Pham & Liu Nominated for APA Community Roast Innovator Award

Two of EDI’s own have been nominated for the APA Community Roast Innovator Award. They are Julie Pham, Class of 2010 and Marian Liu, Class of 2009 and both active contributors to NAAAP (see youtube clip).

Portlander's official visit to Tokyo disrupted by shocks and aftershocks

By Richard Reed, Oregonian --

A bus carrying Portlander Mari Watanabe shook violently in a Tokyo parking lot as shock waves from Friday's deadly earthquake rocked Japan.

Watanabe, visiting the city with a Japanese-American delegation, looked across the parking lot of the Hotel New Otani Tokyo, where the group had arrived for a meeting.

"Our bus was rocking and rolling," Watanabe said. "We could see the other buses in the parking lot shaking. People were pouring out of the hotel.

"I've been in some California earthquakes, and this one was strong. And then the fact that it lasted so long."

Watanabe happened to be in Japan's capital city for the massive, historic quake. She spoke by phone early Saturday, Japan time, as aftershocks continued to shake the Tokyo Prince Hotel where she was staying on the 10th floor.

Her overriding impression, as she drifted in and out of sleep in the swaying tower, was of the strength of Japanese engineering, which prevented her hotel and surrounding structures from toppling. She couldn't help thinking that if an 8.9-strength quake hit the United States, the devastation would be far worse.

Watanabe, 52, is executive director of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment, which built Portland's Japanese American Historical Plaza and the Nikkei Legacy Center, a history museum the organization operates in Portland.

The granddaughter of Japanese immigrants, Watanabe was chosen to join a delegation of 13 Japanese-Americans sponsored by the U.S.-Japan Council to spend a week meeting with officials and others in Japan. The point was to learn more about Japan and to discuss ways of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.

Delegation members, who include academics and businesspeople, were looking forward to meeting Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan Friday. Needless to say, that was canceled.

But in classic Japanese style, unruffled officials from the Japan Association of Corporate Executives greeted Watanabe's delegation at the New Otani Hotel, ushering them inside for their scheduled meeting. Soon after formal introductions, however, aftershocks disrupted the proceedings.

Hotel staff members told everyone to leave the building. The Japanese, and Japanese Americans, walked out into the hotel's garden, an oasis in the megalopolis of 28 million. They stood among manicured shrubs and trees near a sloping bridge over a pond, gazing upward.

"There was one of those window-washing baskets that was swinging back and forth," Watanabe said. "The ground was shaking."

"There's a new building being built a couple of blocks away. On top was a big crane."

The spectators could hear the crane creaking as it teetered above them.

"We were worried that the crane would fall over, but it never did," Watanabe said. "We were looking at the tall buildings and thinking, these are Japanese engineering marvels all around us. Glass didn't fly off. The buildings stayed up."

When the aftershocks passed, the group went back inside to continue the meeting. "The funny thing was, every time somebody said the word 'earthquake,' as a comment, it seemed like the floor would shake, because they were having so many aftershocks."

The shocks continued Friday as the delegation returned to their own central-Tokyo hotel and office workers, stranded after train service shut down, began long walks home.

View full sizeNHK TVIn this video image taken from Japan's NHK TV, an oil refinery burns in Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture Japan Friday.
"At first we were not allowed to go up the elevators," Watanabe said. "So some of the delegates actually walked the 10 flights to their rooms. But most of the rest of us just went to the bar and had drinks."

Group members, who got to meet Japan's newly appointed foreign minister earlier in their visit, expressed disappointment at missing the premier. "But he certainly had more important things to deal with than to meet us," Watanabe said.

She paused in her hotel room during the phone interview, getting her balance.

"Oh, good," Watanabe said. "Another aftershock. Here we go."

She paused.

"It's not too bad. Just a little one this time."

Shortly before the quake hit, Watanabe and her group had a meeting on the 24th or 26th floor of another hotel.

"I'm glad we had already done that," she said. "It would have been a lot more exciting if we had been way up there at the top."

