Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with Austin’s Asian Professionals In Tech earlier this month was a treat. The energy was tangible, the camradery undeniable. Everyone had a wonderful time.
The seed for the event started growing months ago with a small band of Asian tech professionals who had a passion to connect with like-minded colleagues eager to be engaged and active within the central Texas Asian community. YJ Lin from Dell Technologies and Khiem Lam from National Instruments, among others, lead planning meetings along with representatives from GAACC, Austin Asian American Film Festival, and Ascend Austin Chapter.
More than 200 professionals showed up! There were Asian-owned small businesses sharing their trade, music in the air, delicious catered food, drinks, and plenty of time to network and make new friends. The presentations provided an opportunity for all to learn more about the large Asian network of organizations, non-profits, and businesses that are actively and positively shaping the future of Austin.
Mark Hanson, Operations Manager, spoke to the group about GAACC’s strategic goals for 2023. To Serve Local towards regional economic equity, Think Global through international connections and collaboration with Austin’s startup ecosystem partners, and above all, Align, Engage, and Grow the Austin Asian business community. WIth this as the backdrop, there was excitement to hear more about Project Rebuild Small Business Forum coming to Austin on May 25th, in partnership with the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) and Bank of America.
YJ Lin moderated a panel discussion on themes related specifically to Asian/American tech professionals. The panel included experienced leaders Norma Dorst, Jigar Mody, Namrata Kripalani Felger, and Erik Valentine. Their shared experience and mentorship inspired and supported the next generation of Asian American Leaders.
As we said our goodbyes and added to our LinkedIn network, hope for the future of Austin was in the air. The momentum from this event will pave the way for more great things to come!