7TH ANNUAL ASCEND NATIONAL
CONVENTION & CAREER FAIR
Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth
rd th
a Thank You
to all of Our Sponsors
PLATINUM Jade Host
Luxury
Automobile
Sponsor
pearl
silver
bronze
Gala Supporter
Patron-
Sponsor
Government,
non-profit, &
educational
Table of contents
Welcome Address from the National President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Message from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Who We Are/Program Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
National Association of Asian MBAs (NAAMBA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Executive Insights SeriesTM (EIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Executive Insight for Women (EIW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) for Asian American Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pinnacle: The Pan-Asian Corporate Board Member Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Executive Presence – Are You Standing Out? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Global Leadership Program (GLP) for Emerging Markets Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Awards & Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Convention Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Map of the Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Session Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
National Officers, Leadership Teams, & Convention Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Ascend National Team, NAAMBA Officers/Leadership & Student Orientation Panelists, Resume Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Washington DC Leadership Team & Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Speaker & Mentor Bios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2A12s.c2e4n8d.74Nt8h a8At8nion|unaailnlAHfoscQ@enad|scN1e2an0tidoWlneaaaldClleoSrntsrvheeinpett.io,or9ngt&h F|Clowarowere,wrNF.aaesiwrc—eYnodBrulekilda,idNngeYrCso1hn0inp0e.co0ti5rogns, Building Leaders, Building Growth 3
Dear Convention Guests,
I am very excited to welcome you to Ascend’s 7th Annual National Convention & Career Fair at our
Nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Our theme this year is “Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building
Growth” which speaks to the lifelong objectives, commitment and principles that Ascend is founded on. The
National Convention is an excellent medium to access role models, peers and mentees and exercise the skills
you will learn to help you grow and succeed in your careers. Also, please make sure that you include meeting
Ascend’s sponsors and partners at the Career Fair as part of your networking. We must support those
that embrace Diversity and Inclusion so they can continue to help the Pan-Asian community. So, please take
advantage of the additional networking time we have added over the next three days to connect with one another, learn and share from
one another, cultivate new relationships and form new networks! Make the next few days matter!
Our goal is for you to leave the Convention with a sense of empowerment, renewed energy and enthusiasm. We want to arm you with the
tools needed to make change happen and pave the way for the next generation of leaders like yourself. In addition, please take that passion,
energy and inspiration back with you and help your local Ascend chapter to continue to build connections, build leaders and build growth in
your local Pan-Asian community.
I am so proud to announce that Ascend will be 10 years old in June 2015! I want this convention to be a big celebration to start off our
10th anniversary. It is only fitting that the next National Convention be held where it all began, in New York City, along with all the other
celebrations we are thinking of for our 10th Anniversary. So, please save the date, August 29th – 31st, 2015, and follow us on social media
as we announce all the special events and programs so you can join us in celebrating Ascend in 2015. We have many ideas and have received
many suggestions on what we should do for our 10th anniversary. Please continue to share your ideas for how to celebrate our 10th
birthday! In particular, many of our members and stakeholders share the same vision of Ascend going global. Many have said that we are now
old enough to travel abroad. So stay tuned as we plan for ways to start to connect and grow in Asia in 2015.
Ascend has grown significantly since its inception in 2005 and today is the largest, non-profit Pan-Asian organization for business professionals
in North America. Our vision of enhancing the presence and influence of current and future Pan-Asian business leaders would not have
been possible if it was not for all of our sponsors, partners, members, volunteers and our other stakeholders.
Finally, I would like to thank our committed sponsors, partners, Convention and Steering Committees, our dedicated volunteers, the D.C.
chapter and members of our other local chapters, and our National Headquarters staff. Ascend is truly blessed with unmatched sense of
devotion, perseverance and talent. We continue to Connect individuals, Inspire future leaders, and Ascend them to new heights.
Jeff Chin
National President, Ascend
4 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON
ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS
July 14, 2014
Greetings,
On behalf of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), I
send my warmest welcome to the attendees of Ascend Pan-Asian Leaders’ 7th Annual Ascend
National Convention & Career Fair. I applaud Ascend’s efforts in helping to promote the next
generation of Asian American business leaders.
President Obama reauthorized WHIAAPI to improve the quality of life and opportunities for the
AAPI community through increased access to and participation in federal programs, in which
they remain underserved. With your involvement, the Initiative seeks to highlight both the
tremendous unmet needs in AAPI communities as well as the dynamic assets that can be
leveraged to meet those needs.
I commend Ascend for its dedication to making the Asian American business community’s voice
heard.
I wish you a warm congratulations and continued success in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Kiran Ahuja
WHIAAPI Executive Director
White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders | 550 12th st., S.W. | WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202
[email protected] | WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV/AAPI
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 5
Who we are
Who We Are
Ascend is the largest, non-profit Pan-Asian organization for business professionals in North America. Established in 2005, Ascend has grown to
serve professionals and corporations across various professions and across multiple industries.
Ascend reaches 60,000 people with 30 student chapters and 17 professional chapters located in both the United States and Canada around
major business hubs and educational institutions. We offer robust professional development and career enhancement programs designed to
cultivate Pan-Asian talent. In addition, the National Association of Asian MBAs (NAAMBA), Ascend’s national organization for MBA professionals
and students, fosters Competent, Committed, Competitive, and Collaborative global MBA leaders to fulfill diverse talent pipelines.
Our Mission
Be the premier professional organization dedicated to enabling its members, corporate partners and the professional Pan-Asian community to
leverage the leadership and global business potential of Pan-Asian professionals worldwide.
Value of Attending Our 2014 Convention
For our corporate sponsors For our professional members
1. Experience business growth through newly built 1. Fantastic networking opportunities with Pan-Asian
connections with top industry speakers, panelists, business leaders and peers
and Fortune 500 global executives
2. Actionable insight from top industry experts and
2. Meet top talent from the attending pool of high- speakers
potential candidates and emerging leaders
3. Unique career development opportunities through
3. Align diversity and inclusion objectives through one-on-one sessions with executive mentors and
partnerships with attending affinity groups and exposure to decision makers at our Career Fair
Ascend’s networks
6 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Our program offerings
Annual NATIONAL CONVENTION & Career fair LEADERSHIP, EMPOWERMENT, ADVANCEMENT,
and Ascend AWARDS AND DEVELOPMENT (LEAD) SERIES
Business leaders, senior executives, professionals, and students participate Ascend’s LEAD Series helps members develop and strengthen leadership
from a wide cross–section of the Pan–Asian community, industry and from skills that enable them to advance and achieve their professional goals.
across the country for three days of professional development. Inspirational, Executive panelists from diverse fields share experiences including what
high–impact leaders and rising stars in the business community as well as shaped their decisions and perspectives. Mentoring circles and/or a general
exemplary students are also recognized during the Leadership and Scholarship question and answer session follow the panel discussion. The LEAD Series is
Luncheons and the Gala Dinner. open to Ascend professional members of all experience levels (non-members
can also register to attend).
CORPORATE EXECUTIVE INITIATIVE (CEI)
MENTORSHIP Programs
The Corporate Executive Initiative (CEI) enlists and engages Pan-Asian
executives from Fortune 1000 companies to assist the professional The 12-month mentoring program provides the tools necessary to enhance
development of Pan-Asian business leaders. Ascend CEI members have leadership, teaching and coaching skills. Mentors have the opportunity to
achieved positions of leadership in large global corporations and are strengthen their knowledge base and improve communication skills while
committed to the development of senior talent within the Pan-Asian gaining satisfaction and recognition for helping mentees gain insight that help
corporate community. them develop professionally.
EXECUTIVE INSIGHT SERIESTM (EIS) PINNACLE
The Pan-Asian Corporate Board Member Initiative
The Executive Insight SeriesTM (EIS) assists high- potential Pan-Asian managers,
senior professionals and young executives attain leadership roles in major Pinnacle was launched by Ascend in 2013 to focus on the Pan-Asian
North American corporations. EIS provides insight into key characteristics, Corporate Board Directors. Pinnacle helps corporations enhance their
specific behaviors, competencies, and experiences required to reach the business objectives by increasing the number of Pan-Asian Corporate Board
executive level. Participants typically have 8-12 years of experience and hold members. Pinnacle reaches this goal by creating a platform to network,
manager, director, or vice president positions. leverage and support current Pan-Asian Corporate Board members, develop
aspiring candidates for future Board service and provide thought leadership
EXECUTIVE INSIGHT FOR WOMEN (EIW) regarding Corporate Board issues.
Developed by Pan-Asian female executives based on contemporary issues MYTHS OF ASIAN LEADERSHIP
raised during focus groups conducted in 2013, Ascend created the Executive
Insight for Pan-Asian Women (EIW) program to help mid-level Pan-Asian Ascend conducted extensive research into the realities of the Asian
female professionals and managers address common challenges as they rise community as the “model minority” and found that despite their strong work
within their respective organizations in corporate America. The program ethic, academic achievement, and extensive contributions to business, few
provides both conceptual frameworks and pragmatic, actionable advice on Pan-Asians have obtained senior leadership positions in global corporations.
addressing these issues with a deep understanding of the influence from Pan- This session will examine common misconceptions about Pan-Asians and why
Asian cultural values. so few Pan-Asians in global corporations reach the senior level. During this
session, we will provide examples of the behaviors and skills needed by Pan-
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (GLP) FOR EMERGING Asians to help them achieve their career aspirations, reasons why a diverse
MARKETS LEADERS senior leadership team is good for business, and our leadership framework
for corporate success.
Ascend in collaboration with a top 5 US Graduate School of Business
is creating the Global Leadership Program (GLP) to help accelerate the SCHOLARSHIPS
development of global skills for senior professionals and executives working
for corporations serving emerging markets, as well as to address the scarcity Scholarships provided in partnership with our corporate partners and local
of global skills and talent faced in these geographies. The GLP contains chapters across the country are awarded to honor university students who
a world–class academic curriculum integrated with Fortune 500 global demonstrate scholastic excellence, leadership, and commendable community
executive participation. service.
Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Conferences Stanford graduate school of business
Advanced leadership program (ALP)
Inspiring Across Generations regional conferences gather our corporate and
community partners for a day of leadership, mentorship and relationship This program is the first of its kind to address the apparent gap in effective
development programs providing insight and benefits for both students executive training for high–achieving Pan-Asian executives. The ALP was
and seasoned professionals. These conferences also provide networking conceived and created by Ascend in cooperation with the Stanford University
opportunities for leaders, professionals, and students at the local level. Graduate School of Business to accelerate the development of global
business leadership skills of senior executives working in North American
companies. The ALP strives to address the disparity between the number of
Pan-Asians in the corporate workforce and those in executive positions.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 7
AscendnAAMBA
(national association of asian mbas)
The National Association of Asian MBAs (NAAMBA) has joined Ascend, Value Proposition for
the largest non–profit Pan–Asian membership organization focused on the Executives & Professionals
leadership development and advancement of Pan–Asians in global business.
• Powerful professional development seminars, expert panel
Ascendnaamba discussions and engaging networking sessions
• Is driven to cultivating and developing tomorrow’s Pan-Asian leaders, • Unparalleled opportunities to grow your professional network of
today peers
• Is driven to propelling Pan–Asian professionals into C-Suite positions • Opportunity to connect and engage with emerging Pan-Asian
• Has global reach leaders, industry experts, recruiters, prominent community
• Is truly Pan–Asian figures, MBAs, top executives
Before joining Ascend, NAAMBA operated four national conferences
and career expositions, attracting corporate sponsors from a wide Value Proposition for Domestic/
range of industries, as well as two international conferences, in International Students &
partnership with the MBA Career Services Council (MBA CSC), now Job Seekers
known as the MBA CSC & Employer Alliance.
NAAMBA continues to reach local members and partners through the • Career development opportunities
activities of its Twin Cities, Minnesota and Washington D.C. Regionals. • Opportunities to connect and engage with recruiters from across
Value Proposition for our Sponsors/ industries to learn about and be considered for domestic and
Partners international career opportunities
• Opportunities to grow your network of mentors and coaches
• Top MBA talent acquisition platform
• Exceptional branding opportunities Our Members & Supporters Include
• Opportunities to position yourself as an employer of choice for
HR Executives, Recruiters, Diversity & Inclusion Leaders, Asian
global Pan–Asian talent Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leaders & Members, MBA
• Professional development opportunities for your employees and Students & Alumni, M.S. or Advanced Degree Holders, Prospective
MBA Students, BS Degree Holders, Working Professionals,
emerging leaders Entrepreneurs, Business Executives, Community Leaders
Supporting Industries Include
Banking, Finance, Government, Legal, Technology, Engineering,
Healthcare, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, IT,
Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Energy, Telecommunications &
more...
8 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
As part of the Ascend family, we cordially invite you to
THE 5TH ANNUAL
NAAMBA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
& CAREER EXPOSITION
PRESENTING TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY!
NOVEMBER 7-9, 2014 | WESTIN WATERFRONT HOTEL | BOSTON, MA
EMPLOYERS MBA/GRADUATE SCHOOLS DOMESTIC/INTERNATIONAL
Acquire Pan-Asian MBA Talent | Showcase your MBA/Graduate program STUDENTS & JOB SEEKERS
Brand Your Company | Advance Your Find a job! | Gain invaluable resume
Leaders | Assist your students in job tips | Develop your talent | Expand
search by connecting with employers your network
SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES INCLUDE
Banking /Finance | Consulting | Government | Legal | Technology | Engineering | Healthcare | Biotechnology | Pharmaceutical |
Insurance | IT | Hospitality | Consumer Goods | Energy | Telecommunications & more
DON’T MISS OUT ON:
EMPLOYERS SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS Hosted by the NAAMBA WLC at the
3rd Annual Women Leadership Summit
MENTORING BREAKFAST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
GENERAL SESSIONS featuring Senior Executives NAAMBA LEADERSHIP BENEFIT DINNER:
Honoring Talent & Celebrating Leadership
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]
or visit www.ascendnaamba.org
Established in 2011, the National Association of Asian MBAs (NAAMBA), Ascend’s national nonprofit organization for MBA professionals
and students, provides Competent, Committed, Competitive, and Collaborative global MBA leaders to fulfill diverse talent pipelines.
646.663.1006
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 9
Executive Insight Seriestm
Executive Insight Seriestm
The Executive Insight SeriesTM (EIS) prepares high-potential Pan-Asian managers, senior
professionals and young executives for high-impact roles in major U.S. corporations.
EIS provides insight into key characteristics, specific behaviors, competencies, and experiences required to reach the executive
level. The program is developed and delivered by Pan-Asian executives who successfully led large U.S. corporations in
multicultural settings.
Participants will:
• Develop a thorough understanding of the “Myths of Asian Leadership” and how these myths act as barriers to advancement
• Gain insight into executive values, presence, and leadership skills demanded by large North American corporations to be a vital
and integral part of the corporate culture
• Learn from real-life examples of executives and leaders – how they personally and professionally succeeded
10 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Executive Insight For womEn
CREATED BY WOMEN. TAUGHT BY WOMEN. FOR WOMEN.
Executive insight for women
The Executive Insight for Pan-Asian Women (EIW) program helps mid-level Pan-Asian
female managers and professionals address common challenges as they rise within their
respective organizations in corporate America.
EIW provides both conceptual frameworks and pragmatic, actionable advice on addressing these issues with a deep understanding
of the influence from Pan-Asian cultural values.
Participants will:
• Learn about executive values and leadership skills demanded by large North American corporations
• Understand how cultural heritage may help or hinder their effectiveness
• Recognize and learn how to deal with stereotypes about Pan-Asian women
• Develop “executive presence” skills, including impactful communications
• Learn to navigate relationships with mentors and sponsors
• Become more comfortable with participating in informal, cross-cultural groups in the workplace
• Learn to handle work-life balance challenges
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 11
ADVANCED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
FOR Asian American EXECUTIVES
Advanced leadership program
In collaboration with the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Ascend created the
Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) to accelerate the development of global business
leadership skills of senior executives at North American companies.
As a first of its kind executive program for high-achieving Pan-Asian leaders, ALP strives to address the disparity between the
number of Pan-Asians in the corporate workforce and those in executive positions.
ALP will prepare executives to:
• Lead through more effective influence and communications
• Lead in dynamic and uncertain competitive environments
• Lead cross-functional teams to compete for global assignments
Ascend is proud of the ALP program!
The latest ALP, our sixth class, had over 50 participants, our largest class ever! ALP
is Stanford’s most highly rated Executive Education Program at the Graduate School
of Business.
12 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Pinnacle
the pan-asian corporate board member initiative
PINNACLE–
the pan-asian corporate
board member initiative
Pinnacle was launched by Ascend in 2013 to focus on the Pan-Asian Corporate
Board Directors.
Challenge
As of July 2013, Pan-Asian men and women still account for only 1.8 percent of the 1,214 Fortune 100 Board director seats, in
comparison to the 2012 projected US Census Asian population of 7.8 percent. Over 82% of the Fortune 500 Corporations have no
Cor por AtePan-Asians on their Boards. Ascend’s recent analysis of Fortune 500 companies show only 85 Pan-Asians on their Boards with seven
holding two seats each.
Vision
Help Corporations enhance their business objectives by increasing the number of Pan-Asian Corporate Board members.
Goal
Create a platform to network, leverage and support current Pan-Asian Corporate Board members, develop aspiring candidates for
future Board service and provide thought leadership regarding Corporate Board issues.
Pinnacle will use the push-and-pull model to increase the number of Fortune 500 Corporate Board directors of Pan-Asian descent.
3 to focus on thAscend believes that the community needs to actively commit to “filling the Corporate Board Pan-Asian candidate pipeline” with
Board-ready candidates and will endeavor to create greater connections between Pan-Asian leaders and the broader business
community.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 13
New EIS Module:
Executive Presence – Are you standing out?
Executive Presence – Are you Standing OUt?
Have you ever said to yourself why and how did he or she become an executive?
Do you wonder what it takes to become an executive and why they have so much presence?
Can you learn executive presence or is it an illusive art?
Take part in our newest Executive Insight SeriesTM (EIS) module, a 2-hour interactive session offered to professionals who are
interested in becoming more aware of the need for a special set of behaviors and characteristics required to be successful.
Outcomes from the Executive Presence – Are You Standing Out?:
• Understand what executive presence means for Pan-Asians
• Determine why it is important to have executive presence and why you should want it
• Gain assessment of your executive presence
• Learn about the key characteristics of someone with executive presence and how you can achieve it
14 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Coming Next Fall 2015!
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR EMERGING MARKETS LEADERS
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR
EMERGING MARKETS LEADERS
Ascend in collaboration with a top 5 U.S. Graduate School of Business is creating the
Global Leadership Program (GLP) to help accelerate the development of global skills for
senior professionals and executives working for corporations serving emerging markets, as
well as to address the scarcity of global skills and talent faced in these geographies.
The GLP contains a world–class academic curriculum integrated with Fortune 500 global executive participation.
Why The Global Leadership Program for Emerging Markets Leaders?
