Best-kept Secret For Administrators
R. Healani Waia’u
President of International Association of Administrative Professionals Hawaii Division
Most administrators are not aware that they can join In ternational Association of Administrative Professionals, the world’s largest organization of administrative professionals with more than 22,000 peers.
It offers opportunities to meet professionals in other businesses and expand your skills through networking and peer group support. It focuses on training, leadership skills, information sharing and career growth, and offers discounts on educational products.
IAAP also has its own professional certification program enabling administrators to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and proficiency through the Certified Administrative Professional rating and two specialties: Organizational Management and Technology Applications.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, office and administrative professionals account for more than 20 million in North America alone. IAAP is worldwide, with more than 500 chapters and affiliates.
The Hawaii division has been in the Islands since 1995 and has 110 members with five chapters: Hawaii chapter (located on Oahu), Kukui chapter (a virtual chapter for Neighbor Islands), Heald College chapter, Mahalo No Ka Hana chapter based at BYUH-Laie and the Oahu chapter.
Community service is encouraged and every chapter is committed to supporting events such as the Sony Open, United Cerebral Palsy Dessert Fantasy, Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, Oahu SPCA and Goodwill.
This year, in celebration of Administrative Professionals Week, IAAP Hawaii Division will sponsor a twoday conference April 25-26 at Pacific Beach Hotel. It will start with a dynamic seminar on “Developing the Most Valuable Professional in You” presented by Victoria Ashford. For the first time in history, IAAP International president Judith Yannarelli CAP-OM will be the keynote speaker at the business luncheon. To register, email iaap.oahu@gmail.com.
IAAP is a 501(c)(6) registered not-for-profit professional association. Our mission is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development. IAAP’s core values include integrity, transparency, excellence and collaboration. Spread the word on the best-kept secret for administrators and join us today!
My personal journey with IAAP has been incredible. The “soft” skills gained through attending chapter meetings, serving in leadership roles, networking with other administrators, conducting educational programs, team-building activities and attending educational events both in Hawaii and on the Mainland, have given me the experience that allows me to have a positive influence at home, in my community and at work.
For more information, visit our website at iaap-hq.org, or to locate a chapter near you, email iaap.oahu@gmail.com.
