Highlights of Asian Women In Business

AWIB is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1995 to assist Asian women to realize their entrepreneurial potential.  Over the years, AWIB has added programs to develop the leadership abilities of Asian women as entrepreneurs and professionals.  Since our opening reception in October of 1995, we have sponsored numerous conferences and workshops, provided individualized technical assistance, sponsored networking receptions and events and served as a support mechanism for entrepreneurs and professionals. Over 27,000 people have attended our sponsored events.

The following are highlights of our programs since 1997. These programs are only a small part of what AWIB has provided to the thousands who have come to us for assistance.

August 25, 2010
AWIB’s inaugural film event at Bennett Media Studios was a blockbuster hit. The topic of the evening was the changing role and depiction of Asian Women in Hollywood over the years. The night began with a viewing of a short documentary featuring three Asian women performers trying to make it in Hollywood and maintain their cultural identity and unique voice. The panel consisted of Asian women in the entertainment industry.  They were: Tina Chen (actress), Karin Chien (producer), Christine Choy (Professor and former head of the Kanbar Institute of Film & TV at NYU), Bertha Bay-Sa Pan (director), and Sekka Scher (manager); the moderator was Elena Creef (Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies at Wellesley College).  The panelists sought to address any shifts in mainstream media’s portrayal and treatment of Asians. The audience was encouraged to vocalize opinions and engage the panelists in a spirited debate which confirmed the prevalent viewpoint that the progress of the treatment of Asians in Hollywood is still debatable. View Speakers' Bios, Flyer and Photos.

August 18, 2010 
AWIB’s sweetest networking event of the year featured two Asian American artisanal ice cream makers, Adirondack Creamery and Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, and their delectable, unique creations. Guests enjoyed flavors such as Almond Cookie, Pandan, Barkeater, and Strawberry Moon freshly made just for the occasion. The stunning outdoor rooftop and the setting sun made the night even more conducive to happy conversations between AWIB members and supporters alike, as attendees delighted their taste buds and took in one of the last glorious days of summer. View Flyer and Photos.

August 5, 2010
The perfect blend of business and pleasure, Speed Networking was lauded by guests as another well executed AWIB event.  The after work crowd was invited to unwind and relax with a refreshing specialty cocktail of their choice.  After mingling and meeting with their fellow speed networkers, attendees broke down into small groups where even the shyest individuals had their chance at making a professional connection.  There were six (6) 20 minute speed sessions guided by a series of ice breaker questions, which were handed to guests upon arrival.  Throughout the evening, tasty Korean morsels were served as fuel for conversation.  As the night came to a close, attendees were free to network with the rest of the group and solidify relationships with their newfound friends. View Flyer and Photos 

June 30, 2010
AWIB's Sixth Annual Corporate Asian Women's Leadership Conference - Born to Lead: Empowerment in the New Decade was held on June 30, 2010 at Goldman Sachs in Downtown Manhattan.  The evening was a rewarding experience for attendees as they gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of Corporate Asian Women in America and usher in a new decade of Asian Women Leaders.  The event began with a reception, where attendees had the opportunity to network and befriend other corporate women from different industries.  Following the reception was an insightful panel discussion from a group of accomplished Asian women corporate executives.  The panelists touched upon the issues plaguing Asian women in the corporate sector while offering tips and strategies on how to overcome these challenges.  Their personal success stories and sage advice inspired attendees to blaze their own trails as they scale the corporate ladder in the new decade.

This year's distinguished panelists were Neeti Bhalla, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs; Anne Chow, Senior Vice President, Premier Client Group, AT&T; Millie Kim, Esq, General Counsel, Citi Investments; and Elaine Sun, Managing Director, Corporate Advisory, Evercore Partners.  The moderator for the forum was Alina Cho, Anchor, CNN, who superbly guided the discussion for the fourth consecutive year. View Speakers' Bios

All proceeds from the 2010 Corporate Asian Women's Leadership Conference went to a great cause-  The Asian Women In Business Scholarship Fund, which promotes leadership among Asian Women in college.  Learn more about the AWIB Scholarship Fund.  View the invitation and photos from this year's conference.

June 21, 2010
Saigon Uncorked- a multi-course Vietnamese food and wine pairing was a delicious success.  Elisa Kwon, the evening's elegant sommelier, navigated the pairing of 7 courses and 7 wines and enhanced our enjoyment of the evening's fare.  We started our adventure with the pop of a champagne (a wonderful Louis Roederer) and new friends were made over a shared interest in food and wine.  Attendees left with smiles on their faces and a party favor of a diamond wine stopper to end the night with a bit of sparkle.
View Flyer and Pictures