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NAAAP National Leadership Convention is coming to Kansas City in 2019
My name is Junann Lopez and I am the incoming President of NAAAP-KC for 2019. Thanks to the leadership of Lisa and the NAAAP-KC board, 2018 was a year full of successes. Our NAAAP-KC board met a few weeks ago to set goals and plan for an exciting and epic 2019. We currently have 2 openings on the Board: Director of Membership and Director of Technology. Contact me if you are interested in either of those positions. And now for the big news!! I am very excited and honored to announce that NAAAP-KC will be hosting the NAAAP National Leadership Convention here in Kansas City, Aug 22-24, 2019. Not only will this be a time to highlight and promote our chapter, but this is a great opportunity for us to showcase the amazing people within our diverse Asian American community, the incredibly talented people in our creative and business communities, and the world class companies that call this marvelous city home. This is our time to show the national Asian American community what Kansas City has to offer and that this is a vibrant and exciting city for them to live, work, play, and thrive in. The convention team estimates we will have 700 – 1,000 guests attend activities throughout the 3-day convention. The convention kicks off with an all day ERG (Employee Resource Group) Summit and welcome reception, followed by 2 days of workshops, panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking, a career fair, and concluding with an unforgettably stunning gala featuring the best of Kansas City that you will not want to miss. To highlight all the fantastic things Kansas City has to offer, we will need the help of the community. Please consider being a sponsor, donor, volunteer, serving on a committee, sharing your talents, spreading the word, or attending the convention. Let’s show them that Kansas City is more than a cow and a barn. Together, we can create an unforgettable experience in an unbelievably stunning city. In Your Service, Junann Lopez
A Message from NAAAP-KC President, Lisa Austin
Wow, how quickly a year passes by or in my case, 3 years. As I begin the transition into the position of past president I wanted to take a minute to reflect on the successes of this past year. In addition to our networking happy hours, coffee meet ups, and volunteer opportunities, we had four very successful professional development events, most of them at or near full capacity. We sponsored several D&I at Nite events at the Unicorn Theatre. I am also very proud of the fact that NAAAP-KC became a founding chapter for NAAAP Pride, a new NAAAP national program for the Asian American LGBTQ+ community and it’s allies. Many of these events and programs would not have been possible without the support of our Corporate Sponsors, Hallmark and UMB Bank, the hard work of the NAAAP-KC board, our collaborations with community organizations like The Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, and most importantly, you – our members. I thank you all for allowing me to serve you as president over the last 3 years. It has been an honor, a joy, and an experience that I will always cherish. I would now like to introduce you to our incoming President, Junann Lopez who has some very exciting news to share with you about 2019. Kindest Regards, Lisa Austin
2018 Women Who Mean Business: Aviva Ajmera
Aviva Ajmera Co-founder and CEO, SoLVE LLC Article Source: Kansas City Business Journal Responsibilities: Ajmera co-founded SoLVE LLC in 2013 with friend and fellow entrepreneur Teddi Hernandez. Her primary areas of expertise include strategic planning, product development and organizational design. Education: For generations, education has been a priority in Ajmera’s family. Her great-grandfather founded a university in India that provided college education for underserved students. With this foundation, Ajmera has trusted and valued her education and advises other women to pursue the best education possible. “Growing up, I was always told, ‘An education is one thing no one can ever take away from you,’” Ajmera said. Turning point: “After working in corporate America for 15 years and two different international consulting firms, deciding to start my own consulting firm in Kansas City to help Kansas City-based companies grow.” Supporting women: For the past 15 years, Ajmera has actively guided and mentored women in navigating corporate culture and obtaining professional opportunities. She is also the chair of Women’s Capital Connection, an all-women angel investing group that invests in women-led companies throughout the region. “I make a personal commitment to support companies we invest in. I share my professional knowledge and actively build awareness for their businesses.” Greatest challenge: Ajmera’s parents were the first in their families to immigrate to the United States, and she was the first of her generation to be born and raised here. Ajmera found it challenging to grow up in this country where “anything is possible,” while also being raised in a culture where women have clearly defined roles. “I constantly struggled with my parents to support my goals versus their traditional views of how a ‘good Indian girl’ should live her life. I overcame this by believing in myself and achieving my goals.” Inspiration: Ajmera’s husband and daughter are her greatest inspiration. “My husband has always believed in me, encouraged me to reach as high as possible and face my fears. My daughter is my ongoing inspiration to be my very best self and balance work, family and our Indian traditions.” — Anne Marie Hunter https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/women-who-mean-business/

Upcoming Events

Sparkle Party

22 JAN 2019 · 5:30 PM

in 1444 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA

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2019 KCCA Chinese New Year Gala

9 FEB 2019 · 4:30 PM

in Carlsen Center at JCCC (Overland Park, KS)

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