InspirASIAN National President’s Message
What fun it is…to be national president of InspirASIAN! Tis the season to be jolly…and time to turn over the reins to the new national president!
I am thrilled InspirASIAN will continue to have a strong group of passionate and talented leaders. When I began this role, one of my goals was to have a succession plan in place at the conclusion of my two-year term. As we enter 2020, the transition will be seamless – with projects in the works and new ones to come.
I enjoyed serving as national president, the experience was worth the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice. I will cherish the time spent with my fellow Executive Committee Members, National Board, & Committee Chairs. They have made my journey fun and filled with fond memories.
As I reflect over my tenure, a few highlights come to mind:
- Celebrating InspirASIAN’s 40 Year Anniversary in Seattle, Washington
- Introducing AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson at the ERG Conference 10th Anniversary closing dinner
- Winning 2019 Excellence in Action for Leadership & Innovation
- Achieving top 5 recognition for Excellence in Action for Community & Collaboration
- Growing my network of friends, colleagues, and partnerships
- Representing InspirASIAN to AT&T Officers, AT&T Diversity & Inclusion, and non-profits who provide services to under-served communities
- InspirASIAN’s professional development opportunities, scholarship program, dragon boat participation, and unique activities provided by our local chapters.
Arigato, Salamat, and Thank You for a great season in my career and life! Wishing you the best of health and may you seize 2020 with passion for whatever brings you joy, peace and love. Shirley
InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
“Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Norman Vincent Peale, American minister and author.
My family immigrated to Los Angeles from Taipei seeking for better lives when I was twelve. Although I grew up in L.A., my parents raised my brother and I based on Chinese tradition and Confucius teaching. My parents valued our education above all else. We were expected to graduate from college and to obtain our postgraduation diplomas before I could speak English.
I learned about the InspirASIAN Scholarship Program back in 2012 when I served as the Atlanta Chapter President. Our InspirASIAN Scholars not only excel academically, they are also young leaders improving lives in their communities. I was delighted to be part of this worthy cause and assisted raising scholarship funds for the past 7 years.
Earlier this year, I was recognized by AT&T Diversity & Inclusion as the first Excellence in Leadership Award recipient at the 2019 Employee Group Conference. The recognition came with a $5000 charity reward for a non-profit organization of my choice. Needless to say, I chose InspirASIAN National Scholarship Program.
Fellow members, I beseech you to be part of the 2020 InspirASIAN Scholarship Program. Join the DARE-TO-BE program and make a small contribution. Contact your local chapter president and sign-up as a volunteer for the scholarship program. You will be amazed, inspired, and energized by the InspirASIAN scholars.
“Do what you can, with what you
have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt, 26th U.S. President
By Jackson Ku, InspirASIAN National President 2014 ~ 2015.
Congratulations to our winner!
Thank you to all of our participants in our 2019 Leadership Development Program – “Pitch it!”
After five stages of hard work, we’re pleased to announce the winner in this series is: Ariel Yeh, the trash lady! She will receive a coaching session with Anne Chow, CEO – AT&T Business. Please join us in congratulating her!
Special thanks to our instructors – Josh Bristow, Michelle Swanson, and Jackson Ku – you made this possible!
Thanks also to Yeeling Lam, our National Professional Development Chair, for a phenomenal job at organizing this program!
Record your volunteer hours by January 18, 2020!
Remember to record your volunteer hours by January 18, 2020. For any hours you want credited towards InspirASIAN, please answer the question for “Who are you volunteering with” as “ERG – InspirASIAN”.