EQUAL TIME: Another Mesa Mayor Candidate with A Vision of The Future

 15 June 2024

CHANGE-MAKER RYAN WINKLE: Empowering Diversity, Driving Prosperity

Our Vision Empowering Diversity, Driving Prosperity

The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce envisions a thriving and interconnected business community where the unique strengths of Asian Pacific American-owned enterprises drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. Our vision is to be the premier catalyst for the success of Asian Pacific American businesses in Arizona, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and leveraged to create lasting prosperity

KEY PILLARS OF OUR VISION:
Inclusive Business Ecosystem: We see a future where Asian Pacific American entrepreneurs, businesses, and professionals from various sectors come together to create a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem. This ecosystem is built upon collaboration, support, and the sharing of knowledge, fostering an environment where all members can grow and thrive.
Economic Empowerment: We envision Asian Pacific American-owned businesses as vital contributors to the economic vitality of Arizona. By providing resources, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to empower these businesses to flourish, create jobs, and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the state.
Leadership Development: We see a future where the Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce is at the forefront of developing visionary leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of today's business world. By offering leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources, we aim to cultivate a new generation of capable and ethical business leaders.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: We aspire to be a strong voice advocating for the interests of Asian Pacific American businesses in Arizona. Through strategic partnerships, engaging with policymakers, and participating in relevant discussions, we aim to shape policies that foster a business-friendly environment and promote equitable opportunities for all.
Global Connectivity: We envision Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce as a bridge connecting local businesses to global markets and opportunities. By fostering international trade relationships and promoting cross-cultural collaboration, we strive to position our members for success on the global stage

OUR COMMITMENT:
The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce is committed to making our vision a reality through unwavering dedication to our mission, core values, and the collective growth of our members. We will continuously evolve and adapt to the changing business landscape, remaining responsive to the needs of our diverse membership while staying true to our vision of empowerment, diversity, and prosperity.
Together, we will build a future where the Arizona Asian Pacific American business community thrives, contributes, and stands as a beacon of unity and success for generations to come.

Ryan D. Winkle
Chairman

About
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
Achievements-driven and highly capable professional with proven success in delivering strategic direction, vision, and management for economic and community development programs. Extensive experience in spearheading economic development projects, with an emphasis on equitable community engagement, small business technical assistance, affordable housing advocacy, and commercial corridor development. Capable of designing and implementing and creating small business and neighborhood programming based on community needs assessments. Skilled at making data-driven decisions with the ability to deliver visible results. Possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
-10 years experience in project management, inclusive community economic development, and engagement strategies in re-development districts, business improvement districts, and cultural areas with marginalized communities.
-Expertise in starting and building organizations, board creation, talent acquisition, and team building and managing day-to-day operations.
-Skilled in observing, identifying strengths in sub-geographies, and implementing strategies that make a transformative impact on communities, cities, and regional economic inequities.
-Talented in building cross-sector partnerships that position communities to co-own place-based investment strategies with holders of institutionalized power at the city and regional levels.
-Procuring and analyzing data to identify market opportunities and strengths within targeted areas, discovering barriers to residents and small businesses, and strategizing on appropriate policies including addressing the effect of structural racism even within our own community organizations.
-Understanding of community development finance mechanisms, building programs for businesses and residents to gain access to capital, and the importance of ownership.
-Advocacy as a Community Benefit Organization partnering with Affordable Housing/Tax Credit Developers assessing impact in investment areas.

Representation for the Arizona Asian Pacific American Community