- Need Technical Assistance? fapac@getvfairs.io
Date: May 25-27, 2021
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m EST
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The Federal Asian Pacific American Council is proud to present its 36th National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) virtually! The NLTP is a premier training destination for Federal employees, including DC government, and military. The NLTP is designed to provide training in leadership, diversity, inclusion, career advancement, and management.
This year's theme is "Advancing Leaders through Purpose-Driven Service".
12:00 pm - 12:20 pm
Mistress of Ceremonies - Elaine Keltz, Producer/Podcast Host
Welcome Remarks - Peter Nguyen, President, FAPAC
Special Remarks - Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27)
Special Remarks - Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41)
Special Remarks - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8)
Special Remarks: Ali Bahrami, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, FAA
Keynote - Ambassador Katherine Tai (United States Trade Representative)
Special Remarks - David Turk, Deputy Secretary of Energy
Special Remarks - Steve Dickson, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Special Remarks - Ali Bahrami, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (FAA)
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Closing Remarks - Katherine Toth, Vice President of Operations, FAPAC
Elaine Espinola is a multimedia broadcast professional. She is a television producer and host, speaker, spokesperson and international best selling author. In 2015 Elaine was the reining Mrs. DC America and continues to promote the platform’ Empowerment for Women through Entrepreneurship’ advocating on behalf of small businesses and for the empowerment and women and girls everywhere.
Elaine is the producer and host of Capital Connect, a lifestyle television show, which entertains and empowers it’s audience through interviews with experts around our nations capital on a variety of trending topics that encourages conversation, connection and community.
Elaine is an Advisory Board Member for the non-profit, Touching Heart, which teaches children the joy of giving. She is a strong advocate in anti-trafficking efforts locally through the Northern Virginia Human Initiative.
A media personality and frequent host, emcee and mistress of ceremony in the DC area, Elaine is featured on TV, in commercials and out and about in the DMV.
Learn more about her at http://www.mediasavvE.net
Long-time aviation executive Ali Bahrami became the FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety on July 10, 2017. Previously, he was Vice President for Civil Aviation at Aerospace Industries Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents the nation's leading aerospace and defense manufacturers and suppliers.
As Associate Administrator, Bahrami leads the organization responsible for setting safety standards and overseeing all parts of the aviation industry — airlines, manufacturers, repair stations, pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and any person or product that operates in aviation. These programs have a direct impact on every facet of domestic and international civil aviation safety.
The Aviation Safety Organization's programs are carried out by 7,400 employees located in Washington headquarters, regional and directorate offices, and 125 field offices throughout the world. The organization's annual budget is more than $1.4 billion.
Bahrami first joined the FAA as an engineer in 1989, and from 2004-2013 served as manager of the Transport Airplane Directorate. In that capacity, he was involved in decision making regarding appropriate safety actions for the existing fleet and the development of recommendations aimed at improving the design standards for the future aircraft models.
He directed the U.S. validation of the Airbus 380 through successful collaboration with the manufacturer and the European Aviation Safety Agency. He also directed the FAA certification of the Boeing 787 and the 747-8 passenger and freighter models.
Bahrami came to the FAA following a 10-year stint at Douglas Aircraft, where he was a senior engineer. There he was the lead engineer responsible for aerodynamic and structural loads analysis on large commercial airplanes, such as the MD-80 and the MD-11.
He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in engineering from the University of Michigan.
Ambassador Katherine Tai was sworn in as the 19th United States Trade Representative on March 18, 2021. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai is the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy.
Prior to her unanimous Senate confirmation, Ambassador Tai spent most of her career in public service focusing on international economic diplomacy, monitoring, and enforcement. She previously served as Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director for the House Ways and Means Committee in the United States Congress. In this capacity, Ambassador Tai played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. trade law, negotiations strategies, and bilateral and multilateral agreements, including the recently re-negotiated United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Ambassador Tai is an experienced World Trade Organization (WTO) litigator. She previously developed and tried cases for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, eventually becoming the Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement. Before transitioning to federal service, she practiced law in the private sector, clerked for district judges, and taught English in Guangzhou, China.
Ambassador Tai earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. She is fluent in Mandarin.
Judy Chu was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2009. She represents the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of southern California.
Rep. Chu currently serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over legislation pertaining to taxes, revenues, Social Security, and Medicare. In that Committee, Rep. Chu is a member of the Subcommittees on Health, giving her oversight over healthcare reform and crucial safety net programs, Worker and Family Support, and Oversight.
She also serves on the House Small Business Committee, which has oversight of the Small Business Administration, and is the Chair of the Small Business Oversight Subcommittee. Chu was first elected to the Board of Education for Garvey School District in 1985. From there, she was elected to the Monterey Park City Council, where she served as Mayor three times. She then was elected to the State Assembly and then California’s elected tax board, known as the State Board of Equalization. In 2009, she became the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress in history.
For more than twenty years, Mark Takano has worked to improve the lives of Riverside County residents, both as an elected official and as a teacher at Rialto High School.
Born and raised in Riverside, Mark's commitment to public service began at an early age. His family roots in Riverside go back to his grandparents who, along with his parents, were removed from their respective homes and sent to Japanese American Internment camps during World War II. After the war, these two families settled in Riverside County to rebuild their lives.
Mark attended La Sierra High School in the Alvord Unified School District, and in 1979 he graduated as the school's valedictorian. Mark attended Harvard College and received his bachelor's degree in Government in 1983. As a student, he bussed tables to help make ends meet. During his senior year, he organized a transcontinental bicycle ride to benefit the international development agency Oxfam America.
Upon graduation, Mark returned home to Riverside and began teaching in the Rialto Unified School District in 1988. As a classroom teacher, Mark confronted the challenges in our public education system daily.
In 1990, Mark was elected to the Riverside Community College District's Board of Trustees. At RCC, Mark worked with Republicans and Democrats to improve higher education for young people and job training opportunities for adults seeking to learn a new skill or start a new career. He was elected Board President in 1991 and helped the Board and the District gain stability and direction amid serious fiscal challenges.
In 2012, Mark became the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress.
Mark Takano represents the people of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley and Perris in the United States House of Representatives. He serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and as a member of the Education and Labor Committee.
Steve Dickson was sworn in as the FAA administrator by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao on August 12, 2019 after being confirmed for a five-year term by the U.S. Senate on July 24, 2019. Dickson recently retired from service as the senior vice president of Flight Operations for Delta Air Lines.
In this role, he was responsible for the safety and operational performance of Delta's global flight operations, as well as pilot training, crew resources, crew scheduling, and regulatory compliance. He also flew in line operations as an A320 captain, and previously flew the B727, B737, B757, and B767 during his career. Captain Dickson is a strong advocate for commercial aviation safety and improvements to our National Airspace System, having served as chairman of several industry stakeholder groups and Federal advisory committees.
A former United States Air Force Officer and F-15 fighter pilot, Dickson is a Distinguished Graduate of the Class of 1979 at the United States Air Force Academy, as well as a graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law, magna cum laude.
12:20 pm - 12:30 pm 12:30 pm - 1:30 pmPurpose today represents table stakes (the minimum requirement for entry). Organizations, leaders, and successful professionals need to address our institutional and individual purpose. Elevate’s trademarked catchphrase has been “PURPOSE + PEOPLE = PURPLE™” and we have always supported individuals to help “define, refine, and align” your purpose with your organization’s. This session encapsulates the PURPLE as it teaches you to focus and optimize your purpose with a process-driven framework. This methodical approach to developing your purpose will also boost your professional positioning as you promote your career—and hopefully gain promotions in the process. Join us we optimize the PURPLE for positive outcomes.
Vu H. Pham, Ph.D. (Chair of Elevate)
As the Chair of Elevate, Vu H. Pham, Ph.D. works with dozens of organizations from the Fortune 500 to government and non-profit agencies. Elevate is a partnership with the University of California, Irvine’s Merage School of Business, UC Riverside, California State University Fullerton, UC Office of the President—MESA, and Spectrum Knowledge. The Elevate Program boosts organizational performance and strategic effectiveness through interactive training and data-driven research.
Dr. Pham and his work have been featured on national and international multimedia venues, such as CNN, MSNBC, the Associated Press, Fortune, Voice of America, The Los Angeles Times, KSCI International Television, Diversity, Inc., Strategic Innovators, Asian Week and Radio Free Asia. He has given keynote speeches on numerous occasions and presented at many conferences internationally, and has written for both academic and mainstream publications. Beyond his professional work, Dr. Pham has participated in generating over a million dollars for non-profit groups and donates many hours to them.
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm 1:45 pm - 2:00 pm 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Moderator: Minh Nguyen, Ph. D, Executive Director for the Office of Strategic Management (FAA)
Dr. Minh Nguyen currently serves as an Executive Director for the Office of Strategic Management, within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. His key responsibility is to plan and position the office in meeting the rapidly increasing demand for future commercial space flights.
Previously, he served as a Deputy Director for the FAA’s Office of Policy and Plans, where he oversaw the policy development and analysis that provided critical support to the Administrator and FAA organizations. In this capacity, he led the FAA legislative team to oversee the complex development, proposals, and implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. He led the development of the “Accelerating Regulatory Reform for Commercial Space” plan. This plan formed a basis for expedited rule-making activities for commercial space Launch and Re-entry rule to meet the U.S President’s aggressive deadline. He participated in briefings to the White House Vice President’s Office to obtain buy-in and support for the plan. He led the FAA COVID-19 Regulatory and Policy relief taskforce, and presented frequent updates on plans, priorities, and challenges to DOT Undersecretary of Policy as part of the Economic Growth Council, and Economic Rebuilding Task Force. He managed engagements and provided executive secretariat support to the Management Advisory Council (MAC), a highest-level advisory council for the FAA Administrator.
In his previous capacity as Acting Deputy Regional Administrator for the Northwest Mountain Region, he assisted the regional administrator to oversee a broad range of responsibilities and aviation matters. He represented the Regional Administrator to perform stakeholder and aviation constituency outreach, promoted NextGen technologies in the region, including delivering keynote speeches for local televisions regarding DataComm deployment at SeaTac Airport. He directed the planning and strategy to relocate 1,600 employees from 4 buildings into a new regional office building, and oversaw the campus relocation activities.
Prior to joining the FAA, he worked at the MITRE Corporation, Veracity Engineering, Argon ST, and Naval Research Laboratory, leading advanced research programs.
Dr. Nguyen served as a Vice Chair of the Asian-American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) (2015-2017), and has been training aspiring leaders to becoming senior managers and executives in the federal government, as part of AAGEN’s Senior Executive Development Program. His contributions have been highlighted on TV interviews, and he was the recipient of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) for significant contributions toward the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) representation at all levels.
He obtained his undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He loves to play golf, especially with his father and 2 sons, and to go skiing.
Panelist: Mary Beth Koelbl, Director of the Engineering Directorate, MSFC (NASA)
Mary Beth Koelbl serves as the Director of the Engineering Directorate at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Ms. Koelbl supervises over 2200 civil servant and support contractor personnel providing cross-cutting engineering and technician support to NASA programs and projects, other government Agencies, and industry partners. She manages a budget of $500 million to ensure the health the technical capabilities, associated facilities and infrastructure. Ms. Koelbl earned a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering in 1985 from the University of Iowa and joined NASA MSFC in 1986 as an aerospace engineer in the Turbomachinery Branch. She has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the NASA Service Medal, NASA Leadership Medal, a Space Flight Awareness Award, and a Silver Snoopy.
Panelist: Trina Dutta, Senior Advisor (SAMHSA)
In her role as Senior Advisor, Trina provides policy and programmatic guidance to the OAS to advance the behavioral health of the nation and support SAMHSA’s mission. Trina returns to SAMHSA after spending six years working for the District of Columbia. As policy director for the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), she led DC’s system redesign efforts which included development and implementation of a Section 1115 waiver of the IMD payment exclusion for mental health and substance use treatment as well as integration of the fee-for-service behavioral health benefit into the Medicaid managed care program. Prior to her work with DBH, Trina served as special projects officer to DC’s Medicaid Director within the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF). In this position, her work largely focused on home and community-based services for individuals receiving long term care. In addition, Trina coordinated and/or led implementation for a variety of other initiatives, including DHCF’s Medicare eligibility initiative, electronic visit verification for personal care services, and an interagency partnership aimed at reducing inappropriate 911 calls (with DC’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles).
Before joining District government, Trina spent eight years with SAMHSA focused on behavioral health integration; this included leading the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration program and SAMHSA’s partnership with CMS on the Section 2703 person-centered health homes program. She also staffed the Office of Behavioral Health Equity and supported establishment of SAMHSA’s disparity impact statements, which aims to address disparities in access, use, and outcomes among traditionally underserved populations. Trina joined SAMHSA in 2006 as a Presidential Management Fellow.
Trina grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2000 with a joint Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Psychology. After serving in Peace Corps/Nepal as a water sanitation coordinator, Trina received a Master of Public Health-Master of Public Policy dual degree from UC Berkeley. She resides with her family in Mount Pleasant, DC.
Panelist: Penny W. Burgoon, Ph.D. Director of Policy, Communications, and Education at NCATS (NIH)
Penny W. Burgoon, PhD, is the Director of the Office of Policy, Communications, and Education at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, where she previously and concurrently also served as the chief of the Policy Branch within that office. Before joining NCATS in July 2014, she was the director of the Salivary Biology and Immunology Program for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, where she managed a portfolio of research in salivary biology, salivary gland disorders and diseases, host immune responses to infection, autoimmunity, and systemic diseases. Burgoon joined NIH in 2004 as an American Association for the Advancement of Science AAAS Science Policy Fellow. She provided program support for the first trans-NIH projects supported through the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research. She then served as the senior assistant to the NIH principal deputy director from 2006 to 2010, providing primary staff support for several NIH leadership committees, including the NIH Steering Committee and the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director, and for Institute and Center Directors’ meetings. Burgoon received her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, a master’s degree from California State University, Northridge, and her PhD in physiology from The Ohio State University.
