Author Archives: LS

Congratulations Akshar Awalgaonkar for being chosen The 2023 Energy & Environment Power 100 list

National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Philadelphia congratulates Akshar Awalgaonkar,  one of our esteemed Board of Directors, for being chosen by City & State Pennsylvania for The 2023 Energy & Environment Power 100 list.

In the capacity of Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Veolia’s Water Technologies & Solutions Group, Akshar’s exceptional expertise and dedication to making a positive impact in the global water, waste management, and energy sectors, thereby contributing significantly to our community, has led to this outstanding recognition. NAAAP’s missions are to build an inclusive and diverse community, cultivate and empower future leaders in their professional fields, engage and give back to the Greater Philadelphia community. NAAAP takes immense pride in the accomplishments of all our Board of Directors and leadership team.  Please join us in congratulating him!

https://www.cityandstatepa.com/power-lists/2023/08/2023-energy-environment-power-100/389747/

man wearing a suit with windmills in background

NAAAP Philadelphia appoints Sunnaret (Sunny) Eang to the leadership team as the Director of Corporate Relations

NAAAP Philadelphia welcomes Sunny Eang to the leadership team as our Director of Corporate Relations. 

Sunnaret (Sunny) is a Director at WhartonHill Investment Advisors where she works with clients in all aspects of financial planning and serves on the firm’s Investment Committee. Previously, Sunny worked at Brown Brothers Harriman, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and most recently at JPMorgan Private Bank where she serviced clients comprising predominantly women and minority business owners. 

sunny eang

Sunny currently sits on the Strategic Advisory Group for Innovate Capital Growth Fund, a Philadelphia-based private equity fund focused on small and middle market minority-controlled businesses operating predominantly in the Mid-Atlantic region. She also serves on the Associate Advisory Board for Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey, as well as the Advisory Board for the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. Click here to learn more about Sunny and the rest of our NAAAP Philadelphia Leadership Team.

In this role as the Director of Corporate Relations for NAAAP Philadelphia, Sunny will work closely and act as a liaison with the corporate sponsors. “We are excited to have Sunny joining the leadership team, and working closely with me in building and managing our relationships with the corporate sponsors,” said Kevin He, Chief Operating Officer of NAAAP Philadelphia. “We look forward to another successful year in 2022, in partnership with our 30 plus sponsors, as we continue to inspire new leaders and make impacts in our communities.”

About NAAAP Philadelphia
The National Association of Asian American Professionals Philadelphia Chapter (NAAAP Philadelphia) is an all-volunteer professional non-profit, 501(c)(3), Pan-Asian American organization that promotes community outreach, career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals in all fields through networking, promoting Asian multiculturalism, and supporting diversity and community services.  Since 2004, NAAAP Philadelphia has proudly served the Greater Philadelphia area and continues to build an inclusive community.
As an award-winning professional organization, NAAAP Philadelphia was recognized for the following: 

  • 2021 Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year Award – Asian American Chamber of Commerce Greater Philadelphia
  • 2021 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Partners
  • 2021 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
  • 2020 PHL Diversity Nonprofit Business Award
  • 2020 NAAAP National Chapter of the Year

NAAAP Philadelphia appoints Bridgett Battles to the leadership team as the Vice President of DE&I and Community Outreach

NAAAP Philadelphia welcomes Bridgett Battles to our leadership team to lead our new division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and Community Outreach. 

As the Director for Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, Bridgett plays a key role in building Jefferson’s relationships with community organizations and partners. In her role, Bridgett collaborates and cultivates meaningful relationships that impact and improve the lives of the diverse communities Jefferson serves through engagement in workforce readiness, celebrating small businesses and acting as a resource for health and welfare.

bridgett battles

In collaboration with Jefferson’s Supply Chain Department, Bridgett launched Supply Chain Connect to offer diverse potential suppliers the opportunity to pitch their business virtually, and get help in preparing their presentations. Jefferson’s Supplier Diversity program is designed to connect more minority, women, veteran, persons with disabilities, and LGBT-owned small businesses to opportunities at Jefferson. Click here to learn more about Bridgett and the rest of our NAAAP Philadelphia Leadership Team.