• Integration and combination of academic excellence and executive insights providing the best of both worlds through academic
rigor and real-world business experiences
• Focused on key global functional management and leadership disciplines
• C reation of an executive network amongst executives from emerging markets, senior professionals, and Western global corporate
executives which extends across multiple industry organizations
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 15
CHAPTER MAP
VA N C O U V E R
Univ. of Washington Univ. of Connecticut UMass-Amherst
Seattle University Yale University Bentley University
S E AT T L E NEW ENGLAND
Fairfield University Brandeis University
Rutgers-Newark Suffolk University
Binghamton State Univ. MIT Sloan School of Business
Penn State University CONNECTICUT & WESTCHESTER
TORONTO
TWIN CITIES
Northern Illinois University MIDWEST GREATER SUNY-Stony Brook
Univ. of Illinois, Chicago NEW YORK METRO
N O RT H E R N PHILADELPHIA Queens College, CUNY
CALIFORNIA Golden Gate University Univ. of Illinois-Urbana Champaign DePaul University Baruch College
Fordham University
Univ. of California-Berkeley Indiana University New York University (NYU)
SF State University Bloomington Pace University
St. John's University
LOS ANGELES METRO Univ. of Southern California GREATER ATLANTA CHARLOTTE Rutgers-New Brunswick
University of California-Los Angeles NEW JERSEY
Univ. of Texas-Dallas Emory University Drexel University
Arizona State University Univ. of North Texas NORTH TEXAS Georgia State University Temple University
Southern Methodist University GREATER WASHINGTON
George Washington University
Univ. of Virginia
Darden School of Business
Professional Univ. of Texas at Austin
Pending HOUSTON
Student
Pending
Business School Alliance
/Graduate Affiliate Program
AscendNAAMBA
Ascend Professional Chapters Ascend Student CHapters
West Coast East Coast West Coast EAST COAST
Los Angeles Metro Charlotte University of California – Los Baruch College
Northern California Connecticut & Westchester Angeles (UCLA) Bentley University
Seattle Greater Atlanta San Francisco State University Binghamton State University
Greater Philadelphia Seattle University Brandeis University
Central/Midwest Greater Washington University of California - Berkeley Drexel University
New England University of Southern California Emory University
Houston New Jersey University of Washington Fordham University
Midwest New York Metro Georgia State University
North Texas CENTRAL/MIDWEST New York University (NYU)
Twin Cities Canada Pace University
DePaul University Penn State University
Toronto, Canada Indiana University Bloomington Queens College, CUNY
Vancouver, Canada Northern Illinois University Rutgers - New Brunswick
University of Illinois - Urbana Rutgers - Newark
NAAMBA Professional Chapters Champaign Suffolk University
University of Texas - Dallas Temple University
Twin Cities Southern Methodist University University of MA, Amherst
Greater Washington University of MD, College Park
16 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2014 Award Recipients Ascend Inspiring Across Generations (IAG)
Recognition: High Impact Leader
Ascend Lifetime Achievement Award
Alka Patel, Managing Director and Senior Counsel, BNY Mellon
Norman Y. Mineta, Retired United States Secretary of
Transportation and Founder of the Mineta Transportation Ascend Inspiring Across Generations (IAG)
Institute Recognition: Rising Star
Ascend/Deloitte Inspirational Leadership Award Michelle Cheng, Senior Financial Analyst, Johnson & Johnson
Phyllis J. Campbell, Vice Chairman, JPMorgan Chase & Co. President’s Award
Ascend Affinity & ERG Leadership Award Thomas Phelps IV, Chief Corporate Strategist, CIO, Laserfiche,
President, Ascend Los Angeles Metro
Microsoft, The Asians Employee Resource Group (ERG)
Ascend Inspiring Across Generations (IAG)
Recognition: High Impact Leader
Vivek Gurumurthy, Vice President, Consumer and Mass Business
Billing, Verizon
Ascend 2014 Corporate Scholarship Recipients
AICPA PwC
Steve Hong, Fordham University Sohyun Cho, University of Texas - Dallas
Sonam Ghale, Binghamton University
Cargill
Robert Half
Rezuana Uddin, Rutgers University - Newark
Trang Do, Drexel University
EY Claudia Gunawan, Indiana University - Bloomington
Yi Rong Tan, Indiana University - Bloomington
Jiajia He, Indiana University - Bloomington
Michelle Tran, Indiana University - Bloomington
Yiwei Feng, Lehigh University
Mansi Parikh, Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Deloitte Scholarships to the Gary Gerson, Baruch College
2014 Ascend National Convention Irene Yoo, Baruch College
Wasib Muhammad, Columbia Business School
Stephanie Williams, University of Houston
Yifei Wang, University of Texas - Dallas
David Liang, New York University
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 17
Your unique talents vfoisriothneary.
and hard work make
success look easy PNC applauds Ascend for its years of
leadership, opportunity and commitment
Face challenges with confidence. Nimbly navigate every to the community. We are proud to be
obstacle in your path. It’s that unique quality that’s a sponsor of the 7th Annual Ascend
positioned you where you are today. And it’s what we National Convention & Career Fair.
value at Bank of America. Join our team, and we’ll open
your career path and give you new opportunities to take Learn more at www.pnc.jobs.
the possible and make it real. And as part of the world’s
leading financial institution, you can make a bigger impact Career Opportunities | ®
than you ever imagined.
PNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation
Bank of America is a proud supporter of ASCEND © 2014 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Life’s better when we’re connected™
Bank of America and its affiliates consider for employment and hire qualified candidates without
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ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and
as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote the concept of equal employment
opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial and
municipal laws.
© 2014 Bank of America Corporation. | AR7JRNK8 | D&I-060914
18 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
ASCEND CONVENTION
AGENDA & SESSIONS
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 19
agenda
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
8:00AM–5:00PM Executive Insight SeriesTM (EIS) (Separate Registration Required)
8:00AM–5:00PM Executive Insight for Women (EIW) (Separate Registration Required)
2.00PM–3.45PM Student Orientation [Columbia 1 & 2]
4.00PM–6.00PM Deloitte Road Show [Lincoln]
Saturday, August 23
8:00AM–4:00PM Career Fair [Columbia]
8:30AM–12:45PM CEI (Corporate Executive Initiative) & Pinnacle (Corporate Board Initiative) Session: Building Critical Skills for
Executives in the Global Marketplace (Sponsored by KPMG, By Invitation Only) [Georgetown East]
9:00AM–12:00PM Resume Coaching [Embassy]
9:15AM–10:15AM Employer Showcase: Boeing [International Ballroom East]
10:30AM–11:30AM Employer Showcase: Fannie Mae [International Ballroom East]
11:45AM–12:45PM Employer Showcase: NBCUniversal [International Ballroom East]
1:00PM–3:00PM Resume Coaching [Embassy]
1:00PM–2:00PM Welcome Remarks & Opening Keynote: The Value of Building Powerful Connections
[International Ballroom Center]
2:15PM–5:00PM Consumer Insight Sessions: Power of the Pan-Asian Consumer 2.0 [International Ballroom West]
Part One: Overview of the Pan-Asian Consumer Preference Survey
Part Two: Reaching Your Pan-Asian Cutomer Base
Part Three: Transformational Leadership Discussion
3.00PM–4.00PM Successfully Navigating The Ever Complicated U.S. H-1B Visa Landscape [International Ballroom East]
4.30PM–6.00PM DiSC Assessment: A Journey to Better Understanding Yourself and Others!
Presented by Grant Thornton [Georgetown]
5:15PM–6:15PM Enough IQ. Time to Cultivate Your EQ! [International Ballroom West]
6:30PM–8:00PM EY Opening Reception [International Ballroom Center]
Session types
Student Session
CPE: CPE: CPE: CPE: CPE: CPE:
Accounting Communications Economics Regulatory Ethics
Business Management Personal
& Organization Development
20 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Sunday, August 24
8:00AM–9:15AM Networking Breakfast & Keynote: Leadership Lessons from My Mother [International Ballroom Center]
9:45AM–10:45AM Communicate With Power – What You Don’t Learn in School [Monroe]
9:45AM–12:15PM The Millennial Project: Managing, Motivating, and Texting Tomorrow’s Leaders
[International Ballroom West]
11:15AM–12:15PM Your Career Path – A World of Opportunities [Monroe]
11:15AM–12:15PM Doctors’ Offices (Separate Registration Required) [Albright, Dupont, Embassy, Cardozo, Cabinet]
12:45PM–2:00PM EY Scholarship Luncheon & Keynote [International Ballroom Center]
2:20PM–3:45PM This is How We Do It [International Ballroom West]
4:05PM–5:15PM Breakout Sessions:
Executive Presence – It’s Never Too Early to Get Started [Georgetown]
Being a Global Leader [Jefferson]
Emerging Markets: China and India Economic Trends – The New Normal in 2014? [Lincoln]
4:15PM–5:15PM Doctors’ Offices (Separate Registration Required) [Albright, Embassy, Dupont, Cardozo, Cabinet]
monday, August 25
8:00AM–9:15AM Breakfast & Fireside Chat with SEC Commissioner Michael S. Piwowar [International Ballroom Center]
9:30AM–10:30AM Communication and the Art of Conversation [International Ballroom West]
10:45AM–11:45AM Breakout Sessions:
“The Club”– A Myth or a Must? [Georgetown]
Fireside Chat with Lewis H. Ferguson PCAOB Board member and IFIAR Chairman [Jefferson]
Leadership in Public Service [Lincoln]
10:45AM–11:45AM Doctors’ Offices (Separate Registration Required) [Embassy, Dupont, Cardozo, Cabinet, Albright]
12:00PM–1:15PM Leadership Luncheon & Keynote: Reaching Corporate, Can it be Done Without Compromising My Cultural Values?
[International Ballroom Center]
1:30PM–2:30PM Breakout Sessions:
Driving for Success in a Crowded Marketplace [Georgetown]
Early Career Leadership Series [Jefferson]
Building Leadership in Your Community [Lincoln]
1:30PM–2:30PM Doctors’ Offices (Separate Registration Required) [Embassy, Dupont, Albright, Cabinet, Cardozo]
2:45PM–4:15PM Developing Multiple Styles of Leadership for Creating Innovation Sponsored by Deloitte [International Ballroom West]
4:30PM–5:15PM Back to the Future... of Leadership [International Ballroom West]
6:00PM–7:00PM Networking Reception [International Terrace]
6:00PM–7:00PM President’s Reception (By Invitation Only)
7:00PM–9:30PM Gala Awards Dinner with John Veihmeyer, Global Chairman, KPMG International, Chairman & CEO, KPMG U.S.
[International Ballroom Center]
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 21
7th annual ascend National convention Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
&career fair
22
Be extraordinary
Be you
Be included. Be authentic. Be valued. Be connected. Be challenged. Be empowered.
Be a leader. Be extraordinary. Be you.
www.deloitte.com/us/inclusion
About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company
limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate
and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of
the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms. Please see
www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP
and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules
and regulations of public accounting.
Copyright © 2014 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.
Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 23
Friday, august 22 (pre-convention day)
Executive Insight SeriesTM (EIS) CPE
Separate Registration Required
Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm
Executive Insight for Women (EIW) CPE
Separate Registration Required
Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm
Student Orientation Student
Friday 2.00pm to 3.45pm, Columbia 1 & 2
Ascend is thrilled to announce the launch of our Student Orientation program for all registered students at the 7th Annual National Convention
& Career Fair. A must-attend session for all registered convention student attendees, the orientation will include information about Ascend
student convention offerings, recruiting, hiring, and branding presentations.
Topic 1: Hiring Process - How Companies Hire Employees
With Tyler Johansson, Campus Recruiting Specialist, Deloitte
“With the number one pick in the 2014 Accounting Draft, Deloitte selects...”
Each year professional sports teams select rising stars to launch their playing career, receive outrageous salaries and attempt to claim stardom.
Why do teams select one player over another? In this session, get an inside look at how companies hire employees and the information they are
looking for to fill their team with excellent people.
Topic 2: How to Land Your First Job: Don’t Just Polish Your Resume, Polish Your Brand
With Gene kim, Vice President, Robert Half
To land a job today, entry-level professionals must make sure all of their job-search materials evoke a compelling and cohesive message. In this
presentation, you’ll discover how to develop a personal brand that grabs potential employers’ attention. You’ll also learn tips for developing
stand-out applications materials, ideas for using social media to establish your professional credibility and how to convey key attributes during a
job interview.
Topic 3: Navigating the Convention
With Jason Chen, Manager, Tax Services, KPMG
Tips and advice on how to best navigate the convention.
24 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Friday, august 22 (pre-convention day)
Deloitte Road Show Student
Friday 4.00pm to 6.00pm, Lincoln
Will you be you and be extraordinary? Julie Chu, Olympic silver medalist, will share her personal story and how she has become an
extraordinary athlete and professional utilizing her experiences to make an impact in the world of ice hockey and beyond. You will be able to
interact with Julie along with Deloitte professionals and be motivated to make your own impact by being you and being extraordinary.
Session types
Student Session
CPE: CPE: CPE: CPE: CPE: CPE:
Accounting Communications Economics Regulatory Ethics
Business Management Personal
& Organization Development
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 25
Saturday, august 23
Career fair
Saturday 8.00am to 4.00pm, Columbia
resume coaching
9.00am to 12.00pm & 1.00pm to 3.00pm, Embassy
Our Career Fair offers a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with various companies, learn about their career offerings, as well as
network with industry leaders and key decision makers. There will be opportunities to meet with resume coaches and receive expert tips to
improve resumes for optimal results for students and job seekers.
CEI (Corporate Executive Initiative) & Pinnacle (Corporate Board Initiative) CPE
Session: Building Critical Skills for Executives in the Global Marketplace
Sponsored by KPMG, By Invitation Only
Saturday 8.30am to 12.45pm, Georgetown East
The session will focus on Corporate Board and Executive initiatives with experienced board members and executives discussing current topics.
employer showcases
Boeing
Saturday 9.15am to 10.15am, International Ballroom East
Get to know more about our amazing people, innovative products, and unique history and culture. Hear about finance and accounting
opportunities as well as specific opportunities we’re interviewing for during the convention. You will also have the chance to ask questions to a
panel of Boeing employees. Join Boeing and you can build something better for yourself, for our customers and for the world.
Fannie Mae
Saturday 10.30am to 11.30am, International Ballroom East
As the leading source of residential mortgage credit in the U.S. secondary market, Fannie Mae is supporting today’s economic recovery and
laying the foundation for a better housing finance system. We help people buy, refinance, or rent a home. Our diverse and talented workforce
welcomes the opportunity to be on the front line of change. During the showcase, learn more about our company and how you can join our
team to put your unique talents to good use as we work to advance our nation’s housing recovery. We look forward to seeing you at the
Convention!
NBCUniversal
Saturday 11.45am to 12.45pm, International Ballroom East
With Oscar chang, Finance Associate & Amanda Watkins, Engagement Manager, Comcast Assurance & Advisory Team
Come and join us to learn more about Comcast NBCUniversal, a company that is at the intersection of media and technology. Featured panelists
will talk about both entry-level and and experienced level positions in finance and in accounting. Comcast NBCUniversal representatives will be
there to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you.
26 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Saturday, august 23
welcome remarks & Opening Keynote: CPE
The Value of Building Powerful Connections
Saturday 1.00pm to 2.00pm , International Ballroom Center
With Keynote Speaker Sarita Mohapatra, Partner, PwC
Do you wonder how successful leaders build strong and powerful networks of advocates? How can you create and maintain those trusting
relationships and valuable connections? As PwC’s Transfer Pricing Tax Partner Leader, wife, mother and daughter, Sarita Mohapatra has
mastered the art of building powerful connections throughout the many roles she serves in her life. Join us to hear her experiences and practical
advice that you can put into immediate action at this year’s convention.
Consumer Insight Sessions: Power of the Pan-Asian Consumer 2.0
Saturday 2.15pm to 5.00pm, International Ballroom West
The Consumer Insight Sessions help Convention participants and sponsoring companies connect with their Pan-Asian customer base.
There are three parts:
Part One: Overview of the Pan-Asian Consumer Preference Survey
With Betty Lo, Vice President, Community Alliances & Engagement, Nielsen
During Part One, Betty Lo will share the recent, extensive Pan-Asian consumer preference survey by Nielsen, discuss the findings and results,
and identify key attributes and factors driving Pan-Asian customer behavior in today’s increasingly competitive world. This session will offer
important insights to the significant purchasing power of the fastest-growing US multicultural segment.
Part Two: Reaching Your Pan-Asian Customer Base
Moderator: Tariq khan, Founder & CEO, Global Diversity Marketing
With Gayitri Budhraja, Associate Marketing Director, The Clorox Company & Betty lo, Vice President, Community
Alliances & Engagement, Nielsen
Part Two is a panel discussion with Betty Lo and Gayitri Budhraja who will speak to how their respective companies leverage market intelligence
and other consumer insights to reach their Pan-Asian audience and share their best practices to engage the Pan-Asian consumer. The critical
importance of the Pan-Asian segment is well known and this session concentrates on practical experiences and advice on how companies can
take a proactive stance in better reaching these customers. The changing rules of engagement are transforming the consumer landscape and
companies must proactively keep reinventing their strategy during all stages of the customer lifecycle – acquisition, retention and win back.
Part Three: Transformational Leadership Discussion CPE
Moderator: Wes hom, Former Vice President & Managing Director, IBM, Vice President of External Affairs, Ascend
With Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief, Motor Trend & YanLin Sun, Digital & CRM Manager, Cadillac, GM
The third part is an interactive discussion about transformational leadership between Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Edward Loh and Cadillac’s
Digital and Customer Relationship Manager Yanlin Sun with Wes Hom as the moderator. It is a story about how a brand and a team were the
standard of the industry, fell to the deepest floor of the industry and transformed themselves to become one of the leading global brands in
the industry today. It is important for all of us to learn how to transform ourselves, as we will face similar challenges in our career journey while
trying to achieve our aspirations. We will explore new behaviors of collaboration, risk-taking, branding and learning and acquiring new tools. The
discussion will help all of us understand this great transformation and what we can learn from it to further our own professional development.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 27
Saturday, august 23
Successfully Navigating The Ever Complicated Student
U.S. H-1B Visa Landscape
Saturday 3.00pm to 4.00pm, International Ballroom East
With Chirag Patel, Managing Attorney, The Patel Law Group
If you are not lucky enough to win the U.S. H-1B Cap lottery, what options are you left with as an international student? Even if you are lucky,
how do you maintain an H-1B visa to get the ultimate prize – a U.S. employment based green card? This session will provide an overview of the
H-1B visa process including but not limited to preliminary considerations, educational requirements, employment experience, application fees,
logistics, and challenges to help you navigate the tricky and sometimes frustrating process to obtain the highly coveted U.S. H-1B visa.
DiSC Assessment: A Journey to Better Student
Understanding Yourself and Others!
Presented by Grant Thornton
Saturday 4.30pm to 6.00pm, Georgetown
With Derica Carty, Senior Instructional Designer, Grant Thornton & Thaddius Panik, Director of Learning, Global
Public Sector, Grant Thornton
Research shows that the most successful people share the common trait of self-awareness. They recognize the situations that will make them
successful, and this makes it easy for them to find ways of achieving objectives that fit their behavioral style.
They also understand their limitations and when they need to adapt their style to either enhance the effectiveness of their communication or
their ability to be a better team player. This workshop will provide you with greater insight about your preferred behavioral style, including
a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses associated with your style (ability to connect) and how to increase your personal
effectiveness in communications, teaming and relationship building.
28 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Saturday, august 23
Enough IQ. Time to Cultivate Your EQ!
Saturday 5.15pm to 6.15pm, International Ballroom West
Moderator: Denise Peck, Consultant to several startups in Silicon Valley, National Advisor to Ascend
With Saguna hitapot Anderson, Recruiting Manager, Capital One, Jay Chopra, Vice President, Enterprise IT
Sourcing and Supplier Management, Johnson and Johnson, Ken Lam, Operations Vice President, State Farm, Jana Yamamoto,
Finance Director, Boeing
A high IQ is admired but often is insufficient to reach leadership ranks in business organizations. Most effective leaders also have a high degree
of Emotional Intelligence (EQ). A key part of EQ is a heightened sense of awareness, both about yourself and how others perceive you. Explicit
and implicit feedback is important in becoming self-aware. Successful people not only understand themselves, but understand others and how
others perceive them. They use their understanding of themselves to compare and contrast their needs and wants with the people around
them. In this way, they adapt their behavior to the other person – making it easier to build strong relationships. Key takeaways from the panelists
include: the critical importance of heightened self-awareness, how to successfully give and receive candid feedback to understand accurately how
we are perceived, and how we can adapt or change our behaviors and still remain authentic.
