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.
Dragon Boat Race – NAAAP-Chicago supports the Chinatown Chamber Dragon Boat Race for Literacy event by entering a NAAAP-Chicago team.
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.
Women in NAAAP (WiN) – Originally launched in 2004 and now a national program, focuses on the advancement of Asian American women in the workplace.
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.
Community Service
Community Outreach – NAAAP partners with an Asian organization in the local community and organizes one-day volunteer projects once per quarter. Past projects include Martin Luther King day of service, tutoring at Asian Youth Services and teaching through Junior Achievement.
Back to School Drive – New for 2016, NAAAP will supply children in grades K-8 with a backpack full of school supplies for the new school year.
Annual Toy Drive – Launched in 2003, this is NAAAP’s annual toy drive benefiting Asian youth in the Chicago-land community.