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APAF: Sharing the Cultural Influences of the Asia-Pacific Heritage Booz Allen’s forum increases awareness of eastern thought and contributes towards a richer work environment. One of Booz Allen Hamilton’s oldest forums, the Asia & Pacific American Forum (APAF) was founded in 1995 to cultivate awareness of the differences in eastern and western culture, as well as provide professional development for the Booz Allen community. The APAF’s 400+ members—currently including individuals from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Russia—participate in events that share the richness of their diverse backgrounds. Associate Alice Fakir and senior consultant Kristi Desai are APAF co-chairs. Says Fakir, “I’ve been greatly surprised by the energy of our members to put together professional and cultural events to create a stronger community and a valuable network of professionals. There are people here who really want to form the true friendships that make for a more pleasant, dynamic work environment.” “Through my involvement with the forum, I’ve discovered my own ability to motivate people, strengthened my management skills, and have a greater understanding of Booz Allen’s vision, how it does business and manages finances, and much more,” says Desai. “I have learned and confirmed that ‘where there is a will, there is a way.’” Although APAF-supported activities occur year-‘round, they’re concentrated during May Heritage Month. In 2006, Washington-area events promoted “Journey Along the Silk Road,” highlighting one of the world’s oldest trade routes and featuring:
Other Heritage Month celebrations included an annual Japanese tradition in which the Honolulu office participated. Senior consultant and vice-chair of the Hawaii Workforce Leadership Council Leslie Kainoa explains that the names of loved ones who have passed away are inscribed on lanterns, which are then floated from the beach to the open ocean. “It is believed that the lanterns help guide the loved ones to a place of peace.” Workplace Forums: Attracting Talent from All Backgrounds “The forum has exposed me to so many thought-provoking events that explore diversity at a cerebral level,” says associate Carolin Sagawa, an APAF member for four years who works with the forum’s PR committee. “I’ve been involved in activities that impact the firm’s mission and are different from my job, and this expands my perspective.” Many APAF events delve into topics with unusual depth. One seminar featured the author of The Geography of Thought, which explored the cognitive differences between eastern and western thinking. His research showed that when American students were shown an animated underwater scene, they focused on a big fish swimming among smaller fish, while Japanese students focused on the background environment. Says Sagawa, “This prompted discussion about the differences in the ways western and eastern cultures perceive the world around them. It also underscored the fact that diversity is not just about skin color, and how awareness and acceptance of cultural differences make us stronger as a group.” The APAF’s influence has extended to the firm’s training department. Two development courses which were originally APAF-sponsored events are now offered to Booz Allen staff: The Asian-American Professional Development Workshop, which details the social process of professional growth, and Maximizing Your Potential: Asian Professional Development, which provides a context in which participants can review their goals and create strategies for success. Bringing the Asian Professional Development course to the San Diego office was one of their greatest achievements, says associate and APAF member Alexander Sultan. “Everyone who took the internal Booz Allen training agreed that the course was one of the most valuable experiences they’ve had here,” he says. Although just three years old, San Diego’s APAF chapter is especially strong, attracting 75 to 100 participants for most of its major events. “Our most successful event has been The Taste of Asia, where over 100 staff members sample numerous dishes prepared by their co-workers,” says Sultan. “They learn about the types of food, locations from which they originate, and cultures of the countries represented.” Says Desai, “Our hope is that improving quality of staff through training, seminars, and social events will produce better results for the firm as well.” Contributing to a More Diverse Business Environment What makes the APAF unique at Booz Allen is its emphasis on cultural identity. “It helps develop members professionally within a social and cultural context, and helps us succeed in western business environments as Asian Americans,” says Sagawa. “We also support diversity in the community through charitable activities.” Fakir’s affiliation with APAF has opened up opportunities for her to learn leadership skills that she can transfer to her projects and relationships with diverse clients. “I enjoy being part of a network of professionals that are so willing to share their knowledge, rich cultures, diverse perspectives, and support,” she says. Booz Allen has grown substantially in the years since APAF was established, says Sagawa, but the forum has made an effort not to stagnate. “The committees continue to find ways to make the APAF relevant and valuable.” One way was through implementing a change management program within the APAF. Led by Desai, the program provided the foundation for today’s improved committee structure; contributed to the forum’s increased membership and documented event planning and organizational processes; and established a first of its kind, forum-based mentoring program, which will be launched this year. story posted May 12, 2006
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