The International Network of Asian Public Administrators (I-NAPA) is proud to announce its first-ever virtual symposium taking place October 20, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST. The theme of the symposium is “Advancing Your Leadership,” with a focus on helping participants at all levels of professional experience further develop their leadership and management skills. PM readers are invited to register for free at i-napa.org/symposium, as well as help spread the word.

U.S. Congressman Ted W. Lieu of California’s Congressional 36th District (CA-36) will kick off the event as the keynote speaker. The program features a range of speakers across many roles spanning city executives, managers, and recruiters. For program details, see the symposium agenda.

Despite being virtual, there will be several opportunities for networking. Participants will also be able to select from various breakout rooms that are organized by topic and/or level of experience. The symposium will include discussions around leadership styles, career development, communications, and public engagement.

Elaine Wang, I-NAPA president-elect and city manager of Winooski, Vermont, is excited to welcome attendees to the symposium. “This event will provide a range of experiences for the virtual participants, from an inspirational keynote for all to career-stage guidance to thematic networking and learning for smaller groups of attendees. There will even be a guided mindfulness break to help us practice self-care. We know attendees will find value in the carefully selected group of presenters as seasoned, mid-career, and early career public administrators of Asian heritage.”

I-NAPA is an affiliate of ICMA. According to Anil Comelo, chair of the Symposium Planning Committee and city manager of St. Helena, California, “I-NAPA was formed in response to the dearth of Asian members in ICMA and to provide aspiring city managers with mentorship, networking opportunities, and mutual support.” The relatively new group currently has over 350 active members around the country representing a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, professions, and seniority levels.

As part of its core mission to support the advancement of administrators of Asian heritage, I-NAPA holds regular events, including monthly Boba Breaks to allow for informal professional networking. I-NAPA also hosts an annual mentoring program, regular lunch-and-learn programs, and various in-person and virtual events, among other activities.

On October 1, 2023, I-NAPA will be hosting an in-person mixer in Austin, Texas, during the 2023 ICMA Annual Conference. If you are interested in joining any of I-NAPA’s events, you can find more information on our events webpage or email questions to intl.napa@gmail.com.

VICKI SUN is a senior consultant in the public sector advisory practice at the consulting firm Baker Tilly. She has previously served as a program performance auditor with the San José City Auditor’s Office, and was the community engagement manager and a policy advisor for the San José Mayor’s Office.