Rosie Abriam Lee Recognized As Filipina Women's Network'S 100 Most Influential Filipina Women In The US™

(10/16/09) Rosie Abriam Lee, President and C.E.O. of the The Center for Asian Pacific Women (The Center) has been selected from a record number of nominations from across the United States as a 100 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the U.S.

With a background in Biology & Computer Science, Ms. Abriam Lee's projects have spanned the US, Europe, Asia and South America. Her work often placed her in positions where she was the only woman and at times the only person of color at the table. She holds multiple patents in software, laser and photonics fields, has achieved Gura Fifth Degree of the Kamatuuran School of Kali, and has led the Women's Investment Partnership group in the Bay Area to record returns.

As current President and C.E.O. of The Center, Ms. Abriam Lee has expanded the scope and scale of the organization with new regional and national programs, multiple collaborations with other APA and leadership organizations, and increased levels of supporters. Under Ms. Abriam Lee's leadership, The Center relaunched its flagship program, APAWLI-Asian Pacific American Women's Leadership Institute earlier this year. Graduating 2009 Fellows included API women from the corporate, non-profit and academic sectors. The Center also successfully hosted its National Summit in at the Microsoft Conference Center in Seattle entitled, "Leading From The Center", with 200+ women in attendance this past September.

"It has been a dream of mine to make community my full-time work", comments Ms. Abriam Lee, "I am honored to help connect and advance other women as leaders making a positive impact."

The mission of The Center for Asian Pacific Women is to develop Asian Pacific women nationwide to achieve success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives, and to lead positive change in their workplace and communities. The Center is currently accepting applications for their 2010 National APAWLI Signature Program www.apawomen.org.

Participants Praise Houston Conference
Sample comments from participants to the first of three 1-day regional conferences scheduled for 2007:

"As a young Asian Pacific American (APA) professional woman, I had the most inspiring time when I attended the one-day conference organized by The Center for Asian Pacific American Women on February 24, 2007 here in Houston. The day provided a "safe" place for me to express the many different struggles, sentiments, goals and hopes I face everyday in the corporate world. I felt understood. They also provided tools and network I can use in order to rise above the stereotyping other people give intentionally or subconsciously to APA women. I believe in this organization and what they stand for.

"I was in awe of the caliber of women who was there to inspire all of us. Even though these women who were in front of me had high positions in their company or in the government of the United States, I know that there are still many issues that face many APA women in the whole world."

"I had the opportunity to meet strong women leaders and learned from their experiences"

"I learned more about myself and how to work with different personalities."

"It inspired me to become a leader and to make a difference"

"I appreciated the chance to network and meet other professional Asian women and share our experiences. I intend to keep in touch with them afterwards."

"I found the courage to share my personal struggles with others. This was truly a growth opportunity for me."