Carrie Shiu Awarded Asian American Engineer of the Year

Hi Starr and Vanna,

While I am still overwhelmed with the Asian American Engineer of the Year award I just received last
Saturday, I want to take the time to credit both of you for getting me where
I am today! As a result of attending EDI in 2009, I decided to embrace
"Change" in my career and took up the BAAPA president position. As a direct
result of that I got nominated for the AAEoY Award =)

Now during the award banquet I was to deliver a 90-second acceptance speech.
I had it all written down on a piece of paper but then I lost the paper! So
standing in front of the mic I got panic for a moment but then my
Vanna-memories kicked in. I was able to find the pairs of eyes in the
audience to focus on from all across the hall while reciting my speech. I
knew exactly how to stand, how to project my voice, and how to use hand
gestures all because of you, Vanna!

You have a proud EDI Alumni in me =D

Regards,
Carrie Shiu, PMP SCPM
BCA Airplane Product Development
Configuration & Engineering Analysis

EDI Announces First Featured Chef for Benefit Dinner "Inclusion Fusion"

BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 22, 2011 – Executive Development Institute’s (EDI) announces Thoa Nguyen as a featured chef to create innovative fusion cooking for its annual benefit dinner and auction, "Inclusion Fusion."

Chef Thoa Nguyen was born in Saigon and raised in Cho Lon, the city's Chinatown district. She is the owner of three Seattle Asian restaurants: Chinoise Cafe in Madison Park; Thoa's Restaurant in Downtown Seattle; and Wabi Sabi Sushi Bar in Columbia City.

Nguyen introduced Seattle to the original Chinoise Cafe on Queen Anne in 1996. It quickly became a success and three more locations followed. Nguyen seeks to create personal interpretations of contemporary and classic Vietnamese dishes with Seattle diners.

EDI's 2011 benefit dinner and auction "Inclusion Fusion" will be held on May 20th at SODO Park (3200 1st Avenue South, Seattle). The dinner features fusion cooking from Hispanic and Asian cultures. EDI will engage several renowned chefs from the Pacific Northwest to create innovative dishes based on the original flavors of these enduring civilizations. Participation in Inclusion Fusion is open to the public and will allow EDI to continue to expand its programs in both content and diversity.

Sponsors for this benefit dinner include Prudential, KeyBank Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, Nordstrom, and Wells Fargo. Emcees for the event are Javier Palmera, Executive Producer, Univision and Marlee Ginter, anchor for KOMO. Laura Michalek, "Seattle's Fundraising Auctioneer," will be the featured auctioneer. Please register at www.ediorg.org or call 425.467.9365.

About Executive Development Institute

EDI delivers culturally tailored leadership programs that empower participants to leverage their cultural and diverse attributes for accelerated professional growth. The non-profit agency's mission is to build a community to meet the growing imperative for global leaders.

Its programs offer real-time leadership solutions to companies and organizations seeking leaders equipped with cross-cultural insights and business savvy to manage global strategies and to connect with diverse markets. It is the only Pacific Northwest non-profit agency offering ethnically-tailored leadership programs focused on leveraging cultural and diverse attributes of participants to develop their full potential as effective leaders.

EDI Honors Wayne with Special Recognition Award

(Story from Northwest Asian Weekly "Names in the News" Dec. 18-24, 2010)

Wayne Nakamura, claims manager at State Farm Insurance, was presented with the Executive Development Institute (EDI)’s Special Recognition Award.

Since 1994, EDI has presented this award to a noteworthy individual and/or corporation who has contributed substantially to EDI and has a sincere commitment to their employees and to diversity.

Nakamura earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Hawaii at Manao. He earned his master’s degree in public administration at the University of Washington. ♦

Thank you Vanna, Char, Colleen & Wayne!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
On January 9th, EDI hosted a reception to thank Vanna Novak, Char Grinolds, Wayne Nakamura, and Colleen Yamaguchi for serving as board members for two years. The reception was held at Starr's home where an assortment of delicious hors d'oeuvres were served. Commemorative photos of their participation in EDI events were presented. Vanna and Colleen will continue to manage the EDI programs. Wayne promises to keep promoting EDI at State Farm Insurance. Char will remain active in EDI by helping with Inclusion Fusion, etc. Thank you Vanna, Char, Colleen and Wayne for all your terrific contributions on the EDI Board!

