held on Saturday, June 4, 9am-5pm, Microsoft Conference Center. Registration is open to all.

For more information, please visit the WIN! website.

For questions, email Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

Finding value out of the Women's Conference

2011-05-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Seattle, Wa - The launch of the Women in NAAAP! Regional Conference is fast approaching and it's less than 3 weeks away. We're very excited both locally as well as nationally as this is a national program delivered by a local chapter. It's also a unique program being delivered on the West Coast this year. While the event is being touted as a Women's Conference, we want you to know that it's an event for everyone and this blog post aims to answer your questions in finding value in the conference. So if you're undecided at whether or not you want to go, here are a few points (or unmarketed opportunities) you want to consider before you say it's not for you.

Stakeholder(s)

Men - Do you work with women? Do you have women employees? If you're a male manager, would you like to understand what issues women deal with and how to create an all inclusive work environment? The WIN! conference provides panel discussions on what women really want in their careers. Most importantly, workshops like time management and financial planning are gender agnostic training and are being led by both male and female speakers.
Women - Whether you're entering a career, mid-career or at an executive level, learning from other women and connecting through networking will enhance your career.
Mothers - Child care is available for a nominal fee.
Manager/Business owner - Re-emphasizing that a trained employee is generally a happy employee and allows for better productivity, then send them to the WIN! Conference. Also, if you would you like to understand what issues women deal with and how to create an all inclusive work environment, then our panels that are filled with senior women will generate new ideas from their experiences and bring you solutions.
Non-Asian - NAAAP values diversity and inclusion as it brings partnership and connection. All are welcome.
Scholarships - NAAAP-Seattle and JPMorgan Chase is proud to sponsor Scholarships for Women in NAAAP! (WIN!) Conference registration fees for up to 20 students (undergraduate and graduate) and recent graduates. Click here to apply.
NAAAP Member - As a NAAAP member we value your investment in yourself and we want to honor this by being transparent on how we allocate and spend your money. Your membership fees help us to provide training and development opportunities like this WIN! conference. More importantly, thanks to our sponsors, we are able to keep costs low. The cost is nominal as compared to other conferences. You get to pick from 4 tracks and connect and network with others with similar goals. Speakers include Crishna Bose-Bansal, Dr. Jeudi Boulom, Melanie Caoilie, Leah Carrido, Christine Chen, Stacey Derk, Vanessa Diego, Aimee Do, Theresa Ip Forelich, J.D. Hokoyama, Claudia Kauffman, Hyeok Kim, Nirmala, Krishnan, Olivia Lippens, Christine Mueller, Assunta Ng, Isabell Sheang, Kim Tran, Lillian Tsai, and Kendee Yamaguchi.

Register to WIN! (Seats are limited) http://win.naaapseattle.org

Check out a preview and meet the Women in NAAAP! at a preview event this Thursday, May 19th at Bellevue City Hall, Bellevue, WA Room 1E-120. Starts at 7pm and last through 8:30pm.

Regards,

Gil Gido Hang Chen
NAAAP Seattle President WIN! Conference Chair - Seattle

Judi Rhee Alloway Brad Baldia
National WIN! Program Director NAAAP President

Press Coverage

http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2011/05/upcoming-conference-for-women-focuses-on-investing-in-one%e2%80%99s-self/

http://www.nvnorthwest.com/h%e1%bb%99i-chuyen-gia-m%e1%bb%b9-g%e1%bb%91c-a-va-bu%e1%bb%95i-thuy%e1%ba%bft-trinh-d%e1%bb%81-tai-%e2%80%9cd%e1%ba%a7u-t%c6%b0-cho-chinh-minh%e2%80%9d/

http://www.seattlechinesetimes.com/english/local-news/5755-invest-in-yourself-at-the-west-coast-debut-of-the-win-leadership-conference-this-june

http://pinoyreporter.com/images/PinoyReporterMay2011.pdf (Page 2)

Art of Sales Workshop Speaker: Lawrence Whitley

2011-05-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Join NAAAP-Seattle on Wed, May 11, 6:30-8pm at the Wing Luke Museum (719 South King Street) for a fun, interactive workshop on how to sell. The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Free admission for NAAAP-Seattle members, $5 for non-members.

The workshop will feature three experienced sales people who will share their secrets, including Terry Terrell of AXA Advisors and Judiet Dere and Lawrence Whitley of State Farm Insurance.

To preview the event, Whitley answered some questions for NAAAP-Seattle on selling.

What was your hardest sales situation?

There’s not one, single most difficult sales situation, but more general (and longer lasting). Before becoming an agent, I had never sold anything. In my training period and at the beginning of my sales career, I felt like I had to know ‘everything about everything before I could sell anything’ … I was uncomfortable with what I didn’t know. I quickly learned that, if I wanted to succeed, I would have to get out of my own way. Also, I had to learn that it was not about me or the product/service, it was about the customer.

Why do you think it's important to know how to sell?

If you don’t understand what it takes to be successful in sales (and your particular sales career), you are highly likely to work harder than you might otherwise have to … which could easily lead to frustration and burn-out … which could easily lead to desperation and pushy sales tactics … which can become a vicious cycle until you decide to quit.

Sales is about helping other people. Our job is to educate and effectively get our customers to consider why they need our product or service, and why they need it from us. We must also understand that not everyone will do business with us … maybe not today, next week, next month, next year or ever. That’s okay. If we did what we could to help a particular person and gave them a remarkable experience in the process, we have a great chance to either get their business in the future OR have them become a referral source for other potential customers … but we have to ask.

If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Professional Development Chair Michael Okimura: michael.okimura@naaapseattle.org

Art of Sales Workshop Speaker: Terry Terrell

2011-05-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

Join NAAAP-Seattle on Wed, May 11, 6:30-8pm at the Wing Luke Museum for a fun, interactive workshop on how to sell.

The workshop will feature three experienced sales people who will share their secrets, including Terry Terrell.

Terry Terrell is a Divisional Vice President with AXA Advisors LLC. He has been in the business for 4 years and currently manages and trains a team of Financial Consultants. At the workshop, he will discuss prospecting, marketing, mindset and finally building a successful long lasting book of business.

What was your hardest sales situation?

Taking responsibility for an advisor who counted on me to close the sale to which either kept him in the business, or sent him searching for a job.

Why do you think it's important to know how to sell?

Selling is a part of life. In nearly every thing that we do there is a sort of sale involved. Whether it is in front of a top prospect in the closing meeting or meeting a person for the first time in a social environment, selling is involved.

If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Professional Development Chair Michael Okimura: michael.okimura@naaapseattle.org

Filling a Workforce Pipeline with Diverse Talent

2011-05-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Redmond, Wa - As described in Microsoft's Vision and Strategy for the Future, diversity is a key business principle at Microsoft and in working with its diversity partners, we are witnesses to the execution of this vision.

Starting last year, Microsoft Corporation launched a series of recruiting and networking events that have since grown in numbers and recruiting partners. The most recent one happened last month and offered resume reviews, meet the recruiters/partners, skill improvement sessions and on-the-spot interviews. This was also the first time where State Farm joined as a presenting organization. As far as careers, recruiting focused on the following functional areas: Finance, Marketing, Software Development / Computer Science, Microsoft IT, Supply Chain, Operations, Insurance Agency Recruiting and MBA and College Recruiting.

So thanks to all that came out and participated and we all look forward to our next event on June 4th, the Women in Naaap (WIN!) Conference. If you had one day for yourself, this is the day! So register to WIN! Flash Scholarships and Child care available. All are welcome.

Past recruiting events: November 2010 | April 2010

Participating Professional Diversity Organizations: NSHMBA Seattle (National Society of Hispanic MBAs) | SHPE Puget Sound Chapter (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) | National Black MBA Association Seattle | ALPFA Seattle (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) | NAAAP Seattle (National Association of Asian American Professionals) | Ascend | El Centro de La Raza | PWOCN (Professional Women of Color Network) | EDI (Executive Development Institute) | KCHCC (King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) | AWSHCC (Association of Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce) | Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Starting and Building YOUR Business in the New Economy

2011-04-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle, Wa - On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest (FCCPNW), in partnership with the Filipino American Civic Employees of Seattle, the Filipino Community of Seattle, and the Filipino American Association of Certified Public Accountants, held their 3rd Annual Business Development Conference appropriately themed, "Starting and Building Your Business in the New Economy".

This event's main purpose was to connect entrepreneurs with business opportunities in the region and educate with legal requirements and tax benefits related to conducting a business as well as empower business owners and managers by creating networking opportunities. This event also provided professionals to earn continuing education credits. As Sheila Burrus, FCCPNW Chamber President, stated, "We are seeing more Filipino businesses emerge in the services sectors like the legal profession, financial planning and real estate. This conference is to encourage young and old alike amid these fields to start thinking entrepreneurial. Hence the growing demand of these conferences within the Filipino community."

Invited to kick off the event was Steve Johnson, the Director of Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED). He painted an overall picture of what industries weathered the recession, how Seattle's new economy centers around creativity and providing value-driven services, his office's role in helping you do business in Seattle, as well as the importance of shared prosperity for all in our region.

The City of Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services are reporting approximately $80 billion of revenue from Seatle based businesses last year. Of that, $40.6 billion were generated from service related businesses, an increase of 1% from the previous year. The harder hit of the industries, Real Estate and Cons/Residential businesses, $7.0 billion and $4.6 billion were generated, respectively. The glimmer of hope here is that income increased incrementally quarter by quarter last year with at total income of $101.2 billion, including business income from outside businesses.

Steve's key message was how Seattle can bring increased revenue and maintain our quality of living here in Seattle. He pointed to our creativity and providing value-added services through innovation. His example were the start-ups in Pioneer square developing mobile applications. That said, this is an industry that is growing.

In terms of education, it pays. Steve pointed to key data to show the relation of higher degrees and the unemployment rate. If you have a highschool deploma, you are likely to experience more unemployment than if you have a higher degree.

All around the conference was successful in terms of attendance and content. Other sessions include:

Morning sessions

Testing out your business idea
Your business plan, Road map or Road hazard?
Accessing Capital to Start or Grow your business (Panel)
Growing your business via marketing

Afternoon sessions

Investing and Sharing the Wealth and Opportunity of the US and Global Economy
Cash Flow - the Life and Blood of your business
Using Social Networking Technology to Promote yourself and your business
Mastering your talents - A key ingredient in Achieving your success
Doing business in the new economy (Panel)

Resources:

Filipino Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest - http://www.fccpnw.org/
The Pinoy Reporter - http://pinoyreporter.com/
Seattle Center Community College - http://www.seattleccd.com
Filipino Community of Seattle - http://fcseattle.org/
Filipino American Civic Employees of Seattle http://facesseattle.org
Filipino-American Association of Certified Public Accountants - http://www.faacpa.com/
http://seattlecentral.edu/

Packing Pinto beans with Food Lifeline

2011-04-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

On March 16, Saturday afternoon, NAAAP-Seattle volunteered at Food Lifeline in Shoreline, packing 9360 pounds of pinto beans.

Food Lifeline is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in Western Washington. Last year, Food Lifeline secured more than 24 million pounds of food-nearly 19 million meals-to feed hungry families and individuals throughout Western Washington.

NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Committee Member Nelson Siu led the NAAAP-Seattle team. Boston University Alumni and a local rowing crew also volunteered that day.

Siu said he learned how most of the food goes to feed those who live above the poverty line, but are unable to make ends meet and the extra food helps people feed their families through the end of the month.

Other NAAAP-Seattle volunteers included: Barret Seifer, Jeannette Roden, Earlene Randle, Krystal Turney, Berenice Plata Aldana, Charlee Brawn, Laraine Oracion, and NAAAP-Seattle Vice-President-Operations David Eam.

For more information on volunteering with NAAAP-Seattle, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair Jenafer Park at jenafer.park@naaapseattle.org.

Dim Sum at Wild Ginger

2011-04-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

NAAAP-Seattle reinstated its tradition of dim sum get togethers this past Sunday, April 17, at Wild Ginger, Bellevue.

Forty people gathered at the popular pan-Asian restaurant, filling two long rows of tables.

Social Chair Heidi Yu said she was pleased with the turnout. Upcoming NAAAP-Seattle social activities include the First Friday Monthly Mixer on May 6 at
Flo Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Bellevue and the NAAAP Seattle Potluck on May 14 at Tanglewood Clubhouse in Issaquah.

For questions or to volunteer on NAAAP-Seattle's social committee, please email Heidi at heidi.yu@naaapseattle.org

Photos by Richard Palawan.

CAPAA and OMWBE Publishes the Washington State Asian Pacific American Business Directory

2011-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Asian Pacific American Business Directory was prepared in cooperation with the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises through a generous in kind donation by the National Association of Asian American Professionals – Seattle Chapter.

The information regarding OMWBE certified firms is current as of 12/29/10. Users of this directory are advised to contact OMWBE at (866) 208-1064 (toll free) for status updates or view OMWBE's Online Directoryof Certified Firms.

Key on Certifications:

State Program Certification:

MBE: Minority Business Enterprise
WBE: Women Business Enterprise
MWBE: Minority Women Business Enterprise
CBE: Combination Business Enterprise

Federal Program Certification:

DBE: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
ACDBE: Airport Concessionaire – Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise

View Washington State Asian Pacific American Business Directory in a larger map

To learn more about the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, visit CAPAA

To learn more about the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, visit: OMWBE

Art of Sales Workshop Speaker: Judiet Dere

2011-04-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

How many times have you said, "I can't sell" or "I don't like to sell."

Most people don't like to sell. But everyone has to sell at some point in their life. Don't be afraid of it. Just learn the art of sales. Join NAAAP-Seattle on Wed, May 11, 6:30-8pm at the Wing Luke Museum for a fun, interactive workshop on how to sell.

The workshop will feature three experienced sales people who will share their secrets.

Judiet Dere worked in insurance for seven years before she started her own State Farm agency in 2009. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington.

Who are your mentors and what are great lessons you learned from them?
Barry Rutten is my AFC and I also consider him my mentor. Barry has helped me improve greatly on my financial services by having simple well-structured conversations with my clients. State Farm Agent David Lo was my field development Agent when I was a training Agent. He told me that starting your own business will take a lot of your time and energy, but you need to make sure your family always comes first.

Why do you think it’s important to know how to sell?

I really don’t consider myself as a salesperson. I do believe it’s important to know how to build relationships with clients so that they will trust you and want your help. Every client is different and we need to take the time to understand what is important to them to be able to know how to help them.

You may reach Judiet at: judiet@dereinsurance.com

If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Professional Development Chair Michael Okimura: michael.okimura@naaapseattle.org

NAAAP Mixer becomes a fund-raiser for Japan relief

2011-04-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Over eighty people attended the Friday Friday Monthly Mixer at Sullivan's Steak House on April 1 in downtown Seattle. Donations along with entrance fees for non-NAAAP members totaled $462, which NAAAP-Seattle will donate to the Japan disaster relief efforts. Nine new members also signed up

Volunteers included Joanna Shi,Charlee Brawn, May Wong, Wai Yin Ho, Renai Xie Bifei, Steven Quan, Henry Lau, Mikii Liu, Amanda Dunkin, and Herb Pang. Ben Zheng volunteered as photographer.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Social Chair Heidi Yu at heidi.yu@naaapseattle.org

Feeding the Hungry through Farming with Solid Ground

2011-03-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

NAAAP-Seattle volunteers returned to the land…for four hours of farming at the Giving Garden, Marra Farm in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood on March 26.

The local non-profit Solid Ground operates Marra Farm as an “urban community farm engaging people in sustainable agriculture and education while enhancing local food security.” Marra Farm Manager Sue McGann said the organic food grown on these four acres help feed the local community, comprised of mostly Latinos and a large Asian minority, through Providence Regina House Food Bank, Mien senior citizens, and Concord Elementary School.

The NAAAP-Seattle volunteers learned first-hand about the cycle of growing food. NAAAP-Seattle pruned the raspberry patches, cleared clubroot diseased patches, transported compost, and tilled beds of soil. All volunteers were newcomers to Marra Farm, and most had never tried farming before.

Volunteers included Jiunn Lee, Miles Matsumoto, John Park, Howard Yu, Tracy Zhen, CH Lee, Timothy Chang, Micah Chan, Jason Nguyen, Janet Chu, Cheng Lee, Yen La, Phillip Yu, and Richard Palawan.

Five NAAAP-Seattle board members also volunteered: Community Service Chair Jenafer Park, Technology Chair Sherwin Tsao, Vice President-Operations David Eam, President Gil Gido and PR/Marketing Chair Julie Pham.

Community Service committee member Jiunn Lee led the project. Jiunn said that some people even contacted him at 1 am the night before the event to sign-up.

"We're really thankful for all the volunteers who came because every thought and hardwork counts at the end of the day," said Jiunn Lee. "It just feels great to see people from different backgrounds giving up their precious time to volunteer."

For first-time NAAAP-Seattle volunteer Cheng Lee, he said he signed up for the event because he was “curious about farming.”

“I sit in my office and (computer) program all day,” said Cheng Lee. “It was really interesting to learn about farming, about the clubroot disease.”

Cheng Lee added, “It was a great workout, better than just going to a gym. And we did a lot of teamwork exercises because we had to share tools.”

According to McGann, Marra Farm attracts over 1000 volunteers each year. Last year’s crop yielded a record-breaking 22,000 pounds from one acre. “It was 9,000 pounds more than in any other year, despite the super cold weather,” said McGann.

People don’t just go to Marra Farm. “Sometimes people come here for birthday parties. Groups farm for four hours, eat birthday cake, and donate some money to the program,” said McGann. “In September, we’ll have our annual outdoor movie screening. People will eat roasted corn, bring blankets, and watch a movie under a starry sky.

Since the South Park bridge's closure last June, many of the local businesses have been hurt. The volunteers ended their day's worth of farming by dining at South Park Mexican eatery, Muy Macho.

Miles Matsumoto also created a photo documentary of the day's event.

Photos: (top) David Eam and Sherwin Tsao clearing clubroot patches; (middle) group photo of NAAAP-Seattle volunteers; (bottom) Gil Gido on the path to the fields.

Understanding what it means to be a child of a Tiger Mother

2011-03-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

On March 16, psychotherapist John Tran of Capitol Hill Counseling led 22 audience members in a fun, interactive workshop entitled "Are you the child of a Tiger Mother?" at the Taiwan Center. Playing on Amy Chua's concept of a "Tiger Mother," a caricature of an overbearing Asian mother who demands nothing less than perfection from her children, Tran engaged the audience in a discussion on who we are and how we make decisions.

"I'm glad NAAAP gave me this opportunity to present it," said Tran. "I was a bit iffy on whether the topic would be well-received, but the community pulled through with some wonderful and insightful questions and comments."

The audience included old-hands and newcomers to NAAAP-Seattle.

Former NAAAP-Seattle PR/Marketing Chair and currently San Francisco-based Joneil Custodio made time for the workshop during his short stay in Seattle.

Three psychotherapy students from Argosy University came to observe. Their professor, Dr. David Walker, encouraged them to attend events organized by ethnic-based associations, including NAAAP, so that they could experience being a minority.

"We're learning to treat and assess diverse communities," said Rachel Gabriel, first-year Psych.D student. "Part of our training is to see what it's like to be the only white person in a room and to confront big issues you don't know anything about."

The students said they learned a lot from the workshop.

"It was very enlightening.," said Leonara Cabrera, a first-year Masters student. "I came from Mexico and it's really interesting to hear the Asian perspective."

"The seminar consolidated a lot of what our readings have been saying about Asian culture," said Ashely McCauley, a first-year Masters student. "It was great to get a fresh, human perspective."

"I found the Tiger Mom dialogue to be intriguing," said Tonya Knox, a State Farm Insurance Agency Field Recruiter. "To be honest, I did not understand the scope of the concept until the presentation. I see both the benefits and disadvantages of having a Tiger Mom."

Even those well-versed in the literature on the Tiger Mother attended the workshop, including Asian American Journalists Association National Secretary Athima Chansanchai, who authored her own commentary on the matter, entitled: "I still love you, Tiger mom, dad."

Professional Development Chair Michael Okimura's first time organizing event proved to be a success.

"I really enjoyed this event. We've been to three different ethnic based organizations and this group felt the most friendly and welcoming," concluded Gabriel. "I would come back to NAAAP events."

Proceeds from admission fees were donated to help Japan.

For more information on or to volunteer with NAAAP-Seattle's Professional Development program, please contact Michael Okimura at Michael.okimura@naaapseattle.org

Photos: (top, from left to right): Ashley McCauley, Leonara Cabrera, and Rachel Gabriel; (middle): crowd; (bottom, from left to right): Michael Okimura and John Tran.

Mixing it up at Via Vita

2011-03-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

The First Friday Monthly Mixer on March 4 at Via Vita Cafe in Bellevue drew a full house, with over ninety people, including 12 new members.

Volunteers at registration included: Melissa Itti, Richard Palawan, Steven Quan, Mikki Liu, Sherwin Tsao, and Bifei Xie. Like Zhang and Steven Quan served as the volunteer photographers for the evening.

First-time First Friday Mixer goer Bifei Xie also volunteered at registration. She said she met NAAAP-Seattle Social Chair Heidi Yu at a NAAAP-Seattle Speed Mentoring event co-organized with Asian Student Commission at the University of Washington.

"Heidi Yu becomes my mentor after that event and she told me about the mixer and asked me to come and help," said Bifei. "Even though I was volunteering at registration, I still got to meet many wonderful and friendly people. They were easy-going and kept making me laugh throughout the event."

Xie added, "I liked the venue too. It was small and cozy. Whenever I turned around, I met another wonderful person to talk to."

Join us at our next First Friday Monthly Mixer at Sullivan's Steakhouse's on April 1. For more information or to volunteer, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Social Chair Heidi Yu at heidi.yu@naaapseattle.org

Photos by Like Zhang.

Help Relief Efforts for the People of Japan

2011-03-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you are aware of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that has greatly affected Japan and other areas in the Pacific. Many of you may also have relatives, friends, or colleagues that have been dramatically impacted by this tragedy.

NAAAP has issued a press release, which is available on the NAAAP National website (at http://www.naaap.org/ or http://www.naaap.org/NationalNews.aspx). We are encouraging members and the public to donate to the NAAAP Fund for Japan Relief, for which all proceeds will be sent to Direct Fund International http://www.directrelief.org/. This site takes no overhead expense and gives 100% of these donations to provide aid to victims. The way this donation works is that donors will click on a PayPal link, donors will be prompted to type their name and the amount they want to donate and the name of their chapter or venture into the optional textbox.

Seattle Organizations Helping in the Relief Efforts

http://www.redcross.org/

http://seattlejapanrelief.org/

Local TV Coverage from King5

For more information on the National Association of Asian American Professionals, please visit http://www.naaap.org/ or http://seattle.naaap.org/ .

For additional coverage of the Japan earthquake on King 5 TV, please visit http://www.king5.com/news/quake

Potting and Planning for Future Forests

2011-03-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

NAAAP-Seattle ventured outside the city and into Lake Sammamish State Park to volunteer for the first time with Seattle Works and Mountain to the Sound Greenway on a chilly but sunny Saturday morning, March 5.

Seattle Works is a non-profit that connects people with volunteer opportunities. The Mountains to Sound Greenway stretches over 100 miles along Interstate 90 from the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle, over Snoqualmie Pass and into Central Washington. The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust aims to protect these lands and preserve them for public benefit.

NAAAP volunteers included John Park, Dan Hu, Jaydee Ocon, Steve Yao, Rick Fok, as well as Community Service Chair Jenafer Park, Technology Chair Sherwin Tsao, and PR/Marketing Chair Julie Pham.

First-time NAAAP event- goer Ricky Fok learned about the event through NAAAP-Seattle member Steve Yao.

But Fok is no stranger to outdoors community service. “I like being outdoors and doing outdoor manual work,” said Fok. “Today, the weather was fine and the people were friendly, so it made the work easy. I would definitely volunteer with NAAAP again.”

Dan Hu said he’s been to NAAAP events on and off over the past few years.

“I look forward to getting back to doing more community service with NAAAP,” said Hu.

Jema Hayes, Mountain to the Sound Greenway Volunteer Program Coordinator, said the activities at the nursery are done with 95% volunteer power.

According to Hayes, 41 volunteers that morning potted approximately 1040 trees in 2.5 hours. Aside from potting Red Alders, Vine Maples, and Douglas Firs into 1- and 2-gallon pots, the volunteers clipped roots, shoveled soil, and pruned seedlings. The trees will grow in the pots at the nursery for 1-2 years before being planted in parks and forests along I-90.

NAAAP-Seattle's Tips for those considering volunteering at Mountain to Sound Greenway:
1) wear lots of layers because you will get warmer with work
2) wear old clothes because you will get very dirty
3) bring a pair of knit or leather gloves to wear under the thin gardening gloves provided for extra insulation
4) your shoes will get very muddy, so bring newspapers to protect your car floor mats.

Hayes said that they are still looking for volunteers for next Saturday, March 13 to plant more trees. The snow days set the planting back this spring. For more information, please email Hayes at volunteer@mtsgreenway.org

On March 26, NAAAP-Seattle will continue their outdoors volunteer adventures at Marra Farms. For more information and to sign-up, please email Jenafer Park jenafer.park@naaapseattle.org.

NAAAP San Diego hosts the 2011 NAAAP Leadership Academy

2011-03-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

San Diego, CA - The 2011 NAAAP National Leadership Academy took place in San Diego, California on February 25 - 27th, 2011. The highly anticipated event drew an impressive crowd with over 70 representatives from NAAAP's 13 chapters and 13 ventures taking a part.

Day 1 - Welcome reception

Starting off the weekend long academy was Casey Tanaka . He was elected Mayor in November of 2008 and was sworn in as the 50th Mayor of the City of Coronado on December 2nd, 2008, after having served as City Councilman from 2002 to 2008. Much of what he talked about in terms of career aspirations and success were familiar to many and yet the message was clear, "we need leaders from the Asian American community". Being of Japanese descent, he believes that the National Association of Asian American Professionals is the place to develop leadership skills.

Day 2 - Main Session

On day 2, Dr. Vu Pham, a Senior Advisor to NAAAP based out of Los Angeles, kicked off the main session. His keynote drew on the many definitions of the word draw. In one sense, he illustrated draw as a competition, like that in a gun duel, and in another sense to draw as in to create opportunities. In another sense draw could mean to be picked from a pool or ellicit responses. In all of these definitions we gained a larger picture of what leadership meant.

Day 2 - Breakout Session Panel (l to r) Tamara Strickland (Atlanta) Gil Gido (Seattle) Jean Lo (Connecticut) Jason Wong (Phoenix) and Moderator Fabian DeRosario (Atlanta)

As far as breakout sessions goes, 14 sessions covering important topics like Chapter and Venture Development, Volunteer and membership management, Marketing and Budgeting. In parallel, the National Board of Directors met in person to discuss matters of the organization while electing in Edward Hwang as Chairman of the Board for another term.

