News

The National Association of Asian American Professionals – Philadelphia Chapter (NAAAP Philadelphia) has recently appointed Solomon Kim as a member of its Board of Directors for a three-year term effective December 1, 2025.

Solomon Kim is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Management Director with Morgan Stanley.  He is a seasoned professional with comprehensive experience in finance, investment strategy, and nonprofit leadership. With a career spanning both corporate and community sectors, he has developed a reputation for being highly analytical, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking in guiding organizations through strategic decision-making.

Beyond finance, Solomon is deeply engaged in nonprofit and professional development communities. He has served on boards and scholarship panels, contributing to governance, retreat planning, and sponsorship strategies for organizations such as the National Association of Asian American Professionals and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. His work emphasizes building sustainable structures for leadership growth, cross-cultural engagement, and community advancement.

“NAAAP has long been committed to engaging with and giving back to both the Asian American community and the broader community. It strives to inspire current and future leaders to make meaningful contributions in diverse ways. I’ve always sought to create impacts whether through one-on-one conversations, collaboration, or partnership. Joining the board offers me the opportunity to broaden that impact by working alongside the President and fellow board members to help guide the organization,” said Solomon Kim.

Please join us in welcoming Solomon Kim to the Board of Directors! 

PHILADELPHIA – June 19, 2023 – The National Association of Asian American Professionals – Philadelphia Chapter (NAAAP Philadelphia) has recently appointed Akshar Awalgaonkar as a member of its Board of Directors for a three-year term effective June 1, 2023.

Akshar Awalgaonkar holds the position of Senior Vice President at Veolia and currently serves as the Global Chief Procurement Officer for their Water Technologies & Solutions Group. With a progressive career spanning renowned Fortune 500 companies like GE, AbbVie, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Whirlpool Corporation, Akshar has successfully led global teams. He is recognized for driving accelerated functional & business transformations as well as improving profitability by building & nurturing high-performing teams.

Akshar’s educational accomplishments include an Executive MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, as well as a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Supply Chain Management from Oklahoma State University. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree at Pune University in India. Akshar holds certifications as a lean/six sigma black belt and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
 
Throughout his personal and professional journey over the past two decades, Akshar has actively contributed to various diversity and employee resource groups. He currently serves as the Global Executive Sponsor for Veolia’s Women Network. Akshar invests heavily in mentoring and coaching numerous talented professionals across the world. Additionally, he engages with business school students, sharing his expertise on leadership, supply chain management, and organizational transformation. Akshar is a sought-out speaker at leadership and supply chain conferences, and he recently delivered the keynote presentation at the Annual Chief Procurement Officer’s summit held in Dallas, Texas.

Please join us in welcoming Akshar to the Board of Directors! 

Message from Akshar Awalgaonkar
“It is an absolute honor to serve on the NAAAP Philadelphia Board of Directors,” said Akshar Awalgaonkar.  “NAAAP’s sincere commitment to serve the local community is inspiring and I am delighted to be joining hands with rest of the team to further this mission.”

Message from Subarna Malakar (NAAAP Philadelphia Board Chair)
“We are thrilled to have Akshar join us on the NAAAP board.  He is a seasoned executive leader in Procurement and Supply Chain and someone who is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, which aligns well with NAAAP’s mission to build Asian leaders and create an inclusive workplace for all.”
 
Q&A With Akshar

NAAAP: Why have you chosen to be part of NAAAP Philadelphia’s Board?
 
Akshar: The purpose of NAAAP, which is to build a professional network and serve the community, resonates deeply with my leadership philosophy. I strongly believe in the importance of giving back, and I am convinced that the NAAAP network & its platform offers me the opportunity to serve individuals who may be in need, whether they are aware of it or not.
 
NAAAP: How did you get involved with NAAAP Philadelphia?
 
Akshar: A year ago, I had the pleasure of attending my inaugural NAAAP event which was outstanding. Following that, I attended few more events and continued to be impressed to see the impact NAAAP has on professionals around the Greater Philadelphia area. The warmth and hospitality displayed by the Board of Directors as well as Executive Management Team of NAAAP, were truly remarkable. Right from the start, I felt a strong sense of belonging within the organization.
 
NAAAP: What are the top 3 goals (professional, personal, and community) you hope to accomplish by being part of NAAAP?
 
