Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the many contributions of Asian Americans to science, business, governance, and all walks of life. What began as a seven-day period of observance designated by the U.S. Congress in 1979 has evolved into a full-month celebration of pride and remembrance for the Asian and Pacific American community.
In honor of the 2020 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, NAAAP national and chapters will host several virtual programs (details here), spotlight chapter leaders on social media, and solicit NAAAP100, Inspire, and Pride Award nominations.
Employee Resource Groups
The focus of NAAAP’s ERG Relations program is connecting and engaging ERG leaders across companies, NAAAP chapters, business industries, and demographics to share ideas and practices while learning how to spread diversity and inclusion. The two main signature events is the National Leadership Academy’s ERG Leadership Symposium and the ERG Summit during NAAAP’s Leadership Convention.
Leadership Convention
The Leadership Convention, presented by NAAAP, is for those who want to push the boundaries of what it means to lead. People from all professional and cultural backgrounds are welcome to come connect with and be inspired by unconventional leaders, visionaries, and disruptors.
The three-day convention begins with the ERG Summit on the first day, continues with speakers and workshops for the last two days and concludes with the Gala and NAAAP 100 & Inspire Awards. There will also be a Diversity Career Fair that is free and open to the public regardless of membership and cultural background.
The 2020 Leadership Convention is scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. August 20–23, 2020. Due to the Federal, state, and local orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Leadership Convention may be postponed. To be determined.
NAAAP100 & Inspire Awards
The NAAAP100 award is granted annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to their profession and the AAPI community. Previous award winners include Secretary Elaine Chao, the late Senator Daniel Inouye, MailChimp CEO Ben Chestnut, Superbowl MVP Hines Ward, and actor and activist George Takei.
In 2016, NAAAP created a complementary program, the Inspire Award, to recognize the most promising up-and-coming leaders in the Asian community. lLike NAAAP100 winners, Inspire honorees are leaders in their communities and make significant contributions in the business, government, or nonprofit sector.
In 2019, NAAAP also established a NAAAP Pride award to recognize an individual who has advocated for and lifted the Asian LGBQ+ community. The first ever NAAAP Pride award honored actor, singer, and producer Telly Leung.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations are welcome via this online form during APA Heritage Month, May 1 – 31, 2020. Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are permitted. You may also request a paper copy of the nomination form or ask questions of the program director at [email protected]
NAAAP National Leadership Academy
The National Leadership Academy is an advanced skills-building boot camp for new and returning NAAAP national and chapter leaders. The interactive program provides workshops designed to inspire, educate, and guide, with opportunities to network and collaborate with current and upcoming leaders as well as National Board members.
NAAAP Pride
Empower, educate, engage, and celebrate the Asian American LGBTQ+ professional community.
NAAAP Pride is a national program by The National Association of Asian American Professionals. It is here to empower, educate, engage, and celebrate the Asian American LGBTQ+ professional community and its allies by providing education, promoting visibility, and developing current and future LGBTQ+ leaders.
We will provide resources and support for those in all stages of the coming out process and for those creating safe and affirming work and learning spaces where Asian American LGBTQ+ students and employees can live, work, and study safely, openly, and genuinely.
NAAAP Speaks
Did you know that we have a speakers bureau? NAAAP’s Board, chapter leaders, and members include keynote speakers, authors, senior executives, trainers, and facilitators of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. Whether you are seeking an engaging speaker for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a training on cultural literacy or unconscious bias, or a panelist to demonstrate your interest in new perspectives, NAAAP Speaks can help you identify trusted presenters and speakers at various price points. Our speakers give a portion of their honorarium to NAAAP.
Self Care & Wellness by NAAAP
Organizations who invest in workplace mental health/wellness are, according to research, finding a yield of four times ROI and can increase productivity, improve employee retention, and support diversity and inclusion. NAAAP’s Self Care and Wellness program emphasizes the health and resilience of the individual, so that they are able to effectively lead in the community in which they serve professionally and personally. Programs delivered by Subject Matter Experts through ERG groups in companies and through NAAAP chapters will focus on one or more of our three program pillars: mental, physical, and/or financial wellness.
Women in NAAAP
Women in NAAAP! was launched in 2009 at the NAAAP National Convention with a compelling vision to empower, support and engage Asian American women to succeed as professional and personal leaders as well as contributing to their communities and cultures.
WIN’s vision aims to empower, support and engage Asian American women to succeed as professional and personal leaders as well as contributing to their communities and cultures.