GAACC COMMITTEES
GAACC committees work with staff, the Board, and the community to guide GAACC activities across several focus areas: Development, Membership, Finance, Nomination & Governance, Advocacy, Ovation Gala Planning, Golf Tournament Planning, and the NextGEN Leadership Development Program.
Most GAACC committees are chaired by a member of the GAACC Board of Directors. The service commitment for GAACC committees is one calendar year. Serving in any of these capacities is a pathway to serving on the Board.
Committees, their composition and areas of responsibilities are listed below. Information and updates will be added as committees and programs develop.
If you are interested in serving on a GAACC committee, please complete this online application.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Development Committee leads the chamber in securing funding and promoting financial growth for the organization. The committee works with our existing partners and develops mechanisms to acquire new corporate partnerships for major events like the Ovation Gala, Fall Classic Golf Tournament, Asian Eats ATX, and the Asia x Austin International Markets Summit.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Membership Committee reviews the membership structure and develops/executes member programs. Within the Membership Committee are subcommittees, each led by a Captain. Each Captain is tasked with designing solutions and events that serve our members.
You can find more information about each subcommittee below. If you are interested in volunteering in one of the Membership Subcommittees, please complete the Membership Subcommittee Application.
MEMBERSHIP SUBCOMMITTEES & CAPTAINS
Facebook Community Group Subcommittee
The Facebook Community Group Subcommittee focuses on engaging with GAACC members through our “GAACC Asian Chamber Community” Facebook group. This group provides a platform for business owners, young professionals, and members to engage, share information, and connect. If you are interested in serving on this subcommittee, please complete this application.
Carolyn Cummins
Facebook Community Group Captain
Social Media & Digital Marketing Coach
Santosha Solutions
Women's Club Subcommittee
The Women’s Club is our monthly member meetup where leaders in the community come together to share a meal at one of our member restaurants while enjoying a leadership presentation or talk on a wide variety of subjects. Each meetup includes dedicated networking time to strengthen connections. If you are interested in serving on this subcommittee, please complete this application.
Omaira Hanif
Women’s Club Captain
Founder
Lapis Integrative Health
Small Business Development Subcommittee
The Small Business Development Subcommittee provides support and education to GAACC members and the AAPI business community by hosting Master Classes, Women/Minority/SB/HUB certification support initiatives, business development workshops, and resources for business growth. If you are interested in serving on this subcommittee, please complete this application.
Marion Soojin Park
Small Business Development Captain
Founder
Erti
Membership Events Subcommittee
The Membership Events Subcommittee hosts member-focused events such as member mixers, networking parties, and luncheons to connect our members and the Central Texas Asian business community together and provide in-person opportunities to network, have fun, and learn from one another while enjoying the warm environment of a member business or partner. If you are interested in serving on this subcommittee, please complete this application.
Kimberly Chung
Membership Events Captain
Co-founder & CEO
Orchid Events
finance COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee advises GAACC with financial matters. (Participation on the Finance Committee is open to Board of Directors members only.)
ovation GALA planning COMMITTEE
This committee plans the Ovation Gala, our annual awards fundraiser. This gala event includes recognizing leaders in our community, a recap of GAACC programs, events, and impact, entertainment, amazing networking opportunities, and much more. This event is often referred to as “the BEST party in town!”
Mojdeh Gharbi
Business Leader & Advocate
golf planning COMMITTEE
This committee plans and executes our annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament. This event provides friendly competition, great prizes, fun activities, and networking with GAACC board members and other prominent leaders in the Central Texas Asian Pacific American business and civic community.
AUSTIN CREATOR COLLECTIVE COMMITTEE
Helen Haman
Austin Creator Collective Co-Chair
Strategic Program and Operations Senior Manager
Accenture
Wan Kim
Austin Creator Collective Co-Chair
Senior Investment Strategist & Vice President
Dimensional Fund Advisors
CIVIL DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Khotan Shahbazi-Harmon
Civil Development & Infrastructure Co-Chair
Acting Officer, Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
City of Austin
nominating & governance COMMITTEE
This committee identifies and recommends candidates to serve as nominees for election to the Board. This Committee shall recommend to the Board of Directors a set of corporate governance principles and assist the Board in assessing the Board’s performance of its duties and responsibilities. (Participation on the Nomination & Governance Committee is open to Board of Directors members only.)
Mojdeh Gharbi
N&G Committee Co-Chair
Business Leader & Advocate
advocacy COMMITTEE
This committee develops, establishes, and executes upon the Chamber’s Advocacy efforts, including the work of the Central Texas Asian Impact Project.
NEXTGEN COMMITTEE
Young AAPI professionals and entrepreneurs – our “next generation” – are a critical element in our community’s vibrancy and our ability to impact and influence the future. Supporting and even accelerating the development of young leaders and entrepreneurs is a critical piece of the GAACC’s work.
Committee members focus on the development and deployment of new GAACC programs intended to support the development of young AAPI entrepreneurs and professionals in Central Texas.
KOREAN BUSINESS COMMITTEE
The Korean Business Committee (K-BC) supports Korean entrepreneurs and business leaders in greater Austin by providing resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to encourage growth and innovation. K-BC welcomes new Korean and Korean-American entrepreneurs, connecting traditional practices with modern technologies to create an inclusive and thriving business community promoting economic growth and cultural pride.
K-BC Mission Statement
The Korean Business Committee (K-BC) is dedicated to empowering Korean entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Greater Austin, Texas, area. The committee’s mission is to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth within the community by providing resources, networking opportunities, and strategic support tailored to the unique needs of Korean-American businesses.
We are committed to welcoming new Korean and Korean-American entrepreneurs relocating to Austin and supporting startups in connecting the dots and receiving mentorship. Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, K-BC aims to bridge the gap between generations and unite traditional practices with modern and emerging technologies. We strive to create a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive, drive economic growth, and make a lasting impact both locally and globally.
Together, we build a stronger future for Korean entrepreneurs by fostering a network of mutual support, cultural pride, and business excellence.
AI FOR BUSINESS PROJECT
The AI for Business Committee is dedicated to empowering GAACC members by bridging the gap between emerging artificial intelligence technologies and practical business application. As Austin continues to evolve as a global tech hub, this committee ensures that the AAPI business community is not only aware of AI advancements but is actively leveraging them to drive efficiency, innovation, and growth. The committee’s core objectives are to advance AI literacy, drive Austin AI Accelerator implementation, facilitate strategic networking between tech innovators and business owners, and lead ethical advocacy for AAPI digital equity.
If you are interested in serving on a GAACC committee, please complete this online application.