Akshar:

• Professional: My aim is to serve the Greater Philadelphia community by driving collaboration among deserving individuals. I aspire to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones that contribute to the fulfillment of NAAAP’s mission.
• Personal: As my family and I establish our roots in the Philadelphia area, we are excited about the prospect of NAAAP; serving as a valuable anchor in our lives. I believe that NAAAP will provide us with an excellent opportunity to forge new friendships.
• Community: My commitment is to be a source of support for individuals in need within the Greater Philadelphia area. I aspire to actively contribute and make a positive difference in the lives of those who require assistance.

About NAAAP Philadelphia
NAAAP 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. Since 2004, NAAAP Philadelphia have been proud to be an active supporter in the Greater Philadelphia community by building an “inclusive community”.  NAAAP has 35 corporate sponsors and over 500 members. Since 2020, we have been recognized for 8 awards for community outreach and philanthropic work.
 

• 2023 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 2022 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Partners
• 2022 Heroes Scholarship Fund of Bucks County Appreciation & Support Award
• 2022 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 2021 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Partners
• 2021 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 2021 Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year – Asian American Chamber of Commerce
• 2020 National Chapter of the Year – National Association of Asian American Professionals
• 2020 PHL Diversity Nonprofit Business Award

PHILADELPHIA – January 12, 2023 – The National Association of Asian American Professionals – Philadelphia Chapter (NAAAP Philadelphia) has recently appointed Perry Cozzone as a member of its Board of Directors for a three-year term effective January 1, 2023.

Perry was the former President and CEO at CRC Industries and had a passion for transforming organizations and inspiring others to achieve superior results. 

Throughout his career, he has consistently accelerated growth and enhanced profitability by building top-performing teams, identifying new go-to-market opportunities, and creating a competitive advantage through operational efficiency and digital enablement. Perry combines a tech foundation with broad expertise across alobal P&L management, operations, business development, and sales and experience in industries spanning startups to multibillion-dollar organizations. He is a diversity and inclusion champion who leads with a commitment to open communication and continuous improvement.

“I am honored to serve as a board member of the Philadelphia Chapter of NAAAP. I look forward to working jointly with NAAAP’s board, our members, and all stakeholders to energize and inspire Asian American leadership and inclusion of all that makes a positive impact on our local businesses and communities,” said Perry Cozzone.

Please join us in welcoming Perry to the Board of Directors!

About NAAAP Philadelphia

NAAAP 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. Since 2004, NAAAP Philadelphia have been proud to be an active supporter in the Greater Philadelphia community by building an “inclusive community”. NAAAP has 35 corporate sponsors and over 500 members. Since 2020, we have been recongized for 8 awards for community outreach and philanthropic work.

• 2022 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater
  Philadelphia Partners
• 2022 Heroes Scholarship Fund of Bucks County Appreciation & Support
  Award
• 2022 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 2021 Civic 50 Honoree – Philadelphia Foundation & Civic 50 Greater
  Philadelphia Partners
• 2021 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 2021 Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year – Asian American Chamber of Commerce
• 2020 National Chapter of the Year – National Association of Asian
  American Professionals
• 2020 PHL Diversity Nonprofit Business Award

PHILADELPHIA – November 17th, 2022 – The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP Philadelphia), a national all-volunteer Pan-Asian American professional organization, is excited to announce our organization’s new sponsor, Citrin Cooperman.

Citrin Cooperman is one of the nation’s largest professional services firms, helping companies and high net worth individuals find smart solutions. Whether your operations and assets are located around the corner or across the globe, we can provide new perspectives on strategies that will help you achieve your short- and long-term goals. Our daily mission is to enhance the businesses and personal lives of our clients through our services, guidance, and enthusiasm for building long-standing relationships. We are dedicated to providing clients with an objective viewpoint and insightful advice on whatever challenges they bring to the table. Finding innovative solutions is what drives our professionals and helps our clients succeed.

Kevin Ryan, partner at Citrin Cooperman, stated: “I met Ping Cao through a mutual friend, and he invited me to a few different NAAAP events. After attending these events and learning more about the organization, I was very impressed with their mission to promote and support Asian American professionals in their career advancement. I look forward to their educational DEI and ESG events, and I greatly value all of the professional acquaintances I have made at these sessions.”
 
We thank Kevin Ryan and Citrin Cooperman for their sponsorship. 

Please join us in welcoming them!

About NAAAP Philadelphia

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: 

• 2022 Faces of Philanthropy Award – Philadelphia Business Journal
• 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