EY Opening reception
Saturday 6.30pm to 8.00pm, International Ballroom Center
Network and mingle with fellow attendees at the EY Opening Reception. An excellent way to end a day filled with professional
development activities.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 29
Sunday, August 24
Networking Breakfast & KeynotE: Leadership Lessons from my mother
Sunday 8.00am to 9.15am, International Ballroom Center
With Anna mok, National Managing Partner, Clients & Client Excellence, Deloitte
Our views of the world and business are highly influenced by our families. Growing up as the oldest daughter of immigrant parents, Anna Mok,
had a unique opportunity to set her own course in life. As Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Managing Partner of Clients & Clients Excellence and an
active community leader, Anna will share how she has used what she learned from her parents and what she continues to learn as a parent of
a teenager. Join us for Sunday breakfast with Anna and hear her insights on how she has leveraged family strengths and navigated personal and
professional challenges.
Communicate With Power – What You Don’t Learn in School Student
Sunday 9.45am to 10.45am, Monroe
With Michael Balaoing, Esq., Senior Coach, Own the Room
Get the competitive edge to become a successful executive and leader. Quickly upgrade how you communicate in interviews, presentations, or
meetings with important audiences. Learn CEO secrets on how to speak, present and persuade with confidence and impact. This workshop
features interactive exercises, live demonstrations, peer support, and professional coaching. You will leave with practical communication tips and
personalized feedback. Own the Room® is the signature communication training program of Blue Planet Training.
“The Own The Room methodology has helped countless speakers play at a higher level.” – Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO & NY Times
bestselling author of Lean In.
“Improving your ability to communicate will increase your potential to have impact on the world, no matter what you do. Own the Room will
show you how – and they’ll make it fun.” – Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn Co-Founder/Chairman & Co-Author, The Start-Up of You.
The Millennial Project: Managing, Motivating, CPE
and Texting Tomorrow’s Leaders
Sunday 9.45am to 12.15pm, International Ballroom West
Moderator: Craig Furuta, Director, KPMG
With AJ Desai, Partner, EY & Kshama Jobanputra, Assistant Vice President and Human Resources Consultant, Bank of
America & representatives from the Greater Washington Chapter
Generation Y or “Millennials” are one of the most analyzed and documented members of current workforce and are driving change as they
emerge as leaders in the workplace. This group faces many challenges because it is perceived that their career and personal objectives and the
manners in which they communicate are vastly different from other generations. Similarly, the experiences and identity of second, third and
fourth Generation Gen Y Asian Americans can be vastly different from those who are recent immigrants to America from Asia. With so many
different viewpoints and ideas that represent this large percentage of our workforce, how does this generation of Asians and Asian Americans
leverage the strengths of their community to advance their careers? And how can the Generation X and Baby Boomer generations work
effectively with this rising group of business leaders? This 2-hour session will help the participants solidify the mosaic of identities that the Gen Y
Asian American community is cultivating in the workplace. This session will also focus on providing the participants with tangible tools they can
use as they manage their careers and provide insight to non Gen Yers on how they can be better mentors, supervisors, and peers to Gen Yers.
30 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
At Ingersoll Rand, our global success is powered © 2014 Laserfiche. Laserfiche®, Run Smarter®, and Compulink® are registered trademarks of Compulink Management Center, Inc. All rights reserved.
by our colleagues’ diverse backgrounds, experiences,
skills and talents. Innovating
across the globe.
We believe having a corporate culture of mutual respect, cross collaboration
and inclusion is a shared responsibility that drives growth and innovation,
and enhances operational effectiveness—while making a positive impact in
the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.
Ingersoll Rand advances the quality of life by creating comfortable,
sustainable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of
brands—including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Thermo King® and Trane®—
work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and
buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; and increase
industrial productivity and efficiency.
To learn more about Ingersoll Rand
as a place to build your career,
visit us at ingersollrand.com.
©2014 Ingersoll Rand
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With Your Eyes on the Horizon With millions of users around the world
and offices in seven countries, Laserfiche
Nothing Is Out of Reach has a diverse atmosphere that sparks
innovation and mutual learning.
Become a CPA, demonstrate your leadership
and shape your future with a dynamic When you bring your talent to Laserfiche,
accounting career in: you get the connections to build a
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Forensics
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and technology assurance
Lead the Future! Get started at
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Learn More at aicpa.org/di7vtheArnsniutayl Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 31
Inspire. Empower.
Ascend.
We’re proud to support the Pan-Asian
business community.
THE VALUE OF
MANY
PERSPECTIVES
FOR ONE
PURPOSE.
Across this company, people come
together every day to support the
mission of our customers with
innovation, excellence and new levels
of achievement. We salute the 2014
Ascend National Convention - Building
Connections, Building Leaders,
Building Growth.
THE VALUE OF PERFORMANCE.
www.northropgrumman.com
32 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Sunday, August 24
Your Career Path – A World of Opportunities Student
Sunday 11.15am to 12.15pm, Monroe
With Kim Drumgo, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, AICPA & Michael M., Executive Staff Officer, Central Intelligence
Agency (CIA)
Before embarking on your first career, we encourage students to learn about and explore all the different career opportunities available to you.
The key is to know what skills you have and how to apply them. Build your career path and personal brand by making informed decisions after
you have had the chance to familiarize yourself with all the opportunities out there. This session presented by the AICPA and CIA will showcase
career opportunities and sample career paths.
The opportunities are out there for you to find!
Doctors’ offices (Separate Registration Required)
Sunday 11.15am to 12.15pm, 1: Albright, 2: Dupont, 3: Embassy, 4: Cardozo, 5: Cabinet
Doctors’ Offices are intimate private sessions with our “Doctors of Leadership” – leaders who have been through the same workplace
challenges you are facing. They will share their own experiences and advice on how they overcame those challenges and situations as well as give
actionable everyday tips for the workplace.
1. What Can I Learn: Warren Kashiwagi, Partner, Crowe Horwath 2. No Time for Training: Joseph A. Cruz, Principal, EY
3. Tough Working Environment: Ritu Furlan, Partner, Assurance Services, EY 4. Facing Failure: Rajiv Basu, Partner, Deloitte
5. The Art of Conversation: Debbie Lew, Executive Director, EY
EY Scholarship Luncheon & Keynote CPE
Sunday 12.45pm to 2.00pm, International Ballroom Center
With Keynote Speaker Christine Yamamoto, Principal, EY
Christine will discuss the concept of Building Growth. She will be asking the attendees to think about their passion and how it helps to fuel
personal and professional growth. She will also encourage us all to continue to grow and develop ourselves, future leaders and the organizations
which are important to us. Christine will share her stories, as well as surprises and lessons learned along the way.
This is how we do it CPE
Sunday 2.20pm to 3.45pm, International Ballroom West
Moderator: Gina Nam, Partner, PwC
With Anindita (Ann) Mukherjee, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Frito-Lay North America, Helen
Wan, Author, THE PARTNER TRACK (Macmillan), formerly Associate General Counsel, Time Inc. & Farhad Zaman,
Partner, PWC
Today, more than ever before, women are faced with a situation where “having it all” – a stellar career and a happy, healthy family – can feel
overwhelming. This session concentrates on ways in which women and men can work together to make the right choices for themselves and be
productive while feeling fulfilled and happy.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 33
Sunday, August 24
Breakout Sessions
Sunday 4.05pm to 5.15pm
Executive Presence – It’s Never Too Early to Get Started, Georgetown CPE
With Wes Hom, Former Vice President & Managing Director, IBM, Vice President of External Affairs, Ascend
You are smart and driven; you work hard, and are good at what you do – but that alone may not be enough to get you a promotion or a
leadership position leading to the corner office. Can executive presence be learned or is it an illusive art? This interactive session is for all
professionals who are interested in becoming more aware of the need for a special set of behaviors and characteristics required to be successful.
Being a Global Leader, Jefferson CPE
Moderator: Nereida (Neddy) Perez, Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Management, Ingersoll Rand
With Susan Chung, Head of Global Strategy, Allstate Investments & Jaya Kumar, Vice President, Finance, Johnson and
Johnson
This session features executives discussing the opportunities and challenges of being in international leadership positions. How did being a leader
in a multi-cultural, multi-geographic environment help shape and further their careers? The panelists share important insights about working
internationally as a leader, such as the need for the ability to manage change and uncertainty as well as learning and honing the strategic thinking
skills required at the international executive level. They will also discuss their own experiences in how they got their leadership positions overseas
and where they are now in their careers.
Emerging Markets: China and India Economic Trends – CPE
The New Normal in 2014? , Lincoln
Moderator: Len Jui, Partner, KPMG
With Rajiv Basu, Partner, Deloitte, Avinash Goel, Director, Senior Finance Manager, GCIB Controller, Bank of America,
Leo Lo, Financial and Operations Principal, China International Capital Corporation (USA) & Darwin Tu, CEO, 51credit.com
Group
A discussion on China and India and their impact on the global economy as increasingly significant drivers of global growth. This session will cover
the current economic trends, the changing dynamics between emerging and developed markets as well as the influence of China and India on
both the U.S. and the global economy. The session will also look to the future and discuss the new type of mindset that is needed for leaders to
be successful in China and India and in the increasingly volatile global world.
Doctors’ offices (Separate Registration Required)
Sunday 4.15pm to 5.15pm, 1: Albright, 2: Embassy, 3: Cabinet, 4: Dupont, 5: Cardozo
Doctors’ Offices are intimate private sessions with our “Doctors of Leadership” – leaders who have been through the same workplace
challenges you are facing. They will share their own experiences and advice on how they overcame those challenges and situations as well as give
actionable everyday tips for the workplace.
1. Motivating Others: Aaron Ghanbarpour, Agency Sales Leader, State Farm 2. I Hate My Job: David Pang, Partner, KPMG
3. Technical Vs. Management: Julie Ho, Partner, Deloitte 4. Network–The Key to Help: Princy Jain, Principal, PwC
5. Ask Your Boss: Yoon Chong, Director, PwC
34 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Monday, august 25
Breakfast & Fireside Chat with SEC Commissioner CPE
Michael S. Piwowar
Monday 8.00am to 9.15am, International Ballroom Center
Moderator: Sridhar Ramamoorti, Associate Professor of Accounting and Director of Board Culture & Behavioral Dynamics,
Corporate Governance Center, Kennesaw State University
With Keynote Speaker Michael S. Piwowar, Commissioner, SEC
A Fireside chat with Commissioner Michael S. Piwowar of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) discussing his journey and his impact
in diversity as well as trending topics at the SEC. Commissioner Piwowar, as the sponsor of the SEC’s Asian Pacific American employee resource
group, shares his views about the importance of diversity and insight into the major trends and shifts in the world economy and the various ways
the SEC is addressing them.
