"I was skeptical about how much I'd get out of the program. I was one of the oldest Fellows, and I'd been running my own businesses since I was 22. I already had so much life experience and success-what could APAWLI teach me about leadership? "After the first week of training, I was in shock. I had uncovered so many issues I'd never addressed. I realized that my Japanese grandmother had raised me to be a man so that I could survive in the world. I was always so busy trying to be a good soldier. Most of my friends were men and it was so different at first to be with the sisters in an intimate setting, learning to meditate and thinking deeply about my values. I became aware that I saw other people in terms of their work productivity and didn't notice their individuality. I had never looked inside myself, either. It was a difficult task to take on. I came to realize that I was a bit of a bully. I was so used to running the show-I wasn't the cooperative team player I imagined myself to be. "Now I walk with new eyes. I see that others have individual gifts to offer. I recognize my competitiveness and work to tone it down and not always have the last word. And it's funny-I haven't changed my hair or anything, but people notice the change in me and tell me I look different. It came from the inside out."

-Phyllis Murakawa

Leadership Impact Project: '97 Fellow Phyllis Murakawa made a moving film of the recollections of Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII. She is developing a curriculum guide, CD, video and anthology for teachers to use in their classrooms along with the film.

"Power isn't something to fear, it's something to own-as long as you have a clear sense of your values, priorities and responsibility to the community. The vision isn't just to get more APA women at leadership tables-it's about what we say and do when we get there. That includes asking who else should be included." "The beauty of the APAWLI Fellowship program is that it combines learning concrete leadership skills like conflict resolution with an exploration of who you are. You are challenged to deeply examine your values, principles, and priorities. So you're developing and strengthening your moral compass while you learn to own and wield your power."

-Cindy Choi

Leadership Impact Project: '99 Fellow Cindy Choi is working with three other Fellows to produce leadership development workshops for 12 to 14-year-old Asian American girls in several cities. She is Program Coordinator for the Environmental Justice Fund in LA.

"Asians tend to be vocal only when we have a criticism. I learned in the training how important it is to acknowledge and praise staff and colleagues more, and to help them see their own power. "Women often don't recognize their own leadership-so we don't learn how to leverage our influence. I am more conscious of my power now, and less self-conscious about using it. "The meditation we did was important because we all move at such a fast pace. As women we feel a great responsibility to respond to and nurture others-constantly giving and sacrificing for our children, our work, our community. The APAWLI experience quieted the deafening noise of life so we could begin to hear ourselves-and each other. My class of Fellows bonded almost instantly, and we have maintained our support group of sisters across the country. We're constantly in touch, encouraging each other."

-Deborah Ching

Leadership Impact Project: '98 Fellow Deborah Fu-Yien Ching is raising money for a community wall art project at Casanova Gardens, a low-income housing project in Los Angeles with residents who are predominantly Chinese and Vietnamese immigrant and refuges.

"Feeling the power of the sisterhood changed how I teach. As a professor, I've always been aware of the individual potential of my students. Since the APAWLI training, I want my students to experience the incredible power they can have as a group. They're terrific, striving people, and when they work together they can accomplish great things. "On a personal level, APAWLI gave me time to think. I'm a workaholic, and I learned to ease up on myself. I work less now, which prevents burn out."

-Soo-Young Chin

Leadership Impact Project: 75 of Soo-Young Chin's students worked with 280 inner city middle school children in LA. They gave the children prepared tours of a gallery exhibit, planned and taught art projects, and installed an exhibition of the kids' work at their school, celebrating their art with an opening of the show.

- Diane Wong

Leadership Impact Project: '00 Fellow Diane Wong wrote a play about learning, intuition and the adventure of life. "The Canoe" ran from October 25, 2002 - November 17, 2002 to an audience of more than 1,200. The script has been sent out to other theatres around the country and plans are being made to do a statewide tour of the production in California Schools.

APAWLI to me is the awakening of my dreams. The experience has brought clarity in the subtle difference between "who I am" and "what I do... for a living." It is only through pausing one's life long enough to see how important today is that brings clarity to what one dreams of for tomorrow.

APAWLI changes the way you think and feel about your choices and non-choices. The sisterhood changes the way you see yourself. It provides the safety and support of a network of woman countrywide who represent a new type of village. One which brings leaders to the table who have responsibility in community, government, non-profit and corporate areas.

APAWLI creates the opportunity for self-reflection, seeing the world through different lenses and finally... building a voice together.

It is a moment in time, which I carry with me each day through the powerful lessons of 2 pewter hearts and one lucky starfish.

-Michele Russo

Leadership Impact Project: '02 Fellow Michelle Russo is writing a book entitled, "Why Mommy Gets to Fly," to help working mothers talk to their children about the importance of self-development, choices and balance.