AAGEN - Asian American Government Executives Network

03/13/2026

Hello AAGEN members and supporters!

I would like to invite you to explore the new AAGEN website, www.aagen.org. We are launching several new programs this year, including a webinar series that addresses current issues of facing Federal employees, a new series on preparing to apply and compete for Federal SES positions, and a new initiative to bring State and local government leaders into the AAGEN family.

For those who may not have noticed, AAPI mayors have become prominent fixtures in municipal government across the nation. Mayor Michelle Wu is in Boston, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani is in New York City. Mayor Kaohly Her is the newly elected leader of Saint Paul, Minnesota, while Mayor Aftab Pureval is in his second term in Cincinnati. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones was elected in San Antonio and Mayor Todd Gloria was elected in San Diego. There are clear opportunities in America's great cities to lift AAPI professionals into leadership roles ~ and AAGEN is here to prepare people who aspire into leadership.

Best to everyone and I look forward to personally meeting you in the not too distant future. Perhaps at the AAGEN Installation Dinner in a couple of weeks? Please register!

Eric Won, Chair
Asian American Government Executives Network

Welcome to the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN), a national organization that strategically develops, nurtures and connects current and aspiring leaders in Federal, state…

03/10/2026

The Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) Installation Dinner is scheduled for March 25, 2026. You can find more information on making reservations at https://aagen.regfox.com/installation-dinner. Dinner will cost $500 per table of eight (with two dignitaries joining each table of 10) OR $55 each seat.

Our keynote speaker will be the former US Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, who will speak about "Leadership in a Period of Quantum Change." While some members of the US Congress plan to attend, our new initiative also includes State and local government leaders, so there will be distinguished guests from several levels of government.

Most importantly, we have finalized the 10-course festive (!!!) menu with the chef, as follows:
Cucumber Salad
Never Forget Chicken
West Lake Beef Soup
Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Steamed Rock Fish
Peking Spare Ribs
Fried Cantonese Chicken
Red Wine Beef
Pea Pod Leaves with Garlic
Yangzhou Fried Rice (Pork and Shrimp).
Please plan to join us and spread the word. It should be a magnificent celebration of AAGEN's new board. For security reasons, detailed information on the location of the celebration restaurant, which is in Bethesda, will be provided with your reservation.

Wishing you a most auspicious Year of the Fire Horse!

Eric Won, Chair
Asian American Government Executives Network
www.aagen.org

Online registration for Installation Dinner.

01/13/2023

The Council of Korean Americans is now excepting applications for the 2023 Network of Korean American Leaders Fellowship Program!

The Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL) Fellowship Program will assemble a dynamic and diverse group of up-to 15 highly qualified individuals for the twelfth cohort program (i.e., NetKAL XII), which will run from April 2023 to August 2023 in California, Montana, New York City and Boston. The...

09/19/2021

https://www.indiachinainstitute.org/event/anti-asian-racism-in-the-era-of-great-power-competition/

The current wave of anti-Asian racism did not arise from a deliberate attack on the United States. Its causes have been much more indirect in nature. As such, those who inflame anti-Asian sentiment can do so in the name

08/07/2021

https://news.yahoo.com/daughter-vietnamese-refugees-margaret-vo-164818719.html

Vietnamese American Margaret Vo Schaus is now the new chief financial officer for NASA after swearing-in on Wednesday. The ceremony: In the statement published by NASA, Vo Schaus said she was “honored to be sworn in by Administrator Bill Nelson” during the ceremony. Vo Schaus was among the many ...

07/08/2021

It is with enormous sadness that I announce the passing of our beloved Tin Cao, who held many senior executive positions at the State Department. As the former AAGEN Chair, he led us through many challenges and was able to sustain operations during dramatically reduced government support. His gentle and thoughtful demeanor, yet unwavering strength and decisiveness, will be missed. Please support his family: his wife, Mary, his daughter, and his son. Continue to hold them in your hearts and prayers. Words are hard for me right now as he will truly be missed. The visitation and funeral arrangements are attached.

Respectfully
Dr. Vivian Chen, AAGEN Chair

Share Memories & Support the Family.

06/30/2021

https://www.rollcall.com/2021/06/30/aapi-staffers-working-for-congress/

Policymaking hit close to home as they saw a bill passed to address violent anti-AAPI hate crimes — even as some felt excluded on the Hill.

06/18/2021

BREAKING NEWS: Most federal employees will have a paid day off tomorrow, June 18, in the first-ever federal recognition of Juneteenth. President Biden is scheduled to sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act this afternoon, declaring June 19 a national holiday. The Office of Personnel Management announced that it will be observed this year on the Friday before.

06/10/2021

President Biden establishes the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

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05/19/2021

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/us/house-anti-asian-hate-crimes-biden.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR3nvAakSDrx8PwnnkH5ktt_ENcEIyuJo74Wmy5kghapsBI-GiVeoAgoGIo

The legislation is the first action Congress has taken to bolster law enforcement’s response to attacks on people of Asian descent amid an uptick in discrimination and violence during the pandemic.

05/16/2021

Each May, the State Department joins the rest of the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the accomplishments of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and the diverse perspectives they bring to the Department’s work and mis...