Panelist: Valerie Cofield, former Intelligence Community
Val Cofield serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Ms. Cofield serves as the principal policy and strategic adviser to Agency leadership and senior management, integrating strategy across all the organization’s mission areas and ensuring policy, strategy, and operational consistency throughout the Agency.
Prior to CISA, Ms. Cofield served at the FBI for 22 years in a variety of roles. She was a Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) for the Cyber Capabilities Branch within the FBI’s Cyber Division where she led coordination and deployment of the division’s technical tools and capabilities, and oversaw cyber-related training, recruiting, hiring, and budgeting for the division. She also served in a senior executive role as chief of staff of the Science and Technology Branch and as a DAD of the Digital Transformation Office (DTO), where she engaged with interagency partners and other key stakeholders on policy issues related to current and emerging technologies and their impact on law enforcement.
In 2019, Ms. Cofield was selected as the FBI’s senior detail to the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. This Congressional Commission was authorized through the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Its mission was to develop a national strategy for preventing cyberattacks of significant consequences. While on the Commission, Ms. Cofield was a Senior Director and Task Force Lead. The Commission completed its report in March of 2020 with over 75 recommendations, 25 of which were included in the FY21 NDAA and enacted into law.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Accounting from UCLA.
Panelist: Mini Timmaraju, Senior Advisor to the Director (OPM)
Mini Timmaraju is Senior Advisor to the Director at the Office of Personnel Management, under the Biden-Harris Administration. In this capacity she advises the OPM Director and agency leadership on various initiatives with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policy, strategy, and best practices. Prior to coming to OPM, Mini served as an Executive Director on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at Comcast Corporation and has held various roles in Congress and advocacy organizations with a focus on gender and civil rights policy.
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm 3:15 pm - 4:15 pmColonel Matelski is a Garrison Commander in Japan. He, like many others, have had to lead during this challenging global pandemic. He will discuss leadership during times of crisis, but not just during COVID, rather, he will cover decades of experience as a special operations civil affairs officer working in the most demanding environments.
COL Thomas Matelski
COL Tom Matelski has been the Commander of U.S. Garrison-Japan after arriving in July 2019 following his previous assignment at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, as the Director of the Commander’s Action Group (CAG) for ADM Philip Davidson.
He was faculty at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies from 2015-2016 as a U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellow after serving as the Battalion commander for the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), an Asia-Pacific aligned organization supporting Special Operations.
COL Matelski holds a BS in Biological Sciences (Microbiology) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Master’s Degree in Military Arts and Sciences from the US Army School for Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). He was commissioned as an Army officer through Marquette University ROTC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
COL Matelski has taken part in five contingency deployments over the last 20 years including operations in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, plus multiple tours at various levels in Afghanistan in 2002, 2006, and 2009. He has been focused on Civil Military operations in special operations since 2002, focusing most recently on strategies to prevent/mitigate conflict throughout Asia in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines, Bangladesh, and Korea.
COL Matelski is an experienced operational and strategic level planner having lead and authored contingency plans for the Middle East, the US Integrated Civil Military campaign plan for Afghanistan, and developed the concept for the Civil Military Advisory Group focused on developing systemic relationships between governmental, and nongovernmental organizations, with civil military efforts around the globe. He lead the effort to develop ADM Davidson’s 5 year vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific as a part of the 2018 National Defense Strategy integration.
The Art of Inclusive Leadership will review components of Inclusivity in the Workplace. Areas that will be reviewed are Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity. There are three different types of leadership. The qualities that make an Inclusive Leader will also be reviewed as well as what goals to consider when thinking about Inclusive Leadership. This will look at areas such as Culture, Relationships, as well as the Self. At the core, Inclusive Leadership is about how to nurture relationships. Your Emotional Quotient is also part of Inclusive Leadership and there are five areas that will be reviewed during this course as well. How Inclusive Leaders also behave in the workplace will be considered through the 6 Cs. Lastly, you will learn how to become an Inclusive Leader.
Glorimar Maldonado
This workshop will inspire you as leaders to think about how the purposeful use of human connection can drive your leadership style in work and in life. This workshop will specifically review the 9 commitments of leadership and identify key concepts when working with people from the LGBT community and People with Disabilities. You will be given information regarding how to understand perseverance displayed by these populations as well as understand the three components of empathy. This course will also share the definition of what communication is as well as understand the six effective communication techniques to utilize as a leader when working with these specific communities so your value systems as well as how that translates with others can be shared effectively. Lastly, you will become familiar with the 5 principles of communicating in difficult times. This course will help in building close relationships, help with conducting negotiations, and help in building careers. It considers how to look at the whole person in your role as a leader.
Rosimar Hernandez
Born and raised in the beautiful island of enchantment Puerto Rico, Rosimar initially dedicated herself to creating awareness about the issues affecting people with physical disabilities and the need for changes to be made in order to maximize their quality of life. She also made it her personal mission to demonstrate that any goal could be achieved with faith, perseverance, believing in yourself and with the assistance of other people that will help you along your way. In order to prove her theory she started doing things that “society” thought to be impossible for example, she became a professional model, actress and practiced extreme sports including adaptive water skiing, scuba diving, fencing and last but not least demonstrated that although they say the sky is the limit, even that is reachable too, when she sky dived from 10,500 feet with a free fall of 5,500 feet.
While working on her bachelor’s degree in acting from the University of Puerto Rico she realized the healing power of performance and decided to leave PR, for the very first time, in order to complete a Master’s Degree in Drama Therapy from New York University. After graduating in 2006 she was hired as the primary therapist for the Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Geriatric inpatient psychiatry unit where she worked for 7 years. Here she gained experience in applying Drama Therapy techniques with individuals with different diagnosis including but not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and MDD. While she worked here she completed a subspecialty in dementia from the Consortium of Geriatric Medicine and provided training about the appropriate ways to redirect someone with this diagnosis in order to increase their compliance when care was rendered.
Currently Rosimar is a Drama Therapist-Board Certified Trainer, License Professional Counselor, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and a Certified Dementia Care Partner with 15 years of experience in her field. She is presently the primary therapist at the Lake City VA Hospital’s Memory Care Unit. Rosimar is also an active member of the VA’s Interdisciplinary Transgender Treatment Team and on 2018 received the Excellence in Government Gold Award in the category of Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Inclusion for her work using drama therapy’s role theory to improve the quality of life of our transgender veterans. On a personal note she loves spending time with her family, reading and sight-seeing.
Building Your Purpose Driven Federal Network is a course that will begin in Part 1, with what to consider in how to define your purpose. In Part 2, you will determine the types of networking you are trying to achieve. This section will review different components and types of approaches when building your purpose driven federal network. There will be activities and examples shared. In Part 3, you will consider how to create the themes and sight lines when standardizing your email communications within your agency and across agencies. In Part 4, You will be given advice regarding how to use the FAPAC Conference to expand your networking efforts. Lastly, you will be given examples of how to use social media to expand your purpose driven federal network using different social media handlers to spread the word by making Friends, Connecting, Following, and Subscribing using #FAPACNLTP2021 and #JoinMyNet.
Mary Allen Austria Lausman
Mary Allen Austria Lausman is Administrative Officer for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Minority Veterans Program Coordinator, and the Diversity and Inclusion Council Co-Chair for North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. She is Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Program Committee Co-Chair and Member of the VISN 8 Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience in 2000 and her Master’s degree in Health Administration in 2003, from the University of Florida. She completed her Fellowship in the VA Graduate Health Administration Training Program in 2005 in Gainesville, Florida and graduated from the FAPAC Competency Development Program for High Performers in 2019. Mary Allen is a Two-Time National VA Secretary’s Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award Winner, for the Team and individual Supervisor/Manager Categories, respectively. She is most proud of her work as a Healthcare Administrator and leader during this time of COVID. She is thankful to the leadership team and staff she leads and supports every single day. Their humanity, compassion, and ability to adapt during one of the hardest years in known history, made her thankful that she was there to see the team’s growth, inclusive mindset, and supportive nature in the workplace and in support of the community at large. She is also thankful for her opportunity to work with the FAPAC National Leadership Training Program 2021 team to make this the first virtual NLTP in FAPAC’s history.
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm 4:30 pm - 4:45 pm 4:45 pm - 5:45 pmRetired Colonel Mike Loos was an infantry officer who worked in some of the most interesting organizations in the US Army. In some of his last posts, he commanded the Asymmetric Warfare Group and worked in Army Cyber Command. He will discuss leadership and how developing leaders must evolve to take an adaptive approach to problems. It is these types of leaders that will ensure the United States has resilient organizations capable of withstanding the winds of change.
US ARMY COL (Ret) Mike Loos
Mike is a career U.S. Army Soldier. He started as a Ranger and NCO in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Graduating from West Point, he was commissioned in the Infantry and went on to numerous assignments spanning the Army across special operations and conventional force units. As a colonel, he commanded the U.S Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group, focusing Army level effort on current combat theaters as well as future and irregular warfare. In addition to multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, he also served in the United States Army Cyber Command, and most recently supported senior leadership in the United States Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, G-3/5/7. Mike is currently a VP in Dataminr, a world leading AI business. He is also co-founder of ETS-Sponsorship, a non-profit organization that eases transitioning servicemembers’ journeys. Mike enjoys all things outdoors, gardening, and taking long walks with his family pet.
Facts About Title VII Protections will review the vision, mission, and work of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An explanation of what employees are covered under Title VII will also be explained. Specific Acts will be reviewed such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). You will also be shown how these protections apply and impact employees in the workplace.
Patricia McMahon (EEOC)
Ms. Patricia McMahon serves as the Outreach and Education Program Coordinator for the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Denver Field Office. In this role she serves as a speaker and panelist on technical aspects of EEOC’s policies and procedures.
Ms. McMahon serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the Denver Field Office. In this role, she oversees and coordinates message development, communications planning, and media relations, including all social media, for the EEOC - Denver Field Office.
Ms. McMahon serves as a trainer with the EEOC National Training Institute with special certification to provide training for EEOC’s Respect in the Workplace, a training program focused on respect, acceptable workplace conduct, and the types of behaviors that contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace. Ms. McMahon serves as the congressional liaison for the Denver Field Office. In this role, she interacts with Congressional representatives to facilitate communication between congressional constituents and the Denver Field Office, provides guidance on navigating the EEOC process, and assists Congressional offices with constituent inquiries.
Ms. McMahon serves as the Language Assistance Officer (LAO) for the Denver Field Office under the Language Access Plan which is overseen by the EEOC-Office of Federal Programs. Ms. McMahon currently serves on numerous committees and workgroups and recently assumed the duties of Region VIII Lead for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. She served on the 2013-14 FAPAC Workforce Diversity Challenge Team.
Ms. McMahon began her career with EEOC after graduating with honors from Metropolitan State University of Denver. In her spare time, Ms. McMahon enjoys writing. She is the author of two books. One is detective fiction and the other humor fiction.
The art of crafting strategically calculated Individual Development Plans (IDPs) is a cornerstone for one’s successful career progression. The proposed deliverable will focus on the underpinnings and nuances of designing a sustainable and achievable IDP, the SMART goal setting process of this quasi-contract between the employee and management, and how to effectively calculate professional and personal development endeavors that transcend multiple fiscal year IDPs that are inherently grounded upon OPM’s ECQs that cultivate continued career advancement. Constructing a personalized needs assessment, formulating short and long-term goals, and the application of charting milestones to track progress as well as the analysis of work products aligned with IDP precepts will be discussed to accurately plot an employee’s projected development throughout their career.
Robert Baggett
Robert Baggett is the Special Agent-in-Charge for the USDA Office of Inspector General’s Investigations Liaison and Special Operations Division and is the FAPAC Region 4 Director. During his past 20 years of public service, he has held various positions with local, state, and federal government agencies to include the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service. As a credentialed educator, he has created and employed curriculum initiatives that focused on the enhancement of employee performance to include leadership and managerial skillset development. Recent achievements on this front include creating a professional development program for the State Department where its concepts and deliverables were highlighted by the Bureau of Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security, and have also been utilized by U.S. Ambassadors during their Country Team Meetings. As a member of the USDA-OIG Succession Planning Task Force, Robert worked with senior leadership to realign performance plans and constructed specialized curricula, mentoring, and coaching applications in support of utilizing OPM’s ECQs to prepare the next generation of the agency’s leaders.
Robert is a mentor for the San Francisco Federal Executive Board’s Leadership Development Program. As an adjunct professor, he also teaches courses in public administration, justice studies, and general education. Robert possesses a Juris Doctor, Masters’ degrees in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, and Curriculum and Instruction, and a holds Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice. In 2020, Robert also earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
The Thriving with Resilience course will give you helpful tools to address your personal and professional life. The course will go over five key areas: Change Happens, Chaos Outside Brings Us Within, Self- Awareness is Fundamental, Small Victories Shift the Momentum, and Resilience Can Be Cultivated. After this course, you will have tolls to utilize from a Whole Health perspective using Practiced Self-Awareness to be able to Thrive with Resilience. Just remember: Small Wins Can Shift the Momentum.
Aditya Arya
Aditya Arya works as a Nurse Practitioner at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs helping improve health outcomes and traverse the "dis-ease". He also serves as a transformation coach, technology consultant, and yogi.