EDI & Ted Yamamura Honored as Top Contributors to Asian Community

Star Macdonald (center), EDI's Executive Director, accepts NW Asian Weekly's Top Contributors Award as Rep. Marcie Maxwell and EDI Co-Founder Vanna Novak (left) and EDI alumni look on at the House of Hong. (Photo-Courtesy of George Liu, Northwest Asian Weekly).

BELLEVUE, Wash., December 9, 2010 – Bellevue-based Executive Development Institute (EDI) was honored last week as a recipient of the Top Contributor to the Asian Community Award. The Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation presents this award annually to select individuals and organizations recognized for making a positive difference in the Asian Pacific American community. Ted Yamamura, EDI's co-founder, also received an individual award for his contributions.
Over 300 people attended the award ceremony and dinner at the House of Hong Restaurant in Seattle. Starr Macdonald, EDI's Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of EDI. Vanna Novak, EDI Co-Founder accepted the award on behalf of Yamamura who was unable to attend the event.
Yamamura and Novak had a vision to build a community of diverse global leaders and created EDI in 1994. Its culturally tailored leadership programs are business relevant and empower participants to leverage their cultural and diverse attributes for accelerated professional growth. Nearly 17 years later, EDI has graduated more than 550 multi-ethnic professionals from its Leadership Discovery program.
Major community and business sponsors for EDI include, KeyBank, Boeing, Prudential, Nordstrom, Puget Sound Energy, Weyerhaeuser, State Farm Insurance, and Wells Fargo. EDI's mission is to build a community that meets the growing imperative for global leaders.
Since 1990, the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation has been recognizing "Top Contributors." This year 11 individuals and one organization received awards.
Other individuals honored as Top Contributors include: Chang Rae Lee, Pepper Jack Fast Food Restaurant in Bellevue; Christine Umayam, Child United; Debadutta Dash, Washington State's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA); Yoshi Minegishi, Celebrate Asia!; Vera Ing, community activist and author; Susan Lee, Korean American Chamber of Commerce; Thanch Nguyen, The Gift; Ruthann Kurose, Washington State Liquor Control Board; Theresa Pan Hosley, Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation; Ellen Abellera, CAPAA.
Major sponsors for the Top Contributors Awards are Wells Fargo, Bellevue College, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Seahawks, State Farm Insurance and Aero Controls., Inc.

EDI Hosts 17th Annual Graduation Gala

EDI Graduation on YouTube - Click on arrow below to get a glimpse of the Leadership Navigation Program!


BELLEVUE, Wash., November 10, 2010 – The Executive Development Institute (EDI) hosted its 17th annual graduation gala with close to 300 sponsors, mentors, friends and family in attendance at the Hilton Bellevue last week. EDI also hosted its third annual graduation for its Greater Portland graduates last week in Portland. Altogether 54 graduates were honored this year for completing EDI's culturally tailored leadership programs.
The 2010 EDI graduates include talented professionals at organizations including Microsoft Corporation, The Boeing Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, Nike, Puget Sound Energy, State Farm Insurance, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KeyBank, Rainier Scholars, Symetra Financial, Element3, International Students Inc., NW Natural, Emeritus Senior Living and NW Vietnamese News.
Keynote speaker, Yau-Man Chan, CBS Survivor Contestant and Chief Technology Officer, College of Chemistry, University of California-Berkeley shared his experiences as Survivor contestant in Survivor Fiji in 2007 and Survivor Micronesia in 2008. Sandra Madrid, PhD, Senior Advisor to the Dean, University of Washington School of Law emceed the graduation event.
Graduates shared their teambuilding and leadership experiences serving on community projects with non-profit organizations including Chinese Information and Service Center, Neighborhood House, Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Operation Nightwatch, Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, Rainier Scholars, and Seattle Police Foundation.
EDI provides culturally tailored leadership programs that position Asian-Americans and Hispanics on a fast track for successful executive service and other leadership positions. They are unique programs, providing cutting-edge leadership training that focuses on practical, real-world problem solving in a multi-cultural context.
Since its inception in 1994, EDI has graduated more than 550 multi-ethnic professionals from its Leadership Discovery program. Major community and business sponsors for EDI include Microsoft, KeyBank, Boeing, Prudential, Nordstrom, Puget Sound Energy, Weyerhaeuser, State Farm Insurance, and Wells Fargo.

