PRESS RELEASE
November 1, 2016
INAUGURAL GALA Marks a Defining Moment for NAAAP Detroit
DETROIT, MI – On October 28, 2016, the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) celebrated the establishment of its Detroit Chapter with an Inaugural Gala held at the Edward Village Hotel and Convention Center, which drew a capacity crowd of nearly 400 attendees.
In keeping with NAAAP-Detroit’s central spirit of becoming a learning and serving organization that grows by contributing to each other and the communities in which we work and live, the Gala was designed with the same theme: “Learn, Grow, Contribute and Celebrate Together.” President Coco Zhang-Miske and Strategy Board Leader Jamie Hsu introduced the organization and its purpose, and was joined by the NAAAP National leadership delegation including National President Fabian De Rozario and National Council Chair Ben Hum with congratulatory remarks and encouragement.
The audience experienced a power-house program packed with compelling speakers sharing their personal defining moments from their life and career journeys, to inspiring musical and dance performances. Wayne State University President, Dr. M Roy Wilson’s keynote address painted an indelible image of what it looks like to overcome cultural identity and circumstantial challenges to embracing one’s unique value, and to use our specific gifts to make enthusiastic contribution to the world in which we live. This and personal experiences shared by a diverse panel of speakers representing business, government, academia, and the arts, provided a rich introduction to both the vision we aspire to as well as the amazing talent resident within our nascent organization. Co-Emcee’s WDIV-TV’s Andrew Humphrey and Soraya Kim both serve on our Board.
NAAAP Detroit was warmly embraced and supported enthusiastically by a wide range of members, guests, friends, and dignitaries in attendance, including NAAAP National delegation, as well as with congratulatory letters of support from Governor Snyder and Consulate Generals from a number of Asian countries. The generous financial sponsorship support from General Motors, Edward Village Hotel & Convention Center, ACRO Services, Chrysan Industries Inc., Mobis North America, and numerous business and institutions were instrumental to making this Gala event possible.
NAAAP Detroit expressed its gratitude to the many generous supporters and the very talented all-volunteer team of NAAAP members who contributed their time, talent and treasure to serve and bring this program to the Detroit community. We encourage APA professionals of all disciplines, and friends, to join us to make this a vital empowering and serving community.
NAAAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and leading organization in North America that cultivates and empowers Asian leaders through professional development, community service, and networking. NAAAP has a long tradition in the US and Canada, and there is dynamic energy and enthusiasm for the future of NAAAP Detroit Chapter. NAAAP Detroit Chapter encourages members and friends to join to provide and experience leadership and professional development programs and service experiences to grow personally and to contribute to the growth of others in NAAAP and where they work and live. Visit www.naaapdetroit.org for more information.
