WASHINGTON, D.C.  - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, announces the winners of the 2019 FAPAC Civilian Awards in recognition of Federal Employees who have made significant contribution to the advancement of FAPAC and its missions and the promotion of equal opportunity in the AAPI communities.

Diversity Excellence: Individual who has shown a remarkable contribution towards diversity and inclusion through collaboration and against all odds.

Mr. Johnny F. Stephenson (SES), Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA
Mr. Thomas J. Liu (GS 13-15), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, DOI
Mr. Tuan Le (GS 1-12), Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Excellence in Individual Achievement: Individual who has shown the greatest contribution toward the AAPI representation at all levels as compared to the total AAPI population as a whole.

Ms. Victoria Y. Wei (SES), Federal Aviation Administration, DOT
Mr. Kim W. Yee (GS 13-15), Naval Surface Warfare Center, Navy
Ms. Aryn Lockhart (GS 1-12), U.S. Air Force

Outstanding Individual Leadership: Individual who has shown bold leadership and innovative ways in promoting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action and Diversity

Ms. Sunny-Lee Fanning (SES), Federal Aviation Administration, DOT
Mr. Chi Tony Pham (GS 13-15), Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Navy
Ms. Rachel Kizito-Ramos (GS 1-12), Department of Transportation (DOT)

Congratulations to all the winners! The awards will be presented during the 34th FAPAC National Leadership Training Program, May 16, 2019 at the Von Braun Convention Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The NLTP provides high-quality training, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development. The NLTP is held annually in May to coincide with the celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For more information about the NLTP, please visit www.fapac.org/nltp.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors. FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, announces the 2019 FAPAC Uniformed Services Awards winners in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Uniformed Services missions and the promotion of equal opportunity in AAPI communities.

“The 14 winners of the 2019 Uniformed Services Awards have distinguished themselves by promoting the tenets of civil and human rights, equal opportunity, human relations, and public service,” FAPAC President Olivia Adrian said. “We chose these men and women because they are exceptional leaders who have advanced equal opportunity for selection, promotion or retention of women and minorities in senior grade level positions and under-represented jobs.”

In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 2101, the Uniformed Services includes the armed forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Any active/reserve member of the Uniformed Services was eligible for consideration. Winners were evaluated on a rating scale by a panel of esteemed judges.

1. U.S. Army: Sergeant Herman K. Watson, Jr.
   
2. U.S. Marine Corps: Corporal Deserai N. Knight
3. U.S. Navy: Third Class Petty Officer Cynthol F. Fuata
4. U.S. Air Force: Senior Master Sergeant Donald E. Clayborn, Jr.
5. U.S. Air Force: Senior Master Sergeant Francis M. Quiambao
6. U.S. Air Force: Technical Sergeant Julyne Lei-Kawaha Clarke
7. U.S. Coast Guard: Lieutenant Commander Rven T. Garcia
8. U.S. Coast Guard: Petty Officer Lawren K. Kanae
9. U.S. Army National Guard: Lieutenant Colonel Randy I. Lau
10. U.S. Navy Reserve: Commander Thomas Toshikazu McAndrew
11. U.S. Air National Guard: Major Dana A. Grigg
12. U.S. Air Force Reserve: Technical Sergeant Rachelle K. Estrada
13. U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps: Captain Paul Jung
14. U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps: Lieutenant Commander Xinzhi Zhang

Congratulations to all the winners.  The award will be presented during the 34^th FAPAC National Leadership Training Program on May 13-16, 2019 at the  Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL.

The NLTP provides high-quality training, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development. The NLTP is held annually in May to coincide with the celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For more information about the NLTP, please visit www.fapac.org/nltp.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors. FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s scholarship fund has named Nancy Luu Trang, from Nokesville, Virginia and currently attending Howard University College of Dentistry, Washington DC, as the winner of the 2019 Distinguished Public Service Scholarship. This year, the award is given in honor of Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, an Indian American who was the first Asian Pacific American elected to Congress.