EDI Honors UW President Mark Emmert for Advancing Social Justice: Interned Japanese-Americans Received Honorary Degrees

Executive Development Institute (EDI), headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., partnered with University of Washington (UW) and Union Bank to host a surprise farewell reception for UW President Mark Emmert at UW's Kane Hall, last week. Emmert was recognized for supporting social justice in embracing the opportunity to award interned Nikkei or Japanese-American graduates with honorary degrees in the commemorative Long Journey Home event.

In 2008, Emmert presented honorary degrees to all Nikkei students or surviving family members who had their education disrupted by the incarceration of thousands of Japanese-Americans during World War II. UW is the first university to advocate honorary degrees to the Japanese-American graduates of 1941-42.

Dr. Tetsu Kashima, Chair of the Long Journey Home Committee and UW professor of American ethnic studies and Dennis Yamashita, Japan-America Society Board Chair, shared remarks on the significance of acknowledging the suffering of those students by awarding them honorary degrees. Kashima initiated the petition to the UW regents to approve the measure. The federal government removed all 440 UW Japanese-American students from the University. Though some of these Nisei (second generation Japanese-Americans) returned or received their degrees from other colleges, many others were unable to finish their education at the UW.

Dr. Phyllis Wise, UW Provost and Interim President-Designate shared the UW perspective. Ted Yamamura, EDI Co-Founder and Boeing Regional Manager and Tim Otani, Union Bank Vice President of Community Relations, presented a glass plaque to Emmert inscribed with the Japanese characters for "kansha" or gratitude and appreciation. Emmert made closing remarks.

About 100 guests attended the reception including Japanese Consul General Kiyokazu Ota, Tomio Moriguchi, Chairman of Uwajimaya, and other prominent members of the Asian American community. Diane Adachi, UW Assistant Vice President and Special Assistant to the Provost served as emcee.

The Center for APA Women Hosts Whole Person Leadership Seminar

The Center for APA Women (formerly APAWLI) Announces our Whole Person Leadership Seminar


Save the Date - October 1, 2010
Register online at http://wplseattleu.eventbrite.com. See more information on our Programs page.
Host Sponsor: Seattle University School of Law

EDI Organizes 2010 Picnic with Asian Pacific Alliance

On Saturday, August 21, 2010, approximately 350 people came to the 2010 Leadership Community Picnic, held at Lake Boren Park, Newcastle.

EDI led the Asian Pacific Alliance, comprised of ten organizations that serve Asian Americans in the Greater Seattle area, in planning for the picnic. The 20-member committee began planning for this year’s picnic back in January. Over fifty volunteers helped set up games, including dodgeball and volleyball, man information booths, and pass out lunches. Picnickers enjoyed gourmet Vietnamese-style sandwiches from Baguette Box and desert from Monsoon Restaurant.

"The planning team greatly appreciates the financial sponsorship of Microsoft, Prudential, T-Mobile, and Puget Sound Energy. They helped make this community event possible. I also am honored to have worked with representatives from our Asian Pacific Alliance partners. It’s been a lot of fun working with this group for months, and Saturday’s event would not have been possible without their energy and passion for leadership,” said Ador Yano, EDI board member and EDI alumnus 2004, and the Co-Chair of the Leadership Community Picnic planning committee.

“This has been the best APA picnic in my recent memory. My hat is going off to the leaders and all volunteers involved,” said Jiin-chiang Chen, who represented Boeing Asian-American Professional Association (BAAPA) on the picnic planning committee.

Washington State Senator 41st District Randy Gordon and King County Assessor Lloyd Hara were also at the picnic.

EDI Leadership Navigation Session: "The Power Grid"

Federal Way, Wa - At the Weyerhauser Headquarters last friday, Executive Development Institute (EDI)Leadership Navigation program participants met for its 7th session entitled Gamesmanship: Knowing Your Field of Play and How to Create Wins and learn from executive mentors on organizational politics. (Note: the Leadership navigation program is for mid- to senior level professionals having displayed managerial, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.)

I had the privilege of sitting in and taking part in the discussions. The session's distinguished executive mentors included George S Kikuchi (US Postal Service Executive, retired); John Okamoto (Executive Director, Washington Education Association); Jenette Ramos (Director, Business Operations, Fabrication; Boeing Commercial Airplanes); and Marvin (Ray) Risco (Vice President of International Operations at Weyerhauser).

