GAACC LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR
Join a dynamic group of young professionals leading the way for the next generation.
Build and Grow
For over a decade, the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) has convened multi-cultural business professionals from all levels – C-suite to young professionals – to strengthen the connectivity within the community.
The GAACC Leadership Accelerator aims to build a pathway for high-potential AAPI leaders to access key organizations, stakeholders, and critical mentors in the Central Texas region and provide them with the skills to become the next generation of leaders.
Build your network and grow your leadership!
What you'll gain:
NETWORK & COMMUNITY
Grow your network by connecting and fostering relationships with a growing alumni network and among Greater Austin’s business leaders spanning across diverse industries and sectors
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Collaborative Growth
What you'll gain:
WHAT IS IT?
The GAACC Leadership Accelerator is an immersive nine-month program focused on empowering high-potential business, civic, and corporate professional leaders.
An intimate group of leaders is selected to join each cohort to:
- Engage with the Greater Austin business ecosystem
- Strengthen individual leadership skills
- Complete a project designed to impact the community
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The cohort, once selected, will engage with regional business leaders and city officials and participate in workshops to network and develop their leadership skills.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
- Are extremely passionate about local and global Asian-American initiatives
- Have a leadership mindset with an impressive professional history and performance
- Have the ability to lead dialogue to enable positive, impactful change
- Have 5-10 years of professional experience
- Are willing and able to commit 5-10 hours per month
JOIN COHORT 3
Participation in the GAACC Leadership Accelerator is free.
Applications for the 2026-2027 GAACC Accelerator cohort will be accepted until
Friday, July 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm CDT.
Nominators: If you are nominating someone for Cohort 3, please submit your nomination by July 31, 2026.
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.
PROGRAM SPONSORS
The GAACC Leadership Accelerator is presented in partnership with
Bank of America and Ferguson Family McDonald’s. We deeply appreciate their generous support!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
COHORT 3 LAUNCH RETREAT
Onboarding, introductory workshop, and networking (held in September, 2026)
Network & Skill Building
Cohort Development
Capstone PROJECT
Develop and establish a community engagement project (cohort-led, meetings hosted as needed)
GAACC LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR COMMITTEE
The GAACC Leadership Accelerator owes its existence to the dedication of this committee.
We deeply appreciate their expertise, insight, and leadership.
Mark Duval
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce
Joe Han
Founder/Lead Practitioner
Peak Praxis
Mick Hawton
Partner/Chief Strategy Officer
Headwater
Kurian Panicker
Director, Consulting Services
CGI
Albert Tinay
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce
GAACC LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR COHORT 2
Stephanie Mora
Jenn Penano-Collazo
Upon completing the GAACC Accelerator program, Cohort 2 was recognized during GAACC’s annual Austin Asian Impact Day on May 20, 2026.
GAACC LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR COHORT 1
Six young leaders participated in the inaugural GAACC Accelerator cohort from September, 2024 to May, 2025.
Upon completing the GAACC Accelerator program, Cohort 1 was recognized at Austin’s City Hall during GAACC’s annual Austin Asian Impact Day on May 20, 2025.