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

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2018 FAPAC Leadership Shadowing Program (2018 LSP)

Greetings!

Following up on the announcement made at the May 2017 General Membership meeting during the 2017 National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) in Rockville, MD, the FAPAC National Board of Directors (NBOD) invites your expression of interest to participate in the 2018 FAPAC Leadership Shadowing Program (2018 LSP), a 6-month program (from 15 Jan 2018 to 15 Jun 2018). The focus of this leadership shadowing program is for any interested, qualified FAPAC Members to get a closer look at the roles and responsibilities of the FAPAC Leadership. As a result, the participants will gain insight into the leadership role in which he/she would be interested for the 2019 or 2020 Elected Officer or Committee Chair positions.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 30 NOVEMBER 2017

Solicitation is now OPEN for the 2018 Leadership Shadowing Program. The FAPAC election will begin July 2018 for FY 2019 leadership positions. Apply here:  2018 FAPAC Leadership Shadowing Program Application Form

Get involved now and make a difference! 

Requirements for Successful Completion: Total of 40 hours that will include:

• 12 hours: One-on-One Mentoring/Shadowing the Elected Official; 
  
• 12 hours: Workshop Activities with Past FAPAC Leaders 
  
• 16 hours: Leadership Projects, to include public speaking and reporting skills
  

FAPAC Leadership is accepting application of interested participant(s) for the 2018 Leadership Shadowing Program (LSP) for the following 6 Elected Positions:

1. President
   
2. Vice President
   
3. Vice President for Operations
   
4. Executive Secretary
   
5. Treasurer
   
6. Auditor [independent from the NBOD]
   

Volunteers are the lifeblood of FAPAC. We have over 1,000 members, manage multiple events and provide unique mentorship and professional development opportunities.

When you volunteer, you become part of a larger team where you will meet and work with other FAPAC volunteers on a wide variety of events and projects. No matter your interests, FAPAC has a volunteer position that can leverage your skills to give back to the community.

FAPAC provides a variety of opportunities for members to get involved with the National or local chapters. Whether you are looking to volunteer a few hours a month or one day out of the year, we have the positions to suit your needs. If you are looking to volunteer with the Standing Committee but don't see a position that interests you, please feel free to contact us at: fapac@fapac.org.

How to Apply:

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) is now accepting applications for its 2018 Leadership Shadowing Program (LSP) for qualified FAPAC Members who desired to run for an elected position for the FY 2019 term. The program begins January 15, 2018 through June 15, 2018. Training sessions will be held in the Washington, DC metro area.

The LSP is a tuition-free program that offers participant with individual mentoring, coaching, professional development, and opportunities for inspiring FAPAC Members to be an Elected Official for the next term, 1 term of 24 months. We will select up to twelve (12) participants for the 2018 program (6 Elected Officials to shadow and up to twelve (12) participants).

LEADERSHIP SHADOWING OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:

• Coaching and mentoring from the current elected officials
• Training session from other past elected officials to provide lessons learned
• Development of leadership and public speaking skills
• Insight on how the organization is operated and being administered
• Improve ability to prepare a report in a form of a newsletter or news release
• Prepare the participants to run for the July 2018 FAPAC election 

WHO MAY APPLY:

To qualify for this program, complete the application form by is 30 NOVEMBER 2017. Please submit your application to president@fapac.org.

2018 FAPAC Leadership Shadowing Program Application Form

EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The selected individuals will be notified on 1 December 2017 and the program starts on 15 Jan 2018 and ends on 15 June 2018. FAPAC Election will be in July 2018 for the FY 2019 term. Please view the 2018 FAPAC Leadership Shadowing Program SOP and Evaluation.pdf for more information. 

The FAPAC National Board of Directors strongly encourage everyone to consider participating in this 2018 LSP. If you have any questions, please contact Parveen Setia (parveen.setia@fapac.org), Chairperson of Nominations and Election Committee (2017-2018) or submit questions to fapac@fapac.org.

For immediate release
April 21, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announces the 2017 FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Awards winners in recognition of individuals who have made significant contribution to the advancement of U. S. military missions and the promotion of equal opportunity in the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) communities.

1. Air Force Active TSgt Kelley Clevenger
   
2. Air Force Active LT Jeffrey Ng
   
3. Air Force Active MSgt Erik Garza
   
4. Air National Guard TSgt Ma Riolette Hildalgo
   
5. Air National Guard Major John Brownell
   
6. Army Reserve LTC Kamal Kalsi
   
7. Army National Guard CPT Popi Claudio
   
8. Coast Guard Active LTJG Frank Lim
   
9. Navy Active LT Rey Austria
   
10. Navy Reserve CDR Frederick Cheng
    
11. Marine Corps Active Corporal Gerdanryan Respicio
    

Congratulations to all the winners. The awards will be presented at the 32nd National Leadership Training Program to be held from May 15-18, 2017 at the Hilton Hotel at 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.

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, congratulates recipients of the 2017 FAPAC Civilian Awards.

Outstanding Individual Leadership

Feliciana Schaible (GS 1-12) - Forest Service, USDA
Robert M. Baggett (GS 13-15) - Office of the Inspector General, USDA
Thomas J. Leney (SES) - US Department of Veterans Affairs

Excellence in Individual Achievement

Sarah Kaul (GS 1-12) - National Institutes of Health
Dr. Minh A. Nguyen (GS 13-15) - Federal Aviation Administration, DOT
KC Yanamura (SES) - Federal Aviation Administration, DOT

Diversity Excellence

Chinling Chen (GS 1-12) - Forest Service, USDA
Nga Linda Busch (GS 13-15) - United States Air Force
Mamie Mallory (SES) -  Federal Aviation Administration, DOT

The awards will be presented at the 32nd National Leadership Training Program to be held from May 15-18, 2017 at the Hilton Hotel at 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON DC - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Endowment Fund Inc. is proud to announce the selection of Danicole Ramos, a Filipino–American student with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Seattle University and currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at American University as the recipient of the FAPAC Scholarship for 2017. Danicole, born and raised in Hawai‘i by immigrant parents was active in several organizations such as United We Dream, one of the largest youth immigration advocacy organizations that collaborated with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups to help the community. This year, the scholarship is given under the FAPAC Scholarship Fund in honor of former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, the first Asian Pacific American to serve as Secretary of Commerce and Transportation and who had been a great mentor to many AAPI leaders who came after him. The award, including a stipend of $5,000, will be presented at the 32nd National Leadership Training Program to be held from May 15-18, 2017 at the Hilton Hotel at 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.

The FAPAC Distinguished Scholarship for Public Service is given out each year, on a rotational basis, in honor of Secretary Elaine L. Chao, former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, and the late Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, representing three of the best Asian Pacific American leaders in Public Service.

The FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Endowment Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes the recognition of Asian Pacific American students who demonstrate interest in public service and have made contributions to foster diversity and inclusion in the Asian and Pacific American community.

For more information on the scholarship or to make a donation to the Scholarship Fund, please email awards@fapac.org