Dear NAAAP members, friends, and sponsors:
Happy Summer! We are gearing up to offer three virtual events over the next few weeks to help you connect with other professionals and learn new skills. We have opened these events to non-members too so feel free to share the registration links with a friend or a colleague who could benefit from any or all of our upcoming webinars. Please be sure to R.S.V.P. today as spots are limited. Scroll down below for additional information and sign up today to hold your spot in our upcoming events.
In case you missed our last webinar on the importance of having a personal brand that stands out and knowing how to promote yourself, click here to watch the replay.
NAAAP Philadelphia is committed to building and connecting our Corporate Sponsors to our Members and friends with career opportunities in the Philadelphia area. To that end, we are excited to provide additional resources by launching a page on our website for you to see companies in the area hiring talents in a broad range of areas from technology, finance, legal, consulting, healthcare, operations, marketing, real estate advisory, and others. Our corporate sponsors have the opportunity to post jobs to the NAAAP Philadelphia website where members and non-members alike will be directed to the available positions and instructions on how to apply. Please be sure to check the website periodically to see if your next opportunity awaits.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Next Wednesday, July 1st at 7 p.m. for NAAAP’s WIN(e) and Dine, first virtual event with Women In NAAAP. Pour your favorite wine or beverage, gather a light snack, and join NAAAP as we host a virtual get-together to discuss how Covid-19 is especially challenging for women and how we can support each other. Everyone is welcome! Click here to register and be sure to read the two articles attached on the registration page. Join Women In NAAAP for a relaxing evening and a lively discussion!
| Thursday, July 9 for a “Lunch and Learn” live webinar on employee rights during the pandemic: Employer and Employee Rights and Obligations Concerning Covid-19 with Current and Returning Employees – From A Legal Perspective. Trial attorneys from Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti will explain applicable laws and answer your questions. Register to attend the event here. Thursday, July 23 for a “Lunch and Learn” live webinar focused on your career: Thrive in a New Norm: Own Your Career. Three senior executives from Comcast, Robert Half, and TD Bank will offer advice on how to navigate and land your next career opportunity in today’s current market. Register to attend the event here. |
| LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: NOEL ABEJO For the debut of NAAAP Philadelphia’s Leadership Spotlight, we highlight Noel Abejo, a Vice President of Technology for Wells Fargo. He is a board member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and on NAAAP’s leadership team as Vice President of Public Relations. We had a conversation with Noel recently and asked him to share his thoughts on a broad range of topics from what he’s reading to his leadership style to his favorite travel spot. Read on to learn more about Noel. What three traits define you? Accountability, Integrity & Commitment. What is your personal philosophy? Take action and make a difference. Live each day and finish what you started. Ten years ago, who did you think you would become? I didn’t look that far ahead ten years ago since we were just getting out of a bad economy. I knew I wanted to move up in my career and take on more responsibilities. I also became more involved in helping literacy programs for children and being a mentor for young adults. What are you listening to/reading these days? I recently read “Autentico: The Definitive Guide to Latino Career Success”. It’s a good read on the importance of Latinos and their influence in the next few years. Unfortunately, Latinos still lacked numbers in executive positions and senior leadership which is also faced by Asians in the United States. Where is your favorite place to be? I love family vacations so it would be anywhere with family. We have an annual multi-family vacation at Sea Isle City so that has become my favorite place and there are so many memories of our get-togethers. Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why? It always seems like my most recent vacation is the best so Italy would be it. More specifically, Florence. The history, Renaissance, art galleries, Michelangelo’s David sculpture, beautiful architecture, and the people were great. Plus, Leonardo da Vinci is one of my favorite historical figures. My favorite quote from him is, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” What is your biggest aspiration? Career-wise, I want to continue to stay on track as a leader, team player, and be a role model. From a personal standpoint, being a husband, father and grandfather has been very fulfilling. What does leadership mean to you? Have a vision, take action, communicate well, and follow-through. Be accountable at all times. What would you do (career-wise) if you didn’t get into IT management? If I could go back in time, I would probably be an airline pilot, but that requires 20/20 vision which was a showstopper. Teaching at a college is something that I have also considered. What is your favorite thing about volunteering at NAAAP Philadelphia? NAAAP really builds leaders by providing connections that matter. It is a pleasure to watch young adults make big progress each year. For more information on Noel Abejo connect with him on LinkedIn. |
While many businesses across the country are opening up again, we still need to be cautious to avoid contracting Covid-19. Many of our members who are working from home are enjoying working in pajamas and not having to deal with their morning commute. It seems many of us have found ways to cope with this sudden change in our lives. What has helped during the stay-at-home order as shared by Kevin, Catherine, and Caleigh below is thinking positively.
Kevin He, a marketing manager, with two toddlers and a dog, adjusted to the stay-at-home order by doing his best to keep to his usual routine which involves having his morning tea, afternoon snack, and going out for walks regularly. He admits it has been challenging as he or his wife has had to be always “on duty” to feed and entertain their two boys. He has been keeping in touch with colleagues and contacts via virtual meetings, emails, phone calls, and texts. With restrictions easing, Kevin is already looking into taking a family vacation. He is eager to go anywhere outside of his home.
Catherine Rheault, a senior at Temple, has continued working for a local CVS store so she hasn’t been stuck working at home. She has been staying connected with contacts via LinkedIn. When she is not working, Catherine has kept busy by exercising and spending time with her family. In the coming weeks, she is looking forward to eating at a restaurant with friends and family. Additionally, Catherine is eager to visit a salon to get a manicure and a haircut.
Since the stay-at-home order was implemented, Caleigh McGrath, a senior at Drexel and an intern at Comcast, has made it her goal to attend every virtual event, especially happy hour. She makes a point to proactively contact coworkers via email or instant message to check in on a regular basis. She loves the team chat channel where everyone is asked daily to engage by sharing a photo of a certain topic. Caleigh has been spending time with friends and family via Sync Tube and FaceTime. When it’s safer to do so, Caleigh plans to visit her Aunt Kathy and give her a big hug.
RECOGNITIONS:
We want to congratulate the Asian American Women’s Coalition (AAWC) for hosting a successful virtual “banquet” in place of their usual in-person banquet to celebrate awardees of the AAWC scholarship program. This year, with support from their generous support of donors, AAWC was able to honor 27 scholars, many of whom will be first-generation college students this fall. The virtual banquet is hosted on the AAWC website and was officially kicked off by a Zoom launch event on June 15, 2020. The launch event featured speakers, including Cecilia Moy Yep, AAWC co-founder and the “Godmother of Chinatown”.
CONNECT WITH NAAAP PHILADELPHIA:
You can always stay connected with us by checking NAAAP Philadelphia’s website or any and all of our social media platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are not a member, join today by visiting this link: https://naaap-philadelphia.silkstart.com/join.