About Us Nationally
At a Glance
*10 professional chapters
*13 student chapters
- 20+ chapters in formation across the U.S.
- Over 3,500 members from 150 companies represented
- Focused on being a lifelong organization supporting the duration of our members careers, not just the early years
- Membership is open to all ethnicities, professional backgrounds and ages
- Robust student and scholarship programs, including an educational foundation, and community programs
Our Vision
Enhancing the presence and influence of Asians and Pacific Islanders leaders in finance, accounting and business.
Our Mission
To continually influence and encourage the development finance, accounting and business professionals and students while serving as a collective voice for the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the finance, accounting and related business fields.
Our History
Originally named NAASA, our organization was launched by a group of dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing the finance and accounting professions in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Our membership includes people from all dimensions of finance, professional services and business—CFOs, treasurers, professional services providers, financial services executives, tax professionals, financial operations, financial advisors, and many others in business, government, academia and the community. Membership is open to all individuals who share our mission regardless of ethnicity and professional background. Since the launch of our Metro New York chapter in June 2005, our national membership base has grown to chapters in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, North Texas, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C with plans for new chapters in, Seattle, San Diego, Toronto and other major cities.
Our Community
The Asian American population is a rapidly growing, affluent and highly educated group. Between 2000 and 2006, the Asian population grew almost 25%. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the projected growth rate for Asians from 2000-2050 is 2 3% vs. 49% for the general U.S. population. Asian population currently exceeds 4 million in the U.S. and is expected to more than triple to 34 million over the next 50 years. California has both the largest population (4.8 million) and the largest numerical increase of people in this group since July 2003, with New York City having the largest population of any city and Los Angeles having the second largest. The growth of China, India and Southeast Asia will continue to increase the role of Asian Americans in the global marketplace. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian Americans have the highest level of median personal and family incomes and highest level of attainment in college and advanced degrees. Asian Americans are ranked number one as the single most affluent consumer group in the United States. With nearly $400 billion in annual buying power, Asian Americans are a powerful force in the U.S. consumer market. Projections from the Selig Center for Economic Growth indicate that Asian-American spending power will reach $528 billion by 2009. Asians collectively make up 28% of the enrollment at the top 20 business schools. The percentage of Asian Americans with a business degree is 85% higher than that of the national U.S. average. 4 % of Harvard Business School’s 2006 class went into the finance industry. Of all the minority groups, Asian Americans represent the largest group entering and staying in the accounting, finance, technology and related fields. As an example of the high number of Asian Americans entering professional services, recent statistics from the AICPA indicate that Asians were the largest minority group in CPA firms. In Northern California, over 25% of all accounting and finance professionals are Asians. While disproportionately low today, the percentage of Asians in the corporate workforce and in senior management ranks is also expected to continue to dramatically increase.
Our Future
In a short time, we have expanded from New York into new markets with members across the United States. Our national and chapter programs will help us reach our aspirations to be the recognized as the premier business organization:
- To cultivate the leadership development and professional growth of members
- To build eminence and visibility for Asians in finance, accounting and related business professions and to provide role models.
- To encourage the continuous presence and influence of Asians in America
- To bridge the “Cultural Difference” gap between Asian and Western cultures
- To support the Asia business opportunities
- To serve the public interest in the community
- To provide thought leadership
About Our National Programs
Leadership Development Conferences, "Inspiring Across Generations"
The San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Boston and Houston Chapters will host the successful national series, “Inspiring Across Generations” Leadership Development Conference. After the launch in San Francisco, 2007 conferences were held in Chicago and New York City. Participants, corporate partners and community partners come together for a day of leadership, mentorship and relationship development programs. The conference includes programs for young and seasoned professionals and opportunities for corporate partners to meet members and promote their companies. The day concludes with an evening dinner reception that provides extended networking opportunities and celebration.
Building the Bridge: National Professional Development Series
In 2008, we will unveil our signature professional development series focused on building the bridge between Asian and American business cultures. The series will include a deep understanding of eastern and western cultures and how they influence success in the workplace. It will largely focus on helping Asians understand how they can use their Asian values as strengths to build their careers. There will also be opportunities and tools available to non-Asians to understand the Asian cultures and ways to be sensitive to differences to enable success.
National Annual Convention & Gala Dinner
On August 17- 19, 2008, we will host the inaugural National Convention in New York City. The national convention will serve as another bridge to help our members work towards their professional goals. It provides a forum for networking, training and development. Sessions include View from the Top mentoring, Women of Ascend, business, leadership development, management and personal development topics. There will be ample opportunities for hosting company gatherings, building relationships with mentors, networking with leaders in our organization and our corporate partners, and getting the full flavor of Ascend. A highlight of the National Convention, the National Gala Dinner, provides a festive opportunity for guests and sponsors to enjoy a wonderful evening of networking and fun. We will be honoring individuals and companies that share a common commitment to our mission.
Women of Ascend
Launched in 2008, programs in this series focus on topics most impacting the lives of Asian American women professionals. Programs help members identify models of success and provide lessons learned from other successful senior women executives. Sessions are open to men and women.
National Scholarship Program
Launched in 2006, our scholarship program awards high achieving students preparing to enter the finance, accounting and related professions. This program furthers our mission to acknowledge and develop future leaders.
Our Regional Events
Golf Tournament
The intent of the tournament is to provide a fun and intimate setting for seasoned and novice golfers and those who want to learn to golf to build business and personal relationships.
CXO Leadership Series
This event series is designed to foster discussions among C-Level executives (CEO, CFO, COO, Vice President, Treasurer, Partner, Managing Director) of companies. The objective of the program is to create relationship opportunities for mid-level and senior executives, enhance financial and business knowledge, showcase successful Asian Americans and discuss complex and relevant business issues. Series topics have included Mergers & Acquisitions, Clean Technology and Doing Business in Vietnam.
Lead, Empower, Advance and Develop (LEAD) Programs
These programs are designed help members build and strengthen skills that will help them attain their professional advancements goals. Selected programs include leadership skills, technical updates, communications, managerial skills and industry specific speakers. In 2008, we expect to expand the highly successful executive communications series launched in 2007.
"View from the Top" Mentorship Programs
This program helps us build future leaders by identifying senior business executives in accounting, finance and related areas who can serve as role models. Each session is hosted by a mentor at their place of work or personal residence. Mentors include accomplished senior financial executives, CEOs, entrepreneurs and professional services providers. Mentees comprise of students and younger professionals (typically 10 years or less of professional experience) and are selected through a screening process.
Myer-Briggs Type Indicator Test (MBTI)
Through the administration of the MBTI test, our members will gain greater awareness regarding their own personality preferences. Additionally, members will develop a better understanding of how to harness and utilize their personality preferences in a western-based corporate culture. Our members will leave the workshop armed with strategies for using the MBTI information to increase their professional success.
Membership and Social Programs
Membership and social programs complement our professional programs to build deeper relationships in the community with networking functions and other fun-filled activities. Programs include monthly membership mixers, sporting events and holiday celebrations.
Community Service Programs
We are proud to serve the local community by volunteering and promoting charitable programs. Each chapter partners with selected charitable organizations where our members can donate their time and expertise to make a difference in the community. Recent beneficiaries of our efforts have included Tax Aid, Self-Help for the Elderly, Asian American Donor Program, Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund, Asian Pacific Fund and many others.
Student Chapters
We are committed to fostering the next generation of Asian finance, accounting and business leaders through our student chapters. Mentorship, leadership training, ongoing resume and interview critique, company visits, networking events, and professional/technical development courses are provided to supplement formal university education.