ASCEND'S "INSPIRING ACROSS GENERATIONS” NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL CONFERENCE STRIVES TO ADVANCE PAN-ASIAN LEADERS IN CORPORATE AMERICA AND BEYOND
Event to be held on April 20th at the iconic Yankee Stadium and features Yankees legend Hideki Matsui
NEW YORK, April 19, 2013 — The Pan-Asian community is growing in both numbers and visibility and the future looks quite promising for Pan-Asians in the United States. With fewer than 6% of the total US population being of Pan-Asian descent, as of 2012, Pan- Asian Americans have had the highest educational attainment level and median household income of any racial demographic in the country and Corporate America is starting to take notice. Today, nearly 2% of Fortune 500 CEO's are of Pan-Asian descent and with increased visibility comes increased opportunities . To highlight the role of Pan-Asian professionals in corporate America, increase the tools necessary for Pan-Asian professionals to continue to climb the corporate ladder and discuss trends in global leadership and employment, the Ascend New York Metro area, New Jersey and Connecticut/Westchester chapters have brought together some of corporate America's top leaders and iconic corporate sponsors to host a one-day "Inspiring Across Generations” (IAG) New York City Regional Conference this Saturday, April 20th. The conference is expected to convene more than 600 Pan-Asian professionals, students and global business leaders at Yankee Stadium to explore how to connect, inspire and ascend in corporate America.
As the premier, national non-profit for Pan-Asians in America, Ascend aims to reveal the full potential of Pan-Asian leaders in corporate America and across the globe. "Since Ascend's inception in 2005, our objective has been to enhance the presence of Pan-Asians industry wide. Our IAG event will give Pan-Asians practical advice on how to evolve with the ever-changing marketplace and technological landscape to ultimately advance their careers”, said Kamesh Nagarajan, President of Ascend's New York Chapter.
With the theme "Leadership in a Global Economy: Create, Connect and Collaborate,” this conference will address the issues faced by Pan-Asians in multinational corporations and examine how technology and globalization have created a borderless world, changing today's business environment and transforming the rules of engagement for the new generation of talent. Conference highlights will include a special guest appearance by Japanese and Major League Baseball legend Hideki Matsui; panel discussions featuring top corporate executives; mentoring circles; Ascend's Executive Insight Series program; and a networking reception. Attendees are also invited to participate in a career fair, hosted in partnership with the Chinese American Insurance Association (CAIA), attracting an estimated 30 companies across the financial, insurance, service and consumer products industries.
"As the marketplace has bridged the gap between Asia and the U.S., it is time to take action and realize the global potential of up-and-coming leaders at our fingertips,” Nagarajan added. "For companies to remain successful in the competitive, global marketplace, they must meld the East-West culture and recruit diverse talent. The way business was once conducted has dramatically transformed and created a new playing field.”
Industry and academic leaders will share their insights and experiences through panel discussions on topics such as "Transformational Leadership: Developing Strategies for a Globalized Economy,” "Leadership in Turbulent Times” and "Branding in the Age of Digital Media.” Key speakers will include Wei Sun Christianson, Co-CEO Asia Pacific & CEO China, Morgan Stanley; Greg Fleming, President, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; Sree Sreenivasan, Chief Digital Officer, Columbia University; and Jim Turley, Global Chairman and CEO, Ernst & Young. Hideki Matsui will also share his inspirational story of advancing from a Japanese league baseball legend, to a leader in the Yankee clubhouse, to the 2009 World Series MVP for the New York Yankees.
Ascend aspires to develop a strong network of leaders and a community that encourages growth and mentorship through efforts such as the IAG conference. "Building relationships is critical. We encourage Pan-Asians to step outside their comfort zone and strike up a conversation with a peer, a mentor or a speaker. Make it a point to make at least three new contacts and then, follow up within two weeks. A panel or speech can be inspiring, but a new professional contact or mentor is priceless,” Nagarajan said.
To review a detailed agenda and the costs of on-site registration, visit www.ascendleadership.org/event/NYCIAG13 .
ABOUT ASCEND:
Ascend is the premier national, non-profit professional organization dedicated to enabling its members, business partners and the community to leverage the leadership and global business potential of Pan-Asians across the country. Ascend reaches 20,000 people with 27 student chapters and 16 professional chapters located in both the U.S. and Canada around major business hubs and educational institutions. Ascend membership is open to individuals of all ethnic and business backgrounds.
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