Communication and the Art of Conversation
Monday 9.30am to 10.30am, International Ballroom West
Moderator: Amy shang, Executive Vice President, Strategic Implementation (Regulation), HSBC North America
With Michael Fung, Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Wal-Mart US & Joyce Hsu, Former Partner,
EY
It is not always what we know, but what counts is the ability to express a point of view and invite participants into an effective conversation to
enhance the outcome. Pan-Asians are typically stereotyped to be either shy or being deferential to others. The expectation of good leaders is to
be heard. The mechanics of communication and the deliberate intent to engage is equally important. The art of conversation like any art is a skill
of elegance, nuance and creative execution. When it comes to the art of conversation we have all met people who seem to have a knack for it.
They can talk to anybody on a variety of subjects, and they seem to do it with complete ease. And while it is true that some are born with the
gift of gab, luckily for the rest of us, conversation skills can be developed and mastered.
Breakout Sessions
Monday 10.45am to 11.45am
“The Club”–A Myth or a Must?, Georgetown CPE
Moderator: Janet S. Wong, Consultant & Partner (Retired), KPMG
With Tina hwang, Managing Director, PNC Capital Markets, Denise Lippuner, Partner, Grant Thornton &
Richard Seo, Senior Manager, Crowe Horwath
Are you in “The Club” or missing out? Ready for your next leadership role yet too busy to build relationships at work and beyond? How do
you smartly prioritize your work-life choices? What influences do your inner circle have on your career? How can personal relationships from
the Club help you ascend in your career? This session will focus on how “clubs” have been important to our executive panelists in building
relationships and careers and provide “how to” tips especially when the club’s interests or activities may not seem to fit naturally with yours. You
may be missing out on important things critical to your career if you are not part of a club. Learn how to “get in” with your unique contribution
to a club so you can ascend in your career while gaining work-life balance.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 35
Monday, august 25
Fireside Chat with Lewis H. Ferguson PCAOB Board member and IFIAR Chairman, CPE
Jefferson
Co-Moderators: Len Jui, Partner, KPMG & Paige Kuroyama, Partner, Assurance Services, McGladrey
With Lewis H. Ferguson, Board Member, PCAOB and Chairman, IFIAR
Fireside chat with Lewis H. Ferguson PCAOB Board member and IFIAR Chairman. This session will cover the major trending topics at the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). There will be discussions of the evolution of the PCAOB from its creation in 2002 as part
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to where the Board is today as well as its strategic plans for the future. The session also discusses proposed rules
and initiatives that the PCAOB is introducing as well potential new rules, and looks at the challenges and issues the PCAOB is facing as it aims to
promote the quality of the audit function. It will also provide attendees insight and perspectives on diversity in the accounting profession. The
session will also describe and summarize main initiatives of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR).
Leadership in Public Service, Lincoln CPE
Moderator: Winson Heng, Principal, Deloitte
With Irene Bueno, Partner, NVG LLC, Mark L. Keam, Delegate, Virginia’s 35th House District & Samuel T. Mok,
Managing Member, Condor International Advisors LLC
A workshop to discuss possible careers in public service. From non-profits to Capitol Hill to government agencies, there exists a need for
people with skills that are not traditionally thought of to be public service oriented. Attendees will learn about public sector professions and
career paths including those traditionally thought of as private sector jobs including law, accounting, project management, etc.
Doctors’ offices (Separate Registration Required)
Monday 10.45am to 11.45am, 1: Embassy, 2: Dupont, 3: Cardozo, 4: Cabinet, 5: Albright
Doctors’ Offices are intimate private sessions with our “Doctors of Leadership” – leaders who have been through the same workplace
challenges you are facing. They will share their own experiences and advice on how they overcame those challenges and situations as well as give
actionable everyday tips for the workplace.
1. Motivating others: Vinu Satchit, Executive Director, EY
2. The Art of Conversation: Anne Mascarenhas, Partner, KPMG
3. Technical vs. Management: Peter Zou, Vice President, Corporate Planning and Analysis, Freddie Mac
4. Network–The Key to Help: Lisa Ong, Director, Office of Diversity, PwC
5. No Time for Training: Christine Cadena, Vice President, Multicultural Initiatives, The Walt Disney Company
Leadership Luncheon & Keynote: Reaching Corporate, CPE
Can It Be Done Without Compromising My Cultural values?
Monday 12.00pm to 1.15pm, International Ballroom Center
With Keynote Speaker Harry Q. H. lee II, Vice President, Corporate Contracts, Pricing & Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman
Perceived cultural values are oftentimes misinterpreted when evaluating an individual’s actions and leadership competencies in corporate
organizations. To many Pan-Asian professionals and leaders, this proves true as they try to climb the corporate ladder. Are Pan-Asians lacking in
leadership competencies or is there a lack of understanding by those making decisions? Regardless of the answer, adaptability is key to ascending
the ladder and achieving one’s greatest potential. Our luncheon speaker will walk through his life and career experiences as a 4th generation
Chinese-American, dispensing wisdom that has been built by others before him that enabled him to succeed.
36 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Monday, august 25
Breakout Sessions
Monday 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Driving for Success in a Crowded Marketplace, Georgetown CPE
Moderator: Wes Hom, Former Vice President & Managing Director, IBM, Vice President of External Affairs, Ascend
With Melody lee, Director, Brand & Reputation Strategy, Cadillac Global, GM & Alex Park, President & Dealer Principal,
Crestmont Automotive, GM
This session will share the challenges that Cadillac faced in creating a product that would meet the demands of global markets and the day-to-day
lessons that professionals can use to create positive outcomes with management. Through Cadillac’s reemergence into the marketplace, we will
learn about the importance of understanding the marketplace, building a world-class business case to convince the leadership team, handling
difficult objections and making difficult decisions, validation of the effort, gaining traction and achieving success. At the end of the session, you will
understand why all of these points are critical to success and achieving one’s goals.
Early Career Leadership Series, Jefferson CPE
Moderator: Nicola D’Souza, Principal, EY
With Sara Abiusi, Managing Director, Accenture, Carlos Mendez, Vice President, MetLife & Don Sheridan, Vice
President of Applications Development, UPS
The session will identify and focus on the real life business skills and behaviors required for young professionals to thrive and be successful in
building and progressing their careers. Sharing their (panelists) own experience would be helpful for those attending to understand their road to
success.
Building Leadership in Your Community, Lincoln CPE
Moderator: Rakesh Bhatia, Partner, PwC
With Johnnie Giles, Executive Director, External Affairs, Comcast, Vice President, Government Affairs, Comcast Cable,
Bill Imada, Chairman & Chief Collaboration Officer, IW Group & Andrew Ko, General Manager, U.S. Education, Microsoft
As successful Asian American business leaders and entrepreneurs, how do we give back to our Asian American community in meaningful, long-
lasting ways? Speakers will share successful public-private efforts to improve Asian American communities.
Doctors’ offices (Separate Registration Required)
Monday 1.30pm to 2.30pm, 1: Embassy, 2: Dupont, 3: Albright, 4: Cabinet, 5: Cardozo
Doctors’ Offices are intimate private sessions with our “Doctors of Leadership” – leaders who have been through the same workplace
challenges you are facing. They will share their own experiences and advice on how they overcame those challenges and situations as well as give
actionable everyday tips for the workplace.
1. What Can I Learn: Puneet Bhasin, Vice President, Cluster Manager, HSBC
2. Ask Your Boss: Thomas Phelps IV, Chief Corporate Strategist, CIO, Laserfiche
3. Tough Work Environment: Marie Terezakis, Senior Vice President, Human Resources Executive, Bank of America
4. Facing Failure: Dara F. Castle, Managing Partner, Washington Metro Offices, McGladrey
5: New Skills I Can Learn: John Hotta, Private Investor and Retired Technology Executive
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 37
Monday, august 25
Developing multiple styles of leadership for creating innovation
Sponsored by Deloitte
Monday 2.45pm to 4.15pm, International Ballroom West
Moderator: Tojo Thatchenkery Professor & Director, George Mason University
With Phyllis J. Campbell, Chairman, Pacific Northwest, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Michael Yap, Chief Legal Officer,
International Investments, Prudential Financial & Rajiv Basu, Partner, Deloitte
This interactive keynote executive panel session with Tojo Thatchenkery as the moderator explores multiple leadership styles that drive
creativity and innovation.
Back to the future… of Leadership
Monday 4.30pm to 5.15pm, International Ballroom West
With Chris Simmons, Former Managing Partner, Washington DC Region, PwC
Chris Simmons, former Managing Partner, PwC (Washington DC) and former Chair of the US PwC Partner Admissions Committee, will share
his unique and often provocative insights regarding specific personal leadership challenges that impact most Ascend Convention attendees
and daily success tactics needed to succeed as an aspiring leader. Chris will draw upon his decades of interactions with successful corporate
and political leaders, including his interaction with two Presidents of the United States. He will highlight the Convention’s major themes and
interesting sessions, and then give you his “one of a kind” opinion on how to leverage what you have heard to be a more successful professional
and human being.
Networking Reception
Monday 6.00pm to 7.00pm, International Terrace
Come join us and unwind after three days of career and leadership development.
President’s reception
By Invitation Only
Monday 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Gala Awards & Dinner
Monday 7.00pm to 9.30pm, International Ballroom Center
Master of Ceremonies: Kevin Negandhi , Commentator, SportsCenter Anchor, ESPN
With Keynote Speaker John Veihmeyer, Global Chairman, KPMG International, Chairman & CEO, KPMG U.S.
