EINPresswire/ -- The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) is proud to announce the second cohort to join its prestigious GAACC Leadership Accelerator, an annual program dedicated to empowering high-potential business, civic, and corporate professional leaders within the Central Texas Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

The GAACC Leadership Accelerator, presented in partnership with Bank of America, is a nine-month immersive program designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections to shape the future of the region. The program’s curriculum focuses on strengthening individual leadership skills, engaging with the Greater Austin business ecosystem, and fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s civic landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with leaders from Fortune 500 companies and civic institutions, engage in workshops and speaker sessions, and complete a capstone project designed to make a lasting impact on the community.

“It’s incredible to see how the Leadership Accelerator keeps growing and inspiring new leaders. This cohort is full of passion, purpose, and fresh ideas — you can feel their energy and commitment to making a difference,” said GAACC Board of Directors and Leadership Accelerator Committee member Kurian Panicker. “I’m excited to see the impact they’ll have on our community and the future of Greater Austin.”

Committee Member and cohort coach Joe Han added, “This year’s Accelerator builds on a strong foundation to offer more than just skill development. It’s a direct path for high-potential Asian leaders to create tangible community impact.”

Hailing from a broad range of sectors and with diverse professional backgrounds, the nine participants in the second cohort (2025-26) of the GAACC Leadership Accelerator are:

Ryan Char, CFP^®
Regional Director and Vice President
Dimensional Fund Advisors

Mitchel Dumlao
Founder and Executive Producer
Creative Haven

Rene Helit
Owner
The Cultured Chefs, LLC

Sam Lee
Owner and Broker
DLX Realty

Stephanie Mora
Industry Engagement Manager
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Jenn Penano-Collazo
President, Board of Directors
Filipino Young Professionals of Austin, Texas (FYP ATX)

Daisy Qian
Business Banking Relationship Manager
Bank of America

Poornima Siddapur
Founder and CEO
TalBiz Solutions, LLC

Kevin Zhang
Founder
HeyMai

Upon successful completion of the program, the cohort will be recognized during GAACC’s annual Austin Asian Impact Day in May, 2026.

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