2022 IAG Conference
We came together for the 11th Annual Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Conference in the Greater Washington DC Area on Nov. 5, 2022! This year's IAG conference explored the connection between belonging and purpose; finding both for yourself and helping others find their place.
Fireside Chat and Panel
Ascend Connect
Energetic Time Management
Career Level Breakout Sessions
Mid-Level: Thriving In A Hybrid Environment
The focus for this session was to take a deeper dive into what it takes to stand out, given the new ways we go to work and interact with our colleagues in a post-pandemic world.
Executive: Challenging the Orthodoxy
In this session, participants discussed the question "Why does corporate America continue to rate everyone on Caucasian norms?" and brainstormed tactics executives can take within an organization to broaden the way success and leadership is defined.
2022 Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) Awards
The Ascend GW IAG Awards identify and recognize dedicated organizations, hard-working students, and inspirational professionals who have dedicated themselves to promoting Pan-Asian leadership and development in business and within the community.
There are four (4) award categories: Inspirational Leader, High Impact Leader, Rising Leader, and Corporate Partner.
Award Recipients
We are pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2022 IAG Awards.
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Inspirational Leader
Sara Abiusi
Lead - Quality and Risk Practice
Accenture Federal Services (AFS)
Sara leads Accenture Federal's Quality and Risk practice. She focuses on increasing Accenture’s delivery capabilities and supporting AFS account teams. For over 25 years, Sara has been client-facing, delivering complex technology solutions to Government clients.
Sara is a leader in Inclusion and Diversity at Accenture. She was recently announced as the new chairwoman of the AFS Inclusion and Diversity Council, made up of representatives across the business. She focuses on developing strategies and initiatives for the AFS CEO. Across the US, she acts as the Executive Sponsor for the Asian Pacific American ERG, comprised of 27 locations and over 5500 members. During her tenure, the ERG has begun the LIFT mentoring program, established the APA ERG Annual Leadership Summit, founded the Asian Women’s Experience Initiative, and many other initiatives. She has been the driving force in establishing Ascend as Accenture's premier professional development and engagement partner. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Greater Washington Ascend and was one of the founders of the Corporate Executive Leadership Program (CELP). She has led Accenture to develop relationships with the Asian American Business Development Center, TAAF, and APAICS.
Various organizations have repeatedly recognized Sara for her commitment to Inclusion and Diversity and her technology leadership.
Sara joined Accenture after graduating from Johns Hopkins with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. She leads Accenture’s Johns Hopkins University entry-level recruiting effort. In addition to all of those, she has a passion for supporting and promoting Women in Tech! Outside of work, Sara just finished her second term on the Johns Hopkins University-wide Alumni Council. She is married with a 15-year-old daughter Alexandra and an 11-year-old son Adam. On any weekend, you can find Sara watching soccer/football in person or on TV, going to National Parks, and indulging in Jane Austen.
Award Eligibility Requirements
Any individual or organization was eligible to apply, regardless of industry or Ascend membership status; there is only one entry per individual or organization. Beyond the significant achievement of—or potential for—professional success, nominees should demonstrate engagement in the Pan-Asian community and volunteerism through mentoring, leadership development, and board service. To view awards descriptions and criteria, please refer to the IAG Award Descriptions guide. The deadline to submit nominations closed on Friday, October 21, 2022.
Speakers and Panelists
Kevin Tien
Keynote Speaker
Executive Chef, Moon Rabbit
Nationally celebrated as one of Food & Wine magazine’s 10 “Best New Chefs,” and a three-time James Beard nominee, Kevin Tien is the executive chef and owner of Moon Rabbit, located at the InterContinental at the DC Wharf. Chef Tien's restaurant brings modern Vietnamese cuisine that evokes memory, honors history, references globally inspired techniques and spotlights reinterpreted takes on regional Vietnamese dishes. His menu is intended to be a love-letter to his heritage as a first generation Asian-American, and to showcase dishes that tell his personal story, through an elevated and innovative lens.
Mentors
Darion K. Akins
Diplomat-in-Residence for DC Metro, Counselor
US Department of State
Darion K. Akins is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, who is currently serving as the Diplomat-in-Residence (DIR) for the District of Columbia (DC) Metro area, including Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Consul General for Northern Germany at U.S. Consulate General Hamburg. His inaugural posting was in Malaysia, where he served as a Consular Officer. Other overseas tours included India, Afghanistan, Australia, and Indonesia. After earning a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy at the National War College in Washington D.C., he served as the Human Resources Division Chief in the Executive Office for the bureaus of European Affairs and International Organizations Affairs. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he was an educator and a Peace Corps Volunteer. Though born in the Great State of Oklahoma, he calls Texas home.
About
Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) is an annual conference hosted by respective Ascend regional chapters to gather our corporate and community partners for a day of leadership, mentorship, and relationship development programs providing insight and benefits for both students and seasoned professionals. These conferences also provide networking and recognition opportunities for leaders, professionals, and students.
Sponsors
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
PARTNERS
SPECIAL THANKS TO BRYAN SUMARDI AND ROBBI YOUNG FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
