Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago’s annual Milestone Awards Benefit is coming up on April 27! In the weeks leading up to the event, we are recognizing this year’s honorees who have led the way for the Asian American community of Illinois in their respective fields. This week, we shine the spotlight on the change agents of the Allstate Asian American Network, who have created new opportunities for Asian American employees at Allstate. Join us on April 27 to honor Maria Odiamar Racho and Khai Yang at Milestone! Get your tickets today!
Founded in 2006, Allstate Asian American Network (3AN) mission was to create a pipeline of Asian American leaders through professional development, networking, cultural awareness, and knowledge sharing. The employee resource group’s vision was to leverage the diverse experiences of Asian Americans at Allstate to create value that supports the company’s strategy.
Maria Odiamar Racho (left) and Khai Yang (right), of the Allstate Asian American Network, a 2016 Milestone awardee
Founder Maria Odiamar Racho is a living example of 3AN’s mission in action. She has worked tirelessly to lead authentically and give visibility and voice to Asian Americans. Since founding 3AN with five other colleagues, Maria has gone on to not only influence Allstate but the Chicagoland community. For the past 4 years, Maria has served as a featured speaker at the Asian American Leadership Forum, leading the professional development track. Maria’s workshops on mentoring, bi-cultural identity integration, and influence have sold out every year. Maria continues to be asked to share her knowledge via speaking engagements at other corporations along with local and national conferences. Maria was born in the Philippines and currently lives in Glenview where she leads the organization development practice for Allstate Insurance.
Khai Yang, past 3AN Board member and current Advisor, impacts the Asian American community through a mentoring platform. For the past 5 years, she has led Chicago’s OCA Mentoring Asian American Professional Program (MAAP). MAAP’s goal is to cultivate the next generation of confident, empowered, equipped, and collaborative Asian American professional leaders. Over 325 professionals from various sectors (corporate, government, small/medium business, non-profit, education) have benefitted from mentoring, skill building and networking with Asian American role models. She has travelled to other OCA chapters to seed their mentoring programs. Khai was born in Vietnam and currently lives in Northbrook where she is a technology strategist for Allstate Insurance.
3AN has created a pipeline of informed, aware, strategic leaders who are passionate about leadership and Asian American issues.