GAACC NextGEN Community

The mission of the GAACC NextGEN Community is to create a more connected ecosystem across the Austin region to support the growth, development, and success of young professionals.

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 accelerating the development of young leaders and entrepreneurs is an important piece of the Chamber’s work. Establishing a platform for our young communities to connect and grow together is an initial step in this support.

WELCOME!

FOCUS AREAS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The NextGEN Program facilitates opportunities to connect, build relationships, volunteer, and engage with the local Asian Community. Initiatives include the annual Austin AAPI Professional Summit, Austin Asian ERG Coalition, and networking mixers that support entrepreneurs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The NextGEN Program organizes and facilitates leadership panels, fireside chats with thought leaders and mentors, and cultivates introductions and connections that foster professional and career growth.

LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR

The GAACC Leadership Accelerator is an immersive program focused on empowering high-potential AAPI individuals. The nine-month program consists of engagements with local business/civic/community leaders, skill development sessions, and a capstone project.

GAACC NextGEN Committee

NextGEN is the newest GAACC committee, established in August, 2024. 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.

YJ Lin
NextGEN Community Engagement Captain

Tu Ta
NextGEN Professional Development Captain

Rohan Thapar
GAACC Leadership Accelerator Co-Captain

Shenghao “Daniel” Wang
GAACC Leadership Accelerator Co-Captain

GET INVOLVED

Are you a young professional looking to plug into a community of engaged, active leaders?

Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!

Please note: By completing this contact form, you will receive a complimentary Associate Level membership to the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) and you will receive email communications from GAACC and the NextGEN Community.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT GAACC NEXTGEN

“I really enjoyed the last GAACC NextGEN event and have been making an effort to be more active in the community. It’s been great connecting with everyone I met!”

“It was amazing meeting everyone during the Diwali event! I learned a lot as the meet up was put together so well. It was professional and informative. I would love an opportunity to discuss how our bank can partner with the Asian Chamber.”

“I joined the NextGEN community to connect with others who share cultural experiences and a commitment to paving something better for the next generation. The peer support and collaboration have been meaningful and has inspired me to bring more of my cultural identity into the work I do. If you’re thinking about getting involved, it’s well worth it.”

"As a first-generation Asian American and recent graduate, I found myself with countless questions about navigating the workforce and life in general. When I first heard about GAACC NextGEN, I instantly recognized the need for such an initiative and eagerly jumped at the chance to be a part of it. It has been such a rewarding experience collaborating with other AAPI advocates as we unite to champion and develop opportunities for young professionals in the greater Austin community."

CENTRAL TEXAS YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

These dynamic yet grassroots groups provide targeted support, critical connections, and focused engagement for young and new AAPI professionals working in the greater Austin area. Their missions and contributions greatly enhance the NextGEN Community.

Austin Asian Professional Network (AAPN)

Asian Founders Club

UT Austin Asian Business Students Association

Filipino Young Professionals of Austin

Asian Hustle Network

Austin Young Professionals

NextGEN EVENTS

Check out all the upcoming events organized by the NextGEN Community and our Member Organizations.

Do you have (or know about) an upcoming Central Texas event you believe would be of interest to the GAACC NextGEN Community? Let us know about it and we’ll add it to this calendar.

AUSTIN ASIAN ERG COALITION PARTNERS

We deeply appreciate the supporting partners of the Austin Asian ERG Coalition. The Coalition is an organically-growing, welcoming platform gathering Asian Employee Resource Groups together to build relationships, learn from one another, and provide opportunities to volunteer and connect with the Central Texas Asian business community.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Our NextGEN Community Partners provide the spaces, connections, and influence needed to establish and spread the work of the NextGEN community.

Jump To A Section

Project Overview

Project Phases

Phase 1 Findings (Demographics)

Phase 2 Findings (Economics)

An Ecosystem of Knowledge

Did you know that in each of the counties in the five county Greater Austin area, Asians are the fastest or second-fastest-growing ethnic group? The social and economic impact of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Central Texas is undeniable. These diverse communities add talent, buying power, and dynamic cultural impact to our region, and as we will explore, this impact is just beginning.

But who are they? A lack of current data and rigorous analysis of Central Texas’ AAPI populations can make it difficult for AAPI communities – like other communities of color – to receive the awareness and policy support needed to promote and achieve economic equity. Without a more complete understanding of the composition, geographic distribution, or ethnic makeup of these communities, it is difficult to effectively engage and fully include them in Central Texas’ civic and economic growth.

The Central Texas Asian Impact Project aims to address this gap by exploring and sharing the most comprehensive set of actionable demographic and business insights on the Asian population here in the Greater Austin region. The first phase of this multi-phase effort will roll out between May and December, 2023 with multiple reports, surveys, and interactive data dashboards being made available to the public.

Advocacy. Connection. Education.