Our Mission

To advance Asian American professionals to leadership roles through training, networking, and collaboration.

Our Vision

A world where all people can achieve equity, growth, and recognition in their careers and community.

The Issues We Are Addressing

Asian Americans and minorities have made significant gains and achieved notable successes in the past few decades, including academic excellence, high-paying jobs, and higher household incomes. For all of those successes, we see that the AAPI community is disproportionately underrepresented in management roles and the boardrooms across the private and public sectors.

At the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA), we bridge the disconnect between talent and leadership opportunities.

Asian-American Representation in
Senior Executive Teams

Asian-American and minority high-tech workers in Silicon Valley grew from 38% in 2000 to 50% in 2010, yet still only represent 11% of senior executive teams.

Asian-American Representation in
Corporate Boards

Between 2010 and 2016, the representation of Asian American and minorities on corporate boards is still very low (3.1 percent, or 167 out of 5,440 total board seats).

Across the U.S., over 50 Asian American and minority executives lost their corporate job in the past year, and only four were filled by other Asian Americans.

A man sitting at a table with his hands folded, surrounded by two other people, during a meeting or discussion.

Our Approach

Asian American Professional Association’s (AAPA) programs have delivered results for the past 26 years. We are geared to address the diversity challenges in Corporate America, and to promote, inspire and develop Asian American and minority professionals to maximize their leadership potential towards leadership and management positions.

Smiling man and woman sitting at a conference table in a meeting room.

Our Core: Mentoring and Leadership Training

Instead of one-time events or one-time mentoring, our year-long structured programs build a solid foundation of leadership, help build trust between mentor and mentee, provide ongoing support, and opportunities to apply lessons learned in the classroom.

Our Emphasis: Structured Consistency

Mentoring and leadership training are the most effective and direct learning tools for individuals to change or advance their career. Participants receive mentoring and expert guidance to prepare them for executive, management, and nonprofit board roles.

Benefits

one-on-one mentoring

nonprofit board internship

leadership workshops

learning hubs

speaker sessions

professional networking

opportunities to share experiences and knowledge as a Mentor

AAPA Commits To

promoting leadership development

leading as role models

maintaining integrity

providing career-related support

encouraging diversity and inclusion

building a supportive community

developing quality and impactful programs

How We Started

1999

In 1999, Dr. John Hwang and Dr. Philip Chen started the mentoring program in the conference room of APEX Computer Systems, Inc.

2010

In 2010, AAPA kicked off its first Executive Forum, and in 2012, AAPA kicked off its first Leadership Symposium.

2003

In 2003, the mentoring program was formalized into AAPA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

2015

In 2015, AAPA reached 1100 alumni mentees. Also, in partnership with APCF, AAPA kicked off the Board Leadership Program.

2006

In 2006, AAPA introduced Track 3 to the Mentorship Program for professionals seeking to advance into senior management and director positions.

2017

In 2017, the AAPA Toastmasters Club was officially chartered. AAPA also held its first Idea Talks, in partnership with City National Bank.

Today

Today, over 30 mentors, 25 mentees, and 25 Board Leadership Program participants are enrolled, and we have over 1,350 participants in our alumni network.