It is with great excitement that we welcome Chris, a Filipino American former Special Forces operator whose remarkable journey embodies the power of resilience and cross-cultural leadership. From navigating childhood challenges including economic hardship and natural disasters in the Philippines to conducting life-changing humanitarian missions across Southeast Asia, Chris transforms obstacles into opportunities with unwavering determination and cultural insight. His unique ability to bridge military precision with corporate innovation, while championing diversity and mentorship, offers us invaluable wisdom on cultivating a "Can-Do mindset" in any environment. Today, Chris shares how his Asian American heritage has shaped his leadership philosophy and how authentic connections—even starting with just one meaningful conversation—can transform our professional journeys.

As an Asian American service member, how has your cultural heritage shaped your military journey, and what lessons can we bring to our professional networks?

Growing up in the country navigating hardship whether it’s economic instability, natural disasters, political challenges, or daily struggles such as limited resources, crimes, rising costs and frequent brownouts (power outages) helped me to adapt and persevere. Additionally, I learned at an early age how to endure them with grace, humor and hope. Arriving in the US, I faced many challenges as well, from language barriers to cultural shocks. But each challenge was a steppingstone, honing my resiliency. I embraced every new experience, knowing that perseverance would lead me to better opportunities. My advice, cultivate a Can-Do mindset and celebrating small wins. It’s not just about solving the problem at hand but proving that no matter what the obstacles, we can always find a way forward and celebrate those small wins by staying motivated though slow-moving time periods.

What was the biggest challenge you faced transitioning from military service to a civilian career, and how can networking groups like ours support veterans in similar transitions?

One of the biggest challenges I faced transitioning from the Army to a civilian career was not understanding the language of the industry I was stepping into. In the military, we’re used to a specific vocabulary and a mission-first mindset but that doesn't always translate cleanly into the corporate world. I struggled with understanding job descriptions, finding out what companies were really looking for, and most of all, explaining how my military skills such as leadership, strategic planning, adaptability could bring value to their teams.

Networking groups like NAAAP are essential because they create a space where those gaps can be bridged. When veterans connect with others who’ve already made the leap, or with civilians who understand both worlds, we get mentorship, translation, and confidence. Just having someone say, “Here’s how your experience applies in this role” or “Let me introduce you to someone in that field,” can make all the difference in the world.

In the military, teamwork is critical. Can you share a story of how collaboration led to success, and how we can foster that spirit in our networking community?

In a remote Thai village, my Special Forces Team and other NGOs (medics, engineers, linguists, civil-affairs specialists) spent a full day on a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) mission with one clear goal: health, comfort, and lasting trust the medic and linguist explained screenings to over 180 villagers in culturally relevant terms, diagnosing malaria, dehydration, and chronic ailments; while the team distributed blankets and pillows. These are small comforts that spoke volumes. By mission’s end we had conducted more than 200 health consultations and left behind blankets, pillows, and invitations for follow-up skills workshops. To mirror this in our networking community, we can cross-train by inviting peers from diverse fields to share their expertise, unite behind a clear mission whether landing our next role or mentoring newcomers, and leverage members’ insider knowledge for introductions and insights, thereby fostering the same spirit of collaboration, trust, and sustained impact.

How has mentorship impacted your military and professional journey, and what advice do you have for members seeking mentors in our group?

I’m grateful to be surrounded by mentors and like-minded individuals. Throughout my military career, having seasoned leaders guide me helped me navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity. Their insights into decision-making under pressure and their willingness to share hard-earned lessons expedited my growth, allowing me to step into leadership roles sooner and with greater impact.

For those seeking mentors in our group, start by defining what you need whether it’s technical know-how, career navigation, or leadership advice and then look for members who’ve walked a similar path. Don’t hesitate to reach out with a specific ask (Hey, do you know someone in this field that can help me find more information about this role).

As a military member, how have you advocated for diversity and inclusion, and what can our group do to amplify Asian American voices in professional spaces?

As a Special Forces operator ofe Filipino descent, I’ve championed diversity and inclusion by deliberately cultivating language and cultural experts on my team by identifying and mentoring service members of Asian heritage to serve as regional specialists, ensuring we not only understood local customs but also empowered voices that might otherwise go unheard.

What excites you most about being part of this networking group, and how do you hope to collaborate with other Asian American professionals?

What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with fellow Asian American professionals who understand the unique challenges and strengths we bring to the table. I love that this group isn’t just about swapping business cards but it’s about sharing stories, celebrating our diverse cultures, and turning those conversations into real opportunities

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone hesitant about attending a networking event, and why should they take the leap to join us?

If you’re on the fence of joining an event, remember to just set a simple, concrete goal: I’ll introduce myself to just one new person. That small win breaks the ice and builds confidence faster than you’d expect. Networking isn’t about talking to everyone in the room (I know others might disagree) or collecting business cards; it’s about discovering shared experiences and forging genuine connections. And sometimes all it takes is getting to know one person.

So, when you join NAAAP Tampa, you’re surrounded by peers who’ve been where you are. Navigating culture clashes, career pivots, and impostor syndrome. That one conversation might spark a mentorship, open a job lead, or simply remind you that you’re not alone. So take that first step and commit to one introduction.