5:45 pm - 6:00 pm 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm 12:00 pm - 1:00 pmAspiring leaders all have different types and levels of skill, experience and formal training. These unique differences can quickly become force multipliers for leaders that are ready to be fully engaged and take on full ownership for their organization, or can quickly lead to challenges when deficiencies in core knowledge and an inability to execute successfully surface. Anyone can be successful one year, however to be successful over time requires purposeful leadership. During this plenary session, attendees will learn the “7 must haves” that a leader needs to incorporate into their day to day leadership to not only drive success within their organization, but to also avoid landmines that can easily impact future success when not navigated appropriately. This presentation will serve as a barometer for attendees as they reflect on their own leadership style and either confirm that they are running their operations successfully or identify that it is time to make some necessary changes to ensure your long term success.
Aspiring leaders all have different types and levels of skill, experience and formal training. These unique differences can quickly become force multipliers for leaders that are ready to be fully engaged and take on full ownership for their organization, or can quickly lead to challenges when deficiencies in core knowledge and an inability to execute successfully surface. Anyone can be successful one year, however to be successful over time requires purposeful leadership. During this plenary session, attendees will learn the “7 must haves” that a leader needs to incorporate into their day to day leadership to not only drive success within their organization, but to also avoid landmines that can easily impact future success when not navigated appropriately.
This presentation will serve as a barometer for attendees as they reflect on their own leadership style and either confirm that they are running their operations successfully or identify that it is time to make some necessary changes to ensure your long term success.
Dr. David Omura, Director/Chief Executive Officer Columbia VA Health Care System
David L. Omura was appointed Medical Center Director/CEO for the Columbia VA Health Care System on March 19, 2017 and was sworn in as a member of the Senior Executive Service on March 20, 2017. Dr. Omura provides oversight and leadership of a healthcare system that includes a medical center located in Columbia, SC; and seven Community Based Outpatient Clinics that cover 2/3rd the state of South Carolina. This health care system serves more than 84,000 Veterans, is staffed by 2,950 employees, and has an operating budget of $730M.
Prior to Dr. Omura’s appointment to this role, he served as the Medical Center Associate Director/Chief Operations Officer since September 2012. In this role, he was held operational oversight over fiscal, human resources, engineering, safety, privacy, logistics, and the business office. Preceding his roles in executive leadership, Dr. Omura served in clinical and administrative roles both at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System and the University of Florida Health System.
Dr. Omura is a New York native, earning his Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University, his Master in Health Care Administration from the University of Florida, and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. He is actively engaged with stakeholders at a local, state and national level serving on the board or as a member of multiple organization, such as the American Hospital Association, American Red Cross, South Carolina Hospital Association, American College of Healthcare Executives and the Federal Asian Pacific American Council. Dr. Omura is passionate about developing our future leaders, and through his commitment to our up and coming leaders he takes on new mentees annually and serves as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of South Carolina.
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm 1:15 pm - 1:30 pm 1:30 pm - 2:30 pmLt Col (Promotable) Arnel P. David is the coauthor of Military Strategy in the 21st Century: People, Connectivity, and Competition. He is a US Army Strategist and will discuss what he has learned over decades, working in both conventional and special operations units, to drive change and produce strategic thinkers. He will not only share success stories but discuss why failure is vital to learning as well. A short message from the Chief of Staff from the Deputy Secretary of Defense will also share some thoughts during this session.
LTC (P) Arnel P. David, US Army Strategist
Lt Col Arnel P. David is a Civil Affairs officer and Army Strategist serving in the United Kingdom with the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps as the DACOS G5. He has served multiple tours of duty in conventional and special operations units where he deployed to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pacific. He is a distinguished military graduate from Valley Forge Military College, has an MA from University of Oklahoma and completed an MMAS in the Local Dynamics of War Scholars Program at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He recently completed an Artificial Intelligence Programme at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School and is a PhD candidate with King’s College London. He is a co-author of Military Strategy in the 21st Century: People, Connectivity and Competition.
This is the Personal Story of Officer Leth Oun on his experiences throughout his life and how Personal Leadership has shaped him throughout the years. From his time as an initial Political Refugee to America, to working as a dish washer, working in a supermarket, and how that shaped his first years in America. His story during his time in college, his years as a civilian, to his time as a military and Secret Service Agent. If you ever wondered How does a Cambodian Refugee becomes that First to Serve in the Secret Service in 150 years? Officer Oun will tell you, through his Personal Leadership, regarding how that American Dream was possible.
Officer Leth Oun (Secret Service)
Leth Oun joined the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division in 2002 after serving for two years as a correctional officer for the Department of Justice in Philadelphia. A veteran Secret Service officer, he is an expert in all manners of security, including handling and training bomb-detecting dogs. He has protected presidents and vice presidents in four administrations in forty-nine states and more than a dozen countries. He regularly stands guard at the White House, and currently is assigned to the vice president’s residence. He is a 1998 graduate of Widener University where he majored in sociology and minored in criminal justice. Before going to work for the federal government twenty years ago, Leth worked numerous jobs that ranged from bank teller to clerking at convenience stores to washing dishes for $3.15 an hour. A political refugee who arrived in America in 1983, he became an American citizen in 1990. He and his wife, Sophy, also a survivor of the Killing Fields, have been married since 1985 and have two grown children. He has written a memoir entitled A Refugee’s American Dream: From the Killing Fields of Cambodia to the U.S. Secret Service with coauthor Joe Samuel Starnes, and a literary agent in New York is working with him to find a publisher.
Global megatrends that dominate our lives will also lead to major sea changes in the marketplace. Equally important, this has resulted in rapid shifts in the workplace. This session looks at the dramatic (and nuanced) changes that almost every professional faces—and how to navigate them successfully. These include customizable and flexible workplaces, multigenerational perspectives, robotization and the need to learn continuously (both faster and deeper). This session addresses these workplace futures and helps you to advance as you engage in FutureWork.
https://vepimg.b8cdn.com/uploads/vjfnew/4145/content/images/1621368427c3-elevate-developmentsessions-futurework-pdf1621368427.pdf
Vu H. Pham, Ph.D. (Chair of Elevate)
As the Chair of Elevate, Vu H. Pham, Ph.D. works with dozens of organizations from the Fortune 500 to government and non-profit agencies. Elevate is a partnership with the University of California, Irvine’s Merage School of Business, UC Riverside, California State University Fullerton, UC Office of the President—MESA, and Spectrum Knowledge. The Elevate Program boosts organizational performance and strategic effectiveness through interactive training and data-driven research.
Dr. Pham and his work have been featured on national and international multimedia venues, such as CNN, MSNBC, the Associated Press, Fortune, Voice of America, The Los Angeles Times, KSCI International Television, Diversity, Inc., Strategic Innovators, Asian Week and Radio Free Asia. He has given keynote speeches on numerous occasions and presented at many conferences internationally, and has written for both academic and mainstream publications. Beyond his professional work, Dr. Pham has participated in generating over a million dollars for non-profit groups and donates many hours to them.
Steve will be introducing the “5-Fingers-Money-Management” about how to manage our financial money and assets, and covering topics including Retirement (SSA, FERS/CSRS and TSP), Healthcare (FEHBP, FEDVIP), FEGLI, and FELTCIP. There will be examples, stories, tips and tools including AI, cellular, wifi etc. technology to help you plan for your retirement, and choose the best medical plans during open season and remain FIT both physically and financially etc. in a very un-orthodox way.
Steve Niu
Steve Niu joined OPM as the Chief Actuary in March 2008 from the private sector. He has experience in both retirement and healthcare. His former clients including numerous fortune 500 companies, and several states pension, life insurance and healthcare plans. Steve is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Enrolled Actuary with the Joint Board of IRS and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Steve is a life time member with FAPAC.
Financial Literacy and Wellness (FLW) session: Steve will be introducing the “5-Fingers-Money-Management” about how to manage our financial money and assets, and covering topics including Retirement (SSA, FERS/CSRS and TSP), Healthcare (FEHBP, FEDVIP), FEGLI, and FELTCIP. There will be examples, stories, tips and tools including AI, cellular, wifi etc. technology to help you plan for your retirement, and choose the best medical plans during open season and remain FIT both physically and financially etc. in a very un-orthodox way.
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 3:45 pmWomen and people of color are often underrepresented at senior levels, this affinity bias risks entrenching existing gaps in opportunity and the Army, along with other services, are working fast to change all of this. The US military is making sweeping movements to remove bias and promote more diversity within their ranks. Last year, the Army removed photos, gender, ethnicity and race from board files for promotion. This panel of senior leaders will discuss how diversity in the military is actually a source of power and winning organizations need to be inclusive and diverse. Equality is more than just a word and each one of these general officers is known for leading positive change in the organizations they have led and command. Listen to them discuss these changes in the military and what they have experienced in their careers.
Moderator: Lieutenant Colonel Arnel P. David, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff G5 of NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps 
Panelist: Major General Antonio Aguto, General Commander 3rd Infantry Division (ARMY) 
Panelist: Major General Viet Xuan Luong, Commander, United States Army Japan .png)
Panelist: Major General Suzanne Vares-Lum, Mobilization Assistant to the Commander at USINDOPACOM (ARMY) 
Panelist: Major General Garrett S. Yee, Assistant to the Director, DISA 
Panelist: Brigadier General Matthew Van Wagenen, Deputy Chief of Staff-Operations (DCOS OPS) of NATO Allied Rapid Reaction CorpsMajor General Aguto assumed command of the 3rd Infantry Division on June 3 2019. Prior to his arrival at Fort Stewart, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, United States Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Course, Field Artillery Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College and the Naval War College.
Major General Viet Luong is the Commanding General for United States Army, Japan/I Corps Forward. Luong is responsible for over 2,500 soldiers, civilians and family members throughout 16 installations in mainland Japan and Okinawa. He is the first American officer promoted to general officer rank who was born in Vietnam. He emigrated from Vietnam with his family to the United States in 1975 as a political refugee. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California.
Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vares-Lum was the first Native Hawaiian woman to become an Army general. She was an intelligence officer whose assignments spanned the Cold War to the Iraq War. She has a key role in the Pacific Command’s effort to shape and maintain regional security through development of diplomatic, economic, and military policies. This includes building and maintaining military-to-military and political-military relationships among the 43 nations within the Pacific region covering over 51% of the globe. Activities include disaster management, humanitarian assistance, homeland defense, appropriate oversight of reserve component matters, and, as a senior leader within the directorate, oversight of strategy and policy issues that influence the Pacific region.
Maj. Gen. Garrett S. Yee is the assistant to the director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). In this role, he helps to lead a global organization of 8,000 military and civilian personnel who plan, develop, deliver and operate joint, interoperable, command and control capabilities and a global enterprise infrastructure, in direct support of the President, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders, Department of Defense components, and other mission partners across the full spectrum of operations.
Matthew J Van Wagenen currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff-Operations (DCOS OPS) of NATO, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Prior to this assignment he was the deputy commanding general of 3rd (UK) division. He previously served as the commander of task force Southeast in Gardez City, Paktia Province, Afghanistan from March to August 2017. He participated in numerous combat operations, such as the Battle for Ar Ramadi in 2006. He assumed his current assignment in October 2019.
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm
Mistress of Ceremonies - Irene Wuchner, U.S. Air Force
Capt Irene Wuchner is a Project Manager at the 412th Electronic Warfare Group, Edwards AFB California. She is the modeling and simulation lead for the $466 million Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). She manages the JSE User Working Group to solicit and prioritize requirements from intelligence, Naval, and Air Force interests. She also serves on the systems engineering team and provides program management oversight.
The captain entered the Air Force in December 2016 through OTS. She completed Fundamentals of Acquisition Management in August 2017, and since then has held a variety of project management roles. She liaised with the Navy’s Tactical Training Groups to accomplish Fleet Synthetic Training exercises via distributed mission operations, and engaged with AWACS simulation, JSTARS simulation, and battlespace joint force cell operations. Prior to her current position, the Captain was an Acquisitions program manager at the 705th Combat Training Squadron, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.
Capt Wuchner possesses nine years of experience in general aviation. After acting as the Aircraft Records Analyst Team Lead for a private company, she moved into contract administration and estimating for Learjet, Challenger, Gulfstream, Falcon, and Hawker airframes. She was responsible for maintenance program setup and tracking for a first-of-type Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jet cargo configuration modification.
National Anthem - Jennifer Kumiyama, Singer
Jennifer Kumiyama was born with Arthrogryposis and uses a wheelchair daily. Kumiyama developed a love for singing and received voice lessons at Long Beach City College and California State University of Long Beach. In 2000, Jennifer earned a spot on Warner Bros. reality TV show “Popstars 2” and earned national accolades from many publications including Variety Magazine and TV Guide – referring to her as “the girl in the wheelchair, whose voice blew everyone out of the water”. Shortly after that in 2002 – Jennifer was cast in Disney’s “Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular” at Disney California Adventure Theme Park, where she was the first performer in a wheelchair to ever be on any Disney stage in the world. She performed for over 8,000 international guests during her 4 performances a day. "Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular" closed on January 10, 2016.
While at Disney, Jennifer became an advocate for people living with disabilities to show the world that talent sees no boundaries. This motivated her to become a speaker and share her story with schools, social groups, and major businesses. Her new passion, in addition to singing – is being a voice for people living with disabilities by breaking attitudinal and architectural barriers.
In 2010, Jennifer was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California and Ms. Wheelchair America 2011, 1st Runner Up. During her reign, she spread the message of hope through her platform “Empowering Children with Disabilities to Make Their Own Dreams Come True”.