What I learned was that organizational politics are as old as the history of business. This session looked at the role of power and politics within organizations.

I widened my awareness, gained a better understanding and tools needed to be able to assess the relevant “rules of the Game” and developed effective strategies and skills to succeed in any organization. More importantly, I wanted to be a much more skillful player. For example, George mentioned to gain power yourself, you need to start with yourself, expand your circle of influence, and be aware when power is granted to you because identifying the invisible power grid underlying the field of organizational dynamics allows us to appreciate what’s really happening versus what we hear or see taking place. Knowing this gave me, I think, a significant strategic advantage in being able to influence decisions, move projects along and close critical deals.

I want to thank EDI's Executive Director, Starr MacDonald and session facilitator, Colleen Yamaguchi for granting me this privilege. Thanks!

Regards,
Gil Gido
NAAAP Seattle
President

From the UWAA President

Colleen Fukui-Sketchly is now the UWAA President. Colleen is an EDI graduate and EDI supporter. Congratulations Colleen on your new position!


Dear friends,

It’s my honor to serve as your board president for the 2010-11 academic year. The UW Alumni Association is a wonderful organization that brings incredible value to our community. But I don’t have to tell you that. As members, you are the difference-makers.

Our past-president, Eddie Pasatiempo, set the bar high and I am extremely grateful for his hard work and leadership. Eddie’s volunteer efforts on behalf of the UW are an inspiration. My goal as president is to tell your stories and provide you with opportunities to connect that are right for you and your family.

We just saw what 1,500 graduates can do for the Seattle Mariners, who won a 1-0 decision July 18 at Husky Night with the Seattle Mariners. Other Husky Summer Celebrations have been equally successful, and there are many more happening across the country, including salmon barbecues, potluck lunches and so on. Find an event near you!

I come from a family of Huskies and look forward to communicating with alumni and friends who have been touched by the UW over the years. Through Columns magazine and your monthly Member E-newsletter, I will keep you informed about what’s changing in the world of membership. With new discounts in the works for movies, jazz, ballet, concerts and more, our staff is making great connections that will give you even more chances to be proud of your membership.

Thanks for being a UWAA member, and here’s to a great year!

Sincerely,


Colleen

EDI Hosts Forum on Both Good and Bad Effects of Social Media

Executive Development Institute (EDI), headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., organized a 2010 Leadership Together Educational Forum on the "Invasion of Social Media - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!" at The Seattle Times Auditorium on June 22nd. National Association of Asian American Professionals(NAAAP)-Seattle and Qwest Pacific Asian American Network cooperated with EDI to market the program. Prudential Insurance Company of America was the event's sponsor.
Charlie Harger, KOMO Newsradio's technology and social media reporter and president of Bohado Media spoke to an audience of about 75 attendees. His presentation covered how to take advantage of social media to advance your professional brand, do business and expand your network. He also covered how to repair and change your current image in the virtual world.
""Prudential is proud of our relationship with EDI," said Joneil Custodio, Prudential's West Coast diversity manager and former NAAAP-Seattle PR/Marketing chair. "With their leadership in the community, we are able to create and deliver innovative programs, such as this one tonight, that bring our Asian community closer - making us stronger."
EDI is a prominent Pacific Northwest non-profit agency offering ethnically-tailored leadership programs focused on leveraging cultural and diverse attributes of participants to develop their full potential as global leaders. Its unique programs offer real-time leadership solutions to companies and organizations seeking leaders equipped with cross-cultural insights and business savvy to manage global strategies and to connect with diverse markets. Since 1994, nearly 500 Asian Pacific and Hispanic participants have graduated from EDI.
The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates, Newark, New Jersey are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates are not affiliated with EDI.

Don Wakamatsu's Makes Special Appearance at Inclusion Fusion!

