Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
The tremendous growth of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC)–founded in 2009, it now has 260 members which contribute significantly to the region’s economy–has been due to public-private partnerships and a sustained focus on benefits for members, according to its president, Cindy Shao.
Top leaders also noted its success is largely due to the leadership and networking skills of Ms. Shao, who was chosen by the Virginia Lawyers Media as one of its 2013 Class of Influential Women of Virginia.
Vance S. Zavela, Partnership Developer of Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships, described Ms. Shao as an effective leader and bridge.
“As the founder of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Shao has brought exemplary leadership and organization skills that have resulted in the chamber’s tremendous growth,” he said in an email interview. “She also is a tireless networker in the business community, both in Fairfax County and in the region.”
Oanh Henry, a member of the AACC board of directors, chair of three chamber Galas and the new treasurer, has worked with Ms. Shao, having been herself active in the chamber for about four years now.
She echoed the description of the chamber president as a terrific connector. “Cindy recognizes a leader when she meets one, and connects people with each other so that they can also expand their networking values.”
She noted in an email interview that the AACC leader has been “very instrumental in her connection to different businesses and government officials which bring visibility to the chamber.”
“Cindy has the level of patience that is so important to allow people to grow and learn with the chamber,” she added. “She is very creative with the organization and has been recruiting wonderful board members to assist the chamber in meeting its goals.”
AACC member Fran Ponick is Founder and CEO of Leadership English LLC, which offers communications skills, training and coaching for non-native and native English speakers. As an AACC member, she works with Ms. Shao on projects year-round. “Many leaders are known for being highly extroverted,” she said. “Cindy has a quiet strength and a deep awareness of issues that other types of leaders might not notice. She’s also extremely good at doing a lot with very little. I like Cindy’s leadership style, and I want to support her efforts to increase AACC resources.”
Remarked AACC President Shao: “We’re the largest and most active Asian American Chamber of Commerce in the Metro D.C. area. I invite entrepreneurs to check us out and to join us.”
She said AACC membership benefits include: Numerous networking opportunities; high visibility in the Asian American business community; representation of minority and women-owned business community; reciprocal benefits with member partners and other organizations; professional, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities and resources; up-do-date information on public policy, news, and events, and member discounts and deals.
For more information on AACC, or how to join, visit www.asian-americanchamber.org). AACC is also inviting members and the community to its forthcoming events: 3rd Annual Taste of Asia, May 10 at 11 a.m.; CPA Event/ CPE Credit, May 20 at 11 a.m.; Business Luncheon to celebrate Asian Heritage Month, May 20 at 12 noon; and the Diversity Job Fair on June 19, starting at 10 a.m.
Top Priorities
AACC President Shao has always been goal-oriented. This year, she enumerates her top priorities as increasing the mid-size business membership base; strengthening the Leadership Team, improving organization management, collaborating with partnering organizations, and expanding service to more localities in Greater Metropolitan Washington D.C.
These goals present capacity-building and member engagement challenges, she said in telephone and email interviews. She aims to address these “by strengthening communication, team building, marketing and designing more programs that will benefit members.” Her mantra in facing hurdles is “Do more with less and build partnerships.”
Those who know her have no doubt she will be successful in meeting her goals. AACC has an excellent track record. It has positioned the chamber as a trusted, “go-to-organization” for the Asian American business community, as well as those who would like to connect with the Asian American community.
The chamber “continues to bring people of diverse backgrounds together, and it is a great platform to connect business, non-profit, and government agencies,” AACC President Shao said.
Through the years, the chamber has also increased its membership, forged several partnerships, such as the Multi-Cultural Chamber Alliance, and fostered business development in the region.
AACC recognizes outstanding leaders in business and nonprofits. This year’s Jewels of Asia Gala honorees are: Small Business of the Year: Lana Furniture, Mangan Jewelers; Corporate Partner of the Year: Middleburg Bank; Champion of Diversity: Holland and Knight, Accenture; Asian Business Leader of the Year: Mei Xu, Co-Founder and President of Chesapeake Bay Candle; Asian Business Excellence Award: Ampcus, Inc. and Non-Profits of the Year: Business Development Assistance Group, Touching Heart, AASuccess.
“Business is essential for a vibrant community,” said Ms. Shao. “I love to see a healthy community and I love to support good business.” Currently, she also serves on the Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity of Federal Communications Commission, the Business and Community Advisory Council (BCAC) of Fairfax County Public School, Virginia MegaProjects Community Resource Board, and several non-profit organizations.
Background
Cindy, born Xin, is the youngest daughter of a doctor and a teacher. She came to the U.S. in 1998 to pursue further studies, earning a PhD in textile engineering from the George Institute of Technology in 2002. Subsequently, she worked as Post-Doctoral researcher at North Carolina State University.
She is married to Sean Chang and they have two sons and a daughter. Busy as she is, she takes time for meditation, classical music and playing Chinese zither.
“I am passionate about community support and dedicated to bridging the Asian Pacific community with Mainstream America,” she said. “I want to foster economic development and promote Asian culture and values.”