Bridgett has been a strong advocate of NAAAP Philadelphia and has volunteered with our organization for many years. “We are excited to welcome Bridgett to our leadership team, and look forward to the ideas and the passion that she will bring to drive our DE&I and community impact efforts.” said Kevin He, Chief Operating Officer of NAAAP Philadelphia.

About NAAAP Philadelphia
The National Association of Asian American Professionals Philadelphia Chapter (NAAAP Philadelphia) is an all-volunteer professional non-profit, 501(c)(3), Pan-Asian American organization that promotes community outreach, career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals in all fields through networking, promoting Asian multiculturalism, and supporting diversity and community services.  Since 2004, NAAAP Philadelphia has proudly served the Greater Philadelphia area and continues to build an inclusive community.
As an award-winning professional organization, NAAAP Philadelphia was recognized for the following: 

  • 2021 Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year Award – Asian American Chamber of Commerce Greater Philadelphia
  • 2021 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Partners
  • 2021 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
  • 2020 PHL Diversity Nonprofit Business Award
  • 2020 NAAAP National Chapter of the Year

NAAAP Philadelphia appoints Lisette Martinez to board of directors

Lisette Brings Expertise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to NAAAP Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – January 1, 2022 – The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), a national all-volunteer Pan-Asian American professional organization, has recently appointed Lisette Martinez as a member of its Board of Directors for a three-year term.

Lisette Martinez

“I met Lisette when she relocated to Philadelphia in the Spring of 2020, and we became friends shortly thereafter. Prior to joining NAAAP, she has been part of the DE&I panel program with other local leaders and also a big supporter of us. We are truly excited and honored that she has joined the Board of Directors,” said Ping Cao, President of NAAAP Philadelphia. “With her strong executive leadership experience in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion, she will be a tremendous resource for NAAAP as we continue to build a diverse and an inclusive community together.”
 
Ms. Martinez is currently the Executive Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity and Community Engagement at Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University. In her role, Lisette leads Jefferson’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to deliver excellence in education, research and patient care. From developing results-oriented diversity and inclusion programs to building strong relationships with community organizations and government agencies, Ms. Martinez strives to ensure that all parts of Jefferson reflect the diverse cultures it serves.

Prior to joining Jefferson, Ms. Martinez had previously served as Yale New Haven Health System’s Inaugural Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and the System Director of Diversity and Language Services at TriHealth. Since coming to Philadelphia, Ms. Martinez has been a NAAAP Philadelphia friend and supporter and participated as a speaker in one of our webinars last year.

“I am so honored to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), it is a privilege to have this opportunity. The work that NAAAP does on a daily basis is all tied to Inclusion, Equity and Diversity and I am so proud to represent Jefferson on this board that has welcomed me with open arms. This is now my new family.” said Ms. Martinez.

The appointment of Ms. Martinez reinforces NAAAP Philadelphia’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on its Board of Directors and in our organization.

About NAAAP Philadelphia

The National Association of Asian American Professionals Philadelphia Chapter (NAAAP Philadelphia) is an all-volunteer professional non-profit, 501(c)(3), Pan-Asian American organization that promotes community outreach, career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals in all fields through networking, promoting Asian multiculturalism, and supporting diversity and community services.  Since 2004, NAAAP Philadelphia has proudly served the Greater Philadelphia area and continues to build an inclusive community. As an award-winning professional organization, NAAAP Philadelphia was recognized for the following: 

  • 2021 Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year Award – Asian American Chamber of Commerce Greater Philadelphia
  • 2021 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Partners
  • 2021 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
  • 2020 PHL Diversity Nonprofit Business Award
  • 2020 NAAAP National Chapter of the Year
© 2004-2024 NAAAP Philadelphia