For over 20 years, AsianLife has empowered, expanded and developed the Asian professional community.  In this journey, we have had the privilege of partnering with like-minded organizations, one of which is the National Association of Asian MBAs (NAAMBA).  Jino Ahn, the Founder and CEO of AsianLife and the Founder and President of NAAMBA, began with a vision to empower the Asian professional community.  As 2010 comes to a close, we invite our readers, new and old, to share with us as well as imagine the endless possibilities that lie ahead.  We are taking time to remember important AsianLife and NAAMBA moments, celebrate victories, and look forward to upcoming events in the New Year.

Asian Diversity Inc. (ADI) was established in 1987 with a mission to unite Pan-Asian professionals all over the world in a supportive organization that would expand the Asian professional community.  With roots in the recruitment and employment industry, ADI has placed thousands of Asian employees in positions across the globe.  In addition, it has provided invaluable staffing advice to top companies and organizations.  A unique and multi-faceted organization, ADI is a pioneer in Asian recruitment and continues to expand the professional goals of Asian professionals in diverse ways-- including an extensive online professional network, career events, and an online magazine.

ADI made a breakthrough in Asian professional development when it held its first Career Expo in 2002.  The ADI Career Expo became the largest career event in the nation for Asians. What makes this event different from any other event of its kind is the impressive diversity of participating employers.  From financial companies to government employers and non-profits, the Expo is a reflection of the increasing significance and need for the Asian perspective in all sectors.

Recently, the 2010 Career Expo brought out 1,530 job candidates and 53 prestigious employers such as Dell Inc., State Farm, United Nations and The Indus Entrepreneurs.  On March 11th 2011, ADI will host its 10th Career Expo at Penn Plaza Pavilion in New York City.  As before, the event is sure to attract an impressive number of job candidates and employers alike.

Much of ADI’s work is advanced through its online presence.  We are proud to say that the AsianLife.com network is over 25,000 people strong, and growing every day.  AsianLife is a Pan-Asian online community with a global impact.  The website provides a convenient and supportive place to share career ideas and connect with employers and employees alike.

AsianLife’s online magazine, with over 60,000 subscribers, highlights cultural, social, political issues relevant to Asian diversity in the workplace and Asian issues in general.  In 2010, the magazine launched Featured Profiles, a section that shares the experiences and achievements of rising Asian professionals, leaders, executive, entrepreneurs and companies.  Our first Featured Profile of State Farm Insurance highlighted the company’s outstanding work in recruiting and retaining Asian employees and its continued efforts to understand and connect with the Asian market.

AsianLife.com is not only a place of information and networks, but a proud media sponsor of similar efforts.  In 2010, the National Association of Asian MBA’s (NAAMBA) was officially established.  Founded on the vision of creating the critical mass necessary to empower pan-Asian professionals and propel Asian leadership to new heights, the organization is off to a great start. Currently, the staff is working on various projects to continue empowering Asian professionals and sharing their voices with the world.

NAAMBA has come a long way in just one year.  The centerpiece of NAAMBA has always been career networking and leadership events.  In 2009, the 1st annual Asian MBA Leadership Conference and Career Expo was a huge success, drawing over 2,500 attendees and over 120 exhibitors.  This historic event was the springboard for the official foundation of NAAMBA, which was launched this year at the 2nd Annual Asian MBA Leadership Conference and Career Expo. The title of the conference, “CONNECT. ENGAGE. INSPIRE,” reflected the themes of community and endless possibility when it comes to Asian diversity in the workplace.  Similarly, the 2nd Annual Conference featured renowned guests, including Michael Chen of GE, Michael Morris of Columbia Business School and Manish Mehta of Dell.  The conference brings together professionals from diverse industries and personal backgrounds in a space where they can share their experiences as well as gain inspiration from each other.

But 2010 was just the beginning. The New Year promises to be an exciting one for NAAMBA and AsianLife, and full of adventure.  As new projects are taking root and ongoing projects are expanded, we would like to give our readers a sneak peek into 2011—or, as we like to call it, The Year of Asian Leadership.

March 2011
The Inaugural NAAMBA & NY Regional Event, in partnership with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE).

This multi-faceted event will consist of three parts.

The New York Regional Kick-off will officially introduce NAAMBA NY Regional. The Regionals, which are being formed in North America and Asia, will expand upon the core work of NAAMBA with a special focus on the area-specific goals and projects. As NAAMBA Regionals are being formed, so are the NAAMBA Student Chapters across the country, extending NAAMBA’s reach into universities and colleges, inspiring young students and professionals, providing student body with exceptional personal and leadership development opportunities.

