The Chicago chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), Pan-Asian American professional organization that promotes the career advancement and leadership development of Asian American professionals in all fields through networking, respecting Asian multiculturalism, and supporting diversity and community service.
The following programs support the development of Asian American leaders:
Cultural Awareness
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month – This event brings together sponsors for an evening of conversation around how Asian American leaders make a difference to the community, accompanied by cultural entertainment and networking.
Leadership & Professional Development
Asian American Group Leaders (AAGL) – A network of Asian Employee/Business resource groups facilitated by NAAAP. The focus is to share best practices with other ERG/BRGs in providing value to their organizations.
Corporate Leadership Conference – A diversity-driven initiative committed to providing learning and networking opportunities for Chicago-based organizations and companies to address unique concerns and issues that Asian professionals may face in the workplace.
Pride – NAAAP Pride empowers, educates, engages, and celebrates the Asian American LGBTQ+ professional community and its allies by providing education, promoting visibility, and developing current and future LGBTQ+ leaders.
Professional & Leadership Development – Professional and leadership development is our overarching program and focuses on activities designed to enhance professional acumen or advance a professional’s career.
Wellness – New for 2020, this program emphasizes the health and resilience of the individual, so that they are able to effectively lead in the community in which they serve professionally and personally.
Women in NAAAP (WiN) – Originally launched in 2004 and now a national program, focuses on the advancement of Asian American women in the workplace.
Community Service
Community Outreach – NAAAP partners with organizations to provide service-day events benefiting the greater Asian American community. This is a way to learn more about nonprofits in the area, ways you can support low-income and disadvantaged families, and network with community leaders who are making a difference. Past projects include St. James Food Pantry Service Days, Martin Luther King Day of Service, tutoring at Asian Youth Services and teaching at Junior Achievement.
Back to School Drive – School is challenging enough without having to worry about learning essentials and supplies. An annual drive since 2016, NAAAP supports children in grades K-8 with a backpack full of school supplies for the new school year.
Annual Toy Drive – Launched in 2003, the NAAAP-Chicago Toy Drive has become our longest standing outreach program. Each year, we proudly partner with not-for-profit organizations that offer youth and/or youth development programs for low-income and disadvantaged Asian American families.
