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“I thoroughly enjoyed the cohort EDI experience. It
was a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues in various fields and
share experiences and perspectives with each other.”
Jean Joichi
2000 EDI graduate
Admissions Associate, Antioch University
“I have received much more from the EDI experience than I have given. As
a result of my involvement with EDI, I have strengthened my connection
and commitment to the Asian community through various Boards and
fundraising activities, and I have developed lasting business and
personal relationships through EDI's coaching and mentoring programs. I
believe the continued viability and success of EDI is a critical element
in the continued advancement of Asian Americans and Asian Pacific
Islanders into the executive ranks.”
S. Mae Fujita Numata
1994 EDI graduate
CFO Partner, Tatum LLC
“EDI was valuable in refreshing my knowledge of my Asian cultural
heritage and in expanding my professional development. To meet and hear
directly from business, community and elected leaders of their career
paths and experiences proved to be very enlightening and encouraging.
EDI - Keep up the good work!”
Bruce Abe
1995 EDI graduate
Principal Financial Planner, University of Washington
“When I first signed up to attend EDI, I had it in my mind that I would
learn all about how to break that glass ceiling. But it ended up being
much more than that. It was about learning how to better ourselves. Even
a small step such as standing up and speaking out. Learning what our
strengths and weaknesses are. Learning to work as a group to help a
community out. Taking things we learned from our guest speakers and
mentors and being able to apply them immediately to our day to day
lives. That is what the EDI experience was for me. One that I attribute
to my greater success in my current career path.”
Mari Watanabe
2000 EDI graduate
Executive Director, Oregon Nikkei Endowment
“EDI was a very unique and invaluable experience. The speakers and
curriculum provided exposure to topics that I otherwise would not have
been exposed to in a professional setting. The time and energy given by
all those involved with the EDI program is commendable.”
Gail Okiyama
1999 EDI graduate
“Risk, Change & Passion. Three words that were repeated over and over
again during the program. I had become very stagnant in my career and
was floundering to find what I was truly passionate about. It was not
until after EDI when these three words became so valuable. I was faced
with making a career change and stepping out of my comfort zone. The
risks involved were going from a guaranteed salary to 100% commission.
My parents thought I was nuts, everyone told me NO! Here I am, 9 months
later doing what I am truly passionate about. Assisting individuals
purchase or refinance their homes! I took a huge risk, BUT I have landed
on my feet and have become very successful. I would of never made the
change without hearing all of the risks the mentors took throughout
their careers. To EDI, I am truly grateful!”
Keith Koichi Akada
2000 EDI graduate
Mortgage Consultant, Seattle Pacific Mortgage, Inc.
"The EDI program has provided me an opportunity to learn real, practical
techniques on how to more effectively manage my career. Just being in
the same room with industry, non-profit, community and political leaders
is phenomenal, but having the opportunity to network with them
one-on-one, and get their perspectives on specific work related
situations is invaluable. I only wish I would have had this golden
opportunity earlier on in my career. Thanks EDI."
T. Hazari
2002 EDI graduate
747/767/777 Interiors Engineering Manager, The Boeing
Company
"The Executive Development Institute program continues to provide its
participants the unique opportunity to learn from its very competent
instructors, speakers, mentors, and from each other. It has truly been a
great honor and privilege to have participated in such a high quality,
professional, and culturally-sensitive organization. I will always take
with me the invaluable education and experience I have acquired from the
EDI program and from my fellow Asian brothers and sisters who
participated with me in the EDI's Class of 2002. Thank-you."
Tony Alcantara
2002 EDI graduate
“The Executive Development Institute reminds me of a well-oiled
machine...with all the parts perfectly aligned and waiting for that
creative driver(us) to take it for a ride. EDI participants and
graduates are highly driven and very professional group of Asian
Americans. It has been a treasure meeting and learning from everyone.
EDI is an awesome machine and I would highly recommend the curriculum
and experience to all interested Asian professionals!”
Fe Arreola
2002 EDI graduate
Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist, City of
Seattle
“Now looking back, I am glad when the opportunity was presented to me,
somehow I did raise my hand and said yes – I would like to give the EDI
program a shot. I have enjoyed a great deal of my EDI experience, now I
understand even more and get better about raising my hand and saying yes
to other opportunities that come my way.”
Chuck Lin
2001 EDI graduate
Chief Financial Officer, Propet Global, Ltd.
"Participation in EDI really
helped me understand and appreciate how the subtle
messages from our culture impact who we are and
where we are as individuals. The knowledge you gain
gives you the confidence and freedom to take risks
you might not otherwise consider. You have a much a
better understanding of what it takes to move ahead
in your life and career.
Spending time and having candid
dialogue with community and business leaders in
small groups is invaluable. This is an opportunity
you may never have available anywhere else.
Meeting so many talented, Asian professionals is
wonderful! It just doesn't happen naturally for
career Asian professionals to come together and
network. American business is done through
networking and EDI provides a forum to do this."
Sandy Hamasaki Hedington
1997 EDI graduate
"More than anything else, I
gained confidence through self-realization. A few EDI alums have started an
affinity group where I work, which has helped each of us continue to
learn and grow."
Seong Kim
2006 EDI graduate
"I was so impressed with the
instructors. They’re high achievers in the business world, as well as
great role models and mentors. I didn’t just take a course, I embarked
on a whole new direction in my life."
Carmelita Gogue
2006 EDI graduate
"I grew several inches at EDI. In
the course of the community project, I came to realize how much I’d
learned about the real world, applying practical skills I acquired to
help the program prosper."
Eddie Ferrer
2006 EDI graduate
Information Technology Manager
City of Seattle
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