Washington, D.C: On June 7, the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) will host its 8th Leadership Conference, with the theme, “Leadership in an Austere Environment.” Venue is the Crystal City Doubletree Hotel, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22203. The highlight of the conference is the 13th Awards Banquet and Gala Dinner at the same venue.

“The theme this year is in response to our nation’s immediate needs,” said Bel Leong Hong, co-founder of AAGEN. “Our attendees will learn from leaders in the government and industry on how to lead effectively in a highly resource-constrained environment.”

Featured speakers include distinguished leaders from the government, academia, and industry experts who will share their experiences and insights into key issues and challenges of working in the government.

In addition, executive career coaching sessions will be offered to conference attendees wishing to strengthen their career planning and advancement in the either the public or private sector.

“The festive Awards Banquet is a special opportunity to celebrate achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in government”, said Carson Eoyang, AAGEN’s first Chair.

Three distinctive awards will be presented: “Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award,” “Stanley Suyat Memorial Leadership Award,” and “Outstanding Leadership in Public Service Award.”

To help seed the next generation of leadership, AAGEN will present four scholarships, funded entirely from the proceeds of sponsorships to the conference and Awards Banquet. Winners, selected from college and graduate students across the nation, have demonstrated potential to excel in serving the public.

“Our mission is to help more Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders get to the Senior Executive Services (SES) level,” said Tommy Hwang, Chair of AAGEN. “We would like to make sure that Asian American leaders in the government are responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the nation,” added Thomas Phan, Executive Director of AAGEN.

AAGEN is inviting all government employees, members, and friends to join its Leadership Conference and Awards Banquet. More information about the conference can be found in www.aagen.org. Founded in 1993, AAGEN is a 501 c3 non-profit organization with the mission to promote, expand, and support AAPI leadership in the government at all levels.