By Wennie Fang
Last month, I sat down to have lunch with the new NAAAP Boston Chapter President & CEO at the Dumpling Cafe in Boston.
I have known Ming since college and her growth as a leader and individual have been remarkable. Since joining NAAAP Boston in 2006, her presence have been felt everywhere from serving on the Executive Team to assisting other committees run events such as the Professional Development Panel Discussion, Scholarship selection, Oak Street Fair, various fundraisers, and other important occasions.
Before I even asked a single question, she told me to continue to eat while she informs me of her vision for NAAAP Boston's future. Her enthusiasm and passion was almost palpable as she takes out PowerPoint slides (which she admits she carries around with her) and proceeds to present her goals. You cannot help but be pulled in.
Ming does not believe in the concept that enough is enough. Even knowing that I am interviewing her on behalf of the Marketing Committee, she informs me of other committees that have open positions should I want to take on additional roles. Why?
It is because Ming truly encompasses the idea of volunteerism. She joined NAAAP Boston because she wanted to give back to the community. "We're all volunteers no matter what position you hold," she says. "I knew what I wanted to do since the beginning when I went to my first National Leadership Retreat held in Toronto. Meeting other Chapter leaders and learning what they do, made me realize Boston has so much more to offer and can create a bigger impact than any other place. I want everyone else to acknowledge that and one of my goals is having Boston receive the Chapter of the Year award."
She is completely serious. How can she be that confident?
"I am not where I am without support. The support of my family, friends, and other leaders in NAAAP who believe in the same vision that I do is the fuel that fires me up and gets me going." Well, she certainly has a lot of fuel and will probably gain more in her new position.
As she wraps up the leftover from lunch so she can go to her next meeting, I asked her whether she have any advice for NAAAP members. She looks me straight in the eye and said without hesitation, "Don't wait. Just get involved."
That is Ming for you: straight to the point.