SEATTLE, Wash., May 25, 2010 – Executive Development Institute (EDI) held its annual benefit dinner and auction "Inclusion Fusion" at Seattle's newly renovated SODO Park on May 20th. Over 250 guests participated in the silent and live auctions contributing about $90,000 in funds.
Mariners Manager Don Wakamatsu made a special appearance and mingled with guests. The dinner's bright and festive ambiance highlighted entertainment by the Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana musicians and Korean Morning Star Taiko drummers and dancers. Guests were served Hispanic and Asian fusion dishes including Cilantro Crusted Halibut, Chimichurri Beef, Shitake-Asparagus Tamale with Mole and Spicy Ginger Mandarin Cabbage Slaw.
As "Inclusion Fusion" conveys, EDI is embarking on a new chapter in its 16 year history. The non-profit leadership institute will be expanding its programs to additional ethnic groups. Last year, EDI successfully introduced a leadership program tailored for Hispanic participants in addition to its long-established programs for Asian-Pacific participants. Over 500 participants have graduated from EDI leadership programs.
Funds raised will allow EDI to continue to expand its programs both in content and diversity. EDI's vision is to be the preeminent leadership institute where corporations and organizations seek diverse global leaders. Its programs encourage cultural authenticity as a springboard to advance global business and cross-cultural understanding.
Major sponsors for this benefit dinner include Prudential, KeyBank Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, Nordstrom, and Wells Fargo. Emcees for the event were Jaime Mendez, anchor for Univision and Marlee Ginter, anchor for KOMO. Laura Michalek, "Seattle's Fundraising Auctioneer," was the featured auctioneer. For more information on EDI and its leadership programs, please visit www.ediorg.org.

Lip Smacking Fusion Cooking at "Inclusion Fusion"!

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 4, 2009 – Executive Development Institute’s (EDI) 2010 benefit dinner and auction "Inclusion Fusion" on May 20th, 5-9 PM, at SODO Park (3200 1st Avenue South, Seattle) is designed to delight your senses with fusion cooking from Hispanic and Asian cultures. Four renowned cooks from the Pacific Northwest will create innovative dishes based on the original flavors of these enduring civilizations.
Featured chefs include Diego Castroviejo, executive chef at Taberna del Albardero; Joey Serquinia, executive chef at Harvest Vine; Sam Ung, executive chef and owner, Phnom Penh Noodle House; and Dalis Chea, executive chef of Herban Feast. The menu features combinations of Hispanic and Asian cuisine such as Cilantro Crusted Halibut and Chimichurri Beef, Shitake-Asparagus Tamale with Mole, Snap Peas and Veracruz Rice, and Spicy Ginger Mandarin Cabbage Slaw.
As "Inclusion Fusion" conveys, EDI is embarking on a new chapter in its 16 year history. The non-profit leadership institute will be expanding its programs to additional ethnic groups. Last year, EDI successfully introduced a leadership program tailored for Hispanic participants in addition to its long-established programs for Asian-Pacific participants.
Participation is open to the public and will allow EDI to continue to expand its programs both in content and diversity. EDI's vision is to be the preeminent leadership institute where corporations and organizations seek diverse global leaders. Its programs encourage cultural authenticity as a springboard to advance global business and cross-cultural understanding.
Major sponsors for this benefit dinner include Prudential, KeyBank Foundation, State Farm Insurance, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, Nordstrom, and Wells Fargo. Emcees for the event are Jaime Mendez, anchor for Univision and Marlee Ginter, anchor for KOMO. Laura Michalek, "Seattle's Fundraising Auctioneer," will be the featured auctioneer. Please register at www.ediorg.org or call 425.467.9365.

Introducing New Board Members and Officers

March 9, 2010 – EDI elected four new members to its Board of Directors: George Alabi, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Amy Hartlmueller-Torres, KeyBank; Nitza Agrait Vilá, Microsoft Corporation; and Ador Yano, Massachusetts Medical Society.

The Board also elected new officers from its current board members including: Wallace Greene, President; Lorraine Yu, Vice President; Gaylord Escalona, Secretary; and Chee-Tuck Wong, Treasurer. EDI is a non-profit agency with a mission of developing culturally diverse leaders.

Alabi is Regional Director in Boeing Commercial Airplanes Product Marketing. Alabi communicates the value of Boeing products to top airline executives worldwide. Born in El Salvador he came to the U.S. at the age of seven. He graduated from the University of California with degrees in Spanish, Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering. He also attained a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the State of Washington.