Jennifer was cast in a major role as ‘Carmen’ in Sundance Film Festival hit and Academy Award Nominated film “The Sessions”, MTV’s teen sensation “Awkward” and became the founder and owner of The Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation in 2011 and has since retired as the State Coordinator in 2016.
Since the closing of 'Aladdin,' Jennifer has worked for former Long Beach Councilwoman, Senator Lena Gonzalez. She currently works at Progressive Solutions Consulting, a boutique firm that works to elect more women, women of color, and members of the LGBTQ and disability communities. Jennifer is also an AD 70 Delegate in the California Democratic Party.
Chaplain - Major Craig H. Nakagawa, U.S. Air Force
Chaplain, Major Craig H. Nakagawa serves as Deputy Wing Chaplain, 377th Air Base Wing, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Responsible for daily operations of the 377 Chaplain Corps, Chaplain Nakagawa provides oversight of the Chaplain Corps general programming, IG and MICT compliance, Protestant services, Chaplain Corps budgeting, and is tasked to implement the Wing Chaplain’s ministry vision for the Airmen and families of Kirtland AFB. Additionally, Chaplain Nakagawa is assigned to provide spiritual care and moral leadership to the 377th Mission Support Group and the 377th Medical Group.
Commissioned a Chaplain Candidate in 2004, and an Active Duty Chaplain in 2007, Chaplain Nakagawa has eight years prior enlisted service with the US Army. As a chaplain candidate, he was assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center, at the height of the Iraq conflict, as the chaplain to the Burn Ward Intensive Care Unit. Prior to assessing to the Air Force, Chaplain Nakagawa served as Senior Pastor to Trinity United Church of Niederwald, Neiderwald, Texas, and was a teaching assistant for special needs/special education students at Pillow Elementary in Austin, Texas.
Opening Remarks - Peter Nguyen (FAPAC National President)
Matthew H. Swartz, Executive Director and Chief of Staff, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
Special Keynote - Dr. Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks serves as the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense; she was sworn into that office on Feb. 9, 2021.
Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary, Dr. Hicks held the position of senior vice president, Henry A. Kissinger Chair, and Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. From 2009 to 2013, she served as a senior civilian official in the Department of Defense. Confirmed by the United States Senate in 2012 as principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, she was responsible for advising the secretary of defense on global and regional defense policy and strategy. She also served as deputy undersecretary of defense for strategy, plans, and forces, leading the development of the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance and the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and crafting guidance for future force capabilities, overseas military posture, and contingency and theater campaign plans.
Prior to becoming the DUSD for SPF, from 2006 to 2009 Deputy Secretary Hicks was a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Deputy Secretary Hicks launched her career as a civil servant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, serving from 1993 to 2006 in a variety of capacities and rising from Presidential Management Intern to the Senior Executive Service.
Dr. Hicks holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an M.A. from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Affairs, and an A.B. magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College
Keynote - Major General Diana M. Holland, Commanding General, Mississippi Valley Division, USACE
Awards Opening Remarks - Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director, DARPA
Awards Presentation - Peter Nguyen, President, FAPAC
Awards Closing Remarks - Giao Phan, Executive Director, NAVSEA
DoD Special Remarks - Clarence Johnson, Director, Diversity Management Operations Center (DoD)
Closing Remarks - Fahmida Chhipa, FAPAC Vice President
Benediction - Major Craig H. Nakagawa, U.S. Air Force
Fahmida Chhipa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Assistant to the Civil Rights Director at the Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). She manages all Special Emphasis Programs (SEP) within NASS and guides the SEP Managers in their collateral duties. She is also on the Compliance Review Team and conducts Civil Rights Assistant Staff Visits within her agency’s headquarters and regions. Fahmida currently serves as the Vice President for the FAPAC’s National Board of Directors (NBoD). Prior to this position, she has served 1 term (2 years) as the Vice President of Operations and 2 terms (four years) as the Executive Secretary of the NBoD, as well as the President of the FAPAC Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chapter. Certified in Diversity and Inclusion, Mediation, and Special Emphasis Programs, Fahmida is the recipient of the FAPAC’s 2015 Outstanding Individual Leadership Award. Born in India and raised in Northern Virginia where she has lived for 40 years, Fahmida is happily married and a proud mother of three adult boys.
Mr. Matthew H. Swartz serves as the executive director and chief of staff for U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Mr. Swartz assumed these duties in September 2019. As a direct report to the commander, he is responsible for integrating resources and readiness fleet-wide, developing strategies to optimize utilization of more than $12 billion as well as 122,000 total active duty and reserve military members, civilian employees and contractors.
Prior to this assignment, Mr. Swartz served as the deputy commander, Naval Information Forces that is responsible for the man, train and equip functions for Navy information warfare (IW) and fleet C5ISR capabilities assigned to 80-plus subordinate operational shore commands manned by over 21,000 IW personnel operating across the globe. In the execution of his duties, he led a staff of 500-plus military and civilian professionals and directly managed an annual budget of $1.4 billion.
Mr. Swartz also served in multiple other federal senior executive positions. He served as the chief information officer of the USDA Forest Service; the executive director and command information officer for U.S. Fleet Cyber Command; and the director for assured command and control within the directorate of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) Information Warfare (N2/N6), where he was responsible for oversight, resource sponsorship, and the cybersecurity of Navy tactical, operational, and enterprise communications, networks, and command and control systems. Also during this period, Mr. Swartz led the Chief of Naval Operations and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN (RDA)) Task Force chartered to define the Navy’s approach and response to cyber security.
In addition to these executive positions, Mr. Swartz has served as the deputy director, logistics planning and innovation for the DCNO for fleet readiness and logistics and as enterprise initiatives branch head for the DCNO for communication networks. Prior to government service, Mr. Swartz served in executive and senior leadership roles in the commercial industry.
Mr. Swartz holds a bachelor's degree from Mary Washington College and master of science degrees from the University of Virginia and the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Mr. Swartz has received various awards throughout his career, which are all a reflection of the opportunities he has had to be part of amazing teams consisting of Sailors and civilians within the Department of Navy.
Defense; she was sworn into that office on Feb. 9, 2021.
Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary, Dr. Hicks held the position of senior vice president, Henry A. Kissinger Chair, and Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. From 2009 to 2013, she served as a senior civilian official in the Department of Defense. Confirmed by the United States Senate in 2012 as principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, she was responsible for advising the secretary of defense on global and regional defense policy and strategy. She also served as deputy undersecretary of defense for strategy, plans, and forces, leading the development of the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance and the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and crafting guidance for future force capabilities, overseas military posture, and contingency and theater campaign plans.
Prior to becoming the DUSD for SPF, from 2006 to 2009 Deputy Secretary Hicks was a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Deputy Secretary Hicks launched her career as a civil servant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, serving from 1993 to 2006 in a variety of capacities and rising from Presidential Management Intern to the Senior Executive Service.
Dr. Hicks holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an M.A. from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Affairs, and an A.B. magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College.
Maj. Gen. Diana M. Holland assumed command of the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), June 30, 2020. She also serves as president of the Mississippi River Commission.
Holland serves as the senior military officer in the division, headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, responsible for water resources engineering solutions in a 370,000-square-mile area, extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and encompassing portions of 12 states. The mission of the division is to serve the Mississippi Valley region by providing vital public engineering services and stewardship of water resource infrastructure, partnering in peace and war, to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. The division’s work is carried out by district offices located in St. Paul, Minnesota; Rock Island, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Other previous assignments include Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy, West Point; Deputy Commanding General for 10th Mountain Division (LI) at Fort Drum, New York, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan; executive officer to the Director of the Army Staff at the Pentagon; commander of the 130th Engineer Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Joint Task Force Sapper in Afghanistan; United States Army War College Fellow at Georgetown University; commander of the 92nd Engineer Battalion (Black Diamonds) and Task Force Diamond in Afghanistan; plans officer in the Operations Directorate, United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida; operations officer in the 92nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy); division plans officer for the 3rd Infantry Division, and Operation Iraqi Freedom 3; battalion logistics officer and then commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 30th Engineer Battalion (Topographic), 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; company executive officer and battalion assistant operations officer in the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) in Germany; and vertical construction platoon leader in the 79th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), in Germany and many other command and staff assignments worldwide.
Maj. Gen. Holland is a native of Santa Barbara, California. She graduated from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1990. She earned a Master of Arts degree at Duke University and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies.
Maj. Gen. Holland’s military awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (NATO) medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the German Parachutist Badge and the Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal. She was also recently chosen as a Women Making a Mark Honoree by Atlanta Magazine in 2018.
Dr. Stefanie Tompkins is the director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Prior to this assignment, she was the vice president for research and technology transfer at Colorado School of Mines.
Tompkins has spent much of her professional life leading scientists and engineers in developing new technology capabilities. She began her industry career as a senior scientist and later assistant vice-president and line manager at Science Applications International Corporation, where she spent 10 years conducting and managing research projects in planetary mapping, geology, and imaging spectroscopy. As a program manager in DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office, she created and managed programs in ubiquitous GPS-free navigation as well as in optical component manufacturing. Tompkins has also served as the deputy director of DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office, director of DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office – the agency’s most exploratory office in identifying and accelerating breakthrough technologies for national security – as well as the acting DARPA deputy director.
Tompkins received a Bachelor of Arts degree in geology and geophysics from Princeton University and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in geology from Brown University. She has also served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.
Ms. Giao Phan serves as Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Executive Director. In this capacity, she provides executive leadership to more than 85,000 military and civilian personnel across the globe who execute the research, development, acquisition, maintenance, modernization, and inactivation of the Navy’s battle force and most major combat and Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems. Ms. Phan entered the Senior Executive Service (SES) in November 2007 as the Coast Guard Deputy Director of Acquisition Programs where she oversaw 400 military and civilian personnel in their execution of a broad acquisition portfolio including 12 multi-billion dollar projects, 7 subordinate Program Offices, and a $30 billion investment portfolio dedicated to the modernization and recapitalization of surface, air, command and control, and logistics assets required for the USCG’s maritime missions.
Most recently, Ms. Phan served dual hatted as the Executive Director for Ship Maintenance and Modernization (SEA21B) & Deputy Commander for Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC) at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In this capacity, she oversaw the programs responsible for the life-cycle management of the Navy’s in-service surface ships, including critical modernization and maintenance efforts, as well as Foreign Military Sales, training, and ship inactivation; she also provided executive leadership to the operations and management of the Regional Maintenance Centers in the execution of private sector, depot-level maintenance and modernization, surface ship intermediate-level maintenance, and fleet technical and engineering support world-wide. She also served as the Executive Director of Program Executive Office, Aircraft Carriers (2013-2019), where she was responsible for a $40 billion acquisition portfolio including the design and construction of Ford-class aircraft carriers, execution of the mid-life Refueling Complex Overhauls for Nimitz-class carriers, inactivation of USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and life cycle sustainment for all in-service USN carriers.
She began her Navy civil service career in 1984 and has held numerous leadership positions managing development and integration programs including Deputy Program Manager for the In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program Office (2006 - 2007) and Assistant Program Manager for Nimitz-class carriers (2004 - 2006), where she led the design, construction, test, and delivery of the final ship, USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), a $6 billion dollar ACAT I program. Other previous assignments include Director for Aircraft Carriers and Amphibious Ships for Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (Ships), and as the Electronics Systems Manager for the Seawolf Fast Attack Submarine Program.
Ms. Phan received her Civil Engineering degree from Virginia Tech, and earned her MS in Management from Florida Tech. Her awards include Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award (2019), the AAGEN Stanley Suyat Memorial Leadership Award (2016), USCG Superior Achievement Award (2013), Federal Asian Pacific American Council Outstanding Individual Leadership Award (2013), Women of Color STEM Career Achievement in Government Award (2010), Navy Superior Civilian Service Award (2006), and the Navy Meritorious Civilian Award (2004).
Clarence A. Johnson, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is Director, Diversity Management Operations Center, Defense Human Resources Activity, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)), Washington, D.C. He is responsible for operationalizing diversity management and equal opportunity policies and programs affecting 1.4M active duty military personnel; 1.3M Reserve Component (RC) personnel; and over 900,000 civilians within the Department of Defense (DoD). He provides supervision and direction of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), the premiere DoD school in equal opportunity and equal employment opportunity (EEO) training, education and research; and the Investigations Resolutions Directorate, which investigates DoD EEO complaints. Additionally, Mr. Johnson directs DoD Diversity and Inclusion efforts, including diversity outreach and the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students and Recent Graduates with Disabilities, and he provides executive support for the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services.
Mr. Johnson joined the Senior Executive Service in February 2003, as Principal Director and Director, Civilian EEO (Policy), Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Equal Opportunity). His duties in that office were transformed when he was made Director, Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity (Policy), USD(P&R), a position he held until September 2018.
Prior to becoming a civil servant, Mr. Johnson was a United States Air Force officer. As an active duty colonel, he served as Director, Military Equal Opportunity (Policy) in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity. He provided policy guidance to the military components regarding policies and programs which prescribe, promote, coordinate, and enforce equal opportunity and treatment of active duty and RC military personnel; oversaw policy implementation and evaluated/monitored the performance of DoD component programs; and provided oversight for DEOMI. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Legion of Merit, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (three oak leaf clusters).
Mr. Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University, Missouri, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. Mr. Johnson is also a graduate of Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College, the National Security Management Course (National Defense University) and the Georgetown University Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Management Certificate Program.
He and his wife, Gloria, reside in Clinton, Maryland. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Maj. Gen. Diana M. Holland assumed command of the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), June 30, 2020. She also serves as president of the Mississippi River Commission.