To put a cap on an inspiring weekend, the Academy attendees were given a guided tour of the USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), a destroyer commissioned on October 10, 2009.

NAAAP Board of Directors touring the US Destroyer Meyer (l to r) Hang Chen (Seattle) Petula Lee (Boston) Thomas Sims (New York) Evan Osborn (Colorado) and Rose Olea (Chicago)

Thank you to the NAAAP San Diego for hosting this year and to our key sponsors - CIA, US Navy, and US Secret Service. In addition, thanks to SAIC and Golden Eagle Insurance.

Sponsor Links:

A Community Leaders Event at Ruth's Chris Steak House

2011-03-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

(clockwise) Ruth's Chris Steak House; Community Leaders Networking; Starr MacDonald (EDI); Jose Olguin (State Farm) and Micheal Okimura (NAAAP Seattle)

Bellevue, Wa - An evening of networking among a variety of community organizations was held at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Bellevue and hosted by State Farm. This was an opportunity for community leaders to share about their organizations and to connect them as we all share common goals and interests in the community. The event was also an appreciation for organizations that have a strong presence in the Seattle area.

The list of organizations attending to name a few were the Filipino Community Center of Seattle, African American MBA of Seattle, National Society of Hispanic MBAs of Seattle, Western Washington Indian Association, Executive Development Institute, The Central Area Motivation Program, Clear Channel Outdoor, Communities In Schools, SCIPDA, and the Asian Counseling and Referral Service.

As part of the gift giveaway part of the program, Starr MacDonald of EDI, also celebrating an anniversary, took home a basketful of goodies.

Thanks for a great evening of networking and Like a good neighbor, State Farm was there.

Regards,
NAAAP Seattle Board

NAAAP at AAEOY 2011

2011-03-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

The prestigious 10th Annual Asian American Engineer of the Year Award was held on Feb. 26 at the Hilton at SeaTac Airport. Around 600 people attended and NAAAP-100 winner Dr. Qi Lu of Microsoft and Jim Albaugh, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, were the keynote speakers.

Claire Ke Ding, Kevin Chang, Michael Okimura, Yugo Nawa, Sherwin Tsang, Jack Wang, Chen Wang, Ninette Cheng, Ben Zheng and Heidi Yu represented NAAAP-Seattle at the event and they got to meet engineering luminaries such as CIE-USA Chair Jiin Chen, Dr. Qi Lu, Harry Shum, Jim Albaugh, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Su of the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Microsoft CHIME president Yushi Shen.

Photos by Ben Zheng. Top: NAAAP with Mr & Mrs. Su of the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Middle: NAAAP with Jim Albaugh; Bottom: NAAAP with Dr. Qi Lu.

Speed Mentoring with UW students

2011-03-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

While many students choose to party and go clubbing last Friday, Feb. 25, a dozen undergrads gathered at Mary Gates Hall, University of Washington, to look for career guidance. They came in hopes of finding a mentor.

NAAAP-Seattle and the UW Asian Student Commission created the speed mentoring event to give students the opportunity to connect with professionals of all different fields and backgrounds. These professionals included a Seattle Times journalist, an Amazon program manager, State Farm HR representative, Microsoft senior consultant, HiSoft Technology International manager, chiropractor, MBA graduate student/entrepreneur, and two UW Medical School graduates.

Marian Liu, a master networker and NAAAP-Seattle's VP of External Affairs, gave the participants many useful tips and advice on networking. The students then networked with the professionals.

At the end of the event, NAAAP-Seattle surveyed the students and the feedback came back positive. All of them said that they would recommend this event to their friends. All the students also positively expressed (89% yes; 11% maybe) interest in attending other NAAAP event.

Photo: Marian Liu gives students networking tips.

Diversity is celebrated at Seattle City Hall

2011-02-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

(l to r) Gil Gido, president , National Association of Asian American Professionals-Seattle Chapter; Mazvita Maraire, coordinator, Garfield Community Center; Moderator: Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Council; Fern Renville, executive director, Red Eagle Soaring; and Ricardo Sanchez, vice-president of communications, SeaMar Community Health Centers

Seattle, Wa - Before a diverse audience in the Bertha Knight Landes Room at City Hall, a panel reflecting the mulitcultural essence of Seattle assembled to celebrate Black History Month responding to questions about their careers, leadership characteristics, achieving goals and offering their perspectives on leadership because in the everchanging world, leadership today is essential, not only in one's career but in the community. This event gave everyone an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives.

Seattle Council member, Bruce Harrell moderated for nearly two hours having the audience engaged in the conversation. At the end of it all, everyone's leadership and appreciation for diversity expanded. Here are a couple of the questions asked to panelists and not surprising, many of the answers are alive in each community.

As you reflect on your career, what personal traits or characteristics have helped you become a successful leader?

Answer: Passion, self awareness, being a team player, integrity and communication. These are all learned skills that you can master with a little bit of practice. Pick two and see what difference it makes in your career.

What have been your greatest challenges toward doing your job and achieving your goals in the workplace?

Answer: Being different can be percieved as a challenge, but realizing that it can be a career asset will not only make you valuable, but also helps in the enjoyment of your career and for those around you, so embrace your differences and express them.

What advice would you give on surviving in multicultural environment?

Answer: Part of all of our jobs in the workplace is to educate. While it may seem that everyone knows about you, they really don't. Share and be open. It will only create inclusiveness and demystify assumptions, which most often create conflict.

Thank you to the African American Affinity Group of the Seattle Public Utilities for organizing and hosting this event.

NAAAP volunteers with FareStart, 2/6

2011-02-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

NAAAP-Seattle volunteered at FareStart on Feb. 6 for the first time of 2011.

As usual, FareStart attracts more volunteers than NAAAP-Seattle has spots available. NAAAP-Seattle members are given priority when registering for this popular volunteer event.

Volunteers this time include: Sherwin Tsao, Jenafer Park, Wilson Ung, Heng Sun, Katie Phan, Rina Shin, Charles Davis, Lilly Kuo, John Park, and Jiunn Lee.

For any information on NAAAP-Seattle's award-winning community service program, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair Jenafer Park at jenafer.park@naaapseattle.org.

February's First Friday Mixer at O'Asian

2011-02-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Over 100 people packed the lounge area O'Asian Restaurant in Seattle on Feb. 4 for NAAAP-Seattle's First Friday Monthly Mixer. Twelve new members signed up at the event

NAAAP-Seattle member Eric Pao said, "It was definitely one of the better mixers. There were a lot of new faces."

Three photographers volunteered their services, including Ben Zheng, Like Zhang, and Steven Quan.

Volunteers at registration included: Pearl Pan, Lily Lee, Chen Wang, Sherwin Tsao, and Mikii Liu.

The next First Friday Monthly Mixer will be in downtown Bellevue on March 4.

For questions or to volunteer on the NAAAP-Seattle social committee, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Social Chair Heidi Yu at Heidi.Yu@naaapseattle.org

Photos by Ben Zheng.

Measure twice. Cut once.

2011-02-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

Redmond, Wa - It's a well known fact that a little bit of planning goes along way, so every year the NAAAP Seattle Board meets to plan the upcoming year and to provide learning opportunities to our Board members. This year was no different.

Returning as our facilitator was Wendy Watanabe. She led us through discussions on conflict resolution and building joint solutions through consensus. When all was said and done, we landed on an annual operating plan to fulfill on the vision and mission of NAAAP Seattle.

Rounding out the day was our resident media mavens, Julie Pham (Northwest Vietnamese News) and Marian Liu (Seattle Times) training the Board on branding. This was especially effective since we all became reaquainted with our accomplishments.

Lastly, we had an opportunity to welcome our newest Board members, Jen Park as Community Service Chair (Google) Micheal Okimura as Professional Development Chair (Pacific Capital Resource Group) and Sherwin Tsao as Technology Chair (Guidant Financial Group).

With the planning done, we can now focus on executing our plan. We considered many factors such as our membership base, our partner and sponsor ecosystem and our community needs. We hope you'll join us in what we think as a defining year for NAAAP Seattle.

Regards,
NAAAP Seattle Board of Directors

NAAAP-Seattle helps clean up International District

2011-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

Next time you go to the International District, be aware that So. Jackson Street and So. King Street between Fifth and Twelve Ave So. are adopted by NAAAP-Seattle.

Sixteen NAAAP-Seattle volunteers hit their adopted streets of the International District on Sunday, Jan. 23.

Items NAAAP-Seattle picked up included hubcaps and windshield glass.

Repeat volunteer Steven Quan said he always signs up for the ID clean-ups organized by NAAAP-Seattle.

"It's important to keep our community clean," said Quan. "Even when I'm just out on the street, if I see a bit of trash, I can't help it,...I'll pick it up."

James Tabafunda said he had a few hours to spare on a Sunday, "so I thought it'd volunteering would be a good way to spend it."

Photos by James Tabafunda.

EDI Leadership Together

2011-02-03T00:41:00.000-08:00

NAAAP Board members, Gil Gido, David Eam, Hang Pin Chen, Vivian Hauer and Ke (Clair) Ding participated in Executive Development Institute’s (EDI) 2nd Annual Leadership Together Conference on January 22, 2011. Richard Velazquez, the Co-Founder of NSHMBA and the Sr. Global Product Manager for Xbox delivered an excellent speech on how to lead team through innovation and creativity. Other presenters included Lillian Tsai on “Interpersonal Communications”, John Chen on “12 Fixes for Team Fails” and Misha Mercer on “Team Innovation”. The event was put together by the planning committee at EDI. Joyce Zhou and Starr McDnald were members of the planning committee.

Joyce Zhou of ACRS said, “As part of the planning committee, I was very excited to see the great turnout. The conference successfully served its purpose of developing diverse leaders by bringing together professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds and companies to learn team building and communications skills, while fostering innovation. I’ve received many positive comments afterwards and would love to see this conference happen again next year.

Starr McDonald of EDI added, “I thought the event was stellar and exceeded its objectives in collaborating, networking and skill building. It is a privilege for EDI to align with other professional organizations that share a common mission and learn, live and grow together.”

NAAAP-Seattle is proud to be a sponsor of Executive Development Institute which is committed to train leaders in Asian Pacific & Hispanic communities. If you are interested in any of the EDI programs, complete an application at http://www.ediorg.org/

Steve Ballmer and Harry Shum hand out red envelopes at the Asian Spring Festival

2011-01-24T22:13:00.000-08:00

Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer

Redmond, Wa - In celebrating with the community at the 2011 Asian Spring Festival, Microsoft's CEO, Steve Ballmer and Corporate Vice President, Harry Shum handed out red envelopes which symbolizes 'good luck' to children dancers from the Chinese Dance Academy and Youth Dance Troup at the Microsoft Asian Spring Festival. The event attracted over 4000 community and business leaders, in addition the families of Microsoft employees.

(l to r) Tazin Shadid, Microsoft Asian Employee Resource Group Chair and Gil Gido, NAAAP Seattle President

Overlake Christian Center

This event was co-organized by the Chinese Employees at Microsoft (CHIME) and other Microsoft Asian communities. It is one of the the largest diversity and inclusion events at Microsoft and is the largest Spring Festival celebration in the Seattle area. We look to participating next year!

A Night at the Symphony

2011-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Over fifty NAAAP-Seattle members and attended the Celebrate Asia! Seattle Symphony Concert on Jan. 14, 2011. For many NAAAP members, this was their first time going to Benaroya Hall, which is the home of the Seattle Symphony.

The Seattle Symphony and a committee made up of representatives from the Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Thai, and Indian communities organized the annual concert, which has drawn 2,400 people for the past three years.

NAAAP Seattle PR/ Marketing Chair Julie Pham represented the Vietnamese community. Because of her participation on the concert organizing committee, NAAAP Seattle was considered an organizational partner for the concert.

"This is a world-class concert and a joyous event," said Pham. "I love sharing this experience with people.

Many audience members wore their Asian ethnic costumes, such as Qipaos, Batiks, Kimonos, Ao dais.

The concert included highlights from the Grammy-winning opera singer Sumi Jo, sheng player Hu Jianbing, koto player, Masayo Ishigure, the winner of the first-ever Celebrate Asia! composer competition Huang Ruo introduced his piece, "The Yellow Earth," performed by the Seattle Symphony.

Special guests in the audience included Attorney General Rob McKenna and Bellevue Deputy Mayor Conrad Lee.

For Japanese exchange student Yugo Nawa, it was his first time at the Seattle Symphony. He said, "The concert was amazingly impressive. I was having tough time in terms of work. But the awesome music and ambiance made me feel great, and encouraged me to keep moving ahead."

Daniel Nguyen, the winner of the 2009 NAAAP-Seattle High School Scholarship, also learned about this event through NAAAP. The University of Washington freshman said it was his first time going to the Seattle Symphony.

"A lot of people my age, I feel don’t really appreciate classical music and I believe it’s because we do not go to venues such as these," said Nguyen. "What was fantastic especially for me was how my appreciation for Asian American music grew deeper."

Photos by Don Pham/Northwest Vietnamese News.

Top: Grammy winning opera singer Sumi Jo starring in Celebrate Asia! Middle: Chaopraya Ensemble (Thai) performing in the preconcert. Bottom: NAAAP-Seattle board members posing during intermission.

For more photos, visit NAAAP-Seattle on Facebook.

First Friday NAAAP Mixer of 2011

2011-01-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

On January 7, 2011, NAAAP Seattle organized its First Friday mixer of the year at Grand Cru Bar in Bellevue. Sixty people came and six people signed up for new membership. Social Chair Heidi Yu said she was pleased about the turnout. She added there were many new faces.

Helen Lee signed up for membership at the event. She said she wanted to join because, she "wanted to become better connected with other Asian American professionals in our community."

"I was impressed by the number of people that were in attendance, as well as the variety of professions which were represented," added Lee. "Great people, good fun!"

Jenafer Park, the new Community Service chair, conducted a survey about the NAAAP community service program. The 35 survey takers were entered in a drawing to win Starbucks gift cards. The winners included Karen Lin, Lisa Chen, and Jason Chu. The survey results will be used to improve NAAAPS' community service program.

Former Community Service Chair David Eam was elected as Vice President of Internal Affairs in December.

PR/ marketing Chair Julie Pham, Technology Chair Sherwin Tsao, NAAAP members Karen Lin and Mikii Liu, and first-time NAAAP event goer Paul Hopkins volunteered to register attendees.

Heidi Yu plans to organize a Dim Sum brunch sometime this spring at Wild Ginger. If you have any suggestions for mixer venues and social events please email heidi.yu@naaapseattle.org

The next First Friday Mixer will be held in Seattle on February 4, 2011. Please check the NAAAP website for details.

Photos by Mikii Liu.

Closing out the end of a great year!

2010-12-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

2010 is at its end and I want to take some time to close it out and set the stage for the upcoming year.

Thank you to everyone who make this year great. I'd like to bid farewell and future success to our outgoing board members (Jen, Roxanne and Nancy) while welcoming our newest board members (Michael, Sherwin and Jenafer). Congratulations to David Eam and Hang Chen in their new Board roles. David is our VP of Operations, while Hang will take on a larger role as National Representative.

I would like to highlight some of the major accomplishments our organization (locally and nationally) delivered and it amazes me at the dedication and generosity of this community.

Congratulations to the nominees and winners of our scholarships and NAAAP 100 awards and the committee selecting them. We gave $8000 in scholarships this year.
Thanks to the NAAAP San Francisco Chapter and the convention planning team organized a stellar convention at The Palace Hotel with our first diamond sponsor, Macy's. Our inspiring keynote speakers included CIA Director Leon Panetta, banking executive Doreen Woo Ho, IT leader John Chen, fashion retailers executive Jenny Ming, and so many others.
We partnered with great organizations that fosters diversity and leadership: the Executive Development Institute, NHSMBA, NBMBAA, Microsoft and State Farm among many others.
We connected members and leadership opportunities and made a difference in our community.

In 2011, our team is coming up with exciting new programming and we'll roll out our plans soon. So please look out for our invitations.

With that, if you missed out, then catch up with NAAAP Seattle with this educational video created by our Marketing Committee led by Julie Pham. See you in 2011!

Best Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

2011 State Farm Summer Internships - Apply Now

2010-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

State Farm offers a 10-week paid Summer Internship program in these areas:

Claims, Marketing, and Agency Field Offices in the following locations: DuPont, Bothell & South Seattle

Operations Center (Washington), Billings Operations Center (Montana), Salem Operations Center

(Oregon) and Boise Operations Center (Idaho), Portland Operations Center (Oregon)

Qualifications:

• 3.0 GPA or higher.

• Candidates must graduate within December 2011 - June 2012.

• Majors: Business Administration, Communications, Insurance, Management, Marketing, Risk

Management, Sales and Spanish.

• Qualified through pre-employment testing.

• Bilingual skills a plus.

As a State Farm intern, you have the opportunity to contribute to our success as the nation’s premier

provider of insurance and financial services through utilization of your unique knowledge and skills.

Interested candidates can create an online profile and submit an application online at

http://www.statefarm.com/careers.

Recruiters:

Cliff Brown (WA, AK, HI)

253-912-7346

cliff.brown.ghwb@statefarm.com

Ruena Bumagat (WA)

253-912-6344

ruena.bumagat.gh77@statefarm.com
Sun Yi (WA)

253-912-7353

sun.yi.i0i3@statefarm.com

Karen Fauser/Patty Meighen (WA, ID, MT OR)

503-463-3773/503-454-3689

karen.fauser.cse4@statefarm.com

patty.meighen.bp5k@statefarm.com

Once again, Microsoft Diversity Event draws hordes hungry for recruiters' secrets

2010-11-29T18:00:00.001-08:00

National Society of Hispanic MBAs organized its Diversity Recruiting and Networking Event on Thursday, November 11, 2010, in Microsoft's new The Commons. Once again, NAAAP-Seattle served as one of NHSMBA's lead partners.

The first Diversity Recruiting and Networking Event earlier this spring drew 600 people. This time, organizers anticipated capping attendance at 300.

But 400 showed up to learn and network.

The attendees spent their evening exploring their options at the career fair, engaging in one-on-one sessions with recruiters, and listening to a special panel moderated by Christine Chen on how Microsoft recruiters find new talent using social media.

And for dessert? A fountain of chocolate fondue, in assorted fruit for dipping.

Photo by Cammie Tran: NAAAP-Seattle Web Support Chair Sherwin Tsai and NAAAP-Seattle Students Relations Chair Amy Duong man the NAAAP-Seattle informational booth with Kaplan.

Cooking for 80 at Ronald McDonald House

2010-11-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

Just as chilly weather descended on Seattle last Sunday, Nov. 21, eleven NAAAP-Seattle volunteers dedicated five hours to cooking a meal for 80 patients at Ronald McDonald House, which supports seriously ill patients and their families at the nearby Children's Hospital.

The incoming 2011 NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair Jenafer Park coordinated the event.

Park said that "everyone really liked the food and kept thanking us for being there."

The volunteers not only gave their time, but also their dime. Their individual donations of $20 went to buying the supplies for the meal.

The NAAAP-Seattle team devised a menu of fruits, pigs in a blanket (sausage wrapped in puff pastry), fried rice, chicken cutlets, spinach salad, and, for dessert, ice cream with mint cookies. The volunteers prepped and cooked the entire meal in just two hours.

"We wanted it to be different--not the typical spaghetti and sandwiches--stuff that the patients don't actually get to eat often," said Park. "For example, fruits like pears and pineapples that we provided were actually a treat for them."

Other NAAAP-Seattle volunteers included: John Park, Leigh Momii, 2010 Community Service Chair David Eam, NAAAP-Seattle Membership Chair Kevin Chang, Sherwin Tsao, Heng Sun, Theresa and Hervey Froehlich, Yiqing Wang, and Miles Matsumoto. For half the volunteers, this was their first time at Ronald McDonald House.

The (Original) Social Network - Speed Networking

2010-11-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Over forty people huddled in the Seattle Times auditorium on November 9 to listen to Seattle Times reporter Sharon Chan and King 5 reporter Owen Lei divulge their networking secrets. Then the attendees poured into the lobby to apply what they learned in a speed networking session.

Chan is the national president of Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and Lei is the Vice-President of the Seattle Chapter of AAJA. NAAAP-Seattle also partnered with Executive Development Institute (EDI), National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and TAPS.

This was the first NAAAP-Seattle event for both Chan and Lei, who said they appreciated the energy and enthusiam of the crowd, most of whom were NAAAP-Seattle members.

New NAAAP-Seattle member John Tran said at the end of the speed networking session, "I talked so much, my throat hurts now!"

The event was catered by NAAAP-Seattle celebrity chef Tanantha Couilliard of I Just Love My Apron.

Photos by Julie Pham/NAAAP-Seattle.

31st Annual Leadership and Scholarship Gala: A masquer-Asian Ball

2010-11-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

By Ninette Cheng

Last Saturday (November 6), NAAAP-Seattle celebrated thirty-one years of scholarship, leadership and the future at the 31st Annual Leadership and Awards Gala.

180 of us dined, networked, auctioned for items and danced the night away at the Golf Club at Newcastle. This year’s scholarship winners included Stacy Huynh, Erin Kim and Tian Kisch. The NAAAP national scholarship awarded Seattle’s Erika Sanchez, also in attendance.

Huynh is a recent graduate of the University of Washington and former director of UW’s Asian Student Commission. She will be using the scholarship to continue her education in UW’s Master of Professional Accounting Program for Audit & Assurance.

NAAAP-Seattle MasquerAsian Ball Photo Booth, Nov. 6, 2010, Newcastle Golf Club.
To see more: http://tinyurl.com/24tck7b
Photo by Don Pham (http://www.donaldpham.com/)

Kim is a graduating senior from Issaquah and founder of charity Fostering Tunes, a branch of the Treehouse foster care organization, which allows foster children to share their stories through music.

Kisch is the co-president and co-founder of Redmond High School’s first Asian Student Association and is a lifelong member of the Families with Children from China Northwest (FCC-NW). Kisch organized and planned a volunteer trip to work in Chinese orphanages in and around Beijing and Xian during the summer of 2009.

Sanchez is a senior at Seattle University. She is currently involved with the United Filipino Club (UFC) and her youth group Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD).

Christine Umayam, founder and CEO of Child United, stepped in at the last minute (replacing James Sun) as the keynote interviewer. Umayam spoke about her charity and the importance of working with and helping children receive an education.

“Education is the key to everything: a better future, limitless opportunities and intellectual growth,” Umayam said. “Through education, we are seeing a ripple effect happening before our own eyes... seeing a child shine gives hope to their families, in turn it helps their community.”

The gala is not only for the scholarship; like all our events, it’s a great networking opportunity and time for our members.

“It’s a good way to network and meet people and see what’s happening in the community a little bit,” guest and NAAAP member Ed Goh said. “In that sense it was good to see some of the work and the initiatives that are happening. It was good to see young people moving ahead and getting their dreams fulfilled. I didn’t grow up here so to hear these high school kids talk about their conflicts and confusions was a little interesting.”

Despite the stormy weather outside, the evening was great fun. We hope you had fun and if you did not attend, be sure to join us next year!

"Work hard, play hard, NAAAP hard" video marketing campaign launched

2010-11-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Seattle chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) launched its "Work hard, play hard, NAAAP hard" marketing campaign this week with two online video commercials. The first is a general introduction to NAAAP-Seattle and the second represents the first in a series that will focus on NAAAP-Seattle's award-winning community service program's partnerships with other local non-profits, in this case, FareStart.

NAAAP-Seattle PR/Marketing Chair Julie Pham came up with the idea of producing an online video campaign to promote the NAAAP-Seattle brand after fellow NAAAP-Seattle member, Connie Sugahara, suggested filming the chapter's professional development lectures and posting them online.

"This kind of video marketing will bring people closer to NAAAP," said Gil Gido, NAAAP-Seattle president and principal at the social media firm, Ulysses' Social Media Marketing Company (USMMC).

In Gido's "President's Perspective" blog, former NAAAP-Seattle President Andy Yip was quoted as saying, "I work, I play, I NAAAP." Yip’s words inspired Pham to think of how "NAAAP" could also be used as a verb.

"I started to think of what NAAAP means to me," said Pham. "I'm constantly inspired by the dedication of my fellow NAAAP board members in pursuing our mission to build leaders. Through brainstorming with other board members, we decided 'to NAAAP' can mean to give, to grow, to learn, to mentor, to be mentored, to network, to volunteer....a whole lot of things."

"Work hard, play hard, NAAAP hard" became the new slogan for NAAAP-Seattle.

Eventually, each NAAAP-Seattle program director will be featured in at least one commercial. In one of the debut commercials, NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair David Eam spoke about NAAAP-Seattle's partnership with FareStart.

FareStart Marketing Communications Manager Karla Smith-Jones said, “FareStart is grateful to the NAAAP for all of their support of FareStart, including their volunteer commitment and their interest in partnering with us to raise awareness for both organizations."

Pham explained, "We can help build each other's brand through cross-marketing. We produce the clip and our community partners will share it with their audience."

"At FareStart, we think building community is key to creating better lives, and there’s no better way to build community than nonprofits working together," Smith-Jones added. She will share the commercial with the 14,000 FareStart supporters.

The general introduction to NAAAP featured many other local non-profits as well, including organizations as diverse as the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Foodline, Executive Development Institute, and National Association of Hispanic MBAs.

NAAAP-Seattle produced the commercials on a shoestring. Pham and NAAAP-Seattle member and New York Life financial adviser Vanessa Diego lent their voices to the project. Pham enlisted the help of her younger brother, Don Pham, to edit and produce the clips.

You can find NAAAP-Seattle's commercials on YouTube.

The Do's and Don'ts of Business School Admission

2010-10-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

In the middle of school week, on October 16, over 30 students and working professionals gathered at the University of Washington's Seattle campus to attend the “The Do’s and Don’ts of Business School Admissions" workshop.

The attendees were all thinking the same thing, "How do I get into business school and how do I get ahead of the game?"

NAAAP-Seattle, Kaplan, and the Asian Student Business Association co-organized the workshop.

During the first half of the evening, Kaplan instructor, James Yeh gave 10 great tips on things to do to become a strong candidate for business school. Afterward, NAAAP member Ted Yamamura, regional manager at Boeing, and David Teng, a product manager at Microsoft, shared their thoughts and experiences in business school with the attendees.

People reported great feedback on the content of the presentation. Many lingered afterwards for a chance to thank and speak with the presenters.

Filming and food fun at FareStart

2010-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

NAAAP-Seattle filmed the first of its "Work hard. Play hard. NAAAP hard" commercial series at FareStart in Seattle on September 26. That event also marked NAAAP-Seattle's fourth time volunteering with FareStart in 2010 alone.

