2026-2027
Norman Mineta
Cohort Program

 

2026-2027 Norman Mineta Cohort Program

AAAIM’s Norman Mineta Cohort, previously known as the Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI) cohort, is designed to help mid-career Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) break the “Bamboo Ceiling” in the investment field. The yearlong program consists of a small group of high potential leaders that receive executive coaching, professional development, mentorship, and promotional opportunities within AAAIM. We’re excited to open applications for the 2026-2027 cohort for participants located in Southern California and New York City.

AAPIs are represented well in top educational institutions, and in the junior ranks of many investment firms. However, there is a vast under-representation of AAPIs in senior roles relative to the size of the professional workforce within the financial and investment industry. Our research shows that AAPIs typically plateau at the mid-career level due to lack of institutional focus and career development opportunities. To address this professional growth gap, AAAIM has a targeted cohort program for a select group of mid-career AAPIs to further their careers. Emerging Leaders Initiative founder, Gordon C.C. Liao states, “We welcome a new set of young leaders to the AAAIM family. Mentorship, sponsorship, and access to development programs are critical to creating a more diverse and equitable industry and society. Thank you to our sponsors who make this program possible.”

Program Overview

Commitments:
  • Monthly in-person or virtual meetings: Networking, Professional Development & Training, Team-based activities with the cohort. Group virtual meeting times will be decided among the cohort based on speaker availability.
  • Demonstration of giving back to the AAPI community and other underserved communities
  • AAAIM conference attendance in 2026 and 2027(complimentary)
  • Organizational promotion of participation
  • Nine-month session with AAAIM executive coaches
  • Travel and related costs of the program
  • Support the AAAIM and AAPI community as an ambassador
  • Support for AAAIM’s local chapter in SoCal and NYC
Benefits:
  • Curated introductions to key AAAIM network members
  • Professional Development: Monthly Leadership Training provided through the AAAIM network such as interviewing skills, navigating workplace culture, finding internal corporate sponsors, self-advocacy and promotion, etc.
  • Free Attendance and Recognition at AAAIM Annual Conference in 2026 and 2027
  • Free attendance to 2026-2027 AAAIM events
  • Visibility and promotion to the AAAIM network
  • Coaching and development in this program is free of charge for participants

Cohort Qualifications

  • NYC area based (Tri-state area) and Southern California
  • Members in Private/Public Equity, Venture Capital, Hedge/Asset Management, Real Estate
  • This program is designed for mid-level professionals, approximately 10+ years post undergrad or 3-6 years+ post MBA, working in the financial or investment field currently. Participants are not required to have an MBA.
  • High potential candidate with a referral, focused on professional growth and supporting AAPI community

Application Process

We welcome you to apply for the Norman Mineta Cohort Program. There is a two-part application process. Part One is submitting your resume and a brief 500-word statement answering the following: What has inspired you to apply to the ELI Norman Mineta Cohort Program? What will you bring to the ELI Cohort/network as a member? How would you like to grow at this point in your career?
Part Two is having a professional reference submitted through the AAAIM ELI Referral Form. This referral is the official and only method of endorsing a candidate applying to the current cohort application cycle. The referral form is required and the AAAIM ELI Referral Form must be submitted by Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. Your application will be deemed incomplete if Part Two is not submitted. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Deadline extended to June 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
Any inquiries or questions can be directed to terry.vo@aaaim.org.

2026-2027 Norman Mineta Cohort Application Form

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    Please provide a brief 500-word statement answering the following: What has inspired you to apply to the Norman Mineta Cohort Program? What will you bring to the Norman Mineta Cohort Network as a member? How would you like to grow at this point in your career?