Holland serves as the senior military officer in the division, headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, responsible for water resources engineering solutions in a 370,000-square-mile area, extending from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and encompassing portions of 12 states. The mission of the division is to serve the Mississippi Valley region by providing vital public engineering services and stewardship of water resource infrastructure, partnering in peace and war, to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters. The division’s work is carried out by district offices located in St. Paul, Minnesota; Rock Island, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Prior to coming to MVD, Maj. Gen. Holland served as Commander of the South Atlantic Division (SAD), USACE. During her command, Maj. Gen. Holland oversaw an annual program of $4 to 7 billion to plan, design and construct projects to support the military, the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies, protect America’s water resources, mitigate risk from disasters, and restore and enhance the environment. She also led SAD’s response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018.
Other previous assignments include Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy, West Point; Deputy Commanding General for 10th Mountain Division (LI) at Fort Drum, New York, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan; executive officer to the Director of the Army Staff at the Pentagon; commander of the 130th Engineer Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and Joint Task Force Sapper in Afghanistan; United States Army War College Fellow at Georgetown University; commander of the 92nd Engineer Battalion (Black Diamonds) and Task Force Diamond in Afghanistan; plans officer in the Operations Directorate, United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida; operations officer in the 92nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy); division plans officer for the 3rd Infantry Division, and Operation Iraqi Freedom 3; battalion logistics officer and then commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 30th Engineer Battalion (Topographic), 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; company executive officer and battalion assistant operations officer in the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) in Germany; and vertical construction platoon leader in the 79th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), in Germany and many other command and staff assignments worldwide.
Maj. Gen. Holland is a native of Santa Barbara, California. She graduated from the United States Military Academy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1990. She earned a Master of Arts degree at Duke University and a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies.
Maj. Gen. Holland’s military awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (NATO) medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, the German Parachutist Badge and the Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal. She was also recently chosen as a Women Making a Mark Honoree by Atlanta Magazine in 2018.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pmThis is a FAPAC Membership meeting to hear from the NBOD and find out what members and chapters are up to.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Mini Timmaraju, Senior Advisor to the Director (OPM)
Mini Timmaraju is Senior Advisor to the Director at the Office of Personnel Management, under the Biden-Harris Administration. In this capacity she advises the OPM Director and agency leadership on various initiatives with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policy, strategy, and best practices. Prior to coming to OPM, Mini served as an Executive Director on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at Comcast Corporation and has held various roles in Congress and advocacy organizations with a focus on gender and civil rights policy.
Mini holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from the University of Houston. She currently resides in Philadelphia, PA with her husband Ken and their sons Satya and Krishna.
Tiffany Worthy, Senior Advisor, Appointee Leadership Development (OPM)
Tiffany Worthy is the Senior Advisor for Appointee Leadership Development at the Office of Personnel Management under the Biden-Harris Administration.
In this capacity, she coordinates with the White House Presidential Personnel Office and advises the OPM Director on leadership development for Biden-Harris appointees.
Tiffany comes to OPM with over 13 years of experience in leadership development, teaching, and training, and she most recently served on the Biden-Harris transition team. Previously, she worked at the Obama Foundation where she led instructional design of online and blended learning for community leadership programming. Tiffany also supported the leadership of thousands of teachers, who identify with communities underrepresented in political leadership, interested in running for office or working on campaigns as a Program Director at Leadership for Educational Equity. She served as the Youth Vote Director in Michigan for the 2012 Obama campaign, taught middle school and high school English in Washington, D.C., and worked as a field organizer on the 2008 Obama campaign. Tiffany received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at American University
Jason Tengco, White House Liaison for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Jason Tengco is the White House Liaison for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under the Biden-Harris Administration. In this capacity, he serves as the primary advisor to the White House and OPM senior leadership on hiring the agency's political appointees, manages priority projects with the Presidential Personnel Office, and supervises the processing of non-career appointments across the federal government.
Jason brings over a decade of experience in public service and community organizing working for the White House, Congress, presidential campaigns, and non-profit organizations. He previously served as the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Outreach Lead for the Biden-Harris transition team, Coalitions Chief of Staff for Biden for President, Executive Director of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, National AAPI Outreach Director for Hillary for America, and Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs under the Obama-Biden Administration.
Throughout his career, Jason has participated in fellowships with the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute, LGBTQ Victory Institute, Filipino Young Leaders Program, New Leaders Council, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Center for Progressive Leadership, and Public Policy and International Affairs Program.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jason has a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and a Master’s in Public Affairs from UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy.
Theo Chang, Special Assistant to the Director (OPM)
Theodora (Theo) Chang serves as the Special Assistant to the Director at the Office of Personnel Management under the Biden-Harris Administration.
Prior to this position, Theo held various positions in public sector and nonprofit organizations, including D.C. Public Schools, the U.S. Department of Education, the Center for American Progress and most recently the Partnership for Public Service. Additionally, she served as an advisor to the Director of the National Park Service at the U.S. Department of the Interior during the Obama-Biden administration.
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm 1:15 pm - 1:30 pm 1:30 pm - 2:30 pmRetired Colonel Ross Guieb worked directly for the Secretary of the Army and the Army Futures Command 4-Star commanding general to help drive innovative change with in the US Army. He continues to serve this purpose as the director for the George W. Bush Combat Development Complex at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. He will share thoughts on what kind of culture is required to nurture innovation.
US ARMY COL (Ret) Ross Guieb
COL Guieb assumed the duties of the Executive Director for the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station in July 2020.
Past assignments have taken COL Guieb and his family across the country and world during both times of peace and war. Following graduation from the University of California, Colonel Guieb was commissioned and assigned as a platoon leader for the 170th Military Police Company, WA with multiple deployments to Honduras and Panama; Operations Officer to the Deputy Commanding General, Operation Uphold Democracy, Haiti; Commander, 58th MP Company, Hawaii and; Provost Marshal, United States Army, Hawaii; Small Group Leader/Instructor, United States Army Military Police School, Alabama and Missouri; United States Army Exchange Officer and Regimental S3 Royal Military Police, Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, London, England; Planner 1st Cavalry Division, Iraq; S3 720th MP Bn, Texas; S3 Task Force 720th MP, Iraq; Executive Officer 720th MP Bn; Chief, Strategic Initiatives Group, Office of the Provost Marshal General, Pentagon; Commander, 728th MP Bn, Hawaii and Commander, Task Force Warfighter, Afghanistan; Executive Officer to the Provost Marshal General/Commanding General Criminal Investigation Command and Army Corrections Command, Pentagon. Commander of the 89th Military Police Brigade and Director of Emergency Services, Fort Hood, Texas in July 2014. The 89th is the largest MP Brigade in the Army with over 4400 Soldiers and 300 DA civilians. The Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Executive Officer and Chief of Staff, Army Futures Command Task Force. Executive Officer to the Under Secretary of the Army, HON Ryan McCarthy. Colonel Guieb’s most recent assignment was as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General, Army Futures Command.
Colonel Guieb's military education and professional associations include: Military Police Officers Basic and Advance Courses; Counter Terrorism Course; Protective Service School, Close Protection Course (UK), Search Advisors Course (UK), Command and General Staff College; the Eisenhower School for National Security Policy and Resource Strategy. Civilian education achievements include: BA, International Relations, University of California; MA, Business and Organizational Security Management, Websters University; MS Ed, Adult Education, Kansas State University and MS, National Security Policy and Resource Strategy, Eisenhower School (Formally ICAF). He is also a graduate of the FBI Academy. COL Guieb also received professional certification from the University of St Andrews (Scotland) Centre for the Study of Terrorism. Active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Military Police Association (Lifetime), Industrial College of the Armed Forces Association (Lifetime), Royal Military Police Association (Lifetime) and FBI National Academy Associates.
Colonel Guieb’s awards include, Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (1OLC), the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Action, Air Assault, and Airborne Badges, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award (2 OLC), Army Service Unit Award, Top Cop state of Hawaii 1997, the Order of the Marechaussee (Silver) and the Freedom of the City of London (Key to the City of London). Army and OSD Staff Badges.
Colonel Guieb is happily married to his wife, Kathy and they have three sons Collin (24), Dylan (18) and Ryan (18). Collin is a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles. Dylan and Ryan are sophomores at Texas A&M and are proud members of the Corps of Cadets. Dylan and Ryan also earned 4 year Army ROTC scholarships. Kathy is a 20 year professional educator.
DEI: What’s your Leadership D.E.A.L? will review Diversity IQ, Effective Communication, Awareness of Bias, and Leader Inclusivity. This DEI course will discuss the changing demographics of the workplace. It will also define Unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, and microinequities and provide examples and its impact on the workplace. The Leadership D.E.A.L and the role of leaders in DEI will also be reviewed. Lastly, behaviors will be identified that can be taken to promote environments of inclusion.
Shella Miller
Shella M. Miller, FACHE, serves a Business Development and Planning Officer (BDO) in VISN 8. Ms. Miller received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, a Masters in Healthcare Administration from the University of South Florida and she is currently a PhD student in Organizational Leadership at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. Ms. Miller started her formal VA career as a Graduate Health Administration Program Trainee in the Office of the Director at the Asheville VA Medical Center in 2002. Since entering the VA as a trainee, she has held several positions of progressive responsibility in the VHA system. Prior to her position as VISN 8 BDO in March 2016, she served as the Chief HAS at the Tampa VA hospital. While in that role, she has held several transition appointments as Acting Associate and Assistant Director with various senior leadership teams. Her role as the VISN 8 BDO is to provide oversight, support, and positive transformation of patient administration and business process across network 8. Ms. Miller has a passion for DEI and serves as a Champion for several initiatives in VISN 8. She Co-Chairs the VISN 8 Diversity & Inclusion Committee, serves as a certified facilitator of Stephen Covey Unconscious Bias, and participates on the Office of Nursing Services DEI Council on the national level. Ms. Miller is a Fellow of American College of Health Care Executives since 2007, graduate of the Partnership for Public Service Excellence in Government Program 2009, and Leadership VA class of 2010.
The Power of Partnership will first review the difference between Sponsors, Coaches, and Mentors. You will understand the characteristics of an Ideal Mentor. Throughout the course you will learn how to find Sponsors, Coaches, and Mentors, how to find yourself, how to ask, and how to build the relationship. You will also learn how to complete assessment sharing and discuss realities. The leader in the relationship will learn how to become the champion. Lastly, you will also learn about networking techniques and how to network smarter not harder.
John Sporing, Founder of ALWD/Engage
John Sporing retired from the Federal Government in 2016. He worked in Executive and Judicial branches leadership positions for 25 years. In 2016, he founded ALWD/Engage: a leadership development and mentoring firm dedicated to assisting minority professionals maximize their leadership potential and turn them into world-class leaders. He is a Professor at the Jack Welch Management Institute where he teaches in the MBA program, teaching economics and executive presence. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The University of Texas, San Antonio, a Master of Arts degree in economics from St. Mary’s University of Texas and was a Ph.D. candidate at American University. He owns A Life Well Drunk - a wine education and tourism company and produces the weekly show WineUncensored.
Have you set out to achieve a goal and failed? Did you go back and evaluate the situation to determine what went wrong, so you can ensure you crush your next goal? In this working session we will explore how to Ask, Believe, and Challenge yourself to achieve the goals you set out for yourself. Come prepared with paper and a writing utensil!
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Kristen Dyan Sensabaugh
As an employee network group leader and Customer Community program manager, Kristen Sensabaugh has a true passion for building community and helping others succeed. All too often we stand in our own way from realizing and achieving our goals. Through her stories of learning to Ask, Believe, and Challenge, Kristen will take you on a journey to enable you to surpass your goals and live your dreams.
Have you set out to achieve a goal and failed? Did you go back and evaluate the situation to determine what went wrong, so you can ensure you crush your next goal? In this working session we will explore how to Ask, Believe, and Challenge yourself to achieve the goals you set out for yourself. Come prepared with paper and a writing utensil!
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Moderator: Anish Bhatt, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
Anish R. Bhatt has served as an analyst in Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) since 2009. In January 2021, he was selected for the National Counterterrorism Center’s (NCTC) Senior Analytic Service, where he has served as a Senior Analyst since February 2019. From 2017 to 2019, he served as India/Subcontinent Director for the National Intelligence Manager for South Asia and previously served as NCTC’s topical lead for Afghanistan/Homeland counterterrorism from 2012-2017. He currently co-chairs the IC’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Affinity Network (IC APAN). Before joining ODNI, his assignments included Investigator/Auditor for Homeland Security and Justice at the US Government Accountability Office and Senior Academic Associate at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (United States National Defense University).
Mr. Bhatt earned a BA in Government and Politics (2001), and a MPP in International Security and Economic Policy (2005), from the University of Maryland, College Park. Outside his life as a terrorism analyst, he has been a professional DJ since age 17 and is an avid brewer of homemade beer.
Panelist: Rear Admiral Andrew M. Sugimoto, Assistant Commandant for Intelligence (USCG)
Assistant Commandant for Intelligence
U.S. Coast Guard
RDML Andy Sugimoto currently serves as the Coast Guard’s Assistant Commandant for Intelligence. As the Coast Guard’s Chief of Intelligence, he leads the efforts of more than 1,100 intelligence professionals who conduct the service’s intelligence programs, to include collection activities, analysis and production, geospatial intelligence, counterintelligence, cryptology and critical IT and security functions.
Prior to his arrival to Coast Guard headquarters, RDML Sugimoto served as the Chief of Staff of the Eighth Coast Guard District. Overseeing U.S. Coast Guard operations spanning 26 states including the Gulf coastline from Florida to Mexico and the adjacent offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, including the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as the inland waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee River systems.
