A Year in Review: 2011 Highlights of NAAAP Boston
As we begin 2012 with new initiatives and goals, let’s reflect back on the accomplishments of 2011 and none of which could have been done without you.
Many of our committees hosted multiple events per month and we thank them for their hard work and commitment in going above and beyond in their dedication to enhance the Boston Asian American community through professional, social, and philanthropic events. There were so many wonderful moments, but we would like to highlight a few from each committee:
The Professional Development Committee (PDC) has surely outdone themselves in 2011. The committee ran on overdrive, hosting 11 events in the past year including the popular four part Taking Charge of Your Career Success Conference Series which focused on "helping Asian professionals develop critical strategies for career advancement and leadership". PDC was also implemental in the launch of a new Entrepreneurs track as well as the Boston launch of Women in NAAAP! (WIN!) with the initiative to "empower, support, and engage Asian women to succeed as professional and personal leaders as well as contribute to their communities and cultures".
The Scholarship Committee hosted the annual Scholarship Gala in May was well received with over 130 attendees. The winners of the 2011 NAAAP Boston Future Leader Awards went to two very deserving students, Sandy Liang and Justin Lin.
The Community Service Committee (CSC) organized 20 events in 2011. They coordinated with 14 different nonprofit organizations which provided NAAAP Boston volunteers the chance to give back to the community in a variety of events, at many different capacities. These ranged from the nationally recognized Habitat for Humanity and Cradles to Crayons to more locally-based opportunities like the Jasmine Giving Circle and BCNC Oak Street Fair. With CSC’s help in promoting the dragon boat event in 2011, it also led to NAAAP Boston’s very first dragon boat team win. Thanks to our dedicated and hardworking members who rowed us to victory.
The Networking Committee held a series of networking mixers throughout the year in Boston providing the opportunity for old, new and potential members to create connections and capture opportunities. The committee ended the year with NAAAP Boston’s signature holiday party held at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. They introduced the chapter’s very first NAAAP Boston Most Valuable Player Awards. The 2011 award recipients were Jay Halim (Community Service Committee), Michael Lee (Networking Committee), and Judy Shen-Filerman (Professional Development Committee). Mel Chen won the night’s MVP Award for Leaders by being the exemplary role model to us all. She took on many roles in the organization which led to many successful key events.
The Membership Committee had a stellar year; surpassing 450 memberships, and nabbing the Membership Award at the NAAAP National Convention held this past August. In addition to monitoring membership and retention, the Membership Committee managed two key events for NAAAP Boston in 2011. The first was the Open House, held in late April at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Boston, with over 100 attendees. The second event was the Annual Summer Picnic on July 23rd. With over 75 people in attendance, members and newcomers played football, badminton, volleyball, had a water balloon war, and enjoyed some amazing food catered by Big Pig Barbecue.
2011 was the year when Boston once again hosted the NAAAP National Convention attended by over 680 people from all across the United States and Canada. In its 25th year, the three day convention aptly themed “The Road to Revolutionary Leadership” provided attendees the opportunity to network, engage in workshops and listen to over 85 speakers, as well as seek opportunities at the diversity career fair.
As mentioned, Boston was awarded the 2011 Membership Award and was also runner up for: Chapter of the Year, Operational Efficiencies, Community Involvement, and Projects & Programs.
The end of 2011 also marked a turning point in our leadership team. We wholeheartedly thank Samson Lee for his many years of dedication to NAAAP Boston as President and CEO and we warmly welcome Ming Hui, the President and CEO of NAAAP Boston in 2012.
