Tag: Comings and Goings

A big thank you to outgoing AAJA Sacramento Board Member Ryan Yamamoto. He has been a critical part of the chapter’s annual Photo Showcases, serving as the Co-Photo Coordinator. We truly appreciate his dedication to the chapter as a board member for the past 2 years. Before that, he was a board member and even served a brief stint as Chapter President. Together, he and Suzanne have been huge supporters of AAJA Sacramento personally and professionally. We thank them for opening their home and their hearts to our cause.

AAJA Sacramento whole-heartedly thanks KCRA3 reporter Suzanne Phan for her four years on the chapter board, serving three years as chapter co-president and one year as vice-president. Under her leadership with Judy Lin and previously with Sandy Louey, she helped the chapter organize fundraisers that raised more than $68,000 for student scholarships and chapter programs. She also helped connect the chapter with community and corporate leaders.

Suzanne helped organize and run the AAJA Photo Showcase for the past 2 years, the “Taste of Asia” event, and AAJA’s 20th Anniversary Event. And, she was a crucial part of the chapter when it was named AAJA Chapter of the Year in 2006. To think, it all started with her just showing up for dim sum with AAJA Sacramento!

Suzanne says: “AAJA Sacramento is a phenomenal chapter with many dedicated and talented journalists. I’ve learned so much from its members. They’ve been great friends and also my second family. Thank you for the opportunity to grow and to help the chapter become what it is today. Wishing the AAJA Sacramento and it’s new board all the best.”

Congratulations to longtime student member Gia Vang, who heads off to Oregon at the end of the month for her first on-air reporting position! We’ll miss her!

Here’s a message from the talented Sacramento State grad:

“After three years as a student in the AAJA Sacramento Chapter, I?m excited to announce my leave to Eugene, Oregon for a reporting job.  But I feel even more privileged to say that AAJA Sacramento has been a huge part of my accomplishments. 

“I?m not only leaving with a wealth of knowledge from outstanding journalists, professionals and other students, but lasting friendships.  Every one of you has rallied behind me in my ambitions and I thank you.

“Now, I am eager to see where following one of my dreams might take me.

“I truly believe all the work we do is necessary and important. Thank you for your continuous support for journalism and for me.  Please stay in touch because I will continue to seek all of your guidance as I embark on my career.

” We honestly have some of the most remarkable people in the AAJA Sacramento family.  And you should be very proud because each of you has played a part in making my dream a reality.”