His afloat assignments include: Commanding Officer of USCGC STRATTON homeported in Alameda, CA. STRATTON conducted operations in support of OP ARCTIC SHIELD north of Alaska and counter narcotics patrols in the Eastern Pacific. Other afloat assignments included serving as Commanding Officer, CGC ACUSHNET, Ketchikan, AK; and CGC TYBEE, San Diego, CA. RDML Sugimoto served as Executive Officer on CGC CHASE, San Diego, CA, CGC MONOMOY, Woods Hole, MA as well as Deck Watch Officer on CGC SHERMAN, Alameda, CA. He has served more than 12 years at sea and is a proud Cutterman.
Additional Staff and ashore assignments include: Chief of the Response Division at the First Coast Guard District, conducting operations from the Canadian border to Northern New Jersey including security and defense of New York City and Boston harbors. Chief, Incident Management Branch of the Ninth Coast Guard District, which spans the five Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence Seaway and parts of the surrounding states, including 1,500 miles of international border. He was responsible for safely prosecuting Search and Rescue cases and responding to all operational incidents which occur within the area of responsibility. He was also assigned as Staff Judge Advocate for the Ninth Coast Guard District, Cleveland OH; practiced Operational Law, Military Justice and Legal Assistance for the Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific, Alameda, CA and stood watch as Command Duty Officer for the Eleventh Coast Guard District in Long Beach CA and the PACAREA Command Center in Alameda CA.
RDML Sugimoto graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Government. He graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2002 and was conferred a Juris Doctorate.
Panelist: Roy C. Pettis Jr., Ph.D., Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition, Procurement and Facilities
Dr. Roy C. Pettis Jr.
Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition, Procurement and Facilities
Dr. Roy Pettis is the Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition, Procurement and Facilities (ADNI/AP&F). He serves as the Intelligence Community (IC) Senior Acquisition Executive (SAE) supporting the DNI Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) in executing IC acquisition authorities of NIP-funded acquisitions.
He is responsible for enhancing the collective performance of procurement & contracting, and ensuring an agile, resilient facilities & logistics enterprise supporting IC worldwide missions. Primary functions include: oversight of IC Major Systems Acquisitions (MSAs), Experimental Research Demonstrations (ERDs), & Services Acquisitions; helping program managers succeed as they employ agile/flexible, risk- managed processes that ensure end-to-end mission outcomes that deliver innovative capabilities, data & expertise; developing & implementing Program Management Plans (PMPs) that establish baseline cost, schedule & performance goals; and reviewing & assessing acquisition execution against PMP baselines through periodic reviews & Congressional reporting.
Dr. Pettis joined ODNI in 2006, and previously held several leadership positions in the Systems and Resources Analyses (SRA) organization since its 2009 standup. He created the Systems Analysis group, which developed and implemented IC-wide approaches to Analyses of Alternatives for IC major system acquisitions, integrating IC analytic support to acquisition, performance analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, mission utility analysis, and modernizing the application of modeling and simulation to support IC decisions. He also led the group responsible for Major Issue Studies as it developed decision support analyses on over 35 DNI-directed issues. He was the Study Director for Major Issue Studies on Science & Technology Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, and the Ballistic Missile Intelligence Collection Architecture, and a Foundational Study on IC capabilities for Attribution. Dr. Pettis created several of the standards used for SRA analytic work, including the original Guide for Major Issue Studies and the SRA Products Guide. Before SRA, Dr. Pettis was the ODNI lead on the studies that led to Presidential approval of a way-ahead for electro-optical imagery; led two research and development efforts in the stand-up of the Comprehensive National Cyber Initiative; participated in the stand-up of IARPA; and served as executive secretary for the Intelligence Science Board.
Prior to ODNI, Dr. Pettis was the Science Advisor for Missiles and Space in the Bureau of Arms Control of the U.S. Department of State. At State, he served as the U.S.
Representative to NATO’s Politico-Military Committee on Proliferation, was the lead officer on several agreements on sharing early warning data between countries (including one signed by the U.S. and Russian Presidents), and created the first group at State focused on national security space policy. The latter work led to the first meetings between the U.S. and Russia on defining space rules-of-the-road.
Before State, Dr. Pettis worked at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space, where he served as a Program Manager, as Chief System Engineer for three complex spacecraft systems, and as Manager of Systems Engineering for Space Systems where he was responsible for innovative and rigorous approaches to developing space and ground systems for government and commercial customers. He led teams that developed entirely new types of spacecraft, including the first commercial imaging satellite (IKONOS).
His earliest professional work was at the Central Intelligence Agency, where he supported human intelligence operations and technical development from the Directorate of Science and Technology, and conducted intelligence analysis on foreign weapon and space systems.
Dr. Pettis received his B.S. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, an M.S. in Physics from the Johns Hopkins University, an M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National War College (where he was a distinguished graduate), and his Ph.D. from the George Washington University. He is an Associate Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Panelist: Anjuma Karkera, Deputy Chief of Staff (NGA)
Ms. Anjuma Goswami Karkera serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). In this role she ensures activities across the Agency are synchronized, integrated, and optimized to achieve NGA’s mission and accomplish the Agency’s modernization objectives. She is also dual-hatted as the Director of Corporate Operations which oversees NGA’s corporate policy, governance, resource management, program management, protocol, and strategic engagements.
Ms. Anjuma Karkera joined NGA in 2014. Since joining, Ms. Karkera has served in several senior leadership roles to include being the Acting Deputy General Counsel, Associate General Counsel of Administrative Law and Litigation, and Acting Associate General Counsel for Mission and International Law.
Prior to Ms. Karkera coming to NGA in 2014, she was the embedded Assistant General Counsel in the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management Office (EO) at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). She was instrumental in providing her clients extensive legal counsel in the areas of reasonable accommodation, complaint processing, and the development of strategic EO related initiative.
Prior to becoming member of DIA’s Office of General Counsel, Ms. Karkera was an attorney at the Department of Labor (DOL), Office of the Solicitor General, where she litigated high profile labor and employment claims filed against DOL. Ms. Karkera’s other experiences range from being Of Counsel to Patrick Henry LLP, the President and owner of her own law firm, to serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Leonard Brahman, the Honorable Timothy Murphy, the Honorable Stephen Eilperin, and the Honorable Peter Wolf at the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
Ms. Karkera was the recipient of the DIA Meritorious Civil Service Award and the Director’s Award. Since joining NGA, she has received the Superior Civilian Service Medal, The Office of the Director of National Intelligence Equal Employment Opportunity Team Achievement Award, and Meritorious Unit Citations in support of the Intelligence Oversight Policy Modernization and Mission Talent Alignment.
Ms. Karkera is originally from Loudoun County, Virginia. She received her B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1998. In 2002, she received her law degree from American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. Ms. Karkera is a former White House Intern and the founder and co-chair of the White House Intern Committee on Child Advocacy. Ms. Karkera is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
Ms. Karkera lives in Northern Virginia with her family.
Panelist: Cynthia J. Mendoza, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, INR, U.S. Department of State
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), U.S. Department of State
Dr. Cynthia J. Mendoza serves as the Chief Technology Officer at the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), U.S. Department of State. In this role she is responsible for advancing innovative technologies for use by a diverse set of global customers to connect intelligence producers and consumers in the advancement of National Security and U.S. Foreign Policy Objectives.
Prior to this assignment she was the Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Intelligence Community (IC) Chief Architect at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). In that capacity, Dr. Mendoza was responsible for advocating and leading the IC CIO in its modernization efforts within the IC Information Technology Enterprise (IC ITE), the IC Information Environment (IC IE), and ensuring the security and protection of the IC’s IT systems. Prior to this role, she served as the Director of the Architecture and Integration Division (AID) and IC Chief Architect for the Office of the IC CIO where she established and championed the Reference Architecture Framework (RAF). The RAF was used to develop, coordinate, and publish the scalable IC Enterprise Architecture (EA) baseline, evolution, and future plans driven by the community. The EA is currently used to define mission gaps, overlaps, critical linkages, and dependencies; and to drive interoperability and intelligence integration across the IC IE. Her service at the ODNI included a term as the Director of Requirements Analysis within the Office of Systems & Resource Analyses, Program and Requirements Division. In that position, she was the focal point for evaluating, guiding, and assessing IC system capability requirements necessary for Major System Acquisitions.
Dr. Mendoza has served as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) Information Management Program (IMP) Advisor, Chief Engineer of the Agency, Director of the Architecture and Engineering Group, and the Deputy Director (DD) of the Strategic Planning Group within NGA’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) and IT Directorate (CIO-T). Dr. Mendoza also served as Director of the National Center for Geospatial-Intelligence (GEOINT) Standards and Director of the Acquisition Enterprise Support Program Office for Agency Support Services contracts. In those roles, she led highly diverse and complex teams that delivered an enterprise-wide Information Management Plan, merged three major component organizations, mapped enterprise capabilities to organizational portfolios, and transformed the IT apparatus for the Geospatial-Intelligence Management System (GIMS), the Integrated Analytic Environment (IAE) and major IT acquisition programs.
Dr. Mendoza has more than 30 years of experience leading government and industry organizations; prior to her government service, she worked as Vice President of Operations for Galactic Technologies, Inc., in San Antonio, Texas, where she led industry and government contracts, including services to the Air Force Intelligence Agency. She holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and Engineering Management from the George Washington University.
Dr. Mendoza has received numerous awards including the “2018 Pillar of Character” award from the Northside Independent School District, San Antonio, Texas, the 2007 “Outstanding Women at NGA” award, the 2008 “NGA Small Business Award,” and the “San Antonio Woman of the Year for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraising.” She also serves as the champion for the Hispanic Employee Program Council at NGA.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Mendoza has completed the Marine Corps Marathon and holds a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She lives in Virginia with her family.
Panelist: Daniel Wang, IC
Mr. Dan Wang has extensive experience in public-private partnerships and currently serves as the Director of CIA Labs. He previously worked with In-Q-Tel as a national security manager.
Dan Wang has held leadership responsibilities in areas including identity, technical tradecraft, and mission applications, since he joined the CIA and has served in a variety of engineering development, acquisition, staff, and management positions in the Directorate of Science & Technology.
Mr. Wang received his B.S.E from Duke University, completed his M.I.S. at Johns Hopkins University, and is a fellow with MIT's Seminar XXI. He has private industry experience specifically in the financial services, telecommunications, and automotive industries. Mr. Wang resides in Virginia with his family.
Mr. Nguyen has been with the FAA since 1991 and has held various Program Manager and Team Lead positions in the Management System Division and Information Technology Division. He holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems from Strayer University. He currently holds a certification from the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals, which was obtained at the National Defense University, Information Resources Management College.
Currently Mr. Nguyen serves as the manager for the Finance and Management Organization at the FAA. He is currently responsible for managing the Information Technology supporting various agency level Investment Decision processes such as Joint Resources Council, Post Implementation Review, and Earned Value Management in support of the Executive Secretariat of the Joint Resources Council.
Since joining Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) over two decades ago, Mr. Nguyen has been very active and passionate as an officer of the organization. He has accomplished many goals is currently FAPAC President for the two years term. During this term, he was successfully demonstrated his leadership skills with the creation and leading the first highly successful WHIAAPI Challenge Team. He has also directly involved with the creation of the first FAPAC Business Advisor Partners. He continues to be key advisor member and a mentor for the FAPAC Career Development Program for High Performers. He was also served as the Program Committee Chair and was previously the Scholarship & Internship Committee Chair for FAPAC.
Mr. Nguyen is very active with Asian Pacific American & Pacific Islander (APAI) organizations. He was the National President for the FAA National Asian and Pacific American Association (NAPA) representing over 2000 members nationwide. As the President of NAPA that lasted four years, he had brought NAPA from virtually non-existent to a very strong, powerful, and unites employees association. Mr. Nguyen is currently the Executive Director for NAPA. In addition, he was a key member of the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN), and an active member of the National Asian Peace Officers Association (NAPOA) as which he was a certified Law Enforcement Officer for Virginia for the last 25 years.
Mr. Nguyen’s latest accomplishment is being selected to be the Executive Vice President of Operation Frequent Wind Association (OFWA). OFWA was formed for educational and humanitarian purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) 3 of the IRS code. The primary education and humanitarian purposes is to provide a forum for historical preservation of the Vietnam Veterans and the Refugees of the Vietnam War.
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm
Mistress of Ceremonies - Mary Allen Lausman, Program Committee Co-Chair, FAPAC
Welcome Remarks - Peter Nguyen, President, FAPAC
Welcome Greeting - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam
Mary Allen Austria Lausman is Administrative Officer for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Minority Veterans Program Coordinator, and the Diversity and Inclusion Council Co-Chair for North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. She is Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Program Committee Co-Chair and Member of the VISN 8 Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience in 2000 and her Master’s degree in Health Administration in 2003, from the University of Florida. She completed her Fellowship in the VA Graduate Health Administration Training Program in 2005 in Gainesville, Florida and graduated from the FAPAC Competency Development Program for High Performers in 2019. Mary Allen is a Two-Time National VA Secretary’s Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award Winner, for the Team and individual Supervisor/Manager Categories, respectively. She is most proud of her work as a Healthcare Administrator and leader during this time of COVID. She is thankful to the leadership team and staff she leads and supports every single day. Their humanity, compassion, and ability to adapt during one of the hardest years in known history, made her thankful that she was there to see the team’s growth, inclusive mindset, and supportive nature in the workplace and in support of the community at large. She is also thankful for her opportunity to work with the FAPAC National Leadership Training Program 2021 team to make this the first virtual NLTP in FAPAC’s history.
Lourdes “Lou” Aflague Leon Guerrero is one of three children born to the late Jesus S. Leon Guerrero and Eugenia A. Leon Guerrero. Along with her brothers Tony and Jesse, she learned from her parents the importance of hard work, compassion, and the responsibility we all have to give back to our community.
A graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Lou embarked on a career in nursing, securing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, and later a Masters of Public Health from UCLA. She has worked as a staff nurse in hospitals in both California and Guam. Lou also has held several management positions in health care at both the Guam Memorial Hospital and FHP Inc., as well as serving on the GMHA Board of Trustees. To this day, Lou continues to be passionate about health care and has maintained her licensure as a registered nurse.
In 1994, Lou was elected to the first of five terms in the Guam Legislature. As a Senator, Lou held the posts of Majority Leader as well as Chair of the Rules and Health Committees. Among her achievements are laws creating the Healthy Futures Fund and banning smoking in restaurants and bars.
With the passing of her brother Tony, Lou assumed the helm at the Bank of Guam as its new CEO and President. Under her leadership, the Bank of Guam doubled its assets to become a $2 billion enterprise. Lou has also served on the boards of many civic organizations. In particular, Lou is a founding member, past board member and past President of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her many awards and honors include Guam Business Magazine’s 2010 Executive of the Year, SBA –Women in Business Champion, AOLG Hall of Fame and American Nurses Association Excellence in Nursing award.
Lou is married to Attorney Jeff Cook and they have two children and seven grandchildren.
Keynote - Jocelyn Samuels, Vice-Chair, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Jocelyn Samuels was designated by President Biden as Vice Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on January 20, 2021. She joined the EEOC as a Commissioner on October 14, 2020.
Immediately prior to joining the Commission, Vice Chair Samuels served as the Executive Director and Roberta A. Conroy Scholar of Law at the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, focusing on legal and social science research on issues related to sexual and gender minorities. From July 2014 through January 2017, she was the Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, where she oversaw civil rights enforcement with respect to hospitals, healthcare providers, insurers, and human services agencies. In that role, she spearheaded development of regulations implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act—the first broad-based federal law to prohibit sex discrimination in healthcare. Among other advances, those groundbreaking regulations protected LGBTQ persons from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity.
Earlier in the Obama Administration, Vice Chair Samuels served as Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice and held other positions as a political appointee within the DOJ Civil Rights Division. There, she directly supervised litigation combating discrimination in employment and education and oversaw work across a range of civil rights issues, including voting rights, systemic reform of police departments, housing discrimination, prosecution of hate crimes, and protections for individuals with disabilities.
Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Vice Chair Samuels was the Vice President for Education & Employment at the National Women’s Law Center, where she led efforts to promote gender equality. Among other accomplishments there, she spearheaded the campaign that led to enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first bill signed into law by President Obama. She had previously served as Labor Counsel to Senator Ted Kennedy and spent ten years as a senior policy attorney in the Office of Legal Counsel at the EEOC.
Vice Chair Samuels earned her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Middlebury College. She is a graduate of Columbia University Law School where she was a Note Editor for The Columbia Law Review and a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.
Vice Chair Samuels has been married for 37 years and has two grown daughters and two dogs.
Special Remarks - Dr. Michael Chiang, Director, National Eye Institute (NIH)
Michael F. Chiang is Director of the National Eye Institute, at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. His clinical practice focuses on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and he is board-certified in clinical informatics. His research develops and applies biomedical informatics methods to clinical ophthalmology in areas such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), telehealth, artificial intelligence, clinical information systems, data science, and genotype-phenotype correlation. His group has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, and has developed an assistive artificial intelligence system for ROP that received Breakthrough Status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
He received a BS in Electrical Engineering and Biology from Stanford University in 1991, an MD from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology in 1996, and an MA in Biomedical Informatics from Columbia University. He completed residency and pediatric ophthalmology fellowship training at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. Between 2001-2010, he worked at Columbia University, where he was Anne S. Cohen Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Biomedical Informatics, director of medical student education in ophthalmology, and director of the introductory graduate student course in biomedical informatics. From 2010-2020, he worked at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where he was Knowles Professor of Ophthalmology & Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, and Associate Director of the Casey Eye Institute. He co-directed an NIH-funded T32 training program in visual science for graduate students and research fellows, as well as an NIH-funded K12 clinician-scientist program at OHSU.
He has served as a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Board of Trustees, Chair of the AAO IRIS Registry Data Analytics Committee, Chair of the AAO Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Chair of the AAO Medical Information Technology Committee, and on numerous other national and local committees. He currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association and on the Editorial Board for Ophthalmology and the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, and is Associate Editor of the textbook Biomedical Informatics: Computer Applications in Health Care and Biomedicine. He has previously served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and on the Editorial Board for Ophthalmology Retina.
Civilian Awards Presentation - Peter Nguyen, President, FAPAC
Scholarship Presentation - Elaine Chao, former Secretary of Transportation (DOT)
Secretary Elaine L. Chao is the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. This is her second cabinet-level position. In 2001, she became the first Asian Pacific American woman in U.S. history to be appointed to a President’s Cabinet when she was sworn-in as the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Throughout Secretary Chao’s distinguished career in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she has never forgotten her roots. An immigrant who arrived in America at the age of eight speaking no English, she received her citizenship at the age of 19. Her experience transitioning to a new country has motivated her to devote most of her professional life to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build better lives for themselves and their families.
She began her public service career working on transportation and trade issues at the White House. She then served as Deputy Maritime Administrator, U. S. Department of Transportation; Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission; and, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Secretary Chao’s top priority for the Department is ensuring the safety of our country’s transportation systems. She is also focused on the key role infrastructure plays in our nation’s economic competitiveness, and how emerging technologies will shape the future of transportation.
At the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao launched many initiatives to help Asian Pacific Americans—and other traditionally underserved communities—access opportunities in mainstream America. She launched the annual Asian Pacific American Federal Career Advancement Summit and the annual Opportunity Conference. During her tenure, the Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics began reporting the employment data on Asians in America as a distinct category, a historic first. To help the Asian American community, she ensured that labor law materials were translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. She has played key roles in important U.S.-China cabinet-level forums and chaired the U. S. Delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Prior to the Department of Labor, Secretary Chao was President and CEO of United Way of America, where she restored public trust and confidence after it had been tarnished by financial mismanagement and abuse. As Director of the Peace Corps, Secretary Chao established the first programs in the Baltic nations and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union.
Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College. Honored for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 36 honorary doctorate degrees.
Before her appointment as U. S. Secretary of Transportation, she was a Distinguished Fellow at the Hudson Institute. She is the eldest of six daughters born to Dr. James S. C. Chao and the late Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao.
Special Remarks - Kenneth Bailey, Director of the Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights (NOAA)
Closing Remarks - Olivia Adrian, Immediate Past President, FAPAC
Ms. Adrian served as the FAPAC President: started 1 Oct 2016 and ended on 30 Sep 2020. Previously, she served as the FAPAC Vice President from 1 Oct 2014 to 30 Sep 2016; Vice President for Committees, from 1 Oct 2010 to 30 Sep 2014. Member of the FAPAC Executive Board since 2005 as Committee Chairs and Lifetime Member. Prior to joining the FAPAC, Ms. Adrian was the winner of the FAPAC Individual Excellence Leadership Civilian Award presented in San Francisco, National Conference in 2004. Previously, as collateral duty, was a Special Emphasis Program Manager for the Asian Pacific Islander Americans, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida from 2002 to 2005. She managed and led the yearly celebration of the AAPI during the month of May with exceptional success each year that resulted in recognition of Civilian Exemplary Service Medal and Civilian Notable Achievement Award from the Base Commander.
Kenneth M. Bailey joined NOAA as the Director of the Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights in November 2016.
He is a retired enlisted Army combat veteran with more than 23 years of military service. His Federal civil service career began in 2006 with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission after which he transitioned to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. He is a leading practitioner in the arenas of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Organizational Development, Strategic Recruitment, Affirmative Employment, Disability, Anti-Harassment, Special Emphasis, Mentoring, and Outreach programs.
Mr. Bailey is an executive coach who provides expert strategic advice and guidance to organization’s senior executives. He is a transformational leader and results oriented change agent who has helped to increase individual and organizational capacity. His reputation as an expert on a broad range of topics has led to his selection as a guest lecturer or keynote speaker at a vast array of Federal Agencies, conferences, Non-Governmental Organizations, and also on broadcast radio.
He has received many awards including military Combat Campaign Medals, numerous Federal Performance Awards, Diversity and Inclusion Awards, and Community Service Awards. He was also once selected as Outstanding Young Man of America!
Mr. Bailey holds a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of Maryland University College. He is a graduate of many courses and training certifications relevant to the fields of EEO, D&I, Leadership and Organizational Development. He highlights his completion of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute’s Equal Opportunity Advisors Course and his attendance at the Harvard School of Government - Kennedy School. Mr. Bailey also serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
12:00 pm - 1:00 pmTake this time to visit the great vendors in the Exhibitor Hall, and familiarize yourself with the online conference platform.
1:00 pm - 1:30 pmJoin us as we sit down in an exclusive one-on-one interview with NASA Astronaut and Indian-American, Raja Chari. Hear from Raja about how he overcame doubts about himself as he lives out the most successful version of himself.
Raja Chari
Raja Chari was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and having completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment. The Iowa native graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1999 with bachelor’s degrees in Astronautical Engineering and Engineering Science. He continued on to earn a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pmHear from our panelists as they discuss how their STEM internship has created new opportunities and taught them about innovations happening in the government to improve the lives of others. Some have even used their internship opportunity to prepare for their medical school application process!
Panelists are current or recent interns from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and more!
Panel moderator name: David Wei, PhD
Meet David Wei, PhD! He is currently a Pharm/Tox reviewer in the Office of Generics Drugs (OGD) at the FDA. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT), a globally recognized credential in toxicology representative of competency and commitment to human health and environmental sciences.
Before joining the FDA, David was a Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the Urologic Oncology Branch (UOB) studying kidney cancer. David is truly passionate about his work and always eager to connect with people interested in therapeutics, epigenetics, and cancer research.
David has a Ph. D. in Toxicology from UNC Chapel Hill and dual bachelor degrees in Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Toxicology from UC Berkeley. He is always interested in hearing from former colleagues, managers, or any curious individuals, so feel free to contact him if you’d like to connect.
Panelist: Riya Dange
Meet Riya Dange! She is currently a Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Fellow in the Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) .
“I was born and raised in the Silicon Valley, California, and hopped across the country to attend college at Duke University. There, I majored in Neuroscience and minored in Linguistics. I also competed on Duke’s Mock Trial team, served as Editor-in-Chief of Duke’s student-run neuroscience research journal, and did research on mantis shrimp visual systems with an eye toward improving human bionic eye technology. After graduating in 2019, I moved to the Washington, D.C., area for a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. I have been here for the past two years, working with patients who have schizophrenia and investigating the neural and genetic underpinnings of the disorder.
Outside of the NIH, I have been focusing on social justice-related work in the school-to-prison pipeline and cultural engagement with the South Asian community through an organization called Shakti Collaborative. Most recently, I co-founded Social Justice Advocacy for Incarcerated Persons, a multidisciplinary advocacy network, along with five other NIH fellows and launched a podcast called “Let’s Talk Reform.” When I’m not working, I love to travel and learn new languages (I speak six so far and am looking to add to my collection). I also read, write, paint, and spend time with my dog, Spock.”
Panelist: Liling Lee
Meet Liling Lee, M.S.! She is currently a GIS Specialist in the National Operations Center at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
One of my most vivid memory from childhood in Taiwan was my parents describing their home, "When you look across, you can see a meadow of emerald, a sky of sapphire, and an earth filled with treasure." After moving to California, my curiosity and affection of the land grew as I explored the green spaces that were dramatically different than the busy city of Taipei. This prompted me to pursue a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Sustainable Design at UC Berkeley. One of the classes I took was Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and I was motivated to look into how people were linked to the place they live and GIS provided a valuable method to do that and more. I completed a certificate program first in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST) from University of Southern California back in 2015, then finally obtained my M.S. in May of 2020.
My career path took on an interesting route as I began my internship in the summer of 2014 with the BLM at Springfield Interagency Office in Oregon, trekking on public lands every day to monitor a rare and threatened plant and create a site-specific habitat restoration management plan for it. Then in 2015, I worked as a GIS Analyst at National Audubon Society in San Francisco, CA, conducting various spatial analyses and designing maps to support Audubon Science’s conservation and climate science. I was able to use my Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) from my BLM internship and became a GIS Specialist at Denver, CO in 2017, where I get to perform analysis and prepare maps for BLM Headquarters to be used in strategic planning, program coordination, and brief reporting for managing and protecting our public lands.
I love to explore and see different places (and always excited to try new food). Reading and learning new crafts are also my jam. I’m excited to meet you and feel free to connect! Environmental Science and a minor in Sustainable Design at UC Berkeley. One of the classes I took was Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and I was motivated to look into how people were linked to the place they live and GIS provided a valuable method to do that and more. I completed a certificate program first in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST) from University of Southern California back in 2015, then finally obtained my M.S. in May of 2020.
My career path took on an interesting route as I began my internship in the summer of 2014 with the BLM at Springfield Interagency Office in Oregon, trekking on public lands every day to monitor a rare and threatened plant and create a site-specific habitat restoration management plan for it. Then in 2015, I worked as a GIS Analyst at National Audubon Society in San Francisco, CA, conducting various spatial analyses and designing maps to support Audubon Science’s conservation and climate science. I was able to use my Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) from my BLM internship and became a GIS Specialist at Denver, CO in 2017, where I get to perform analysis and prepare maps for BLM Headquarters to be used in strategic planning, program coordination, and brief reporting for managing and protecting our public lands.