NAAAP-Seattle boasts the top-ranked community service program among NAAAP chapters located in the United States.

There were several first-time NAAAP-Seattle volunteers that day.

Passion Julinsey found out about it through Facebook. She said, “Cooking is fun. Being able to give and have fun at the same time is rewarding.”

“I like the teamwork aspect and like to see the concrete results," said Julinsey, pointing to the pile of sandwiches. "An hour ago, these sandwiches weren’t even made.”

Kenny Chen was another first time Farestart/NAAAP volunteer. He found out about the event through a friend.

“I had some free time. I thought I would give it a try. It’s a good opportunity to help out. I will do it again," said Chen.

Jen Park, the NAAAP-Seattle coordinator for Farestart activities, said that there is always a waiting list to get to volunteer with Farestart.

Tokusan Svenson was one lucky volunteer when he was pulled off the waiting list the night before.

“We have a whole army of volunteers to activate and help out the community," said Svenson. "It’s good to have a lot of fun activities that we can pair up with Community Service.

Svenson moved from Boston 10 months ago and he had participated in some NAAAP Boston Activities.

Other NAAAP-Seattle volunteers that day included: John Park, Kevin Chang, Sherwin Tsao, Yan Jue Xiang, Tracy Zhen, and Monica Yuen.

To find out about joining or supporting NAAAP-Seattle "army of volunteers", please contact NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair David Eam at ,

Shifting your view

2010-10-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

I think you'll appreciate this next post since we all have had the experience of learning Newton's laws in Physics class. Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan, authors of the Three Laws of Performance, identify and define laws, like gravity, pertaining to the world of performance. They get to the bottom of why you can only get certain results. In a nutshell, your view of a particular situation or circumstance is associated with a specific outcome or result.

Said another way, your view gives you the actions to take to get results specific to that view. For example, if your view of life is that it’s hard. Typically that view is constrained with certain moods, feelings and thoughts. Your only actions you could take really is to complain or not do anything. And the result is obvious…no result near to what you want. Yes, you’ll get a result…just not the result you want.

On the other hand, if your view of life is that it’s easy (or rich or fun). What actions could you now take? The possibilities are endless and they’d be very consistent with your view that life is easy. You’d certainly get a result consistent with that view.

Don't believe me? Try it on with any view you have. You'll see that this works with just about anything. Again, like gravity, its a law.

Once you realize that certain views can only generate outcomes specific to that view, you'll need to shift your view to come up with different outcomes.

If you're interested in reading more about the 3 laws of performance, you can read it from the cannon of Warren Bennis' management and leadership series.

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

So you want to be a manager, eh?

2010-10-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Organization chart

Shuffling through my desk of old papers this weekend, I discovered an old manager feedback form I wrote for a previous manager and decided I should write about what it takes to be a manager and what it looks like for those of you interested in becoming one and being skilled and successful in the role. You might be wondering and thinking to yourself, "I can do that." And that's a good place to start - by inquiring. As a start, a manager sits within an organization having direct reports and itself being managed by another manager. They have a responsibility to get results of the organization through the work of others, namely their direct reports. They not only have their own projects, but also the projects of their direct reports. In general, they have a greater span of control and need additional skills not required by being an individual contributor, one with no direct reports.

As you think about your plan for becoming a manager, keep these areas in mind and find opportunities in your current role to build your skill and gain experience. (Also, see last month's post on Stretch Projects.) If they don't exist, then you can find opportunities in other organizations and activities, such as volunteering.

The areas I want to focus on are Communications, Development, Diversity, Team Building, Goal Setting, Customer focus, and Values. I'll stray away from the why for now and focus more on the definitions. The why's is such a larger topic of discussion and can lead to discussions regarding legal issues. If you keep your context of being a manager to someone committed to the success of their organization, you'll avoid most issues related to poor people management.

As a manager your communications become very important as you want to encourage discussions that are open and productive. For example, when issues arise within your team, are you open to listening? Or do you blame the messenger? Can you see a deeper commitment of the message and not just the message itself? Are you able to share information that your direct reports need to do their jobs and help them to understand how your division or group contribute to the company's overall success? Do you avoid sharing unpopular news?

As a manager, you become the advocate and supporter of your team's development. This aids not only in achieving your immediate team goals, but also in providing the company a talent pipeline such that your team can move on to other roles that the company needs and provides your team a pathway for career success and their potential. You will want to show sincere interest in your direct's career by not only creating opportunities within their current role, but giving them challenging opportunities. If a training and development opportunities comes up like a conference or an outside program, can you support your direct's time away from work?

As a manager, you will definitely work with different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Respecting diversity will only help to make you a better manager and ambassador for your group. What it looks like is you considering points of view that are contrary to your own and leveraging those strengths and differences. When you have a diverse group of people working for you, then you have additional skills and inputs to get your job done.

As a manager, you are not only concerned for yourself, but for your group and so team building becomes more of your focus. You'll need to be vigilant on the status of your group's integrity and morale. You'll be now seen as a leader. (Of course, you can lead also as an individual contributor.) You'll be required to inspire your team to achieve business results, effectively as opposed to burning out your team. You'll also be asked to remove obstacles and roadblocks while placing your own needs after the groups.

As a manager, you are setting the bar for your organization. This is called goal setting. Can you set, prioritize and communicate realistic and achievable goals? Do you have conversations with your group on where they are at on meeting their goals?

As a manager, you get customers as part of your added responsibilities so you'll need to take action on customer feedback demonstrating your focus on keeping your relationships positive. Sharing customer feedback with your team is also something you need to take into consideration.

Last, but not least, as a manager, whether it's integrity, operational excellence, and customer focus you are responsible for having your team be aligned to the values set at your company.

In summary, being a manager takes alot of preparation and people skills and developing these skills takes time and investment on your part.

Having read this, do you see actions you can take today that tomorrow will lead you one step closer to being a manager?

And if you're wondering about what happened to my manager who I gave feedback. Today, she is now a Sr. Executive and is very successful.

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

What would you do if you couldn't fail?

2010-09-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

House of Hong Restaurant, Seattle - This was the question I asked at a recently held Women of Power Luncheon hosted by Assunta Ng, Publisher of the NW Asian Weekly and Seattle Chinese Post newspapers. Before I get to the answer of that question, though, let me first tell you that this luncheon, now in its third year, benefits one of NAAAP Seattle's partners, the Executive Development Institute (EDI). Twelve lucky auction winners from EDI's Inclusion Fusion held earlier this year got to lunch with some very powerful women. In fact, I had the privilege and pleasure of being seated at one of the tables. I'll introduce them one by one as I go through their stories.

Women of Power Luncheon (l to r) Martha Choe, Donna Giordano, Grace Chien, and Amelia Ransom Letcher (Not pictured: Sandra Madrid)

As the food arrived, Donna Giordano, President of the Quality Food Centers (QFC), shared what she thought were her keys to success(es); that was:

to listen and learn from others;
to take any job offered as it would lead people to know that you're the obvious choice when opportunities arose;
to know you are in the driver's seat of your career;
to know and articulate your value; and most of all,
to have a positive attitude as this will assist you in achieving results, both at home and at work.

Next, the top Girl Scout or CEO, Grace Chien, made a point to stand firm with your commitments and define successes and failures in relation to these.

Martha Choe, Chief Administrative Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and also a 2010 NAAAP100 recipient, talked not only about change, but about having it be sustained and lasting. She talked about how important it is to building lasting and effective relationships and used the term, "total leadership", when addressing one's well-being: mind, body and soul. Said another way, "When you're health isn't well, neither is your leadership."

When addressing work life-balance, "there is no perfect balance and it's a matter of balancing daily or weekly based on what is important to you. Put another way, if you are on your death bed, would you regret having gone to one more meeting?"

(l to r) Sandra Madrid, Carol Butterfield and Sandi Heddington

Now, Amelia Ransom Letcher, VP Corp Diversity Affairs at Nordstrom, rallied around people first and effective communication. Can you imagine the power in having people believe flowers grow in concrete? Getting to this level of effectiveness can help you become very influential.

Sandra Madrid, Sr. Advisor to the Dean, UW, shared a story about her own career transition. She was let go from the UW after 20 years of service. Her main point was to be part of a community because no one can do it by themselves. It was with the community's support that she got her job back at the UW.

As by now, I'm guessing you want to know what they said when asked, "what would you do if you couldn't fail?" I asked this question because throughout our careers we face fear and indecision and having gone through this themselves, they would give really good insight. Well, in short, the answer was not surprising. To paraphrase what each one of them said, "I would do anything".

Given that we're already on the topic of powerful women, I would like now to take a moment to let you know about the Women in NAAAP! program, which is our own program created and developed to build competent and confident women leaders within NAAAP and within the Asian Pacific community. If you don't already know about it, you can visit our website.

Special thanks to Char Grinolds of EDI and Assunta Ng, Publisher of NW Asian Weekly and the Chinese Seattle Post newspapers for creating a great meeting.

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle

President

Where are they now? Andy Yip, NAAAP Seattle President 2007-2008

2010-09-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

My name is Andy Yip, President for the National Association of Asian American Professionals – Seattle Chapter from 2007 to 2008. I am a registered principal at my firm Raymond James, with a focus on estate planning and investment portfolio management. In my past careers, I have led numerous leadership positions including being the state manager for Prudential Financial. In 2007, we were the number one firm for Prudential in the entire nation. After much hard work and teamwork in achieving that, I became independent and had my own operation in Mercer Island, WA with my business partner.

NAAAP-Seattle gave me the opportunity to get in touch with the Asian American community and since then, I have gone on to serve many other community organizations, such as:

Interim Executive Director, International Community Health Services Foundation
President, Hong Kong Association of Washington
Acting President, International Examiner
Vice President, Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Treasurer, Newcastle Chamber of Commerce (2009)
Advisor, Collaborative Artists EastWest

Being on the board of an active organization also broadened my network, I was able to meet many young professionals that are passionate about their communities; found many mentors that have been where I was and formed many valuable relationship with key personnel across various industries.

It is exciting to see many new leaders are taking the lead at NAAAP-Seattle now, and I am proud to continue serving as a member of the Executive Advisory Board of NAAAP-Seattle, having input on the direction of the organization, and continue to bring resources to foster the next generation of leaders.

To those that are still on the fence of deciding whether to become part of this great organization, just know that NAAAP-Seattle leaders are all about giving back to the community while elevating their professionalism in their own career path. You will find many excellent mentors, great friends, fun activities, and top notch training.

i work, i play, i NAAAP!

Regards,
Andy Yip
NAAAP Seattle President 2007-2008

Career Transitions panel emphasized: Make your “someday, I’ll do this…” to “everyday, I'll do this…”

2010-09-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Over seventy people attended the “Career Transitions” panel on September 8 at the Seattle Design Center. State Farm Insurance sponsored the event and they worked with NAAAP-Seattle, NSHMBA, and National Black MBA Association to organize it. The panel was followed by professional resume reviews.

The panelists included: Albert Torres, CEO and publisher of Tu Decides Newspapers; Ted Yamamura, Regional Director at the Boeing Company; Jeffrey Taylor, State Farm Insurance Agent; and Norman Sigler, who has his own executive search and coaching firm.

The panelists represented a wide range of experiences.

Torres described growing up as a migrant farm laborer to working at Microsoft as a computer science engineer and then establishing Washington’s first bilingual Spanish-English newspaper with his wife and a group of investors.

“The only thing we regret is not having done it earlier,” said Torres. “We have this phrase, ‘someday, I’ll do this…’. Find something you love so that you can make your ‘someday’ an ‘everyday.’ It’s not where the dream takes you, but where you take the dream.”

Taylor grew up in Illinois, home to State Farm Insurance headquarters. He started his 23-year career with the company as a college intern and climbed the corporate ranks.

He was being relocated every few years between headquarters and the regional offices until he realized he wanted to plant his roots in one place and be connected to his community. That is when he decided to become a State Farm insurance agent himself. He owns an agency in Columbia City.

“Instead of asking ‘what do I want to do,’ you should describe your ideal work setting,” said Taylor. “When you do that, you’ll know your passion.”

Ted Yamamura started at the Boeing Company 30 years ago as an engineer; 15 years later, he moved to sales. For those who want to make a transition and move up in their companies, Yamamura stressed the importance of networking and personal branding.

“To be successful, networking is 70% and work is 30%,” said Yamamura. “If people don’t know you did it, it doesn’t matter if you did the work.”

Yamamura is a former NAAAP-Seattle President and the co-founder of the Executive Development Institute.

Like Torres and Taylor, Sigler decided to become an entrepreneur after years of working in corporate America. Today, he runs his own successful executive search firm.

Sigler said those considering career transitions should maximize their previous experience as they strategize the next step in their professional life.

“You have to know the business in order to help your clients and understand what they need,” said Sigler. “I went from working in corporations to finding executives for corporations.”

Audience member Toni Thomas said the panelists “knew how to answer audience’s questions and gave real answers.”

She said her take-home lesson was, “When you have a passion, you have to ask questions of yourself. You have to move on that passion and just do it. If you can’t answer the questions, just look for help. There are many opportunities for support and follow through.”

This event marked the first time this year NAAAP-Seattle partnered with the National Association of Black MBAs and the third time it has partnered with NSHMBA.

Thomas added she was impressed by the diversity of the audience.

Claims agent Emma Molinar said State Farm Insurance sponsored the event not only to potentially recruit those interested in starting their own agencies, but to also show “State Farm supports diversity, and that we reach out to diverse communities.”