Hartlmueller-Torres is Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for KeyBank's future Newcastle branch, opening in July. She prides herself on building long term relationships with her clients to become their trusted advisor. She is an adopted Korean American who came to the U.S. at the age of six. Hartlmueller-Torres actively supports March of Dimes and Relay for Life and Junior Achievement.

Agrait Vilá serves as Senior Attorney at Microsoft Corporation and provides frontline legal support for various sales and marketing organizations. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she attended Harvard and Radcliffe colleges followed by law school at the University of Puerto Rico and the Universitat de Barcelona.

Yano is Product Development Manager for Massachusetts Medical Society, publisher of The New England Journal of Medicine. Yano directs the development of new publishing technology products for medical professionals as the Journal transitions to digital and networked publishing environments. Born in the Philippines, Yano came to the United States at the age of thirteen. He graduated from Yale University with a degree in Art and later worked at Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. Yano has actively served the community in a number of non-profit organizations such Neighborhood House and Wing Luke Asian Museum.

INCLUSION FUSION: EDI Plans Fresh New Look for Benefit Dinner

This year, EDI is planning an exciting new benefit dinner and auction called "INCLUSION FUSION." Committee members are busily preparing for this event. Contact us if you'd like to help. Get your friends and relatives jazzed about attending! Here are the details:

EDI's Inclusion Fusion - A Celebration of Friends, Food & Fun-Raising!

When: Thursday, May 20, 2010, 5PM to 9PM
Where: SODO Park (3200 1st Avenue South, Seattle)
Attire: Casual and Festive!
Hosts: Linda Villegas Bremer-Director of General Adminstration, State of Washington; John Hooper-Sr. VP, Human Resources, Weyerhauser Co.; S. Mae Fujita Numata-CFO Partner, Tatum LLC
Emcee: Jaime Mendez, Anchor, Univision; Marlee Ginter, Anchor, KOMO
Auctioneer: Laura Michalek, "Seattle's Fundraising Auctioneer"
Cost: $100 per person/ $1000 for table of 10
Registration: Visit www.ediorg.org or call 425-467-9365; dealine is 5pm on 5/6/2010

EDI Announces 20 Percent Reduction on Leadership Program Tuition

January 12, 2010 -- EDI announces a 20 percent tuition reduction for its Leadership Navigation Program, an eight-month program beginning in March 2010 targeted for mid- to senior-level Asian Pacific managers.

In response to market input on continued economic challenges facing corporations and community organizations, EDI is offering its highly touted program at an extraordinary value of $5500 per participant. This is a $1300 reduction in program tuition, originally offered this year for $6800 per participant.

"We've revamped this year's Leadership Navigation Program to be the same quality of training only at a much higher value including leading-edge trainers, executive coaching, and first-rate accommodations. Professional one-on-one coaching alone is valued from $2000 to $3600 for up to eight hours. Participants will benefit by learning from nationally experienced trainers and connect with world-class leaders, mentors and coaches at an unprecedented value," said Starr Macdonald, executive director of EDI.

The announced application deadline for 2010 EDI leadership programs is January 30th. An extension until February 15th is under consideration. Interested candidates should contact Starr Macdonald at: 425.467.9365 or starr@ediorg.org.

Asian Americans Examine Ways to Advance Leadership In Corporations- Top Google Asian Pacific Executive is Keynote Speaker

EDI, in collaboration with over eight other corporations and non-profit organizations, is hosting a culturally tailored Leadership Together Conference for Asian Pacific professionals to further develop their leadership skills. The conference "Ignite the Leader Within" will be held at Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) from 7:30 AM to 1 PM on January 30, 2010.

The conference will begin with a keynote presentation by Chee Chew, Engineering Director of Google. Chew is the second-highest ranking executive at Google in Washington State. The conference will also feature three interactive workshops focusing on risk-taking, conflict resolution and identifying your personal leadership brand lead by J.D. Hokoyama, President and CEO of Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc.; Vanna Novak, Presiden tof Speak to Persuade; and Colleen Yamaguchi, leadership coach and consultant. Each topic is tailored to address professional barriers that may hinder Asian Pacific managers from advancing to corporate leadership positions.

The cost to attend the conference is $50 per person before January 15, 2010 and $65 per person after January 15, 2010. To register for the conference and more information, visit www.ediorg.org.