I love to explore and see different places (and always excited to try new food). Reading and learning new crafts are also my jam. I’m excited to meet you and feel free to connect!
Panelist: Amy Huynh
Meet Amy Huynh! She is currently a senior at the University of California, Irvine, studying Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
She is a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) Vietnamese-Chinese American college student, who has interned at four NASA centers (Goddard, Ames, Langley, and Marshall), two non-profit organizations (Dreams for Schools and Space for Humanity), and two space startups (Made In Space and Astra). At UCI, her research focuses on how engineering internships affect the learning experiences of female engineering students, in hopes of providing more context to, and increasing retention of, women in engineering.
Amy is a 2020 Matthew Isakowitz Fellow, a 2019 Brooke Owens Fellow, Women in Aerospace Scholar, and an AIAA Diversity Scholar. She hopes to dedicate her research and career to making aerospace accessible for everyone and to uplift marginalized voices as she continues to define her role in aerospace and find her own voice.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pmThere are so many internship opportunities for business, humanities, social science and arts majors to discover in the Federal Government. Our panelists are looking forward to sharing insider information with you about how to seek out “lesser-known” opportunities!
Our panelists will talk about their experiences interning for the White House Asian American and Pacific Islander Initiative (WHIAAPI), the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Internship Program, and more!
Panel moderator name: Catherine Yu
Panelist: Brian Buhr, MMS
Panelist: Rebecca Soo
Panelist: Elizabeth San
1:30 pm - 2:30 pmThis panel isn’t for the leftovers! This may be the most exciting panel yet with panelists discussing their experience in the Peace Corps, as an ORISE Fellow and as a contractor serving the federal government as a client! Join this panel to find out something you did not know before.
You will walk away with new information – guaranteed!
Panel moderator: Caroline Goon, MS, MBA
Panelist: Arshya Gurbani, MA
Panelist: Paul McClelland, MD
Panelist: Judie Kuo, MPS
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm -4:00 pmPresented by Glorimar Maldonado, Diversity Program Manager, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Ready to explore possible career options or make your mark in the world? In this dynamic workshop, learn what internship/fellowship options are available to you as a current student or the entry-level career paths that can propel you forward into the next phase of your life. Moreover, glean additional insights into the virtual internship and work experience, writing a strong personal statement, building a personal brand, and preparing your resume and supplemental documents for review by a selection committee. By the end of the hour, you’ll have a better understanding about what internship/fellowship and career opportunities are available, and the skills and knowledge needed to successfully navigate the find, apply and interview process.
Speaker to: Glorimar Maldonado, USPTO
4:00pm - 4:15pm 12:00 pm - 12:05 pm
Harvey Johnson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for The Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion, VA
Mr. Harvey Johnson serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration / Operations, Security and Preparedness for the Veterans Affairs. He provides executive leadership to the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion, the associated field offices and employees. In this capacity, he is responsible for formulating and implementing departmentwide policies and procedures to ensure the integrity, effectiveness, and impartiality of the complaint processing procedures within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Mr. Johnson is a seasoned executive leader in promoting race and gender equity, resolving conflict, building diverse and inclusive organizations, driving large scale organizational change, strategic planning and business transformation.
Mr. Johnson joined the VA in November 2015. Previously he served as Director, Defense Travel Management Office where he led revolutionary transformation in travel policy, programs, contracts, and station and housing allowances for the Department of Defense (DoD).
A native of Philadelphia PA, Mr. Johnson’s career encompasses 33 years of service with the United States Army in the Infantry and Adjutant General Corps and as an executive with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
12:00 pm - 12:30 pmChristopher Collins (VA)
12:30 pm –1:00 pm
Dr. Keith J. Myers, Doctor of Physical Therapist, MBA
Dr. Keith Myers is the Clinical Director for the Veterans Rural Health Resource Center in Gainesville, Florida (VRHRC-GNV). Previously, he served as the Line Manager for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services within the North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG VHS). With a background in Physical Therapy, he has over 20 years of experience as a clinician and healthcare administrator. Over the past 9 years, Dr. Myers has led the tele-rehabilitation efforts for his health system, as well as collaborative efforts to expand the use of clinical video telehealth as a resource for rural Veterans to access a variety of clinical disciplines at VA Medical Centers nationwide. In his role as the Clinical Director for the VRHRC-GNV, he aims to cultivate a wide range of innovative solutions to improve access to care and promote independent living for Veterans in rural areas. Dr. Myers received his bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida, where he also received his Master’s in Business Administration. He received his Doctorate from Utica College.
1:00 pm - 1:45 pmWhole Health: It’s All About You! will explore whole health tools as a healthcare approach that empowers and equips people to take care of their health and well-being, and live their life to the fullest. The Practice of Whole Health includes considering the Veteran at the Center of Healthcare Delivery. There are Eight areas of Self-Care to consider, with tools that provide avenues of Prevention and Treatment, as well how to consider the Community in this work. Long story short, this course will explore what Well-Being Programs and approaches to explore. Complementary and Integrative Health will also be reviewed. Lastly, A Gratitude Practice will also be shared for you to fine the Whole Health Path Forward.
Laurie Reisman, Whole Health Program Manager for NF/SG Veterans Health System
Laurie Reisman, LCSW (pronouns: she/her), is the Whole Health Program Manager for NF/SG VISN 8 VA. She completed her Masters of Social Work from Florida State University in 2005. Ms. Reisman wholeheartedly believes in the science and healing capability of Integrative Medicine. She is a certified as a Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation instructor through Maahaah-Rooh Internal & Energetic Systems and a Life Coach through the Satvatove School of Transformative Coaching. Ms. Reisman has been practicing, studying and/or receiving Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation, Mindfulness, Acupuncture and other forms of Asian Energetic Healing Systems for 20+ years and knows firsthand the healing affects that these modalities have on trauma and various physical ailments. She enjoys playing with dogs and horses & learning the Frame Drum in her spare time and deeply enjoys connecting and with nature and engaging with people while learning what matters most to them.
1:45 pm - 2:35 pmThis course will be an Overview of VBA Benefits and Services. VBA Mission Statement: To serve as an advocate for Veterans, service members, Survivors, and dependents in delivering benefits and services that honor their military service, assist in their readjustment, enhance their lives, and engender their full trust. The Overview of VBA Benefits and Services will cover the ICARE Values and Core Characteristics, VBA Operations, District Structure, and Program Reviews of: Disability Compensation, Pension, Fiduciary, and Education. Other areas reviewed will be the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance, and Benefits for Survivors and Dependents. Other programs also include: Office of Transition and Economic Development (TED). Tools and resources available will also be covered.
Raymond Wall, Program Analyst for VA
Raymond Wall is a Program Analyst who has been with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for twelve years. Raymond works in the Office of Outreach Transition & Economic Development (OTED) and is responsible for educating on the many benefits and services the VA has to offer. Raymond is a powerful force in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to help accomplish VA’s mission.
2:35 pm - 3:00 pmThe Role of Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy in the Healing Process will explore ways to implement Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy in the healthcare delivery process to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Conditions may be visually present or not. The use of specialized treatment modalities to improve and/or maintain function, to promote health, to enhance independent living, and improve overall quality of life. There will also be a practical application provided considering mindfulness, using breath, and focusing on self-care.
John R Mikula, MA, CTRS, CSCS, EP-C (ACSM), TRX, LVCYT
John Mikula is a Recreation Therapy Supervisor for the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System in Gainesville, Florida. John has over 20 years of experience in the fields of recreation therapy, military exercise physiology, whole health, and professional strength and conditioning. John earned his bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Southern Illinois University and his master’s degree in physical education from the University of South Florida. John is an accomplished clinician, author, and speaker. John is married to Susan Mikula and has one son named Jack.
The FAPAC is proud to present its 36th National Leadership Training Program (NLTP) virtually! This year's theme is "Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service," the start of the new theme series for 2021-2024 highlighting FAPAC’s efforts in “Advancing Leaders.” The NLTP is a premier training destination for Federal employees, including DC government, and military. The NLTP is designed to provide training in leadership, diversity, inclusion, career advancement, and management.
Long-time aviation executive Ali Bahrami became the FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety on July 10, 2017. Previously, he was Vice President for Civil Aviation at Aerospace Industries Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that represents the nation's leading aerospace and defense manufacturers and suppliers.
As Associate Administrator, Bahrami leads the organization responsible for setting safety standards and overseeing all parts of the aviation industry — airlines, manufacturers, repair stations, pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and any person or product that operates in aviation. These programs have a direct impact on every facet of domestic and international civil aviation safety.
The Aviation Safety Organization's programs are carried out by 7,400 employees located in Washington headquarters, regional and directorate offices, and 125 field offices throughout the world. The organization's annual budget is more than $1.4 billion.
Bahrami first joined the FAA as an engineer in 1989, and from 2004-2013 served as manager of the Transport Airplane Directorate. In that capacity, he was involved in decision making regarding appropriate safety actions for the existing fleet and the development of recommendations aimed at improving the design standards for the future aircraft models.
He directed the U.S. validation of the Airbus 380 through successful collaboration with the manufacturer and the European Aviation Safety Agency. He also directed the FAA certification of the Boeing 787 and the 747-8 passenger and freighter models.
Bahrami came to the FAA following a 10-year stint at Douglas Aircraft, where he was a senior engineer. There he was the lead engineer responsible for aerodynamic and structural loads analysis on large commercial airplanes, such as the MD-80 and the MD-11.
He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in engineering from the University of Michigan.
Jennifer Kumiyama was born with Arthrogryposis and uses a wheelchair daily. Kumiyama received voice lessons at Long Beach City College and California State University of Long Beach. In 2000, Jennifer earned a spot on Warner Bros. reality TV show “Popstars 2” and earned national accolades from many publications including Variety Magazine and TV Guide – referring to her as “the girl in the wheelchair, who’s voice blew everyone out of the water”. Shortly after that in 2002 – Jennifer was cast in Disney’s “Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular” at Disney California Adventure Theme Park, where she is the first performer in a wheelchair to ever be on any Disney stage in the world. She performed 4 times a day for 8,000 guests a day, who visit from every corner of the world. It was at Disney that Jennifer took on her real role as an advocate for people living with disabilities – showing the entire world that talent sees no boundaries. This motivated her to become a speaker – sharing her story with schools, social groups, and major businesses. Her new passion, in addition to singing – is being a voice for people living with disabilities by breaking attitudinal and architectural barriers. "Aladdin; a Musical Spectacular" closed on January 10, 2016.
In 2010, Jennifer was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California and Ms. Wheelchair America 2011, 1st Runner Up. During her reign she spread the message of hope through her platform “Empowering Children with Disabilities to Make Their Own Dreams Come True”.
Jennifer was cast in a major role as ‘Carmen’ in Sundance Film Festival hit and Academy Award Nominated film “The Sessions”, MTV’s teen sensation “Awkward” and became the founder and owner of The Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation in 2011 and has since retired as the State Coordinator in 2016.
Since the closing of 'Aladdin' Jennifer worked for former Long Beach Councilwoman, Senatoe Lena Gonzalez. She currently works at Progressive Solutions Consulting, a boutique firm that works to elect more women, women of color, and members of the LGBTQ and disability communities. Jennifer is also a AD 70 Delegate in the California Democratic Party.
Mr. Nguyen has been with the FAA since 1991 and has held various Program Manager and Team Lead positions in the Management System Division and Information Technology Division. He holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems from Strayer University. He currently holds a certification from the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals, which was obtained at the National Defense University, Information Resources Management College.
Currently Mr. Nguyen serves as the manager for the Finance and Management Organization at the FAA. He is currently responsible for managing the Information Technology supporting various agency level Investment Decision processes such as Joint Resources Council, Post Implementation Review, and Earned Value Management in support of the Executive Secretariat of the Joint Resources Council.
Since joining Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) over two decades ago, Mr. Nguyen has been very active and passionate as an officer of the organization. He has accomplished many goals is currently FAPAC President for the two years term. During this term, he was successfully demonstrated his leadership skills with the creation and leading the first highly successful WHIAAPI Challenge Team. He has also directly involved with the creation of the first FAPAC Business Advisor Partners. He continues to be key advisor member and a mentor for the FAPAC Career Development Program for High Performers. He was also served as the Program Committee Chair and was previously the Scholarship & Internship Committee Chair for FAPAC.
Mr. Nguyen is very active with Asian Pacific American & Pacific Islander (APAI) organizations. He was the National President for the FAA National Asian and Pacific American Association (NAPA) representing over 2000 members nationwide. As the President of NAPA that lasted four years, he had brought NAPA from virtually non-existent to a very strong, powerful, and unites employees association. Mr. Nguyen is currently the Executive Director for NAPA. In addition, he was a key member of the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN), and an active member of the National Asian Peace Officers Association (NAPOA) as which he was a certified Law Enforcement Officer for Virginia for the last 25 years.
Mr. Nguyen’s latest accomplishment is being selected to be the Executive Vice President of Operation Frequent Wind Association (OFWA). OFWA was formed for educational and humanitarian purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) 3 of the IRS code. The primary education and humanitarian purposes is to provide a forum for historical preservation of the Vietnam Veterans and the Refugees of the Vietnam War.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th District of Illinois, which includes Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs. He serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, the Committee on Oversight and Reform and as Chairman of its Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, Vice-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Immigration Task Force, and as an Assistant Whip for the Democratic caucus. He also is the founder and Chairman of both the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic and the bipartisan Solar Caucus.
Raja previously served in Illinois state government on the board of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the office’s anti-corruption unit, and as Deputy State Treasurer, before becoming president of small technology businesses in the Chicago area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University, and received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
Raja and his wife, Priya, a physician, live in Schaumburg with their two sons and daughter.
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