MAGIC MIXER: Forget Networking, GirlsUp Mingle!

With charming Christmas tones, heartwarming decorations, and table after tables of beautiful gift bags and desserts, all evidence points to a Christmas party, except, it is more than a party!

With a full house, GirlsUp finished the year strong with our very own Magic Mixer! Following our previous speaker panel: Power of Female Entrepreneurship, we have doubled the number of mentors and restricted the attendees to 30 in order to provide our girls with enough chance to talk to mentors one on one.

We invited 10 stellar CEOs with expertise ranging from start-up advisory (growth, marketing, strategy, and funding), media, entertainment, fashion, technology, business networking and even horoscope as our mentors.

“Just tell me what you need, and I will help or connect you with the best people!” was what each mentor repeatedly offered.

We kicked off the event by having everyone do a 30-sec self-intro. This made finding the right person to talk to later on much easier.

Hillary Gadsby is the Founder and CEO of Gadsby Media Group, an event marketing company that has planned campaigns for Saks Fifth Avenue. She also founded her own community supporting female entrepreneurs, StilettoGal, and expressed her interest in hiring interns.

Kevin R. Gould, Founder and CEO of Kombo Ventures, used his expertise working in one of the world’s largest talent agencies to create his own venture consulting firm. He is passionate about using the 360 degree approach to support, guide, and invest in start-ups. He is also seeking interns at our mixer.

Dosse-Via Trenou, a USC alumni, a Model and Founder of ScorpioMystique talked about how a horoscope blog she set up during freshman year turned into an entrepreneur idea. Her site now welcomes more than 190,000 potential customers, attracting celebrities such as Katy Perry.

 Elaine Binder and Michael Popovsk, a loving couple and Founder of their long-standing company, Spongelle LLC, are eager to share their lessons learned from 10 years of building their own company. In particular, Michael highlighted his expertise in “what not to do” in a startup.

Cal Amir, having worked at Wall street in management consulting, is now a startup advisory at Guzu.com. He is passionate about developing strategies that guide entrepreneurs on the right direction.

Victor Valdez, a bootstrapping serial technology entrepreneur, has already founded 4 companies and is in the process of founding another one!

Among the attendees, we welcomed our youngest attendee, Sarah, as well as her entire family of entrepreneurs. Howard and Debbie Nodelman, the founders of Tru Alka Alkaline Water, brought their daughter to our mixer hoping to encourage her to pursue entrepreneurship following their steps.

Sarah, although only a Senior at high school, is already in charge of the social media and marketing for her family business. She is also passionate about technology, and has many ideas of developing mobile applications for her school. Impressed with GirlsUp's vision, Howard immediately expressed his interest to become our mentor. Before the mixer ended, Sarah also joined us and became our youngest member at GirlsUp.

After learning about everyone in the room, we soon opened the floor up to free networking in a session called “FaceTime”. Attendees made direct acquitance with the mentors they would like to talk with in this session.

Our GirlsUp member Emily found her “twin sister”, another girl interested in holding photography and art exhibitions. Through further introduction, Lucy and Melissa discovered that they have the same entrepreneurial idea. Julie, a girl who has already worked at the Big 4 consulting firms, now turns to GirlsUp for inspiration and resources to entrepreneur.

After “FaceTime”, attendees had the opportunity to talk to mentors one on one. Through sharing and exchanging ideas, knowledge, and connections, many GirlsUp members found a mentor of their own to begin their journey of entrepreneurship.

By the end of the mixer, everyone left with meaningful connections, inspiring stories and ideas, and most importantly, beautiful memories and gifts. Empowered and connected, GirlsUp’s girls are ready to rock the world!

Guest Post - Written by Jessica Howell 

A little over a year ago, I found myself having a panic attack in my little apartment. My boyfriend at the time (now fiancé) was trying to calm me down as best he could. Eventually after an hour of tears, deep breaths, and talking it out — we decided that it was in my best interest (for my mental and physical health) that I needed to quite my job.

At that time, I was trying to do it all. I was working full time at a marketing firm as lead community manager. I was in charge of managing all the social media accounts for seven different clients, responsible for creating content for said clients, building two websites, and being the sole point of contact for all of our accounts. My boss was paying me a dollar over minimum wage, yelling at me daily for my mistakes and expecting me to pat my head, rub my stomach, and jump on one foot all at the same time. Each day I left work feeling more miserable then the last. Eventually, I hit my breaking point — que said panic attack.

That night, I took charge of my happiness and decided to switch paths in life. The next day, I put in my two weeks and declared that I would be a social media consultant. Once the initial shock and fear about working for myself began to settle, everything else in life become clearer. I was ready! I could do this!

