By Kay Iwata, President at K. Iwata Associates, Inc.
One of the traditions of CAPAW (formerly APAWLI) is story telling. So I would like to share my story of how and why I became involved, what I was able to contribute and receive, how I saw CAPAW develop and my hope for its future.
Back in the 1996-97 time frame my consulting firm was very involved in diversity training and organizational development work. I was drawn to this body of work having grown up in the Central Valley of California as one of few, with parents who had been incarcerated without due process during WW11. I remember being confused as a young child as my parents constantly warned me to “fit in, but don’t forget you’re Japanese”. As I matured and experienced the dynamics of code switching, I better understood their concerns. I also became aware of the importance for us as human beings to be our authentic selves and have voice.
My work not only involved training and systems redesign but working with ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) a few of which were API lead. So, when Adrienne Pon at Pacific Bell/AT&T called to invite me to join an effort to support leadership development focused on API women I was super excited! Adrienne, was one of APAWLI’s first corporate sponsors, served on the board and brought in a cadre of influential, talented, thought leaders to the Board and instructor cohort.
APAWLI had just launched and completed the first program for the “fellows”. It had some wonderfully unique API experiences but seem to lack the design and structure to make the program as powerful and impactful as it had the potential to be. Adrienne knew of my expertise with program design. She thought I could assist as a board member and instructor. My first board meeting was in New York City in 1996 at the offices of PR guru, Patrice Tanaka. My keenest memory of that first meeting was me thinking to myself, “What a powerhouse of API women all under one roof!”
It was at our New Mexico Board meeting that I was able to begin the redesign process. In my room after “hot tubbing” under the stars in the chilly high desert night air, I “wall papered” my room with chart paper and using colorful water based markers mapped out the current curriculum. In the wee hours of the morning I finished the first draft of a revised blueprint to provide a learning journey that built upon key learning objectives and had a developmental progression.
I presented this to the Board. After an enthusiastic discussion, valuable insight and feedback, adjustments were made. The collaborative result was a program that we felt provided a unique opportunity for API women to explore and learn in ways that allowed them to use their API cultural strengths to lead and make a difference.
There were a number of learning experiences that enhanced their EQ (emotional intelligence) as we focused on self-awareness, especially the influence of their API heritage, awareness of others and empathy which is so essential to Whole Person Leadership. The Gallup organization contributed their Strength Finders’ Assessment, and I provided the HBDI Thinking Styles profiles. Both were designed to increase self-awareness and awareness of others different than ourselves and how to bridge the gaps. Over time the curriculum has continued to evolve and develop as new approaches and needs became evident as was learned from the feedback the fellows provided.
CAPAW has continued to meet its mission, grow and mature. The various Executive Directors, each brought their own special energy, passion and vision to APAWLI. Under Rosie Abram’s leadership APAWLI became CAPAW. Our fellows reflected newer generations of API women leaders, and they helped to shape and keep relevant the content of the regional programming as well as the flagship program.
Personally, the greatest and most valuable gift I received from CAPAW was in the form of the opportunity to meet and learn from so many incredible API women leaders. Yes, some were very advanced in their achievements and so generous in sharing their pearls of wisdom and many were at the beginning or mid-range of their journeys. Regardless of where they were in their evolution, listening to their stories of sorrow and joy, defeat and triumphs, discomfort and ease was listening to a story of humanity at its best. I learned so much from so many!!!
I conclude my story with a look forward for CAPAW. I know it will continue to enhance the development of whole person leaders who are able to make a difference in their communities. Critical to doing so is the ability of CAPAW to respond to change. When we break C-H-A-N-G-E down we discover the components of CAPAW’s future success:
C is for Courage. Doing what is right when doing so is hard and challenges us.
H is for Humility. Recognizing how significant and insignificant we each are in the vast landscape of life.
A is for Agility. Being able to read the signals of change and stay in front of the power curve.
N is for No One Left Behind. Diligently co-creating vibrant, equitable communities where everyone thrives, and no one is left behind.
G is for Gratitude. Having an attitude of gratitude and a commitment to playing it forward.
E is for Emotional Intelligence. Being self-aware, aware of others, empathic, and activating the ability to bridge the gaps that many times separate us.
