As USPAACC completed a 3-day flagship CelebrASIAN Business + Procurement Conference, Agility and Adaptability were the key takeaways for the small and underdeveloped business community.
Now in its 36th year, USPAACC assembled 66 speakers from Fortune 1000 Corporations, Federal Agencies, Chamber Leadership Alliance Presidents, CEOs, and Founders, and Pan-Asian American suppliers and entrepreneurs over 25 sessions for the CelebrASIAN Conference. More than 800 participants tuned in on the virtual platform, held June 8 – 10.
The third day of the conference built upon the substantive business development forums and discussions of the previous two days, also focused on opportunities in the supply chain, latest best practices, strategies, and the big picture on procurement.
Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA) started off the day with encouraging remarks on how underserved communities supported each other during the pandemic. Subash Iyer, Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration of U.S. Department of Transportation, shared his insights on how jobs are the centerpiece in the re-opening of the economy especially through increased infrastructure funding. Edith McCloud, MBDA, U.S. Department of Commerce applauded USPAACC's work and effort and shared her agency's mission in expanded help for the small and underdeveloped business community.
At the second round of the popular CPO Forum, the following remarks reflect the language used at the time of the conference: Rachel Kutz, VP, Global Connections Supply Chain Strategic Initiatives, AT&T said, 'Organizations are being intentional in their approach and MBEs should show up well.' She encouraged small businesses to know their financial capabilities, learn how to respond to RFPs, and ask for help when necessary. 'We are here to mentor,' Kutz added. Talking about the evolution of the supply chain and current trends in procurement, Shahid Javed, CPO, TIAA, said, 'Don't be a generalist, be a specialist. MBEs should be demanding.' Wassel Lewis, CPO, Aflac, emphasized risk management as a prerequisite.
Jalayana Bolden, Director, AT&T, shared key tips for prospective suppliers to major corporations: 'Get certified and register with organizations like USPAACC and build a portfolio. Sell us the solutions, not just your products. Share ideas on how to save money and increase efficiency. Help us help you get into our supply chain.'
The following reflects the language used at the time of his remarks: Clayton Judge III, Global Inclusion Lead, Nike, shared the corporation's plans to increase participation from underserved communities: 'We are starting a mentorship and internship diversity program called the Nike Academy. We focus on connection, innovation, competition, and impact for our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.'
Gigi Dixon, Executive VP & Head of External Engagements, Wells Fargo and USPAACC National President & CEO Susan Au Allen closed the virtual conference in a candid conversation about how far the two organizations' collaborative work has come. 'It is not a conclusion but an intermission, and we will continue our series of innovative collaboration and equal opportunity programs. We will keep expanding our efforts for small and underdeveloped businesses with the help of corporations and the Biden government,' Allen said. 'We thank our sponsors, speakers, and participants for helping to make CelebrASIAN conference a big success.'
To learn more about CelebrASIAN Business + Procurement Conference, follow the link here. For more information about USPAACC, click here.
ABOUT USPAACC: Founded in 1984, the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) promotes, nurtures, and propels economic growth, innovation, and job creation by opening doors to procurement, educational and professional opportunities for Pan-Asian Americans and their business partners in corporate America, the federal, state and local governments, and the small and underdeveloped business communities in the United States, Asia-Pacific, and the Indian Subcontinent regions. National office in the Nation's Capital | Regional Chapters: CA, TX, GA, NY, IL, DC-MD-VA.
Students are eligible to win one of $3,000 scholarships for their ideas on bringing communities together.USPAACC is partnering with Denny’s, Inc., as part of the 2025/26 Hungry for Education™ (HFE) scholarship program, a major initiative to help bring communities together and promote education. Now open for applications, the Denny’s HFE program will award more than $100,000 in scholarships to deserving high school and college students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and we’re proud to be a partner this year.
Washington, DC -(December 2, 2024) – The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) is partnering with Denny’s, Inc., as part of the 2024/25 Hungry for EducationTM (HFE) scholarship program, a major initiative to help bring communities together and promote education. Now open for applications, the Denny’s HFE program will award more than $130,000 in scholarships to deserving high school and college students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and we’re proud to be a partner this year.
Susan Au Allen, the National President and CEO of US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC), has been named by DiversityPlus Magazine as one of the Top Change Leaders of 2024. The following reflects the language used in DiversityPlus Magazine's official statement: the annual Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders roster recognizes 'exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their organizations and communities.'