Nancy Luu Trang is a second-year dental student attending Howard University College of Dentistry.  As a preprofessional B.S/D.D.S student,  she completed undergraduate studies, with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry within two years while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is President of the Student Research Group, Vice President of the Asian Dental Student Association, Committee Leader of the Student National Dental Association Oral Cancer Walk, and contributing author to the American Student Dental Association dental magazine Contour. She is also a member of the American Dental Association and Special Care Dental Student Association. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of the Pre-Dental Society, the Swipe Out Hunger Outreach Team, and also served as the Committee Coordinator for the College of Arts and Science Community Outreach Team.

The awardee will receive a stipend of $5,000 toward her education during the annual FAPAC National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) on May 13-16, 2019 in Huntsville, AL.

The FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes the recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. Since 2013, FAPAC has awarded scholarships to AAPI students who are interested in public service, exhibit academic excellence, and demonstrate a continuous effort to foster diversity and inclusion in AAPI communities. The scholarship is presented in honor of AAPI leaders whose dedication and efforts in public service have opened doors for many others.

Since 2013, the scholarship is presented in honor of three successful AAPI leaders in public service on a rotating basis: The Honorable Secretary Elaine L. Chao, a Chinese American who become the first Asian Pacific American woman to hold a Cabinet position as Secretary of Labor and she is now the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation; former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, a Japanese American who was the first Asian Pacific American to serve in two Cabinet positions as Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Transportation. and the late Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, an Indian American who was the first Asian Pacific American elected to Congress.

The NLTP provides high-quality training, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development. The NLTP is held annually in May to coincide with the celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For more information about the NLTP, please visit www.fapac.org/nltp.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors. FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, is proud to announce the theme for the observance of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2019: Unite Our Mission by Engaging Each Other. This year’s theme is a continuation of our “Unite” series and focuses on leadership and engagement to advance the AAPI community.

Results from the 2018 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey indicate that 68% of Federal employees government-wide felt an overall sense of engagement based on three categories: leadership, supervisor relationship, and their roles in the workplace. The Office of Personnel Management defines engagement as “An employee’s sense of purpose that is evident in their display of dedication, persistence and effort in their work or overall attachment to their organization and its mission.” This year, FAPAC will leverage the compelling mission of public service by equipping government leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to continue increasing employee engagement and make our communities better places to live and work. Unite Our Mission by Engaging Each Other encourages AAPI participation in civic engagement and empowers leaders at all levels.

FAPAC invites all employees of the Federal and DC governments, including the military, to the 2019 National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) - a reputable training opportunity for public servants. The 34th Annual NLTP will be held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama on May 13-16, 2019 and is a celebration of AAPI Heritage Month each May. The NLTP offers high-quality training, networking opportunities, and practical strategies for personal and professional development as it relates to the 2019 theme. During this three-day training, FAPAC recognizes high-performing individuals with a presentation of the Civilian Awards, Uniformed Services Awards, and a $5,000 Distinguished Public Service Scholarship. The NLTP will also host a free career exhibition and development programs for students and Veterans interested in public service. Visit www.fapac.org/NLTP to learn more.

FAPAC is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the interests of over 111,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to its mission of promoting equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the Federal and District of Columbia governments. FAPAC encourages the participation and advancement of AAPIs in the government workforce.

September 4, 2018
pr@fapac.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders of all ranks in the federal and District of Columbia governments, is proud to announce their new leadership team for 2018-2020. The term of Office begins on October 1st, 2018 and ends September 30, 2020. To find out more about the new Board and their positions, please visit www.fapac.org/newleadership.

• President: Olivia Adrian (DOI)
• Vice President: Kevin Le (FAA)
• Vice President for Operations: Fahmida Chhipa (USDA)
• Vice President for Financial Management: Jane Yang (PBGC)
• Vice President for Technology and Media Communication: Peter Nguyen (FAA)
• Executive Secretary: Rene Lau (DOD)
• Treasurer: Lily Ho (NGB)
• Auditor: Chuan Ming Li (NIH)
• Region 5 Director:  Xinzhi Zhang (NIH)

The Installation of the 2018 NBOD will be October 5, 2018 at 12:00 PM at the National Press Club. Please register online at www.fapac.org.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors.

