PRESS RELEASE                                                                 For information contact:
April 17, 2014                                                                          fapac@fapac.org       

FAPAC SIGNS MOU WITH NIH

 

WASHINGTON – Today FAPAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Institute of Health (NIH), a major health research agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. President Dr. Kin Wong and Debra Chew, Director of Equity Diversity & Inclusion at NIH participated in the signing ceremony at NIH. The agreement forges a partnership to:

·         Increase representation of AAPI’s in grade 15 and above positions in major occupations at NIH

·         Advance cultural awareness at NIH

·         Identify and publicize training and career development

·         Improvement the retention rate of NIH’s AAPI

·         Support NIH participation in FAPAC sponsored programs, student internships, conferences, technical assistance, research studies etc.

The MOU also contains implementation plan to reach the goal.

FAPAC is organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the interests of over 155,000 civilian and military APA employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments of all ranks. For more information, please visit www.fapac.org.

PRESS RELEASE                                                                 For information contact:
April 16, 2014                                                                          fapac@fapac.org       

FAPAC CHALLENGE TEAM PILOT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS

 

WASHINGTON - The challenges facing the federal government today are myriad and complex. To successfully meet them, federal government leaders must be creative and innovative; flexible and resilient; cooperative and collaborative. They must be able to work in effective teams, value individual differences, and leverage diversity to think strategically and solve concrete problems.

To develop these skills in federal employees who have limited opportunities to train, go on details, or work on special assignments, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) created the “Challenge Teams” program. The FAPAC Challenge Teams is a cost-neutral, project-oriented, innovative and experiential training-based program that gives federal employees, especially those at the GS-9 to GS-14 levels, the chance to develop leadership skills while working on significant and challenging projects, without having to leave their agencies on detail assignments or temporary duties.

With participation from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, FAPAC launched the program at the WHIAAPI Federal Employee Conference on July 12, 2013. The Pilot is coordinated by Peter Nguyen and Minh Favila from FAPAC and Courtney Chappell and Edmund Chiang from the WHIAAPI.

Working in virtual teams of 4 to 6 members, participants completed a set of virtual training classes and worked between 10 to 20 hours per month for 6 months on their projects. They examined the complex challenges facing the federal government in addressing the needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, particularly in capacity building, language access, data disaggregation, and workforce diversity.

Reaching beyond their comfort zones, they interviewed and surveyed academics, hundreds of federal employees, senior government officials, and community organizations to understand what were the greatest needs and barriers for the AAPI community. They examined existing government policies and practices and compared agency plans and approaches.

But perhaps most importantly of all, in the process of working with others to develop recommendations and solutions, participants learned to effectively collaborate and communicate within a diverse team, question conventional approaches, and develop new insights and strategies. The participants themselves may have said it best, when reflecting on their experiences with the program:

• “The Challenge Teams program is an innovative and unique experience for federal employees to work in an interagency framework to address the needs and concerns of the AANHPI community. Participants will develop lifelong friendships and learn leadership and problem-solving skills.”  ~ Thomas Szymanek (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
• “It was extremely refreshing to experience the superb collection of talent that is interested in advancing the issues that confront the AAPI community. The groups that we interacted with increased my awareness of the many challenges that the AAPI community face as well as those that are attempting to fix these challenges. Any opportunity for someone to participate in future Challenge Team activities will become a better advocate for the people of AAPI." ~ Myles Miyamasu (U.S. Department of Defense)
• “A great opportunity to work with an inter-agency team on an incredibly important initiativeundefinedI hope the Challenge Teams will continue for many years to come.” ~ Bonita J. Soley (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

On April 9, 2014, they presented their final reports and recommendations, some highlighting best practices for agencies, some offering practical toolkits, others compiling useful databases of information and contacts, all of them highlighting additional avenues for future challenge teams to explore.

Congratulations to the successful FAPAC Challenge Team participants:

Meghan Baburek (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

Gwendolyn Berry (U.S.  Department of Housing and Urban Development)

Theresa Blaine (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Cedric Chan (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Paul Chang (U.S. Department of Labor)

Karen Chaves (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Peggy Fong (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Ranmali Fonseka (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Fang He (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Vanee Komolprasert (U.S. Health and Human Services)

Linda Li (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)

Shivani Mehta (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Myles Miyamasu (U.S. Department of Defense)

Neelam Patel (U.S. Department of Justice)

Jennifer Prasarn (U.S. Department of Defense)

Bonita Soley (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

Anna Soliman (U.S. Department of the Treasury)

Thomas Szymanek (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Lacy Vong (U.S. Government Accountability Office)

Lina Woo (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Diana Yu (U.S. Department of Education)

Team representatives will be presenting highlights of some of the findings at the 29^th National Leadership Training Program to be held on May 5-8, 2014 at the Sheraton Charlotte, 555 S. McDowell Street, Charlotte, NC.

