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OPA News Release: [05/03/2006]
Contact Name: Angie Tang or Stephanie Cathcart
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 06-0786-NAT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Hosts Fifth Annual Federal Career Advancement Summit for Asian Pacific Americans

WASHINGTON — In collaboration with the Office of Personnel Management and 13 additional federal agencies and partners, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today hosted the fifth annual Asian Pacific American (APA) Federal Career Advancement Summit. Secretary Chao initiated the first Summit in 2002 to prepare Asian Pacific Americans for senior level participation and advancement in the federal workforce.

"The Asian Pacific American Federal Career Advancement Summit is an investment in the development of future leaders for our country. This endeavor is more important than ever as in the next few years, the baby boomer generation of federal workers will retire in droves. When they leave, there will be a tremendous number of opportunities at senior level positions for those who possess the right skills and are prepared," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "I want to help ensure that Asian Pacific Americans are prepared to take up these opportunities."

Building on the successes of past summits, the 2006 Summit featured several new workshops including two programs that discussed the five key leadership competencies for potential members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), and how to apply for these positions.

"In this society, the key to advancement is demonstrating strong communication skills and leadership," Secretary Chao counseled participants. "Don't be afraid to look for new opportunities to demonstrate your leadership and don't be afraid to try something new."

Launched by DOL in 2002, with only one federal partner and 150 attendees, this year's summit had 13 federal agencies and partners co-sponsoring the event and with over one thousand attendees, was the largest gathering since its inception. Also, there were 32 exhibitors recruiting and promoting their employment programs. The Asian Pacific American Federal Career Advancement 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 more than 300 to high level positions in his administration. Secretary Chao is the first Asian American woman to serve as a cabinet secretary and employs a record number of Asian Pacific Americans in non-career positions at the Department of Labor.

In addition to workshops, the summit was also the site of the unveiling of the 2006 Federal Career Guide, which serves as a primer in how to apply for a federal job or pursue other federal career opportunities.

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