FAPAC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

WASHINGTON – The Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s scholarship fund has named Jenny Chhea of Rosemead, Calif., as the winner of the 2018 Distinguished Public Service Scholarship. The Scholarship, awarded by the FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Endowment Fund Inc., will be given in honor of Secretary Elaine L. Chao, the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the first Asian American woman appointed to the President’s Cabinet in American history. The scholarship includes a $5,000 stipend, which will be presented to Chhea at the 33rd National Leadership Training Program to be held from May 14-17, 2018, at the Sheraton Pentagon City, 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA.

“This is amazing news,” said Chhea, who will graduate in 2019 from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. “With this award, I hope to complete my studies and help students from traditionally underserved communities—including Asian Pacific Americans-- access opportunity and achieve their dreams.” The theme for this year’s program is Unite Our Voices by Working Together, and Secretary Chao is expected to attend and present the award.

Of the May event, FAPAC President Olivia Adrian, said, “We are excited to present timely training and workshops, plenary sessions and the opportunities to give attendees information for their continued professional and personal development.”

Training sessions will include career development, leadership, strategic management, communications, and diversity and inclusion. Registration is open on FAPAC’s website.

The FAPAC’s National Leadership Training Program has been approved by the federal Office of Personnel Management as an appropriate training for the federal workforce. This year’s NLTP is expected to draw up to 300 attendees from across the Federal and D.C. governments.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors.

FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

The FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that promotes the recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander students who are interested in public service and have made contributions to foster diversity and inclusion in the AAPI community.

For many years, FAPAC has awarded a number of scholarships and internships to AAPI college students who exhibit excellent academic achievement as well as demonstrated a continuous effort to foster diversity and community service to the AAPI community.

Point of Contact: Eva Ngai
Public Relations Officer
Email: pr@fapac.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announces the 2018 FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Awards winners in recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of U. S. military missions and the promotion of equal opportunity in the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) communities.

“The 13 winners of the 2018 Military Meritorious Service Awards have distinguished themselves by promoting the tenets of civil/human rights, equal opportunity, human relations, and/or public service,” FAPAC President Olivia Adrian said. “We chose these men and women because they are outstanding leaders who have advanced the equal opportunity for selection, promotion or retention of women and minorities in senior grade level positions and under-represented jobs.”

The award will be presented at the 33rd National Leadership Training Program to be held from May 14-17, 2018, at the Sheraton Pentagon City, 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA.

The National Leadership Training Program has been approved by the federal Office of Personnel Management as an appropriate training for the federal workforce. This year’s NLTP is expected to draw up to 300 attendees from across the Federal and D.C. governments.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors. FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

The FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Awards honor military members, men and women, who have supported the DoD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes best epitomized the qualities and core values of their respective Military Service or other DoD Component.

The 2018 Winners

1. Army: Lieutenant Colonel Lan T. Dalat  
2. Army: Captain Amie M. Foster  
   
3. Navy: Commander Sylvaine Wong 
   
4. Navy: Lieutenant Andrea Liou

5. Marine Corps: Sergeant Aldin A. Ambol

6. Marine Corps: Staff Sergeant David Chen
   
7. Air Force: Major Steven B. Lee
   
8. Air Force: Captain Juliette E. Simpson
   

9. Coast Guard: Lieutenant Christine T. Igisomar

10. Army National Guard: Captain Ervin B. Nicolas  
    
11. Air National Guard: Senior Master Sergeant Melissa R. Bilbruck
12. Army Reserve: Captain Stacy C. Jer  
    
13. Army Reserve: Captain Jae S. Hwang

WASHINGTON, D.C. ̶ The Federal Asian Pacific American Council announces the winners of the 2018 FAPAC Civilian Awards in recognition of Federal employees who have made significant contributions to the advancement of FAPAC, its mission and the promotion of equal opportunity in the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) communities. The awards will be presented at the 33rd National Leadership Training Program to be held from May 14-17, 2018, at the Sheraton Pentagon City, 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA.

