InspirASIAN Stars
Please join us in congratulating our InspirASIAN Stars! This is a new initiative to highlight members in our organizations that have done exceptional work with InspirASIAN and around our community.
November InspirASIAN Stars
Jay Chois
Lead Logistics Analyst
Business Unit: Global Supply Chain
As a Mobility Spares Planner for the West Region, Jay ensures critical parts are available for cell site outages and maintenance and help to maintain optimum stocking levels of these parts at our local warehouses. He enjoys paddling Dragon Boat, playing golf, snowboarding, watching movies, camping, spending time with his family, traveling to exciting new places, and fueling his soul through his faith and the Bible.
Chandrasekhar Thondikulum
Sr Member of Technical Staff
Business Unit: AT&T Technology Development
Sekhar works in the D2 Platforms & system development department with focus on DCAE component for ECOMP. During his free time, he likes to spend time with family and friends and support the community through non-profit work. Being a Chairperson of InspirASIAN New Jersey Chapter has exposed Sekhar to collaboration and volunteerism.
October InspirASIAN Stars
Robert Hoffman
Sr. Specialist – Network Design Engineer
Business Unit: Technology Planning & Engineering
Robert creates software-defined networking elements in our AT&T Integrated Cloud (AIC) that support free data for our customers and more importantly, prioritize our First Responders’ phone traffic once the government-funded FirstNet network is created. He works on a team that follows the DevOps model which means he works in parallel with labs, operations, and vendor counterparts much of my day. He gets opportunities to watch vendor presentations, help build networks elements in the lab, and work with operations to troubleshoot network issues. Robert is constantly learning new things each day and that is his favorite part of the job!. Some of his favorite things to do for fun consist of outdoor activities with his two dogs and wife. They love to go hiking, camping, bicycling, and especially hanging out at the lake. Sometimes when they decide to leave their pups at home, they try new restaurants in Atlanta and even go to some live music when they have the time. Sunset Sessions at Park Tavern is a must-see during the summer months!!
Shirley Sanz
Senior Project/Program and Communications Manager
Business Unit: AT&T Community Engagement
Shirley is a Senior Project/Program Manager within the Citizenship & Sustainability organization and resides in San Diego, CA. Her primary responsibility is the management of Do One Thing (DOT), a voluntary company-wide effort that invites employees to commit to regular, measurable actions that are good for themselves, their communities and/or the company.
Shirley is also the Community Engagement liaison for the National AT&T Pioneers and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). AT&T Pioneers is a network of nearly 265,000 AT&T employees and retirees who affect immediate, tangible change in local communities, and ERGs as you know reflect the diversity of employees and support the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through efforts in the workplace, marketplace and the community. During her free time, Shirley enjoys running and training for half and full marathons, travel, eat – so she can call herself a foodie. she also enjoys community service with like-minded people.
August InspirASIAN Stars
Pete Lecko
Senior Network Support
Business Unit: EG Marketing
Pete works with Digital Life Operations! During his free time he likes building models and gaming.
Mohammad Karim
Systems and Reporting Manager
Business Unit: Global Events
Mohammad manages and assists technical issues for in house application and manages survey for the global events team and also works with different organization. He likes to spend quality time with his family.
Mae Jean Go
Sr. User Experience Designer
Business Unit: AT&T Mobility and Consumer Operations
Mae Jean is a Sr. User Experience Designer in the online Consumer Digital organization at AT&T. She is responsible for developing and communicating the digital design, style, and editorial standards for AT&T’s customer-facing websites. Over the past 32 years at AT&T, she has served in numerous eCommerce, IT, and HR positions. She is a current advisor for the InspirASIAN NorCal chapter board and the InspirASIAN National Historian Chair. She previously served as National Marketing Officer. She was recognized as a Jefferson Awards Champion in 2016 and has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold Level for the past six years. Mae Jean enjoys reading, particularly literature and mysteries. She also enjoys classical music, NPR, and PBS programs. If she’s not doing one of those activities, you can find her walking outdoors and enjoying nature.
Brad Thompson
Lead Labor Relations Manager
Business Unit: Labor Relations
Brad supports contract negotiations between AT&T and the 120,000 union-represented employees. If he’s not at work, he enjoys playing and watching sports.
July InspirASIAN Stars
Yakun Gao
Director New Tech Prod Dev Eng
Business Unit: Wireless Network Architecture and Design
Yakun leads a team that certifies devices for Cricket Wireless and supports new service integration into devices (e.g. VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling). For fun, Yakun likes to play soccer, paddle dragon boat, and get inspired by InspirASIAN scholars.
Mieko Doi
Lead Channel Manager
Business Unit: FirstNet Marketing, BMO
Mieko plans events for 50 states and 5 territories for AT&T FirstNet. Her background before AT&T was product management of medical devices used by first responders and she’s excited to be back supporting public safety. In her spare time, you can find her reading books, tending to her vegetable garden, hanging out with family, being as active as possible, and learning new things.
Anna Kay Rice
Lead HR Specialist
Business Unit: Human Resources
Anna Kay helps employees get their skills future ready! She likes to travel with family, play tennis, and empower women to enter the STEM fields.
Carol Tagayun
Director of External Affairs, Western Washington and Hawaii
Business Unit: External & Legislative Affairs
Carol is the Director of external affairs, overseeing Western Washington and Hawaii. In her free time, she enjoys golf, gardening, and home improvement projects.
Know someone who is an outstanding member of InspirASIAN? Submit a nomination here!