Celebrate the success of our leaders! Along with an excellent meal, we will recognize those who have demonstrated leadership in their
organization and community, featuring a keynote speech by John Veihemeyer, Global Chairman, KPMG International, Chairman & CEO,
KPMG U.S.
38 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
twitter.com/grantthorntonus
linkd.in/grantthorntonus
youtube.com/grantthorntonus
facebook.com/grantthorntoncareers
Reason says:
admire the
difference.
Instinct says:
cherish the
individual.
At Grant Thornton, we believe that diversity means more
than hiring according to statistical benchmarks. We know
it’s about listening, learning and fostering a culture where
everyone can contribute fully and openly. If you’re ready to
be yourself and grow your career, visit grantthornton.com
Grant Thornton LLP is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and its
member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms.
GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not
liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please visit grantthornton.com for details.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 39
Ascend NATIONAL OFFICERS, LEADERSHIP TEAMs &
CONVENTION COMMITTEES
Ascend NATIONAL Board Sandeep Gupta Vice President of Chapter Affairs
Andy Hahn Board Member
Jeff Chin National President Steven Pae Board Member
Anna Mok Executive Vice President Sridhar Ramamoorti Board Member
Wes hom Vice President of External Affairs Peter Kao Board Member
hee lee Vice President of Internal Affairs Norio Takeda Board Member
Tariq Khan Vice President of MBA Programs Amy Shang Board Member
Gina nam Secretary Lily Tang Board Member
Whitestone kim Treasurer
jenny wei Vice President of Student Affairs
Ascend Advisory Board Manny Espinoza Retired CEO, ALPFA
Kathy Hannan National Managing Partner - Diversity, KPMG
Allen boston Retired Partner, EY Bill Imada Chairman, IW Group
Kenneth Bouyer Americas Director, EY Maria Moats Chief Diversity Officer, PwC
Sam Balaji Principal, Deloitte Henry Tang Managing Partner, Carnegie Towers Group
Christine Cadena Senior Vice President, Multicultural Initiatives, William Wong Former President & CEO, HSBC Securities (USA)
The Walt Disney Studios
Samuel T. Mok Managing Member, Condor International Advisors LLC
Dennis Wu Founder, WuHoover & Co
Ascend chapter presidents Connecticut & Westchester Rajeev Lakra, Tina Mi
Greater Atlanta Mie Igarashi
Los Angeles Metro Thomas Phelps IV Greater Philadelphia Cindy Lewis, Erik Ringoen, Yen Tieu
Northern California Ajay Anand Greater Washington Saguna Hitapot Anderson
Seattle Maureen Francisco, Jon Tam New Jersey Jay Chopra
Vancouver, Canada Manish Bharadwaj New York Metro Milan Shah
Houston Julie Ho New England Chandran Subramaniam
Midwest Julie Figueras Toronto, Canada Kelvin Tran
Twin Cities Melissa Brown
North Texas Mark Cheng Wes Hom Vice President of External Affairs, Ascend
Charlotte AJ Desai Denise Peck National Advisor, Ascend
Janet Wong Consultant and Partner (Retired), KPMG
Executive Advisors
Larry Chang Executive Advisor, Ascend
Buck Gee Board Member, Ascend Northern California
S.K. Gupta Executive Advisor, Ascend
Wade Loo Executive Advisor, Ascend
40 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Ascend National Team, NAAMBA officers/Leadership &
Student Orientation panelists, resume Coaches
Ascend national team Jacky Wong Accounting Manager
PEYEN FONG National Programs and Marketing Advisor
Tifanny Papish Convention Director Sofia Poyhonen Senior Research and Market Intelligence Analyst
Martine pham Regional Executive Director, West Coast Melissa Chang Graphic/Publication Designer
Anna Wei Director of Business Development Johanna Go, Susannah Go, Jennifer Moy Interns
Cathy Hom Convention Management - Associate
Pam niimi Office Manager
Naamba National Team Naamba executive council
Mark szollar Executive Director Janelle Neva-AakeR
Robina Singh Director of Operations Ouraphone SiriOuthay Willis
ali bernardi Marketing & Outreach Manager
Resume coaches Student Orientation Committee
Gene Kim Vice President, Robert Half Jae Aum Senior Manager, Americas Professional Practice, Quality &
Ranelle Dunnam Diversity & Inclusion Senior Manager, Robert Half Regulatory Matters, EY & Ascend Greater Philadelphia VP of Student Affairs
Christa Washington Hagins Talent Acquisition - Recruiter, PNC
Eric Anglin Assistant Vice President, Relationship Manager, PNC Jason Chen Manager, Tax Services, KPMG & Ascend LA Metro VP of
Sara Abiusi Managing Director, Accenture Student Affairs
Tony Wong Manager, Accenture
Tam Vo Experienced Manager, State and Local Taxes (SALT), Clifford Kim DC Consultant, Federal General Management, Deloitte &
Grant Thornton Ascend Greater Washington VP of Student Affairs
Vincent Mercader Manager, Forensic and Valuation Services,
Grant Thornton Andrew Mahabir Manager, FO&RT, Third Party Risk Management,
Joyce Beebe Director, International Transfer Pricing, Grant Thornton Deloitte
Linh Nguyen Manager, Corporate Tax, Grant Thornton
Linh Nguyen Manager, Federal Tax, Grant Thornton & Ascend Greater
Washington VP of Student Affairs
Jenny Wei Senior Manager, Assurance Services, EY &
National Ascend VP of Student Affairs
Student Orientation Speakers Scholarship Committee
Tyler Johansson Campus Recruiting Specialist, Deloitte Priscilla Huang Assistant Controller, Marubeni-Itochu Steel
America Inc.
Gene Kim Vice President, Robert Half
Darlene Huff Audit Partner, Grant Thornton
Jason Chen Manager, Tax Services, KPMG & Ascend LA Metro VP of
Student Affairs Anna Lau Director of Operations, PwC
Jenny Wei Senior Manager, Assurance Services, EY &
National Ascend VP of Student Affairs
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 41
WomenL’seGalodberaslhip
Summit
October 23–24, 2014
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC
Featured Keynotes
The AICPA Women’s Global Leadership Summit is inspirational Susan Claire
and unique — offering you perspectives from women in finance and Packard Shipman
accounting and leaders in firms, business and industry, government,
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42 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Washington DC Leadership team & contributors
Greater Washington Leadership Team Vice Presidents of Community Outreach
Bie Chu Lee Studley
President
Saguna Hitapot Anderson Capital One Kevin Wang Fannie Mae
Executive Vice President Vice President of Marketing
Wayne Fong DRT Strategies Chris Kim
Secretary Vice Presidents of Membership & Outreach
Jessica Blazer KPMG Jeannette Chu PwC
Treasurer Andrew Line Deloitte
Jing Yu EY
Vice Presidents of Professional Development
Board Members Sara Abiusi Accenture
Rakesh Bhatia PwC
Camille Catenza Deloitte
Yogesh Gupta PwC
Vice Presidents of Student Affairs
Winson Heng Deloitte Clifford Kim Deloitte
David Pang KPMG Linh Nguyen Grant Thornton
Past President
Sandy Hota PwC
Greater washington 2014 National Hyun Park PwC
Conference Committee Qian (Nikki) Sun
Angie Tang EY
Ashley Ark KPMG Kimberly Tran Dept of Interior - Lead
Elizabeth Benson PwC Angel Wang KPMG
Lily Cao EY Nathan West KPMG
Hyo Joo Choi Deloitte Cai (Fiona) Wu Discovery Communications
Lisa Feldmann KPMG - Lead Wilson Wu EY
Craig Furuta KPMG - Lead Naitik Vyas GovDelivery
Zach Heng Deloitte Patricia Yao Deloitte
Stephen Hsu PwC Ella Yeung EY
Brian Kelly Brian Kelly Leadership Coaching Johnny Yu Deloitte - Chair
Min Hee Kim PwC Shuhan (Vicky) Zhou
Tristan NerY Deloitte - Lead
Lisa Liu Net Impact Strategies
Minh Nguyen EY
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 43
A world made for our
people, by everyone
At EY, we know that our competitive
advantage depends on our ability
to draw the best talent from
everywhere in the world, and to
leverage the differences of our
people to deliver exceptional client
service.
We believe that when differences
are celebrated, talented people from
all backgrounds have the chance to
develop, advance and make more
meaningful contributions to our
clients and our culture.
Find out more at:
ey.com/US/en/Careers/Experienced
or contact Tonika Hammonds at
[email protected] or
Tina Roberts at [email protected].
© 2014 Ernst & Young LLP. All rights reserved. ED None.
44 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
ASCEND CONVENTION
SPEAKER & MENTOR BIOS
A “Go-Getter”
skilled at client time
and story time
Henry Garrido, Manager. As Filipino immigrants, my parents
instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of family. So when
I joined PwC, I knew what I wanted: happy clients and a happy family.
PwC appreciated my dedication and encouraged my work-life flexibility.
They even created a special work schedule, so I could be there for my kids
and clients alike. Learn more about my personal brand and how strongly
we feel about diversity. Go to pwc.com/diversity
© 2014 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
46 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Keynote: John B. Veihmeyer
Global Chairman, KPMG International, Chairman & CEO, KPMG U.S.
As Global Chairman of KPMG, John Veihmeyer interacts regularly with business leaders across a range of industries, and
has gained unique insights into the business world. He has more than three decades of experience and served in multiple
leadership roles, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and established himself as a
leader on the issue. He has been named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting by Accounting Today
magazine, one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Corporate Governance by Directorship Magazine, and in 2013 was honored as
“Responsible CEO of the Year” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he speaks often about the
critical role of ethics, integrity, and diversity in business leadership.
sara Abiusi
Managing Director, Accenture
Sara Abiusi is a Managing Director with Accenture Federal Services. She started her career at Accenture in 1996 after
graduating from The Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. She focuses on large-scale software
development projects for Federal Government and Global Postal clients. At Accenture, Sara has various roles in Inclusion &
Diversity such as the Executive Sponsor of the Asian Pacific American Employee Resource Group, Inclusion and Diversity
lead for the US Postal Service account, and as a North American Maternity Leave champion. Outside of Accenture, she is a Vice President of
Professional Development of the Greater Washington Chapter of Ascend.