During my last two weeks at the firm I gained my first two clients for my new social media company. You know that cliché saying, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? Well, part of that’s true. I just so happened to know social media, and two people I knew at the time needed help with their digital marketing. I got lucky! Really lucky! I just so happened to be at the right place, at the right time. (There’s another cliché for you!)

Since then, my career in social media marketing has blossomed into a booming business. Each new client or new connection, has found me the same way my first ones did — right time, right place. After a few months working the self-employed game, I saw a need in the market that wasn’t being filled. Bloggers, entrepreneurs, and creatives all needed to be on social media to grow their business but most of them couldn’t afford a high-priced marketing firm or even a part-time consultant to help them out.

From this basic need, I developed social studio — a two-day social media workshop that teaches people how to grow their online presence and make authentic connections with their audience. If you’re interested in learning more about social media marketing check out our next workshop, happening in San Diego on January 24-25.


Of the many things that I believe — I feel that working for yourself and becoming a successful entrepreneur is possible! If you want to make your dreams a reality, you must have a sense of purpose, a certain level of perfection, and even a little bit of obsession. If you have all three then you’re set, now all you have to do is choose your own path…

PAID - Special Events Internship Available

Incorporated in 1990, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) is the only community based fund of its kind, generating vital resources and funding through Workplace Giving Programs as well as other channels to support the rapidly growing Asian and Pacific Islander communities. APCF and its 29 affiliate agencies provide linguistically and culturally appropriate health and human services to 225,000 residents throughout Los Angeles County and beyond. Programs and services are provided in 27 Asian languages plus English and Spanish.
The Asian Pacific Community Fund’s mission is to cultivate philanthropists to invest in community organizations that empower underserved Asian and Pacific Islanders to prosper. We transform lives and meet the diverse needs of Asian and Pacific Islanders by building healthier communities, developing leaders, creating a stronger voice and providing the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
APCF is looking for a highly motivated Special Events Intern who is passionate about the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
Position: Special Events Intern
Length of Commitment:
8 months
16 – 20 hours per week with additional hours required around the event date
Compensation:
$1,000 paid at the completion of the internship
Duties:
This PAID internship position provides hands on experience working in special events coordination for an Asian American non-profit organization and is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to develop skills in non-profit fundraising which is highly sought after in the industry.
Responsibilities:
Primary
Oversee Silent Auction for fundraising event including donor research, solicitation, tracking, creation of auction displays, bid sheets, auction catalog, etc.


Secondary

Assist with the following:

•    Event design & production
•    Secure guests, track attendees and process payments
•    Program development
•    Coordination the day of the fundraising event
•    Follow up after the event
•     
Event website and online marketing and processes
Requirements:
College degree or active enrollment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Self-starter with strong interest in the fundraising arena
Ability to work independently and in a team
Attention to detail is a must
Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Excel and internet research Functional knowledge in creating websites and graphics programs a plus.
Language Skills:
Must be fluent in English and have excellent writing skills.
Ability to speak, read & write Chinese, Japanese, and/or Korean a plus but not necessary.
TO APPLY, please email ALL of the following to HR@apcf.org with subject header “SPECIAL EVENTS INTERN.” Submissions without all 3 components will not be reviewed.


•    Cover Letter
•    Resume

References

PAID – Scholarship Program Internship Available

Incorporated in 1990, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) is the only community based fund of its kind, generating vital resources and funding through Workplace Giving Programs as well as other channels to support the rapidly growing Asian and Pacific Islander communities. APCF and its 29 affiliate agencies provide linguistically and culturally appropriate health and human services to 225,000 residents throughout Los Angeles County and beyond. Programs and services are provided in 27 Asian languages plus English and Spanish.

The Asian Pacific Community Fund’s mission is to cultivate philanthropists to invest in community organizations that empower underserved Asian and Pacific Islanders to prosper. We transform lives and meet the diverse needs of Asian and Pacific Islanders by building healthier communities, developing leaders, creating a stronger voice and providing the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
APCF is looking for a highly motivated Scholarship Program Intern who is passionate about the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
Position: Scholarship Program Intern
Length of Commitment:
8 months
16 – 20 hours per week with additional hours required around key dates
Compensation:
$1,000 paid at the completion of the internship
Duties:
This PAID internship position provides hands on experience overseeing the Asian Pacific Community Fund's scholarship program. This internship is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to develop experience planning and running a program in a non-profit organization.
Responsibilities:
•    Conduct outreach to Asian and Pacific communities statewide to promote program and encourage submissions
•    Write, design and create announcement and flyer
•    Assist in development and creation of scholarship application
•    Answer questions about programs and assist with application process
•    Review, track and conduct due diligence on all applications
•    Recruit, train and organize teams of readers to review applications
•    Acknowledge receipt of applications
•    Notify and communicate with award winners