For first-time attendee to a NAAAP-Seattle event, Shinichi Ogawa noted, “It’s great to see Asians step out and intermix more. It’s a great mix of cultures.”

Attendees also had ample time to network.

“I’m excited to meet both young professional and seasoned professionals to get their advice,” said Joshua Wei, a recent college graduate.

“I came because the topics look interesting, but I’m surprised by how friendly people are and how easy it has been to meet new people,” said Robert Ng, an engineer at Boeing and a first-time NAAAP-Seattle event attendee.

For more information on the NAAAP-Seattle Professional Development events and program, please contact NAAAP-Seattle Professional Development Chair Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org

Photos: (top, front left to right) Norman Sigler, Jeffrey Taylor, Ted Yamamura, Albert Torres, Stephanie Jordan; (center) audience; (bottom) Shinichi Ogawa and Joshua Wei.

Leaving a Mark on the University of Washington (UW)

2010-09-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mark Emmert after six years of having been the University of Washington President has accepted the honorable position of President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). In a farewell event at Kane Hall last week, many acknowleged his contributions to the history of the university. He is leaving the University of Washington having many achievements including creating new colleges: the UW College of the Environment and the Department of Global Health, which was done in collaboration with the School of Medicine and the School of Public Health and with tremendous support from the Gates Foundation.

In words said at this event, President Emmert built a diverse administration based on merit and knowledge-based perspectives. In addition, his focus on social justice and responsibility led to the Long Journey Home event, in which Nikkei graduates of 1941-1942, who had been denied the opportunity to complete their higher-education at the UW during World War II, were honored with degrees . This also served as an opportunity to recognize present and future generations of Japanese Americans and more broadly the Asian American community. The University of Washington was the first university to advocate providing honorary degrees to the Nikkei graduates of 1941-1942. Other universities, such as Berkeley, have since followed the leadership of the UW. (Note: You can read more about Japansese American history at Densho)

Phyllis Wise will take on the role as President of the University of Washington. It's definitely a first, since she will be the first Asian American woman to hold the position. His wife, DeLaine, accomplished herself, will be leaving with Mark after having made contributions to the community in terms of environmental sustainability and wildlife preservation.

Congratulations to Mark, DeLaine and Phyllis on their new roles.

Thanks to the University of Washington, the Executive Development Institute, and UnionBank for organizing the program. Special thanks to community leaders Ted Yamamura, a former NAAAP Seattle President, Diane Adachi, Dr. Testu Kashima, Dennis Yamashita, and Dr. Phyllis Wise for their speeches.

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

Volunteers take pride in helping keep the International District clean

2010-09-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

August 29, 10am--a team of 17 NAAAP-Seattle volunteers hit the streets to clean the organization’s adopted streets. Their efforts were especially needed because the International District Night Market took place the night before.

NAAAP-Seattle have adopted King and Jackson streets, between 5th and 12th Avenues, under City of Seattle-Seattle Public Utilities’ Adopt-A-Street Program. Every few months, Community Service Chair David Eam organizes volunteers to clean up the streets.

Eam said, “We wish to keep the streets clean to make the ID experience more enjoyable.”

Those walking by thanked the cleaning crews as they picked their way down King St. and Jackson St. Although many businesses do take the time to clean the streets, the ID accumulates a lot of litter because of the high number of transients and careless litterers.

Former NAAAP-Seattle President Ki Kim and current NAAAP-Seattle Vice-President Jen Phang were among the volunteers. The volunteers included: David Eam, Heng Sun, Lily Liao, Ki Kim, Jen Phang, Katie Phan, Andrew Liu, Jimmy Wong, Mikii Liu, Keith Couilliard, Sherwin Tsao, Ron Warkentin, Homan Leung, Amy Hsieh, and Angela Phan.

Of the 17 volunteers, nine were first-time NAAAP-Seattle volunteers.

Although Jimmy Wong has attended NAAAP-Seattle social events, the ID Clean-up was his first time participating in NAAAP-Seattle’s Community Service program.

Wong said, “I wanted to participate because I wanted to give back to my community and to join and help out some close friends who are passionate in helping others out.”

It made him appreciate the service NAAAP-Seattle provides to the community.

“The ID Cleanup event was a very needed event,” said Wong. “King Street from 12th Ave to 5th Ave was very dirty.”

First-time volunteers said they would get their hands dirty again to help out their community.

“I would like to volunteer again, it was great event,” Wong added. “The people that you volunteer with makes the event enjoyable.”

Another first-time volunteer, Katie Phan, said, “The event was so much fun. It was a great experience and I'm so happy I did it.”

“It was a great opportunity to help clean up Seattle and meet new people,” said Phan. “I enjoy volunteering, and I wanted to give back to the community, and meet other volunteers. I would like to volunteer again. Not only did I enjoy volunteering but it was nice that so many people stopped and thanked us for our hard work.”

The fun didn’t stop with picking up garbage though. The majority of volunteers continued to socialize over dim sum in the neighborhood. They washed their hands before eating.

Want to participate or lead a community service project? Contact David Eam at david.eam@naaapseattle.org.

Take me out to the ballgame,...buy me some Wasabi Sesame Popcorn

2010-09-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

In lieu of its usual monthly mixer for September, NAAAP-Seattle organized an outing to Safeco Field to watch the Mariners play the Los Angeles Angels on the Mariners’ Asian American Heritage Night on September 1.

According to Mariners’ Director of Public Information Rebecca Hale, NAAAP-Seattle was one of six organizations that evening to help the Mariners sell the special Asian Heritage Night tickets.

Asian Heritage Night’s major sponsors include Gobo Enterprises, General Biodiesel, and Mulvanny G2.

“We find this event to be a great way to connect with different segments of our community,” said Hale. “We have a strong, direct connection with the local Asian community.”

NAAAP-Seattle sold 34 tickets. For every $16 Mariners ticket sold through NAAAP-Seattle, $8 went to benefit two local non-profits that serve Asian elders, Nikkei Concerns and Kin On. Hale said that $3,208 of the proceeds from ticket sales went to the two non-profit organizations.

The Mariners awarded NAAAP-Seattle for its marketing efforts by flashing on the reader board “National Association of Asian American Professionals-Seattle” at the bottom of the fourth inning.

Of the people who bought tickets through NAAAP-Seattle, a number were newcomers to NAAAP-Seattle.

Sandi Lin said she receives the NAAAP-Seattle weekly e-newsletter, but this was her first time attending a NAAAP-Seattle event.

“The baseball game seemed like an informal way to meet people and it was a fun activity,” said Lin. “I liked that it was on a weekday because weekends can be inconvenient for me.”

For some of the game-goers, the event marked their first ever baseball game.

“I probably wouldn’t have gone to a Mariners game if NAAAP hadn’t organized it,” said C.M. Chin, who has been attending NAAAP-Seattle events for two years.

“It’s a great way to celebrate APA Heritage,” added Chin.

NAAAP-Seattle also awarded two tickets to Leigh Momii for answering “Who was the first Asian to play for the Mariners” on a NAAAP-Seattle Twitter contest.
Momii said she follows the NAAAP-Seattle Twitter so “that I can be up-to-date on the latest NAAAP news and activities in the most efficient way.”

How did Momii know the answer was Mac Suzuki?

“I knew the answer to the quiz question because I am huge sports fanatic and I love my home teams!” said Momii.

As an added treat for the NAAAP-Seattle game-goers, resident celebrity chef Tanantha Couilliard of I Just Love My Apron fame prepared a NAAAP-Seattle exclusive snack: Wasabi Sesame popcorn.

Although the Mariners lost to the Los Angeles Angels 2-4, the NAAAP-Seattle attendees were already having too much of a ball to be disappointed.

Avid baseball fan Karen Lin, said, “It was fun to go with a big group. I just like watching baseball.”

To see more photos from the game, please visit NAAAP-Seattle on Facebook. For more information on NAAAP-Seattle social events or to help out, please email Social Chair Heidi Yan at heidihanyu@gmail.com.

Photos: (top) Gene Liang, Sandi Lin, and C. M. Chan; (middle) NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair David Eam and Karen Lin enjoyed the “Wasabi Sesame popcorn”; (bottom) NAAAP-Seattle flashed on the Mariners’ Reader board.

31st Annual Leadership and Scholarship Gala: A masquer-Asian Ball

2010-08-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

2010 Leadership Community Picnic a success

2010-08-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 21, 2010, approximately 350 people came to the 2010 Leadership Community Picnic, held at Lake Boren Park, Newcastle.

The Executive Development Institute (EDI) led the Asian Pacific Alliance, comprised of ten organizations that serve Asian Americans in the Greater Seattle area, in planning for the picnic.

NAAAP-Seattle members who served on the planning committee included: Tanantha Couillaird, Vanessa Diego, David Eam, Wai Yin Ho, Elaine Kitamura, Julie Pham, and Andy Yip.

The 20-member committee began planning for this year’s picnic back in January. Over fifty volunteers helped set up games, including dodge ball and volleyball; man information booths; and pass out lunches. Picnickers enjoyed gourmet Vietnamese-style sandwiches from Baguette Box and dessert from Monsoon Restaurant.

“This has been the best APA picnic in my recent memory. My hat is going off to the leaders and all volunteers involved,” said Jiin-chiang Chen, who represented Boeing Asian-American Professional Association (BAAPA) on the picnic planning committee.
Ador Yano and Marie Chow served as the Co-Chairs of the Leadership Community Picnic planning committee.

"The planning team greatly appreciates the financial sponsorship of Microsoft, Prudential, T-Mobile, and Puget Sound Energy. They helped make this community event possible. I also am honored to have worked with representatives from our Asian Pacific Alliance partners. It’s been a lot of fun working with this group for months, and Saturday’s event would not have been possible without their energy and passion for leadership,” said Yano, EDI board member and EDI alumnus 2004.

At the event, over a dozen organizations and companies set up informational booths that also had games and activities for children.

Vivian Nguyen helped kids decorate cupcakes.

"As a first-time volunteer, I enjoyed seeing how NAAAP comes together socially with other leadership groups and meeting new people from all kinds of local organizations," said Nguyen, a volunteer recruited through NAAAP-Seattle.

Washington State Senator 41st District Randy Gordon and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara also came to mingle with picnickers.

Many picnickers commented on how organized the event was.

“The food was fantastic, the games were fun, and the booths were informative,” said Daniel Jo, a current EDI student. “I think the picnic was well organized and everyone seemed to have fun; singles, family’s, kids, adults….it was great.”

For more information on the picnic, please visit www.leadershipcommunity.org. For more photos, please visit NAAAP-Seattle on Facebook.

Photos by Jiin-chiang Chen: (top) Anne Boornjaren manning the NAAAP-Seattle table;(middle) the 2010 Leadership Community Picnic planning committee; (bottom) a watermelon eating contest was one of many activities planned for children at the 2010Leadership Community Picnic.

Women in NAAAP (WIN)! at the 2010 Convention

2010-08-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

WIN! IBC on the Macy's Reception Red Carpet. (l to r) Natalie Fong-Yee (Toronto), Natalie Victoria (Atlanta), Diane Nguyen (Orange County), Sarah Hawk (Atlanta), Judi Rhee Alloway (New York), Sheila Sun (New York) and Gil Gido (Seattle) (Not pictured: Parita Patel (Chicago) and Eric Kalinka (Seattle))

The International Board Committee (IBC) of Women in NAAAP makes due on its promise with a new framework at the 2010 NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's. For the first time appearing at the Convention, a WIN! track was delivered. It was a full day track aimed at serving and educating attendees on women's issues in the workplace: work/life balance (integration), enhanced communication, and business strategies.

Session                  Speaker
09:00 - 10:20 am    The Power of the Word - Part 1 with Mable Yee
                              (Engage Her, Inc)
10:30 - 12:00 pm    Public Speaking: The Power of the Word -Part 2
                              with Angela Oh
12:00 - 01:30 pm   Saturday Lunch & Keynote - Highlighting Women
                              In NAAAP! with Betty Lo (Coca-cola Company)
01:40 - 03:00 pm    Work/Life Balance Panel (Sponsored by Macy's)
03:10 - 04:30 pm    Luminaries in Business and Journalism (Sponsored
                               by Wells Fargo)

Women in NAAAP (aka WIN!) is a special program created and developed to build competent and confident women leaders within NAAAP and within the Asian Pacific community.

WIN!’s overall objectives include:

1. Equip Asian women with skills, confidence, and resources to effectively lead in a multicultural environment.
2. Connect Asian leaders to role models and create a mentoring network.
3. Empower Asian women and educate about challenging perceptions.
4. Engage with the community at large and represent Asian women across the world.
5. Inspire Asian women to a make meaningful difference in government, education, business, and society.

Stay connected with the IBC and other followers at:

Facebook - Group http://bit.ly/WINFBGroup1
Facebook - Fan http://bit.ly/WINFBFan1
LinkedIn http://bit.ly/WINLinkedIn
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/WomeninNAAAP
NING http://social.womeninnaaap.org/
Website http://www.naaap.org/Programs/WomenInNAAAP.aspx

Please send your questions or ideas to ibc@womeninnaaap.org. We'd love to hear from you.

Mable Yee (CEO, Engage Her) with the WIN! IBC kicking off the WIN! Convention Track.

