FAPAC Recognizes FAA as new Partner in Its Mission to Promote AAPI Career and Workplace Diversity

On July 14 Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) President, Dr. Kin Wong, presented a plaque to recognize the Federal Aviation Administration as a new partner in its mission to promote career advancement for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and diversity in the federal and District of Columbian governments. As the largest of the AAPI employee group among the 165,000 AAPI working the federal government, FAPAC has been partnering with many agencies for nearly 30 years. FAPAC membership includes all employees, from GS to Senior Executive Service in uniform or as civilian. For example, Rear Admiral Joseph Vojvodich of the U. S. Coast Guard, joined recently as the newest lifetime member.

Under former Secretary Mineta the Department of Transportation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to affirm the strong partnership and support. Secretary Mineta, Deputy Secretary Admiral Barrett, and other senior officials have served as guest speakers at FAPAC’s National Training Programs. FAA has been active in promoting diversity in its ranks by working with a number of employee affinity groups. Through the efforts of Assistant Administrator for Civil Rights, Mamie Mallory, FAA has deepened its relationship with FAA and spoke at the Opening Ceremony at its 29^th National Leadership Training Program Charlotte, NC, a great substitute for Secretary Anthony Foxx. FAPAC will work with FAA on enhancing its student and scholarship programs as part of its “Pipeline Initiative” under President Wong to bring young professional to consider federal service.

The FAPAC FAA Chapter, under Zena Huen and Kevin Le, has been a key driving force for the agency to enhance the recruitment and retention of AAPI. The FAA Chapter, with numerous lifetime members, is active in supporting many FAPAC projects such as the new Challenge Team Pilot, undertaken with the White House Initiatives on AAPI, OPM and EEOC, and organizing the Executive Coaching at the NTP each year.

FAPAC applauds FAA’s important role as a key partner, joining the U. S. Department of Agriculture and U. S. Department of Defense and others, in supporting the 30^th National Training Program to be held May 4-7, 2015 at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville.