Once a year all national and local leadership team members gather to create synergies that help fulfill the mission and vision of NAAAP and to develop networking opportunities and relationships with other leaders across North America. This year's retreat was hosted by NAAAP Connecticut and held at the Mohegan Sun hotel and casino in Uncasville, CT. Overall, I thought it was a well planned and attended event. Thanks to Shane Carlin and Jessica Yang, the Retreat Directors responsible for planning the Retreat.
On Friday many people arrived for the networking reception with local Asian Community leaders in attendance like Representative Tony Hwang from the Connecticut State Representative for the 134th Assembly District; Honorable Judge Nina Elgo, Connecticut Superior Court Judge; Dr. William A. Howe, Connecticut State Dept. of Education; Ms. Theanvy Kuoch, Executive Director of Khmer Health Advocates; Ms Angela Rola, Director of the Asian American Cultural Center University of Connecticut Storrs; and Ms. Lorie Valle-Yanez, VP and Chief Diversity of MassMutual. Their messages were thoughtful and intended to inspire our members to take on leadership roles.
The following day the training started with team building exercises, venture/chapter development, financial review, a WomenInNAAAP (WIN) program overview, a keynote with Gerry Fernandez, President MFHA, and discussions on corporate relations and PR/Marketing. In addition, Dr. Vu Pham of Spectrum Knowledge as well as a Sr. advisor to NAAAP lead us through a self-branding exercise teaching us the importance of creating a distinct image.
On the last day, we sat through the National Board Meeting discussing the upcoming 2010 NAAAP National Convention this August in San Francisco and other issues relating to running the organization.
(l to r) Gil Gido; Brad Baldia, NAAAP President/CEO; Dr. Vu Pham, Spectrum Knowledge, LLC and NAAAP Sr. Advisor; Rebecca Deng, Seattle National Representative
After the 3 day retreat, I left more connected to the National Board and was reminded that we are part of a larger organization with networking and training opportunities. My commitment with NAAAP Seattle is to align the chapter with the national plans and to leverage best practices from other chapters so that our members are equipped with resources for career success. That being said, if you are not already a member, I encourage you to join.
Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President
Additional Links:
- NAAAP Chapters http://www.naaap.org/chapters/ourchapters.aspx
- Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality alliance http://www.mfha.net/
- Spectrum Knowledge, LLC http://www.spectrumknowledge.com/
- SAVE THE DATE! The 2010 NAAAP Convention will be held August 12th-14th in San Francisco : http://www.naaapconvention.org/2010/
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