Pittsburgh Asian American Young Professional Association

PRESIDENT: CHRIS YOUNG
Chris returns for a second term as president of PAAYPA. Under Chris's leadership, PAAYPA has instituted a stronger social and cultural network for PAAYPA members and outreach and support to other organizations in the city. Chris currently sits on the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs, which acts as a liaison between the Governor's Office and the Asian American community in Pennsylvania. The commission advocates for the community to the governor's office, facilitates communication between the Governor's office and the community, fosters ties between Asian-based business and the Commonwealth, and promotes Asian culture in Pennsylvania. Chris established and works at Blue Banshee Software, reach Chris at cyoung@paaypa.org.

Q. Chris, how do you feel about Pittsburgh?
A. Pittsburgh's potential and value are what I like best. I've witnessed that services for the Asian community have improved immensely over the past years. Looking ahead, Pittsburgh can become and will become one of the most vital and increasingly diverse, original, and exciting cities in the country.

VICE PRESIDENT: ANDY AI
Andy was most recently PAAYPA's treasurer and will continue to help lead the organization in his new role. Through Andy's tenure on the executive board, PAAYPA has become an active partner with the New Pittsburgh Collaborative (NPC) and his service on the NPC Governance Board brings the much wanted and needed Asian American leadership to other organizations in the city. Andy works at PNC and can be reached at aai@paaypa.org.

Q. Andy, why does PAAYPA hold such meaning for you?
A. Though well represented in our excellent universities and colleges, the Asian community is still somewhat under-represented and fragmented at times. PAAYPA is a catalyst to build the region and capitalize on the many opportunities offered. We need and will be able to build a strong foundation and young professionals in the area will take a leading role in that strategy.

SECRETARY: LOUIS LUANGKESORN
Louis comes to us from Chicago with a background in supply chain and logistics. His work at he RAND Corporation is focused on Air Force logistics planning and preparedness. He is also a disaster services volunteer with the Southwest Pennsylvania Red Cross. He arrived in Pittsburgh at the very end of 2003. Contact Louis at lluang@paaypa.org.

Q. Louis, what is your favorite thing so far about our city?
A. I like the fact that it is accessible enough that when you find something, you can get your arms around it, and you can experience it without a crowd of people in the way.

TREASURER: BRUCE LEE
Bringing to the position are Bruce's far flung experiences gathered through his work in various fields (consulting, research, financial analysis, and education) in different corners of the country. Hailing originally from the Philadephia-area, Bruce moved to Pittsburgh this year to join the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh. He has been involved in Asian American professional organizations in other cities and would like to bring his experience and ideas to PAAYPA. Reach Bruce at blee@paaypa.org.

Q. Bruce, you've only been here for a few months, what is your favorite thing so far about our city?
A. The fact that absolutely no one follows professional football in Pittsburgh.

Q. Do you have an inspirational quote that you'd like to share?
A. "You guys line up alphabetically by height." --a college football coach to his players.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: JIA JI
Jia was born in Chengdu, China, but grew up in South-Western Pennsylvania. After college at Stanford and working abroad, he decided to head back home to help promote Asian culture and representation in the Pittsburgh area. In addition to the PAAYPA board, he is also active in PIGDA, PodCamp, and other grassroots local organizations.

Q. Jia, what do you think is Pittsburgh's greatest strength?
A. I believe one of Pittsburgh's greatest assets is the constant flow of highly intellegent and motivated immigrants lured to the area by Pittsburgh's strong local universities and colleges. Through PAAYPA, we hope to encourage them to stay after graduation and help develop the community.

SOCIAL DIRECTOR: SERA WANG
Sera is a native Chinese, who has lived in China, Singapore, UK and finally Pittsburgh for her master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University. She likes the tone of this city and how Pittsburghers give way and wave to each other while driving. She is amazed by the most beautiful baseball park along the river even she knows nothing about baseball. She likes the fact that she can find many places to go camping, white water rafting and canoeing around Pittsburgh, and there is an airport twenty minutes away so she can go fly a plane in her free time.