NAAAP Wichita Mentorship Program

Goals

  • Establish relationships between professionals and experienced professionals locally. 
  • Mentors work with mentees to evaluate the impact of Asian/Asian American identities within historical, social, and personal contexts
  • Highlight the Asian American experience by exploring personal backgrounds, interests, personality traits, and social realities
  • The mentor functions as a source of guidance, insight, and support as mentee navigates both their personal and professional development while identifying how their Asian identities influence mentees and their futures.

Pairing Process

We will open the mentorship application in early/mid June to interested mentees. The NAAAP Wichita committee responsible for program development and engagement will review applications, finalize selections, and pair mentors with mentees based off of the provided information. Selections and pairing results will be announced in the beginning of August. We will host a Mentoring Program Kickoff for everyone accepted in the program. Please note that attendance to this event is expected. Details regarding time, date, and venue will be provided well in advance.

Duration

Depending on the program start date, the initial mentorship program will last from September – December 2023.

Mentees

Eligibility Criteria

  • NAAAP Wichita members with standing paid membership status*
  • Willingness to adhere to mentee requirements as specified below
  • Completion of mentee application (Acceptance is contingent upon review of application)
  • Please note that the definition of Asian American for our purposes is self-identified. We welcome all who resonate with the objectives of this program to apply. 

*Fee assistance for our memberships may be available for individuals with financial limitations. Please contact NAAAP Wichita for further information.

Expectations

  • Please strive to take the initiative in the relationship. Invite your mentor to meet, suggest topics to discuss, and seek guidance. Help your mentor be someone who can help you be you!
  • Meet with your mentor as per program requirements.
  • Be receptive to discussions with your mentor regarding provided topics.
  • Elicit a mentor’s help in developing other supportive relationships.
  • Please remember to be mindful of your mentor’s time and other commitments. Avoid last minute requests, and check with your mentor early on when you need help

Commitment Requirement

  • Be available to a one-on-one or two-on-one (one mentor may have two mentees) mentorship for a four month program with the intention of developing a long-term relationship with a professional mentor.
  • Meet in person for a total of six sessions, not including the initial match meeting.
  • Communicate regularly every month.
  • Take independent initiative to make the most of mentorship opportunity.

Mentors

Benefits

  • Improve leadership skills – Become a proactive role model and help motivate and inspire others for the achievement of their success. 
  • Refine communication abilities – A mentor will navigate communication dynamics that are optimal for each mentee as they explore each unique mentoring relationship and deliver guidance.
  • Diversify Perspectives – Mentees will have diverse life experiences, backgrounds, and stories. Mentors have the opportunity to diversify their perspectives, develop new trajectories of thought, and understand how to provide insight and wisdom in different capacities.
  • Community Engagement – Directly contribute to the growth and success of the mentees and enable them to deeply reflect and and celebrate their Asian heritage.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with mentees to foster development of personal and professional skills to successfully navigate the transition into professional spaces/workforce
  • Empower mentees to celebrate Asian heritage and explore its effects on professional development and advancement
  • Share personal stories of growth, the Asian/Asian-American experience, and community involvement
  • Provide personal, academic (if applicable), and career-related insights
  • Expand the mentee’s professional network 
  • Enhance their mentee’s belief in his or her own potential  

Commitment Requirement

  • Be available to a one-on-one or two-on-one mentorship for a four month program with the intention of developing a long-term mentee relationship.
  • Meet for a total of six sessions, not including the initial match meeting.
  • Communicate regularly every month.
  • Support mentees in developing and making progress towards vision statement/established goals.

We welcome and appreciate all mentors expressing their interest to participate! As this is the first year of the program, opportunities for serving as a mentor are unfortunately limited. However, we will follow up with you next year as the program continues to expand!

Please reach out to Bryant Giang ([email protected])  or Anthony Vu ([email protected]with any questions you may have. Thank you!

FAQ’s for Mentees

  • Question 1: I am interested in joining the program as a mentee, but I don’t have a NAAAP Wichita membership. What should I do? 
    • Answer: This program is for members with standing membership status only. We will consider opening this program to more people in the future.
  • Question 2: This program sounds interesting. What do I gain out of this mentorship program? 
    • Answer: What you reap from the program depends on the degree of your investment in the program and the relationship you build with your mentor! We will provide discussion topics to aid your professional relationship. Please provide as much information as possible when you sign up for the program. Your information will help us find you a more suited mentor. 
  • Question 3: How do I figure out the meeting date and time with my mentor?
    • Answer: After the initial pairing result, the NAAAP Wichita Mentorship Program will kick off an introductory meeting with all the mentors and mentees. From there, we recommend that you proactively reach out to your mentor to set up time.
  • Question 4: What tools can I use to set up meetings with my mentor?

Answer: For scheduling, you can email your mentor a few available times. Contact information will be provided.  For virtual meetings, there are lots of free tools available: Skype, Google Hangout, or Zoom. Please communicate with your mentor to discuss what is optimal for you both!

FAQ’s for Mentors

  • Question 1: I am interested in joining the program as a mentor. What should I do?
  • Answer: We welcome and appreciate all mentors expressing their interest to participate! As this is the first year of the program, opportunities for serving as a mentor are unfortunately limited. However, we will follow up with you next year as the program continues to expand! 
  • Question 2: I am concerned about my time. What is the time commitment for this program
  • Answer: Please see commitment expectations above .

Question 3: I just signed up! What’s next?
Answer: Thank you! The NAAAP Wichita  team will review all applications and pair mentors and mentees based on their interest. We will email you and your mentee via email. We will also have an initial kickoff event for all mentors and mentees! Please see the pairing process section above for more information.

2023 MENTORS

Kate Kung-McIntyre

Kate Kung-McIntyre

Senior Educator at Wichita State University

Bobby Gandu

Bobby Gandu

AVP for Strategic Enrollment Management & Director of Admissions at Wichita State University

Thuy Chang

Thuy Chang

Credit Analyst II at INTRUST Bank

Sue Tirukonda

Sue Tirukonda

Financial Advisor at Cordell Wealth Management

Nhat Pham

Nhat Pham

Senior Business Analyst at Textron Aviation

Liza Elliott

Liza Elliott

Operations Engineering Manager at Spirit Aerosystems

Alan Mah

Alan Mah

Managing Director - Enterprise Strategic Risk at INTRUST Bank

Khanh Pham

Khanh Pham

Business Intelligence Analyst at INTRUST Bank

Phet Namphengsone

Phet Namphengsone

Human Resource Manager at Textron Aviation

Sudha Tokala

Sudha Tokala

President Douglas Property Developments

Non Disclosure/ Confidentiality Agreement

Before applying for the mentorship program, both mentors and mentees have to assume positive intent and agree to protect participants’ personal and professional information shared in the mentorship sessions. Discussions during the mentorship session should not be shared without the other party’s consent and agreement. NAAAP Wichita mandates acknowledgement and agreement from both mentors and mentees in order to create a safe space for all participating parties. Please utilize the provided contact information to let us know if you have any questions or concerns!