AsianLife and NAAMBA: Looking Back, Striving Ahead. 2010 YEAR IN REVIEW
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