We look forward to launching the second year of the FAPAC Challenge Teams program during the WHIAAPI 2014 Federal Employee Conference in July. For more information about the FAPAC Challenge Teams program, visit http://www.fapac.org/challengeteams

FAPAC is organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the interests of over 155,000 civilian and military APA employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments of all ranks. For more information, please visit www.fapac.org.

FAPAC Distinguished Public Service Scholarship Endowment Fund Inc.

Email: scholarship@fapac.org Website: http://www.fapac.org

APRIL 16, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAPAC SCHOLARSHIP FUND ANNOUNCES 2014 AWARD

  

WASHINGTON - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Scholarship Endowment Fund is proud to announce the selection of Mary June Flores for the 2014 Distinguished Public Service Scholarship.  This year’s award is given under the FAPAC Scholarship Fund in honor of Secretary Norman Mineta who has been a trailblazer,  breaking ceilings of all types,  and has unselfishly giving back nurturing many of new leaders who came after him.

The award will be presented on May 8, 2014 in Charlotte, NC during the FAPAC National Leadership Training Program. The awardee will receive a stipend of $5,000 towards her education.

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

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

PRESS RELEASE   

April 11, 2014 Rev 2                                 

For information contact fapac@fapac.org           

FAPAC ANNOUNCES MILITARY MERITORIOUS AWARDEES FOR 2014

  

WASHINGTON - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announced the 2014 FAPAC Military Meritorious Awards winners in recognition of individuals who have made significant contribution to the advancement of Department of Defense missions and the promotion of equal opportunity in the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) communities.

U S Army:                                     Staff Sergeant John T. Singharath

U S Navy:                                     Lieutenant Anthony P. Sham

US Navy:                                      Captain Ann K. Minami

US Navy:                                      Machinist Mate First Class Nestorio Delgado

Army National Guard:              Lieutenant Colonel Sungshik Kim

Air National Guard                   Chief Master Sergeant Salvatore Pecorella

U S Coast Guard:                       Lieutenant Commander Frances Fazio

U S Marine Corps:                     Sergeant Meghan Lambaria

U S Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Shiela R. Cregger

The awards will be presented at the 29^th National Leadership Training Program to be held on May 5-8, 2014 at the Sheraton Charlotte, 555 S. McDowell Street, Charlotte, NC.

FAPAC is organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the interests of over 155,000 civilian and military APA employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments of all ranks. For more information, please visit www.fapac.org.

Congratulations to all the winners.

PRESS RELEASE                                                     CONTACT: Liqun Lauren Wong
Friday, April 10, 2014                                                    ExecutiveSecretary@FAPAC.org           

FAPAC CONGRATULATES THE 2014 CIVILIAN AWARDS RECEIPIENTS

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 2014 FAPAC Civilian Awards.

Outstanding Individual Leadership
Kevin Shea	Department of Agriculture - APHIS
Samuel P. Go	Department of Justice
Tat S. Shum	Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Mark G. Ayupan	Defense Logistics Agency
Excellence in Individual Achievement
Eugene Tu	National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Richard J. Kim	Department of Army
Feng K. An	Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Diversity Excellence
Margaret N. Schneider	Department of the Interior Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Michael Mau	Central Intelligence Agency
Cameo Hoffert	Air National Guard
Maria-Lorna A. Villacampa	Department of Defense Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Jacqueline Ray-Morris	Department of Defense National Guard Bureau

The awards will be given at the 29^th FAPAC National Leadership Training Program May 5 - 9, 2014 at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina. The program is approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as appropriate for training for federal employees. With its members representing all the major federal agencies it is the largest training program of its kind catering to AAPI employees, both military and civilian, throughout the Federal government.  It is also a place where more than 30 corporations and federal agencies have exhibits with information on their programs for recruitment and outreach.

FAPAC is organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the interests of over 155,000 civilian and military APA employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments.

For Additional information on FAPAC and its activities please visit www.fapac.org

Press Release March 7, 2014

Press Release Janaury 15, 2014

WASHINGTON DC – On January 30, 2014, FAPAC will kick off its second year of the mentoring program, Career Development for High Performers (CDHP), in Washington, DC.  President Kin Wong will welcome the second class of mentors and mentees.  Mr. Kenneth M. Bailey, ICE Chief Diversity Officer will be the guest speaker during this year’s kickoff.  The nine month program, modified based on lessons learned from the first class, will include various activities, including one on one mentoring and group activities.  The mentor and mentee are paired based on their interests and availability.