Angela Oh receiving her speaking gift from WIN! Social Media Director and NAAAP Seattle President, Gil Gido

"The Power Grid" - An EDI Leadership Navigation session

2010-08-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Federal Way, Wa - At the Weyerhauser Headquarters last friday, Executive Development Institute (EDI)Leadership Navigation program participants met for its 7th session entitled Gamesmanship: Knowing Your Field of Play and How to Create Wins and learn from executive mentors on organizational politics. (Note: the Leadership navigation program is for mid- to senior level professionals having displayed managerial, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.)

I had the privilege of sitting in and taking part in the discussions. The session's distinguished executive mentors included George S Kikuchi (US Postal Service Executive, retired); John Okamoto (Executive Director, Washington Education Association); Jenette Ramos (Director, Business Operations, Fabrication; Boeing Commercial Airplanes); and Marvin (Ray) Risco (Vice President of International Operations at Weyerhauser).

What I learned was that organizational politics are as old as the history of business. This session looked at the role of power and politics within organizations.

I widened my awareness, gained a better understanding and tools needed to be able to assess the relevant “rules of the Game” and developed effective strategies and skills to succeed in any organization. More importantly, I wanted to be a much more skillful player. For example, George mentioned to gain power yourself, you need to start with yourself, expand your circle of influence, and be aware when power is granted to you because identifying the invisible power grid underlying the field of organizational dynamics allows us to appreciate what’s really happening versus what we hear or see taking place. Knowing this gave me, I think, a significant strategic advantage in being able to influence decisions, move projects along and close critical deals.

I want to thank EDI's Executive Director, Starr MacDonald and session facilitator, Colleen Yamaguchi for granting me this privilege. Thanks!

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

A Noble Profession

2010-08-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

I returned to Seattle after the Convention last Wednesday at 4pm and with my roller luggage I shuttled off to the Seatac Mariott across the street to where the State Farm Agency Information session was being held and was just about to start. I have known about these sessions but due to my schedule, I haven't been able to attend until now. It's quite different than what I expected and I am so glad that I went. First and foremost, this event was strictly a business opportunity information session; that is, an event providing information to start an agency in which attendees are introduced to the selection and training process.

What you'll learn at an agency information session (the facts):

There are 17000 independent contract agents in the U.S.
Largest insurer of autos and homes in the U.S.
Over 93 insurance and financial services products to offer clients
State Farm Insurance is A Fortune Top 50 Company
Being an agent is a fantastic small business opportunity involving:

Building relationships in the community
Client centered sales and marketing activities
Leading and motivating people
Being the CEO of a small business and dictating your financial worth
More at the State Farm website.

What you'll experience:

Real agents sharing their experiences
Making State Farm executive connections

What they are looking for in individuals:

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Relationship building
Sales ability
Leadership Skills
History of success
High integrity
Self driven and self motivated
Risk tolerant
Competitiveness
Financial wherewithal and credit worthiness

With that, our next professional development event is on Wednesday, September 8th from 6-9 pm at the Seattle Design Center. We are partnering up with NHSMBA, NBMBAA and State Farm to discuss career transitions with a panel of speakers from various professions and to perform resume reviews. Click here to register.

Event details: http://seattle.naaap.org/Events.do?id=8338

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

NAAAP100: Dr. Qi Lu, President Microsoft's Online Services Division

2010-08-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dr. Qi Lu: Leading Through Inspiration

by Tammy K. Dang

Dr. Qi Lu once thought that he would go work for a radio factory after studying computer science. That plan didn't work out the way he thought it would because today, he serves as President of Microsoft's Online Services Division, leading the company's search and online advertising efforts.

Dr. Lu's path to leading a division of one of America's most storied companies reads like a Horatio Alger novel ---with this one spanning two continents and a chance encounter with a Carnegie Mellon professor that would eventually lead him to Microsoft Corporation. During China's cultural Revolution, Dr. Lu's parents sent him away from Shanghai to live with his grandfather in a tiny province in Jiangsu to escape persecution. He lived 5 hours away from them with no plumbing or electricity.

"In retrospect, it was a blessing in disguise," Dr. Lu said regarding the circumstances in which he spent his youth. "It taught you to work hard to earn everything." During difficult times, the government rationed food. Families in the village had to figure out a way to eat for three months out of the year.

Village life also taught Dr. Lu about learning and cultural values. "Village life carries thousands of years of Confucianism," he said. Usually, there was only one teacher in a village who had the respect of everyone. If the teacher came to your house to eat, you would treat him like a king.

Dr. Lu grew up idolizing Ludwig van Beethovan, the German composer and pianist, who despite losing his hearing, continued to compose music. "He symbolizes spiritual adversity as life is about overcoming obstacles," Dr. Lu said. When he was old enough, Dr. Lu passed an exam to attend college. Due to his physical limitations of being too small and light, he had a choice of studying mathematics or computer science. With a mathematics degree, he was told he could become a middle school teacher. With a computer science degree, he was told he could work at a radio factory, which sounded much more interesting.

His chance encounter came when he reluctantly attended the lecture of a computer science professor named Dr. Edmund Clark. By this time, Dr. Lu had earned a master's of science in the computer science field from Fudan University. He asked some impressive questions, which prompted Dr. Clark to offer him a scholarship to earn his doctorate at Carnegie Mellon.

Dr. Lu then worked as a research staff member at IBM's Almaden Research Center and Carnegie Mellon. He also served as a faculty member at Fudan University. He then went on to spend 10 years as a Yahoo! senior executive and finally on to Microsoft. He also holds 20 U.S. patents.

According to Dr. Lu, the Chinese tradition of being humble and respectful has been helpful in helping him get to where he is today. Other factors were also involved, but he points out one key element. "Chances favor the prepared mind," he said. A prepared mind helps you see the right bus so that you can jump on it.

In terms of leadership, a distinguishing factor between a great leader versus a good leader is the ability to inspire. Dr. Lu tries to inspire those who follow him. "When you have hope, you can move mountains," he said. "When a leaders inspires, people perform differently."

Dr. Lu feels blessed to work in the computer industry. "Computing is a general purpose enabler," he said. "It makes anything better."

###

Check out all of the 2010 NAAAP100 Recipients:
http://seattle.naaap.org/News.do?id=1796

View the NAAAP100 Award Ceremony sponsored by the Coca-cola Company
http://vimeo.com/14162327

NAAAP100: Martha Choe, CAO Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

2010-08-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Martha Choe: Leadership Success Through Learning

by Shirley Chin

Martha Choe is the current Chief Administrative Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is no stranger to learning and the success it brings. She began her career as a high school teacher in Eugene, Oregon. The teaching position helped her create a solid foundation for the future positions she would hold. "If you are a great learner and possess people skills, then you will have the necessary tools to be successul in any industry," she said. With her people skills and desire to be a lifelong learner, Ms. Choe has been able to transition into leadership roles in various industries.

One of her jobs was serving as Vice President at the Bank of California Credit Administration for ten years. After seeking a desire for change from the bank, Ms. Choe embarked on a career in public service. She served two four-year terms on the Seattle City Council. During her tenure she oversaw important issues by working on the transportation, economic development and finance committees. She has also served as the Director of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. Ms. Choe has provided leadership for sustainable job growth throughout the state of Washington.

Ms. Choe believes that there are many steps that need to be taken in order to be an effective leader. Those steps include having the courage to take risks and handling failure in a positive manner. Cultivating and motivating your staff towards achieving a goal is another step. "Creating a vision and clearly articulating to a team to rally suport and success is important," she said.

Through her work at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ms. Choe has been able to foster a team environment that encourages cross collaboration to find effective solutions. This can vary from complex research studies to local education initiatives for children. "I was drawn to the mission that focuses on every person having an opportunity to live a healthy productive life and our underlying belief that all lives have equal value," she commented. The foundation's primary mission is to help people live healthy and productive lives. The work includes helping individuals in developing countries to improve health conditions and work towards self-sufficiency. In the United States, this involves helping individuals that have limited resources gain the assistance that they need.

Martha received her bachelor's degree in speech and ethnic studes from the University of Washington and master's in business administration from Seattle University.

###

View the NAAAP100 Award Ceremony sponsored by the Coca-cola Company
http://vimeo.com/14162327

Discover all of NAAAP100 recipients at the soon to be launched Asian Leaders online magazine:
http://www.naaapasianleaders.org/

Highlights from the 2010 Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's

2010-08-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

If you missed the 2010 NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's, or just want to experience the excitement again, you can watch keynote addresses and session recordings. See for yourself how NAAAP is delivering on its core mission about building leaders and understand about NAAAP's core benefits. Thanks to the convention team and host chapter, NAAAP San Francisco for a great event and we look forward to the 25th Annual Convention being held in Boston, MA.

Congratulations to the Toronto Chapter led by Ben Hum for being named Chapter of the Year, the Connecticut Chapter led by Heang Tan for being named Venture of the Year, Erika Sanchez of Seattle University for being named as a recipient of a $3000 Verizon Scholarship and lastly, we're also excited to have two local leaders exemplifying our vision and mission be recognized with the NAAAP 100 Program: Martha Choe (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) and Dr. Qi Lu (Microsoft Corporation). And for the first time at a NAAAP Convention, there was a Women in NAAAP! track featuring Mable Yee (Engage Her, Inc) and Angela Oh (Western Justice Center Foundation).

Most importantly, Brad Baldia was re-elected as NAAAP National President for another 2-year commitment. Congratulations, Brad!

Keynote(s):

A. Leon Edward Panetta
19th Director of Central Intelligence Agency

2010 NAAAP Convention Keynote - Leon Panetta, CIA Director from John 8Asians on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/14160597

B. John Chen, NAAAP Keynote 2010
CEO and President of Sybase

8Asians.com: John Chen, NAAAP Keynote 2010 from John 8Asians on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/14134411

Event(s):

A. NAAAP 100 Recipients for 2010

NAAAP is a leadership development organization that provides a broad range of professional and education services. It is only fitting then, that NAAAP recognizes leaders who exemplify our vision and mission. NAAAP is paying tribute to these leaders with the NAAAP 100 Program.

2010 NAAAP 100 Award Winners from John 8Asians on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/14162327

B. 2010 NAAAP Ever Made Image Fashion Show

2010 NAAAP Ever Made Image Fashion Show from John 8Asians on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/14161848

C. John Ki, Korean Canadian Comedian

8Asians.com: 2010 NAAAP - John Ki, Comedian from John 8Asians on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/14134815
Videos courtesy of 8Asians: http://www.8asians.com/about-us/

2010 National Convention - San Francisco

2010-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

(Top) Richard Lui (HLN and MSNBC); Palace Hotel (Second row from top) "The Language of Innovation" Comcast (Third row from top) National Board Meeting; Comcast panel (Bottom) NAAAP Seattle; Garden Court at the Palace Hotel

Where are they now? Albert Shen, NAAAP President 1996 - 1997

2010-08-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Albert Shen, Exec. Advisor to NAAAP Seattle

My name is Albert Shen and I am the owner/founder of Shen Consulting, a small engineering company specializing in project/construction management and engineering services in the aviation and transportation services market. In 2009 Shen Consulting was awarded the City of Seattle Mayors’ Small Business of the Year Award.

I served as NAAAP National President 1996-1997, NAAAP National Convention Co Chair in 1998 and NAAAP Seattle President in 1999. Since my days at NAAAP I have gone on to serve with many diverse boards in the community. Including running my own business (Shen Consulting, Inc.) I serve as:

* The Council Chair for the Seattle Chinatown International District and Preservation and Development Authority (SCIPDA)
* Board member of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
* Commissioner for Washington State Commission on Asian and Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)
* Board President of the NW Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans Political Action Committee

My NAAAP experiences opened up many new networking opportunities and friendships nationwide and to this day, I still stay in contact with some of the great people I worked with. Having served in numerous leadership positions at the national and local level, those experiences enabled me to develop skills that translate to where I am today. The experience gave me many opportunities for public speaking, which is one thing many Asian-Americans absolutely dread and more importantly gave me the foundation in developing skills in governing a board of directors and fundraising skills for non-profits. These 3 fundamental skills are what every Asian American professional should have in their own resume if they hope to develop their careers in this more globally competitive modern work environment.

In addition I have been actively involved with local and national level politics in both fundraising and advocacy for economic development. Thru my political activities I have been able to meet many of our political leaders and have exchanged many ideas to better the livelihood for all Asian Americans. Politics is often a feared word when it comes to Asian American professional advancement and we often forget that politics is just as and perhaps even more important for Asian Americans and NAAAP. From my days on the board, I can remember many of the executive board members who were elected officials from my days and were always encouraging NAAAP to be more politically aware of the issues impacting Asian Americans.

Overall, there were many lessons that I learned during my countless days at NAAAP however the one lesson that stands out for me that I will always remember from all the NAAAP people I met is that: All our parents, no matter where they came from, immigrated here to the United States so that our generation can build a better life for ourselves. Because of their sacrifice it is our responsibility to be generous to others and always give back to our community so that what they started will never be lost and we must never lose our cultural identity.

With that, I am excited about this new generation and we get another opportunity to come together at the 24th Annual Gateway to Leadership Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's. I'll be attending and hope to meet you.

Regards,
Albert Shen
National Association of Asian American Professionals
President 1996-1997
NAAAP Seattle President 1999

Being a NAAAP Board Member: 2010 Social Chair, Jenny Xu

2010-08-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Being a NAAAP Board member is a great opportunity for building skills that will make you successful. We took some time to sit down with Jenny Xu, NAAAP Seattle's Social Chair who served on the Board of Directors through last June.

1) What did you like most about being NAAAP-Seattle Social Chair?
I built a great network of friends through NAAAP-Seattle and becoming Social Chair really helped me give back to a community that has given so much to me. I loved setting up different venues where people can get to know each other, have fun, and support a great organization.

