The recent mixer at Chelsea's Kitchen was very effective and exciting. Everyone seemed to be having a great time meeting new people and continuing relationships from previous NAAAP events. It was nice to see people interacting in a genuine manner and not just on a superficial level. That is what attracts me to NAAAP - people are forming true friendships and contacts. You can meet people from a professional standpoint and also meet new people to have fun with. When I first heard about NAAAP I honestly didn't know anything about it but as I met more people I realized it was a way to interact with others of similar backgrounds and interests.

If the mixer at Chelsea's Kitchen is any indication, I look forward to the many networking opportunities NAAAP provides. In addition to networking, there is also the ability to provide an impact in the community through community service volunteer opportunities. Therefore NAAAP members are able to provide better service to their own clients because of the contacts made within the organization while promoting Asian culture in the community in a positive manner.

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Dr. Tony A. Lee is a member of National Association of Asian American Professionals in Phoenix and a physician for Southwest Spine & Sports. Learn more at www.swspineandsports.com

Everyone knows how vital first impressions are in business and, of course, in day to day life. Before a person even says a single word to you, you've already sized them up. Therefore, I was thrilled to see that NAAAP was holding an event specifically to capitalize on the art of the first impression. Events like this one truly express the organization's emphasis on a positive environment and the intentions to create a community of warm, friendly businesses.

At this event, I had the opportunity to finally meet the organization's members. I was absolutely blown away. This is one dynamic group of business savvy individuals. People in NAAAP are welcoming, charming, and true professionals. I never understood why business men and women were considered to be stiff people who were only interested in making money. Only the truly successful business people know that more important than making money, is building relationships. After attending this event, I know that NAAAP has a focus set on that.

This was my first formal NAAAP event. I was introduced to this association by a kind and enthusiastic individual - Jason Wong, whom I later found out he was also one of the founder for the Phoenix chapter. I only join group where I know its leaders are highly competent and have great integrity. I knew this was an organization that worth my time. My beliefs were vindicated when I attended the Elevator Speech event.

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Shela Yu owns an international marketing company focused on improving the health of all individuals-- ranging from arthritis to heart disease. Feel free to contact her @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

On Wednesday, October 24th, the Phoenix chapter of NAAAP Phoenix convened in the Qi Gong/Tai Chi studio at The International College of Classical Chinese Medicine to listen to a thought provoking lecture by the school’s founder Dr. Peter Chow. Dr. Chow spoke about the vast differences within Western and Eastern healing philosophies, gave a little history lesson on Chinese medicine, spoke about Auricular diagnosis and therapy, and presented a little background on Chinese medicine concepts and the elements metal, wood, fire, earth, and water—to which they relate and the importance of keeping your body warm, especially when you are ill. He also touched on the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui and demonstrated how to perform a cosmetic self-help massage face-lift and passed out handouts to each attendee. I think we all felt as if we learned a lot and the hour seemed to fly by as the subject was most interesting and Dr. Chow’s entertaining and animated technique of presenting the material seemed to hold everyone’s attention.

I found that Dr. Chow’s lecture specifically related to my area of study as I recently completed my certification in Western Herbalism and plan to continue my studies in Chinese medicine. Most of his speech was very familiar to me as I’ve studied quite a bit of Chinese medicine and have been the recipient of Acupuncture and Chinese herbs for several years now---all with great success.

I thought this lecture was a creative way to gather a group of people from all different backgrounds and interests together, give them the opportunity to network, and learn at the same time. I would like to see more learning activities such as this event. It seems to open people’s minds in general and invites in more creativity.

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Andrea Sherman is a herbalist for Nutritional, Wellness, and Herbal Consulting
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