InspirASIAN National Newsletter | National Election + About the Candidates
11/19/24
2024 National Board Executive Council Elections
The Nominees Are In & Voting Has Commenced!
Nominations have completed and here are your candidates for the officer positions on the 2024 InspirASIAN National Executive Council.
Vice President:
Lao Yang
Treasurer
Kim Saenbandith
Rajeev Prasad
Marketing & Communications Officer
Han Ma
About the Candidates
We’ll have a live Meet the Candidates session on Dec. 3rd— here is some information about each candidate.
Vice President
Lao Yang (incumbent)
Background:National Vice President (Jan 2024 - present)
National Marketing and Communications Officer (Feb 2023 - Dec 2023)
National Secretary [Interim] (June 2021 - Jan 2023)
President MN Chapter (Jan 2020 - Aug 2021)
Vice President MN Chapter (Nov 2018 - Dec 2019)
Proposal:If elected as National Vice President, I will leverage my leadership skills and knowledge to enhance participation during national calls by encouraging chapters to share best practices and accomplishments. My goals are to expand the InspirASIAN brand externally, increase our social media following, and secure more sponsors for our student scholarship program.
I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and heard. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on our community and beyond.
Position Statement:I have been a dedicated InspirASIAN officer for the past six years, driven by a passion to create a safe space where the AANHPI community feels empowered, can thrive, and take pride in being their authentic selves anywhere. During my interim year as National Vice President, I have guided the executive board in establishing a project management structure to ensure consistency in saving and transferring knowledge.
My journey with InspirASIAN began in November 2018 when I helped establish the InspirASIAN Minnesota Chapter, serving as Vice President. This role has been a phenomenal experience, allowing me to advocate for my core beliefs and passion for Diversity & Inclusion in both personal lives and the workforce. I am actively engaged in promoting the InspirASIAN vision to members, non-members, friends, and family as we work together to fundraise for student scholarships.
As the past President of the Minnesota Chapter, I have collaborated and planned senior leadership meetings with other Employee Groups (EGs) to promote our mission and benefits to the community. My leadership skills have enabled me to empower members and officers to step outside their comfort zones and lead with confidence, spearheading successful fundraising events.
Treasurer
Kim Saenbandith (incumbent)
Background:MBA Finance
Finance role at AT&T for over 20 yrs
APCA DFW Sponsorship Chair 2016-2018
InspirASIAN DFW Treasurer 2019-2021
InspirASIAN National Treasurer 2022-2024
Proposal/Position Statement:Resolved past due tax returns issues and brought InspirASIAN back to good standing with the IRS and CA State. Electronically filed the fiscal period ending September 2023 Federal & CA State Tax returns using tax software versus in the past, paying an accountant to file for us.
Streamlined the Benevity Employee Giving allocation process to local chapters and distribute quarterly.
Invested the National Cash and raised over $10k+ from Sept 2023 – Oct 2024.
I will continue to manage InspirASIAN’s financials and make sure the financial statements are updated, and all financial related activities are executed in a timely manner.
Rajeev Prasad
Background:
Tech Support Mgr in BVoIP (Operations).
HoA Director of his subdivision and resource director for his camping and trekking group.
Proposal:
I would be happy to take over from current Treasurer and learn from them. Based on that I would be actively working with other team members to chart future financial goals for the coming year.
Marketing & Communications Officer
Han Ma (incumbent)
Background: 2024 Interim National Marketing & Communications Officer
Proposal: Would like to expand upon the strategic objectives of InspirASIAN as well as open up learning and development opportunities with external partners.
2024 National Election Schedule
Key dates to know regarding the upcoming elections:
Nominations closes on Nov. 15th
Voting period starts on Nov 19th
Meet the candidates on Dec 3rd
Voting ends Dec 18th (5 PM PST)
Results to be announced in January 2025
2024 Voting Guidelines
Reminder of a few important points while voting:
One vote per member. Voters must be InspirASIAN members by Sept. 15, 2024.
Write-in candidates are allowed. Write-in candidates must be InspirASIAN members by Sept. 15, 2024.
Associate members, Retirees and Lifetime associate members do not have voting rights.
Questions? Contact InspirASIAN National Elections, InspirASIAN National Election Team