Requirements:
•    Fast learner and self-starter with strong project management and organizational skills
•    Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate project with maturity, initiative and timeliness
•    Ability to work independently and in a team environment
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    Attention to detail is a must
•    Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Excel and internet research
•    Functional knowledge in creating websites and graphics programs a plus
•    College degree or active enrollment
•     
Minimum of 18 years of age, US citizen or permanent resident status
Language Skills:
Must be fluent in English and have excellent writing skills.
Ability to speak, read & write Chinese, Japanese, and/or Korean a plus but not necessary.
TO APPLY, please email ALL of the following to HR@apcf.org with subject header “SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM INTERN.” Submissions without all 3 components will not be reviewed.
•    Cover Letter
•    Resume

References

Incorporated in 1990, the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF) is the only community based fund of its kind, generating vital resources and funding through Workplace Giving Programs as well as other channels to support the rapidly growing Asian and Pacific Islander communities. APCF and its 29 affiliate agencies provide linguistically and culturally appropriate health and human services to 225,000 residents throughout Los Angeles County and beyond. Programs and services are provided in 27 Asian languages plus English and Spanish.


The Asian Pacific Community Fund’s mission is to cultivate philanthropists to invest in community organizations that empower underserved Asian and Pacific Islanders to prosper. We transform lives and meet the diverse needs of Asian and Pacific Islanders by building healthier communities, developing leaders, creating a stronger voice and providing the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
APCF is seeking a strong operations and administrative professional who is passionate about the Asian and Pacific Islander community.


JobTitle: OperationsManager

Focus Areas: Office Management, Accounting, Data Entry, HR/Personnel Salary: Commensurate with experience. This is a full-time exempt position. 

Location: 1145 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Job Description:
The Operations Manager is responsible for sustaining and strengthening the organization's internal processes and infrastructure that will allow APCF to fulfill its mission. The Operations Manager will provide oversight and sustain all aspects of APCF’s financial record-keeping, office operations, personnel policies, meeting logistics, etc. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.
Financial Management
•    Maintain processes to ensure proper acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship of donors.
•    Manage institutional investments, bank accounts, and accounting procedures
•    Manage various expense budgets
•    Oversee and process accounts payable and receivables with accurate recording in QuickBooks
•    Provide financial reporting
•    Manage insurance policies for organization
•    Office Management and Support
•    Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
•    Ensure office systems are maintained in working order (computers, phones, fax machine, printers, etc.) and are cost efficient
•    Select and review vendors for quality work and cost efficiency (printers, tech support, etc.)
•    Oversee general office supplies and materials, including printed literature

•    Ensure a clean, safe and organized work environment
•    Provide office support for other staff during busy seasons and as needed
•    Personnel Policies and Practices
•    Review and evaluate staff benefits and manage the various plans, including health care, vacation time, etc.
•    Ensure proper workspace and equipment for employees and volunteers
•    Ensure personnel policies are adhered to
•    Executive Manager Support

•    Oversee preparation of materials for board and other meetings as well as taking minutes
•    Assist with scheduling and confirming meetings
•    Assist with record keeping/tracking as it relates to Affiliate Agencies 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS: 

                        Self-starter with strong project management, organizational, and problem solving skills
                        Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects with maturity, initiative and timeliness and ability to
                        manage multiple projects simultaneously with optimal results
                        Must be detail oriented with excellent analytical and financial skills
                        Ability to lead, work independently and participate in a team environment
                        Proficiency in QuickBooks or ability to quickly become proficient
                        Proficiency in Salesforce or ability to quickly become proficient
                        Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Excel and internet research
                        US citizen or permanent resident status
                        Bachelor’s Degree
                        Valid California Driver’s License, access to the use of a reliable automobile on a daily basis, and
                        automobile insurance, regular local travel required
                        Ability to work a flexible schedule (occasional nights and weekends may be required)
                        Preferred:
                        2-5 years of relevant experience with demonstrated success
                        Understanding and familiarity of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in LA County
                         
•    Ability to speak, read & write Chinese, Japanese and/or Korean a plus




TO APPLY, please email ALL of the following to HR@apcf.org with subject header “OPERATIONS MANAGER.” Submissions without all 3 components will not be reviewed.




                         
•    Cover Letter
•    Salary History or Salary Requirements

Resume