Society Overview: Ascend NAAMBA for Pan-Asian MBAs
Over the next 40 years, the Pan-Asian population in the U.S. is expected to triple and reach 40 million individuals. What’s surprising is that only 18% of Fortune 500 companies have Pan-Asian members on their boards, and Pan-Asian men and women account for only 1.8% of the 1,214 Fortune 100 board seats. So, it’s no wonder that there are organizations dedicated to helping Pan-Asians succeed in North America. One of the most prestigious non-profit organizations, around since 2005, is Ascend Pan-Asian Leaders.
What Is Ascend?
Ascend is the largest nonprofit organization for Pan-Asian business professionals in North America, dedicated to serving Pan-Asian business professionals across multiple industries. They reach over 60,000 people through networking, training, professional development, and career enhancement programs and events using 34 student chapters and 17 professional chapters to reach their goal.
The purpose of Ascend is to leverage the leadership and global business potential of Pan-Asian professionals by offering expert career guidance services and programs. They connect Pan-Asian leaders; help young professionals pursue their career goals; and assist partners, sponsors, and corporations to achieve business growth and diversity. Ascend serves as a collective voice for the Pan-Asian business community.
What Are Ascend’s Initiatives?
Ascend has multiple initiatives that they use to further their goals. Ascend members can participate in eight national programs and three chapter/regional programs as well as a yearly National Convention and Career Fair. A few of Ascend’s most popular initiatives include:
Pinnacle
According to a diversity report published in 2013, Pan-Asians hold the fewest Board seats in Fortune 500 companies. That’s why Pinnacle was launched in 2013 to focus on Pan-Asian Corporate Board Directors. The program was developed to help promote Pan-Asian candidates for future Board service and to increase the number of Pan-Asians that currently serve on Fortune 500 Corporate Boards. Using a “push and pull” system, Pinnacle aims to “pull” from current Pan-Asian Board members to “push” those who aspire to reach their position.
Ascend NAAMBA
The National Association of Asian MBAs joined Ascend in 2013. Its goal is to help graduate/MBA students become senior executives. The NAAMBA holds a National Conference and Career Exposition each year. The event features professional development seminars, networking sessions, and a diversity Career Exposition geared toward Pan-Asian job seekers. The conference welcomes employers, MBA Schools, and job seekers for a valuable weekend event.
National Convention & Career Fair
Above and beyond the NAAMBA national event, Ascend holds an annual convention for the Pan-Asian business community. Each year, over 3,000 leaders and senior executives attend from cities across North America and a broad cross-section of industries. The three-day event brings together top industry leaders, senior executives, business professionals, MBAs, and undergraduate students alongside 320 corporations and universities. Corporate sponsors experience business growth, meet top talent, and develop diversity while Ascend members network, gain knowledge and tools, and learn industry trends.
LEAD Series
Regionally, Ascend offers a LEAD series to its members to help them develop and strengthen their leadership skills. LEAD stands for leadership, empowerment, advancement, and development. Attendees learn from executive panelists across a diverse set of industries and fields to help them achieve and advance their professional goals. Program categories have included Management Style and Management Approach while discussion topics have included “Executing Your Vision with Superiors and Peers.”
Other Initiatives
Other initiatives offered by Ascend include:
- Stanford Advanced Leadership Program (ALP)
- Corporate Executive Initiative (CEI)
- Myths of Asian Leadership
- Executive Insight Series (EIS)
- Executive Insight for Women (EIW)
- Mentorship Programs
- Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Conferences
Ascend Resources
Ascend doesn’t just offer its members valuable programs and conferences to attend; the Ascend Foundation also completes research on Pan-Asian professionals in North America. This research analyzes everything from leadership to business success and corporate executives. Another Ascend resource is its Career Center, which is only available to members and offers a list of professional and career opportunities as well as advice on “standing out.”
How to Join Ascend?
Ascend members have access to all of the organizations professional, career enhancement, and leadership programs. And becoming a member is simple. There are four types of membership available:
- Professional: Professional membership is available for managers and working professionals. One year of membership starts at $125.
- Full-Time Undergrad: Full-time undergraduate students can join for just $45 per year with a “.edu” email.
- Full-Time MBA/Graduate: Full-time MBA and graduate students can also join for just $25 a year with a “.edu” email.
- Executive: By invitation only, senior executives can join Ascend for a lifetime fee of $1,200.
Membership is open to all ethnicities and business backgrounds and can be obtained by visiting the website and filling out the application online.
About the Author
Kelly Vo
Kelly Vo is a writer who specializes in covering MBA programs, digital marketing, and personal development.