Saguna Hitapot Anderson
Recruiting Manager, Capital One
Saguna Anderson is a Recruiting Manager for Capital One. She has 15 years of experience including full-cycle talent
acquisition strategies, employment branding, and diversity networking. Currently, Saguna has responsibility for the
recruitment strategy of Capital One’s Corporate Audit Security & Services business. Prior to joining Capital One, she has
recruited for various industries including public accounting, management consulting, legal, and financial services. In addition,
she has given a number of presentations on various career development topics including navigating the recruiting process, enhancing professional
presence and professional networking at both professional conferences and university campuses. Saguna serves as the current President of the
Greater Washington Chapter of Ascend. She holds a MBA from the George Washington University and a BA from the University of Virginia.
Victor Arias, Jr.
Senior Client Partner and Leader, Global Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, Korn Ferry
Victor Arias, Jr. is a Senior Client Partner in the Dallas office of Korn/Ferry International and was recently named Global
Leader of Diversity & Inclusion for the firm. His practice specialties include Boards, Real Estate and Higher Education. Victor
boasts more than 15 years of executive recruitment experience gained through working at several of the world’s most
preeminent search firms. His clients, which range from medium-sized to major global firms, benefit greatly from his deep
knowledge of Latin America and expertise in the area of diversity. He earned his MBA degree from Stanford University and his bachelor’s
degree in business administration from University of Texas at El Paso where he was named Distinguished Alum in 2009.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 47
Keynote: Michael S. Piwowar
Commissioner, SEC
Michael S. Piwowar was appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and
was sworn in on August 15, 2013. Most recently, he was the Republican chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs under Senators Mike Crapo and Richard Shelby. He was the lead Republican economist
on the four SEC-related titles of the Dodd-Frank Act and the JOBS Act. During the financial crisis and its immediate
aftermath, he served in a one-year fixed-term position at the White House as a senior economist at the President’s Council of Economic
Advisers (CEA) in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama Administrations. He received a BA in Foreign Service and International Politics
from the Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from Georgetown University, and a PhD in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University.
Michael Balaoing Esq.
Senior Coach, Own the Room
Michael J. Balaoing, Esq. helps people lead by communicating – whether you’re a start-up entrepreneur in Tokyo, a sales
manager in Madrid, a TV news anchor in Manhattan, or a high school student in Nairobi. As Senior Coach (and former
President) at Blue Planet Training/Own The Room, he trains thousands of professionals around the world, including CEO’s,
investors, engineers, and leading figures in business, finance, media, entertainment, and technology – ranging from Siemens,
VISA, and Northrop Grumman to MTV, Time, Inc., TD Bank, and MIT Media Lab. He coaches clients for high stakes presentations, pitches,
panels and interviews (World Economic Forum, Clinton Global Initiative, The Today Show, The New York Times, TED and Senate hearings).
A graduate of Princeton University and UCLA Law, Michael teaches as adjunct faculty at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service and George
Washington University School of Business.
Rajiv Basu
Partner, Deloitte
Rajiv has been with the firm for approximately 32 years and has served in the London, Baltimore, Mumbai and New York
offices of Deloitte member firms. Rajiv is a firm designated life insurance specialist, and has extensive experience serving large
financial institutions and SEC registrants, and in insurance M&A transactions. He has previously served as a founder member,
Vice President and National Board member of Ascend, and currently is its Deloitte partner sponsor. On a more personal
note, Rajiv is proud to be the career sponsor for several women and minority senior managers who he hopes will eventually join him and earlier
protégés as partners and directors in the firm.
Puneet Bhasin
Vice President, Cluster Manager, HSBC
Puneet Bhasin is the lead chair for the Asian & Pacific Islander Committee (APIC) at HSBC Bank for the Mid Atlantic
region where he is Vice President - Cluster Manager in the Retail Banking & Wealth Management division. He has 13 years
of experience in the banking & wealth management industry and has held various roles with financial institutions in the
Northern Virginia metro area. Puneet is on the board of the Small Business Coordinating Council (SBCC) with the Arlington
Economic Development (AED). He has a bachelor’s degree in Commerce (B. Comm) from the Delhi University and he holds securities &
insurance licenses, registered representative with FINRA.
48 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.
Keynote: Sarita Mohapatra
Partner, PwC
Leading PwC’s San Francisco transfer pricing practice, Dr. Sarita Mohapatra is a Senior Economist who brings a unique
combination of expertise, dynamism and drive to her work. With a PhD in Economics and over 18 years in the field, Sarita
has led numerous high-profile transfer pricing projects and is well known for her technical expertise , passion for excellence
in client service and collaborative style. Before embarking on her transfer pricing career in public accounting, Sarita was
on the faculty in the Economics department at Utah State University. Sarita enjoys sharing her expertise and is regularly invited to present at
industry conferences including those hosted by the BNA Bloomberg and TEI. Her published works have been featured in refereed journals such
as Journal of Foreign Exchange and International Finance and Agricultural Finance Review. When not assisting clients Sarita can be found spending
time with her husband and son, traveling, hiking or reading a good book.
Rakesh Bhatia
Partner, PwC
Rakesh Bhatia has 29 years of progressive leadership experience in consulting and outsourcing. Currently, Rakesh is a PwC
U.S. partner and the Advisory Service Delivery Centers (SDCs) leader. He is responsible for managing operations, resources,
delivery, and quality in SDCs globally and supporting clients in Technology, Management and Risk consulting. Before PwC,
Rakesh was a partner/Senior Vice President with KPMG/BearingPoint with responsibilities such as overseeing delivery centers
in multiple countries, serving as lead partner for telecom clients and enterprise PMO solution leader. Earlier as a senior executive for a global
system integrator, Rakesh managed key client relationships in the U.S. and South America. Rakesh has a degree in Electrical Engineering and a
MBA and lives in Great Falls, Virginia with his wife and two kids.
Gayitri Budhraja
Associate Marketing Director, The Clorox Company
Gayitri is a passionate marketer with 10 years of experience marketing, developing and growing brands across multiple
consumer product good categories. She is currently the Associate Marketing Director of Glad Trash at The Clorox Company,
overseeing all brand marketing, advertising communications, new business development of the company’s largest brand.
Before joining Clorox, Gayitri received her MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Prior to that she
worked at American Express in marketing and received her BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Gayitri
sits on the Advisory Board of SPARK, an education based non-profit, and is also advising an emerging San Francisco start-up, Lift Labs, focused
on intersecting design and medical technology to improve the lives of those afflicted with tremors. Gayitri is from California and lives in San
Francisco.
Irene Bueno
Partner, NVG LLC
With decades of experience working in and with the executive and legislative branches, Irene B. Bueno, a Co-Founder and
Partner of NVG, LLC, provides clients with critical insights and advice on issues ranging from education to health care. She
served in the Clinton administration as Special Assistant to the President in the White House Chief of Staff’s Office and
Domestic Policy Council and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the United States Department of Health and
Human Services and for Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA) and Congressman Edward Roybal (D-CA). Irene is a leader in the national Asian Pacific
Islander American community. She serves on the Asian Americans Advancing Justice: AAJC’s National Advisory Council, Asian American Action
Fund Board, and previously on the Board of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). A California native, Irene
earned a Juris Doctor from Hastings College of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley.
7th Annual Ascend National Convention & Career Fair — Building Connections, Building Leaders, Building Growth 49
Keynote: Christine Yamamoto
Principal, EY
Christine was the founding president of the Ascend chapter in the Greater Washington area. She is a principal with EY and
leads the human resources and talent development operations for the firm’s 11,000 non-client serving personnel across the
Americas, including functions such as finance, administration, IT and HR. In her role, she is responsible for working with the
firm’s business leaders in developing and implementing the firm’s human resource strategies to help the business enablement
functions to best support the growth of the firm. Christine worked in the assurance and tax practices of EY in the Los Angeles, Boston, New
York and DC offices prior to moving into the human resource function, and is currently based in DC. She has particular interest in leadership
development. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California and the Harvard Business School.
Christine Cadena
Vice President, Multicultural Initiatives, The Walt Disney Company
Christine Cadena is responsible for developing and promoting a company-wide multi-year strategic initiative, targeting growth
amongst the U.S. Hispanic segment. Over the past 24 years, Christine has held progressive roles within The Walt Disney
Company, including Merchandising and Product Development, Marketing and Franchise Development, and most recently,
leading Multicultural Initiatives for The Walt Disney Studios. Prior to coming to Disney, she began her career as a buyer and
product development executive for Nordstrom. A native of Los Angeles, Christine is a graduate of UCLA and resides in Silverlake with her 3
children.
Dara F. Castle
Managing Partner, Washington Metro Offices, McGladrey
Mid-Atlantic Private Equity Practice Leader, Practice Leader, Government Contracting Practice, McGladrey
Dara is the Washington Metro managing partner as well as the partner-in-charge of McGladrey’s private equity practice in
the Mid-Atlantic region and the firm’s government contracting practice. These practices include working with closely held
and private equity backed entities in government contracting, technology, software sales and development, manufacturing,
engineering and a variety of other service based industries. She has over 20 years of experience, specializing in serving private equity groups and
government contractors in a variety of industries and customer bases. She is a CPA, the National Capital Chapter Board Member and Officer
of the Association for Corporate Growth and a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Maryland
Association of Certified Public Accountants.
Phyllis J. Campbell
Chairman, Pacific Northwest, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Phyllis Campbell is the Chairman, Pacific Northwest for JPMorgan Chase & Co. She is the firm’s senior executive in
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho across businesses, representing JPMorgan Chase & Co. at the most senior level to clients.
Phyllis is the lead independent director for Alaska Air Group. She serves on the Nordstrom board of directors and on the
North American Diversity Advisory Board (DAB) of Toyota. Phyllis is on the non-profit boards of PATH, US-Japan Council,
and the global advisory board of Women Corporate Directors (WCD). She is a member of the NACD Audit Committee Chair National
Advisory Council.
50 Connect. Inspire. Ascend.