The Networking Event is a chance to meet and interact with hundreds of Asian professionals and entrepreneurs, and celebrate Asian leadership. The event will be in partnership with TiE, the largest non-profit network of entrepreneurs in the world.

The event will close with the kick-off of the much awaited NAAMBA Leadership World Tour.  Founder and President Jino Ahn will present the mission and agenda of the Tour to spread awareness about NAAMBA. The Tour will span North America and eventually continue abroad in Asia.

March 2011
10th Annual ADI Career Expo
It’s back to the basics in March with the Career Expo, where thousands of talented employees will connect with top companies and organizations.

September 2011
NAAMBA 3rd Annual Leadership Conference and Career Exposition
A three-day event from September 8 to 10, to be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, the Conference will once again be the largest gathering of Asian professionals, executives and leaders in the nation.

NAAMBA has embarked on several exciting Key Initiatives:

NAAMBA National ERG Council:

At the 2nd Annual Leadership Conference,  an exciting new initiative called the Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leaders Summit was introduced. The National ERG Council has a vision of connecting and mobilizing Asian ERGs into a critical mass of global leaders who develop talented human capital and create innovative business solutions.The initiative was started with a panel discussion on the business case for ERGs, and the NAAMBA ERG Council Kick-Off and Working Session. The Council, chaired by Target Corporation has made great strides since the launch. Looking ahead to the 3rd Annual NAAMBA Leadership Conference, the Council will spearhead the NAAMBA Asian ERG Summit and serve as a culminating platform for the Council’s work throughout the year and will be the first of its kind, galvanizing Asian ERGs from across the country in a concerted effort to unite, empower and inspire their development and growth.

Another Key Initiatve is the NAAMBA Women Leadership Council.  In the globalized 21st century, talented and diverse women are increasingly assuming leadership roles across industry sectors. Though the doors of opportunity are opening up for women, multicultural women continue to face social, economic and cultural barriers in the professional and corporate domain and are often marginalized due to inherent stereotypes and perceptions. In recognizing women's leadership potential and capabilities, the NAAMBA Women Leadership Council, in a concerted effort, will promote women’s leadership and advancement by changing perceptions and addressing barriers. Currently being Chaired by Nike Inc., the Women Leadership Council’s vision is to create an inclusive community of opportunities for multicultural women leaders to propel them to new professional heights.

It’s looking like a special year for NAAMBA and AsianLife, a year full of new ideas and fulfilled goals.  That’s why we want our readers and members to be involved in our work and be part of history.  There are many ways to connect with NAAMBA and AsianLife, from attending a Career Expo to being a Regional leader.  We invite you to explore the possibilities.

A great way to begin participating is to attend the upcoming 10th Annual ADI Career Expo in New York City.  Come find out what we’re all about, and boost your career, too.  Stay tuned to www.asianlife.com to learn more about how to register and what to expect!  If you are interested in journalism, writing, current events, or Asian issues, consider contributing to AsianLife.com magazine.

Be sure you don’t miss out on the 3rd Annual NAAMBA Leadership Conference and Career Exposition in September!  The registration portal will be up and running soon on NAAMBA’s recently re-launched website, www.asianmba.org. The 2009 and 2010 Leadership Conferences were made possible in large part by motivated volunteers, and we need your help this year!  So sign up to volunteer and/or attend the conference. You’ll be on your way to enlarging your vision for your career and future.  As an official member of NAAMBA, you can have access to exceptional networking opportunities with Asian leaders, executives and top corporations across the country, as well as exceptional career resources geared to provide you with the tools for professional growth.

To get involved as a member, volunteer, regional leader, or intern with NAAMBA, visit the website for more information, and contact info@asianmba.org.  And of course, you can always follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube for updates on our activities and upcoming events.

We cannot stress the importance and value of the volunteer community.  As a volunteer myself, I have learned a great deal about the roots and bigger picture of Asian diversity in the professional world.  As an Asian American, I feel proud of the ongoing development and advancement of Asian professionals through this organization.  As an individual, I am empowered by the national movement for Asian leadership and am challenged to refine and expand my own career vision.  In 2011, I invite you to join us in making history.

From the entire AsianLife and NAAMBA family, thank you for your continued support. We wish you a happy holiday season, and a wonderful New Year!

Aimee Lim
Assistant Editor | AsianLife Magazine
aimee.lim@asianmba.org