Inspiration

Organizations Creating Change in the AAPI Tech Community

Group of AAPI UX/UI designers working on strategizing app design while working in tech

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), a time to celebrate all of the amazing work performed by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in American history and culture. In the Kenzie Academy program from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), we understand just how important it is to recognize the contributions of the AAPI community this month and throughout the year. We also realize representation in tech can empower you to find career success.

If you’re an Asian American or Pacific Islander professional in tech, this list of organizations making a difference in the AAPI tech community is just for you. You can use this resource to access career development opportunities, connect with the Asian American tech community, promote social and economic justice, and more.

Ascend Global Leaders

Ascend Pan-Asian Leaders is one of the largest nonprofit membership organizations for Pan-Asian business professionals in the United States. The organization focuses broadly on the business world, and it can be a great resource for Asian American and Pacific Islanders looking to launch or lead tech businesses. Ascend offers a bevy of educational and career resources for Asian American professionals that can be useful as you begin your tech journey.

California Software Professional Association

The California Software Professional Association (CSPA) promotes leadership, community, and entrepreneurship in technology with a focus on the Asian American population. The organization has a 30+ year history in Silicon Valley and offers events such as mixers, startup visits, and lab tours. Getting involved with CSPA can help California-based tech workers get connected with potential business partners, employers, and others in the software engineering field.

API Who Design

Get connected with the movers and shakers in the design world through API Who Design. API Who Design is both an online directory of talented Asian and Pacific Islander designers and a Slack channel. On the Slack channel, you can network with others in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, join in on conversations about what’s trending in the industry, and find solidarity.

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) is committed to giving back, celebrating diversity in the workplace and on campuses, and preparing engineers and scientists of Asian heritage for leadership success in the business world. Founded in 2007, SASE helps Asian scientists and engineers reach their full career potential. The organization has many chapters to support Asian Pacific Americans in their studies and careers across the U.S. Additionally, the organization offers scholarships, conventions, webinars, and an annual AAPI women’s conference.

Asia America MultiTechnology Association

The Asia America MultiTechnology Association (AAMA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 and dedicated to promoting business, technology, and cultural exchange between Asia and America. AAMA is a leading platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and executives in the technology industry to connect, share insights, and build partnerships. With chapters in Silicon Valley, Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei, the organization coordinates events, programs, and forums that facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its more than 10,000 global members. If you’d like to get involved, inquire with your employer about membership opportunities or become a volunteer.

Wonder Women of Tech

If you’re a woman in the AAPI community exploring a career path in technology, Wonder Women in Tech (WWT) has various opportunities for your continued success. WWT is a global ecosystem that empowers and supports women in the technology industry, including those in the underrepresented AAPI community. It provides a platform for women to connect, network, and share their experiences, challenges, and successes. It also offers resources, including mentorship programs, training sessions, and workshops to help women in tech advance their careers and reach their full potential.

National Association of Asian American Professionals

If you’re cultivating a career in computer software, computer engineering, or computer hardware, the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) has opportunities to offer. The organization advocates for Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs and provides a platform for its members to connect, collaborate, and develop leadership skills. It has programs, events, and resources available to support the professional development and career advancement of its members. With these initiatives, the NAAAP also aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and society as a whole.

The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1954 to promote sustainable development, democratic governance, and peace and security in Asia. The foundation works in partnership with governments, communities, and local organizations to address critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, conflict, and environmental degradation. Through these efforts, the Asia Foundation hopes to empower and connect communities to a global ecosystem of information while fostering inclusivity and prosperity.

Chinese Institute of Engineers – USA

The Chinese Institute of Engineers – USA (CIE-USA) is a nonprofit professional organization that promotes science, engineering, and technology advancement among Chinese-American engineers and scientists. The organization has a long history of supporting Chinese-American professionals in the U.S. through programs, technical seminars, networking events, and mentoring opportunities that facilitate knowledge-sharing and professional development among its members. CIE-USA also collaborates with academic and research institutions, industry associations, and government agencies to advance engineering and technology innovation. These collaborations also promote cross-cultural understanding between the U.S. and China.

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) is a nonprofit organization working toward increased representation of minorities such as the AAPI community in engineering, computer science, and related fields. The NACME provides scholarships, academic support, and career development programs to minority students pursuing education by working with universities, corporations, and K-12 schools. The organization also conducts research and advocacy to promote policies and practices that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and the workforce.


It’s Time to Start Your Tech Story

As the tech space continues its efforts toward diversity, organizations like the ones we highlighted are doing their part to make inclusion possible. They create and nurture positive change by providing support to tech professionals, tech hopefuls, and entire communities in the U.S. and Asia alike. Will you take part in this change? Take the first step toward a promising future in tech today in a Kenzie Academy program from Southern New Hampshire University. Apply today and get started.

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