2) How did this experience help you with your career development?
The Social Chair position allowed me to hone my leadership skills outside of work, such as managing the social committee, leading the individual events, participating in strategic decisions for the organziation, and working with a great team of successful and diverse board members. Demonstrating leadership inside and outside of work was a key factor that helped me get into business school.

On that note, our August social event was held at the Bellevue Grille in Bellevue, Wa last Friday. Members and non-members alike came together after a long week of working and shared in the fun of meeting new people.

It was standing room only at the Bellevue Grill at the NAAAP August mixer.

NAAAP Board members, Claire Ding and Vivian Hauer, welcoming mixers.

Links:

Pathways to leadership: http://gilgido.blogspot.com/2010/06/pathways-to-leadership.html
NAAAP Board descriptions: http://seattle.naaap.org/pages/_board_desc.jsp
Board Openings: http://seattle.naaap.org/News.do?id=1790

NAAAP Seattle Board

Want to know the secrets for success? Entrepreneurial equations

2010-07-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Aside from NAAAP-Seattle, NSHMBA, Tutta Bella, Chen Communications also helped organized this panel.

Want to see more photos from this event? Join NAAAP-Seattle on Facebook.

Some fifty entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those who just wanted to be inspired squeezed into the back room of Tutta Bella on Stone Way on July 29 for NAAAP-Seattle’s second collaborative event with the National Society of Hispanic MBAS this year, which was entitled, "Entrepreneur Panel, Secrets of our Successes."

The three guest panelists who founded their own companies included Murthy Kalkura "MK" of 4AM Corp; Rachel Valdez of 16 Copenhagen; and Beto Yarce of Cinti Fine Mexican Jewelry. The session was moderated by NAAAP-Seattle President Gil Gido, who also has his own company, Ulysses' Social Media.

For an hour, the panelists shared their secrets and stories with the attentive audience. Before starting their own business, they had all worked in the corporate world.

Yarce came to Seattle from Guadalajara, Mexico seven years ago. One day at Westlake Center, he passed by Something Silver jewelry store and thought, "I can make jewelry too!"

He asked his mother to send him silver and beads from Mexico and he began to sell his jewelry to his co-workers at the restaurant where he worked as a bus boy.

Yarce's parents were visiting from Mexico and sat in the front row. And Yarce also now sells his jewelry wholesale to Something Silver.

Valdez said that she started her own full-service design agency after decades working in the corporate world because she wanted to spend more time with her family and her relationships.

Because Valdez is responsible for all the creative, financial, and technical strategy for her company, sometimes running a business can get stressful.

"My own mental state can be measured like a speedometer," said Valdez. "On one end, there's possibility and on the other end, there's panic. Sometimes when you feel like you in panic mode, you have to conscientiously work yourself back to possibility."

Kalkura also said he decided to started his own company because he wanted to be there to see his last child grow up. The very name of his company reflects his dedication to his family: four members have names that start with the letter "A" and his name starts with the letter, which together forms "4AM."

Kalkura, who has a degree in chemistry, said, "I like to think of things in terms of equations."

"The key to your personal success is very simple," said Kalkura. "There are three 'N's": Niche + Network = Network."

He advised everyone to get "Linked In" with each other by the end of the evening, because "you never know where you'll get business from."

The entrepreneurs also talked about how they manage their own team of employees.

"I try to encourage a fun atmosphere at work," said Yarce. "You have to listen to what your team needs so that they can be creative and productive. If they need a refrigerator so that they can store their lunch, get them a refrigerator. If they would like a little bit of wine while they work, it's not so bad to have some wine...within limits of course!"

The audience was sated with stories and secrets of success and slices of Tutta Bella pizza.

Ed Alipio, former NAAAP-Seattle board member, and Flora Li, NAAAP-Seatttle member, said they found the panel to be 'inspirational and educational."

Carolina Martinez said, "I really liked what Rachel said about passing on your passion and experience, so that people can believe in your cause."

Inspired by her long time friend, Beto Yarce, Martinez too wants to open up her own business, which would be a organic/local food restaurant.

NAAAP-Seattle member, Heidu Yu, is already an entrepreneur, with her own IT outsourcing company.

"It was a great, easy way for people to learn about being an entrepreneur," said Yu.
"I think it's inspiring, especially for new immigrants, to see their success."

Yu added, "I like being an entrepreneur because of the flexibility and money!"

Yan Xiang, a NAAAP-Seattle member, said, "You can read a book and get theoretical information, but it's great to hear ideas and stories from real people."

The audience also impressed the panelists.

"Everyone was very enthusiastic and attentive," said Kalkura. "And they wanted me to repeat my message, which means they were listening!"

This won't be the last time NAAAP-Seattle and NSHMBA partner.

"Our partnership with NAAAP has been terrific. At NSHMBA, we value team work and collaboration among different groups coming together to roll up sleeves towards achieving a common goal," said Geraldize Rodriguez, NSHMBA Board Member – Community Relations. "In this case, working with NAAAP allowed our entrepreneurs and those aspiring to connect outside of their traditional circles of network and create new partnerships and clients. Working with allies helps an organization disseminate a message to a larger and diverse audience, reinforces positively the importance of team work, diversity of thought and efficiency."

Come join NAAAP and NSHMBA at the next event they co-host, "Career Transitions Panel Event Speaker Series" on September 7. National Black MBAs Association will also help organize the event, which will be sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

Photos by Julie Pham: top, Richard Cheng, Heidi Yu, and Yan Xiang; middle, Geraldine Rodriguez, Rachel Valdez, Beto Yarce, Murthy Kalkura, Gil Gido, Richard Velazquez; bottom, audience at Tutta Bella Stoneway.

Conversations worth having

2010-07-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

(L to R) Rachel Valdez, Beto Yarce, Murthy Kalkura, and Gil Gido

Last night at Tutta Bella on Stone way NAAAP Seattle and the National Society of Hispanic MBA's (NSHMBA) hosted a conversation with local entrepreneurs and members sharing the Secrets of Success. I had a front row seat since I had the priviledge of moderating. On the panel were business owners: Beto Yarce of Cintli; Rachel Valdez of 16 Copenhagen; and Murthy Kalkura of 4AM Corp.

My overall experience from walking in the door to leaving can only be described as time well spent. Many who came either had a business or had an interest in knowing what it takes to start and run a business and this brings me to why I am writing - conversations. Conversations, I believe are key ingredients when it comes to running a business and even more so, leadership. Conversations can either be worth having or not having. For me, those not worth having don't convey action. In fact, conversations lead to some result in business; for example, starting a business. They can end in no, maybe or what we would all like to hear, YES! It seems simple enough, but yeses move businesses; so as an entrepreneur, it's important to know when you are having a conversation that will lead to a yes. For example, yes, to a sale; yes, to accepting a new contract; and yes, to opportunity.

So what else can lead to a yes? Well, I overheard and was engaged in many conversations last night and each had an element of authenticity, passion and free exchange of thought. There seemed to be no judgements or disinterest that I heard. As an entrepreneur, you get skilled in being authentic, passionate and inclusive and you start listening for opportunities that you can yourself use or pass onto your friends, clients and collegues. For me, it surely is a different experience when hearing, no, right?

Great! Since I want to provide you with short and timely information that you can use now, I'm going to end here. I know that I can't cover everything in this post. So, if you want to know more on having conversations that lead to yes, then you'll want to hear what Jack Canfield, a well-respected success coach, says, "it all starts with asking." http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=403944388995

With that, I want to give a special thanks to Christine Chen Velazquez of Chen Communications, Geraldine Rodriguez of NSHMBA and Hang Chen of NAAAP Seattle for organizing the event and giving folks an opportunity to have conversations worth having.

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

Join us for the 24th Annual National Leadership Convention and Diversity Career Fair presented by Macy's

2010-07-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) cordially invites you to attend the 24th Annual National Leadership Convention and Diversity Career Fair in San Francisco on August 12-15th. In the spirit of our vision "We make leaders!", the conference will address your present needs to prepare you for the realities of the future. You will also have an opportunity to participate in innovative workshops, listen to inspirational speakers, network with a diverse group of accomplished professionals, and find that dream job at our Diversity Career Fair.

Register now at http://www.naaapconvention.org/

NAAAP Seattle Board of Directors

Engage Seattle

2010-07-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

Engage Seattle Initiative Launch Event

(l to r) Gil Gido (President), Julie Pham (PR/Marketing Chair),

Kevin Chang (Membership Chair)

Seattle, Wa - The Office of the Mayor of Seattle launched Engage Seattle today, an initiative aiming to get people involved with the city in meaningful ways and make Seattle a great place to live. Mayor Mike McGinn kicked things off with a committment to providing people with multiple pathways to engage in Seattle. At a high-level, there are three pillars to this initiative: 1. Improving Access to Government, 2. Volunteer Services, and 3. Developing future leaders. Now to help fund the initiative, the City of Seattle was awarded a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation in the Cities of Service program, in which ten cities were awarded $200,000 leadership grants.

Improving Access to Government
For the first time ever, the city is bringing its outreach and engagment staff together for better coordination in neighborhoods and created new standards for deeper, more inclusive public outreach and engagement. A new online public calendar was released to list opportunities to engage with City staff having features that enable views via map or lists, provide event searches by location down to a 0.1 mile radius, and integration with personal calendars. Check it out at: http://seattle.gov/calendar/outreach.htm (Contact Sol Villarreal, Civic Engagement Coordinator: sol.villarreal@seattle.gov or 206.233.2656)

Volunteer Services
The service plan initiative is focused on education and youth development priorities identified through the Mayor's Youth and Family initiative. Please join the effort to ensure every 3rd grade student can read at grade level, every middle school student is supported through the transition to high school, and every vulnerable child has a traned and committed mentor. (Contact Lynda Petersen, Chief Service Officer: lynda.petersen@seattle.gov or 206.684.7020)

Developing Future Leaders
Want to be more effective in the community? In a short series of workshops, community organizations can give participants the tools they need to be organizers for change within and aross Seattle's communities. Projects will be assigned between sessions to help participants develop their skills. The series are offered three times a year beginning in january, July and September. (Contact Sol Villarreal, Civic Engagement Coordinator: sol.villarreal@seattle.gov or 206.233.2656)

Watch the Video:

Seattle Channel Video can be played in Flash Player 9 and up

If interested about engaging with Seattle, please contact the either Sol or Lynda.

Regards,
NAAAP Seattle Board

NAAAP-Seattle volunteers put their sales skills in high gear for Farestart’s 35th “Guest Chef at the Waterfront”

2010-07-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Among the 1,200 attendees at the sold-out “Guest Chef at the Waterfront” at Bell Harbor Pier 66 on July 14 were seven NAAAP-Volunteers: John and Jen Park, Dan Hoang, Tom Michael, Leigh Momii, NAAAP-Seattle Community Service Chair David Eam and NAAAP-Seattle Membership Chair Kevin Chang. Another NAAAP Volunteer, Mikhaila Gonzales, came the day before to help prep for the event.

This is Farestart’s 35th year holding “Guest Chef at the Waterfront (GCOW),” which raises funds and awareness for Farestart. GCOW allows FareStart to spread the word about its training programs, Guest Chef Night and the importance of helping disadvantaged and homeless people in our community. With the funds raised at this special event, Farestart can increase the number of people its serve and improve the quality of the services it provides.

According to the organizer of this NAAAP-Seattle community service event, Jenafer Park, NAAAP volunteers were responsible for collecting guests information for a free drawing and to get people on Farestart’s mailing list.

“It sounds easier than it actually was,” said Park. “Some of us were greeted with smiles and willingness, while others received snarks here and there. Yet everyone worked tirelessly to get as many people as they could to sign up. All in all, we were successful in getting at least 600 people to sign up (about half of the attendees)!”

Other NAAAPsters, including NAAAP-Seattle Secretary Claire De King, were spotted at the event as attendees.

The volunteers admitted it was difficult to stave off the desire to snack on the smorgasbord of culinary delights that surrounded them. Food vendors included: 35th Street Bistro, Assaggio Ristorante, Basil's Kitchen at the Hilton Bellevue, Brasserie Margaux, Columbia Tower Club, and Crush.

One volunteer confessed, “I want to be the other side next year, as an attendee!”

Although GCOW was new to all of the NAAAP-Seattle volunteers, Farestart is no stranger to NAAAP. GCOW marked the third time this year that NAAAP-Seattle has organized a community service event for Farestart.

GCOW was Park’s first time taking the lead on an event for NAAAP.

Park added, “I really appreciate that David Eam, the Community Chair, gave me this opportunity to organize. I would do it again in a heartbeat and look forward to hopefully organizing more events in the future.”

NAAAP-Seattle community service events are ideal for busy professionals who want to volunteer when they do have some spare time but who do not have time to seek out volunteer opportunities on their own.

A chance to volunteer for “Guest Chef on the Waterfront” drew Tom Michael to his first NAAAP-Seattle event.

“I really enjoyed feeling good by doing good,” said Michael. “The opportunity to volunteer for a worthy cause and meeting NAAAP members at the same time was an experience I hope to repeat again in the near future.”

Farestart Volunteer Coordinator Carlene Deits told the NAAAP-Seattle volunteers, “Guest Chef on the Waterfront (GCOW) this week was a terrific success for FareStart! The joy of our guests, chefs and winemakers that came out at this event was a direct result of the energy, time and love you put in!”

“Thank you for volunteering at FareStart’s 2010 Guest Chef on the Waterfront! I hope you will consider joining us again next year,” said Deits.