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21^st Century Workforce News Release: [05/10/2004]
Contact Name: Angie Tang
Phone Number: (212) 337-2387

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Hosts Third Annual Asian Pacific American Federal Career Advancement Summit

Launches New Federal Career Guide

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao leads the Office of Personnel Management and five new department partners in hosting the third annual Asian Pacific American (APA) Federal Career Advancement Summit today. This year, the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Justice, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development are among the federal government partners of the Summit.

“May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to our country. Asian Pacific Americans are an under-represented minority in the federal government. We host training sessions and workshops for other population groups. This Summit with its many interactive workshops, mentoring sessions, and panel discussions is meant to reach out and help Asian Pacific Americans gain additional skills to advance to leadership positions within the federal government,” said Secretary Chao.

At this year’s Summit, the Department also unveiled a new APA Federal Career Guide. The purpose of the Guide is to help more Asian Pacific Americans become fully aware of the rewards of public service, the skills required for federal jobs, and the resources available to pursue them. Secretary Chao said, “There are many opportunities in the federal government. Today, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Labor has produced a Federal Career Guide targeted at Asian Pacific Americans. We hope it will encourage and be a helpful reference to those who wish to enter federal government service.”

More than 850 participants, who have served in the government for five years or longer, attended the Summit to take advantage of workshops, training sessions, discussion groups on a wide range of topics from organizational success to personal marketing. Based on input from last year’s conference, a panel of career APA government managers shared their success stories. The addition of an executive coaching component allowed participants to meet in small groups with senior government officials to seek career advice and network.

The third year it’s been held, the Summit seeks to increase diversity in senior positions of the federal workforce. Asian Pacific Americans comprise 4.8% of the total federal workforce and 3.2% of management positions. President Bush has appointed two Asian Pacific Americans to his Cabinet, and over 160 APAs to high-level positions in his Administration. Secretary Chao is the first Asian American woman to serve as a cabinet secretary. The Labor Department has an unprecedented number of 20 Asian Pacific Americans who are serving or have served in the noncareer senior ranks of the Department.

Additional information about the summit can be found at www.apasummit.gov.

Download the APA Federal Career Guide (PDF; 376kb).

View this news release in Chinese.

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