What will you gain from FAPAC DOI's mentoring initiative? Read our stories to learn about why mentoring is important, and what can be gained from our community-led effort. 

Philip Lu

Senior Permits Biologist, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

I would have never been at the Department of the Interior (DOI) if it were not for a mentor.  Seven years ago, I was fortunate to have met the first Asian American U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Director of International Affairs,  Teiko Saito, at a scholarship reception. She recommended that I apply for the Directorate Fellowship Program (DFP), which I successfully did for the Summer 2017 cohort being posted at the Region 5 Regional Office in Hadley, MA. It remains one of the best summers of my life, both for the impact I was able to make on the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program and its far-reaching impact on my personal and professional journey. Teiko and I have remained close since our first meeting, and I have relied on her counsel throughout my experience working in conservation. She is a shining example of what a dedicated and devoted mentor can be.

In my role as an alumnus, I strive to follow Teiko’s example and have made myself available to college students who have shown a passion for conservation through career panels and individual get-togethers.

Mandian Cruz-Wei

Auditor, Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR)

How have you benefitted from your FAPAC-DOI membership?

II have benefitted from being both a mentee and mentor. Each experience was very different whether as a mentee or mentor because it's all about the individual relationships and that connection you will have. However, what made each one so meaningful had the same thread - trust, openness, support, and encouragement. I am so grateful to my mentors for opening and expanding my eyes to my own potential possibilities and I can only hope that I have done the same for those that I have mentored. I have benefitted from being both a mentee and mentor. Each experience was very different whether as a mentee or mentor because it's all about the individual relationships and that connection you will have.  However, what made each one so meaningful had the same thread - trust, openness, support, and encouragement.  I am so grateful to my mentors for opening and expanding my eyes to my own potential possibilities and I can only hope that I have done the same for those that I have mentored.   t was a chance email I received from FAPAC-DOI that lead me on this awesome journey with FAPAC. From the very first meeting I attended; I felt a connection unlike any I have experienced before. I love hearing everyone’s honest and heartfelt stories and sometimes struggles of being an AANHPI in the Federal Service. FAPAC is helping me develop both personally and professionally. Personally, I am developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity within the AANHPI community by learning more about our cultures, traditions, history, and customs from our fellow members. Professionally, being an officer this year had given me the chance to meet and work with our amazing officer team and board members. The unconditional support provided by the board members helped me gain new insights. It is also inspiring to see all the AANHPI federal employees in management positions. 

What advice would you like others to hear? 

I encourage all members to consider getting more involved in our local chapter, either through our upcoming mentoring program, or pursuing an officer role in the future. It will help you expand your professional network, gain insights, learn new responsibilities, and develop leadership skills.

Christine Ogura

Deputy Assistant Regional Director for the National Wildlife Refuge System, Pacific Region 1

US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

How have you benefitted from your FAPAC-DOI membership?

I have benefitted from being both a mentee and mentor. Each experience was very different whether as a mentee or mentor because it's all about the individual relationships and that connection you will have.  However, what made each one so meaningful had the same thread - trust, openness, support, and encouragement.  I am so grateful to my mentors for opening and expanding my eyes to my own potential possibilities and I can only hope that I have done the same for those that I have mentored.   

What advice would you like others to hear? 

Be the reason someone smiles today.