The CDHP is part of the FAPAC Pipeline Initiative to attract more AAPI to public service, move them up the ladder into management, and eventually into SES careers for those with heightened interests. Through this new initiative, FAPAC will play an important role in fostering a diverse workforce for the federal government.  FAPAC will collaborate with OPM, the White House Initiative for AAPI, EEOC and other federal agencies to make the initiative successful.  The initiative will build on experience already gained and will make changes as necessary.

Established in 1985, FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes equal opportunity and cultural diversity among the 155,000 civilian and military AAPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments of all ranks, including GS and SES employees and managers. FAPAC carries out its mission through activities in conjunctions with the observance of the Heritage Month, held during the month of May each year, and through its education, Military and Civilian Award programs. The National Training Program (NTP) will be held May 5-9, 2014 at the new Sheraton Charlotte in North Carolina. For more information on the CDHP program, please visit www.fapac.org or contact aurea.franklin@va.gov or selina.lee@ed.gov.

 

Press Release Janauary 8

WASHINGTON DC – The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announced that the National Training Program will be held May 5-9, 2014 at the new Sheraton Charlotte in North Carolina.

Through its National Training Program every year FAPAC promotes cultural diversity and equal opportunity. During the event it also showcase the cultures of countries on the Asian Continent and across the Pacific. The invited speakers included Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, and Katherine Archuleta, Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

The planning team will visit with the Charlotte community to prepare for a successful national training event that provides an expanding opportunity for all federal employees and managers, through the process of learning and sharing of ideas on best practices on leadership, diversity and workforce issues related to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. FAPAC will also debut a Government Business Forum in conjunction with the new Business Advisory Partnership (BAP), formed recently under the Chair, Samuel Mok.

The FAPAC Scholarship Fund Inc. will be awarding a Scholarship for Public Service in honor of Secretary Norman Mineta on May 8 at the NTP in Charlotte.

Established in 1985, FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes equal opportunity and cultural diversity among the 155,000 civilian and military AAPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments of all ranks, including GS and SES employees and managers. FAPAC carries out its mission through activities in conjunctions to the observance of the Heritage Month, held during the month of May each year, and through its education, Military and Civilian Award programs. For more information, please visit www.fapac.org

 

THEME FOR AAPI HERITAGE MONTH MAY 2014

  

‘DIVERSE LEADERSHIP + EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY: AN IMPERATIVE FOR AMERICA”

WASHINGTON DC – The Federal Asian American Council (FAPAC) announced the theme for the AAPI Heritage Month May 2014:

The theme reflects the critical role of diversity leadership in the multi-cultural mosaic in American and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It is imperative that America takes the lead in its Pivot to Asian and the Pacific. The potential for the continuous innovation and success is guaranteed by the inflow of immigrants from every country. New leadership skills that embrace these changes will bring forth new solutions and collaboration.

Through its National Training Program every year FAPAC promotes cultural diversity and equal opportunity. During the event it also showcase the cultures of countries on the Asian Continent and across the Pacific. 

Established in 1985, FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes equal opportunity and cultural diversity among the 155,000 civilian and military AAPI employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments of all ranks, including GS and SES employees and managers. FAPAC carries out its mission through activities in conjunctions to the observance of the Heritage Month, held during the month of May each year, and through its education, Military and Civilian Award programs. For more information, please visit www.fapac.org

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is currently seeking spring interns. We will consider part-time applicants who can commit to at least 20 hours a week, with priority given to those who can work full-time. We are looking for interns who have a strong interest and familiarity with issues impacting the AAPI community and outstanding research, writing, and computer skills. Interns at the Initiative are responsible for assisting the staff in researching a wide range of issues impacting the AAPI community, including education, health, economic and community development, civil rights, and labor and employment. In addition, interns will help develop policy memos and proposals, organize events, and conduct outreach to national and local AAPI organizations, elected officials, federal agencies, and ethnic media outlets. The Initiative works to improve the quality of life and opportunities for AAPIs by facilitating increased access to and participation in federal programs where they remain underserved. We work collaboratively with federal agencies to increase AAPI participation in programs in education, commerce, business, health, human services, housing, environment, arts, agriculture, labor and employment, transportation, justice, veterans affairs, and economic and community development.

Please note that applications for spring internships are due October 15. Students may also be interested in our summer and fall internship opportunities.

More information can be found on our website www.whitehouse.gov/aapi. More information about our spring internship opportunity can be downloaded below.

• WHIAAPI Internship Information Packet