“The Award Committee worked extremely hard to choose the dozen winners based on five criteria,” FAPAC President Olivia Adrian said. “The committee chair Teresa Brown and I congratulate all the winners and look forward to presenting them with their well-deserved awards during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.” The 2018 NLTP theme is Unite Our Voices by Working Together.

Of the May event, FAPAC President Olivia Adrian, said, “We are excited to present timely training and workshops, plenary sessions and the opportunities to give attendees information for their continued professional and personal development.”

Training sessions will include career development, leadership, strategic management, communications, and diversity and inclusion. Registration is open on FAPAC’s website.

The National Leadership Training Program has been approved by the federal Office of Personnel Management as an appropriate training for the federal workforce. This year’s NLTP is expected to draw up to 300 attendees from across the Federal and D.C. governments.

FAPAC is the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islanders employees in the Federal and D.C. governments. Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to addressing the interests, issues and representation of AAPIs in the Federal and D.C. governments and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors. FAPAC is nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and D.C. governments.

The 2018 Winners:

Diversity Excellence: An individual who has shown a remarkable contribution toward diversity and inclusion through collaboration and against all odds.

• Ms. Hilda Kwan (GS 1-12), Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  
• Ms. Joreen Lee (GS 13-15), Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  
• Mr. Kenneth M. Bailey (GS 13-15), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce
  
• Mr. Randy Moore (SES), Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Excellence in Individual Achievement: An individual who has shown the greatest contribution toward AAPI representation at all levels as compared to the total AAPI population as a whole.

• Ms. Eva Lee Ngai (GS 1-12), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
  
• Ms. Annabelle Flores (GS 13-15), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
  
• Mr. Gerald J. Tiqui (GS 13-15), Goddard Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  
• Mr. Michael C. Gregoire (SES), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  

Outstanding Individual Leadership: An individual who has shown bold leadership and innovation in promoting Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity.

• Ms. Lisa Keakalauolono Zimmerman (GS 1-12), NAVFAC Information Technology Center (NITC), Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), U.S. Department of the Navy
  
• Ms. Patricia Wilson (GS 13-15), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
  
• Mr. Manan Vyas (GS 13-15), Glenn Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  
• Ms. Jody A. Singer (SES), Marshall Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  

Point of Contact: Rose Hitchings
Public Relations Officer
Email: pr@fapac.org

WASHINGTON DC – The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, is proud to announce the theme for the observance of 2018 Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The 2018 theme is Unite Our Vision by Working Together. This year’s theme builds on last year’s diversity theme and focuses on unity and inclusion.

Inclusion is the deliberate act of welcoming diversity and creating an environment where all different kinds of people can thrive and succeed. Everyone has a voice and needs to be included. If diversity is what you have, then inclusion is what you do. Simply having a diverse group is not enough and this year, we emphasize inclusion as the directive. Every workplace should be a safe place for AAPI’s to participate and share with equal footing in the workplace. Through the 2018 theme, FAPAC will engage AAPIs in action and take proactive steps towards working together because of our differences.

“America was founded on the ideal that from many, we are one, a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. That is the rationale for inclusion.“

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/diversity-and-inclusion

FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the interests of over 181,000 AAPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments.  Since 1985, FAPAC has been committed to its mission of serving as a conduit through which the interests, issues and representation of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the Federal and District of Columbia governments are addressed and promoting local partnerships within the public and private sectors.

pr@fapac.org

As a former resident of Florida, I have personally experienced hurricanes. I’ll never forget the sound of 100+ mph winds howling through hurricane shutters and shaking the house for hours. Afterward there’s no electricity to power air conditioners, refrigerators, other necessities of life or gas to fuel chainsaws to cleanup downed palm trees from roads. Imagine temperatures in the upper 90s, 100 percent humidity with no power or drinkable water. Though many have lost everything they own, they are still alive and need your help.

If you feel moved to donate to charities to help victims of natural disasters in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico, consider giving to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). There are many charities to choose from. As federal employees, I encourage you to consider participating in this worthy cause starting October 2.

In addition, I have included information about how to give to other charities. See NPR, NY Times, CNN, Charity Navigator