Meet Vicente Reid

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicente Reid.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Vicente. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Beginning of the Chamber. The Asian Chamber of Commerce Incorporated launched officially in 1993 – founded by community and business leaders across Arizona. Our founders understood the importance and significance of uniting as one to serve the entire Asian Pacific American community.

The work of our founders was never for those seeking instant gratification; neither is the work we put in today. The intricate and meticulous planning, the long nights and even longer days were all a part of something greater. Our founders set into motion – a ripple that has grown into a tsunami of change and courage. Arizona is constantly evolving and growing into the state that was once envisioned by those who dared to dream. Economic and social development, cultural diversity, and an atmosphere of innovation are starting to encompass and intertwine into the fabric of our community.

My Journey: Vicente Reid is a proud Filipino-American who was raised by his single Filipina mother – who worked multiple jobs and long hours to ensure Vicente would receive a proper education. His mother instilled into him a set of strong morals defined by fairness, compassion, and perseverance. He recognizes that without the help and guidance of others in the community, he would not be the success story he is today.

Vicente graduated from Bourgade Catholic High School, Phoenix College, and Arizona State University. He received his Bachelor’s in 2008 and his Juris Doctorate in 2014. After receiving his B.S. in Business Management from Arizona State University: WP Carey School of Business. Vicente spent a year teaching impoverished farm children in Asia, where his experiences reaffirmed the importance and need of a vocal and strong community.

He has worked for nonprofits and corporations, constantly succeeding in all of his roles. He took over as the chief executive officer of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, where he has revamped and revitalized the Chamber – and created a renewed focus on uniting communities and developing young leaders and entrepreneurs.

During his time as the chief executive officer of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Vicente has brought together multiple communities to help strengthen economic, community, and cultural development. He has played a pivotal role in unifying individuals from numerous backgrounds and creating scholarships for younger generations. He continues to push for further cultural and economic development. Most recently, he has worked on the Night Market, Asian International Film Festival, Asian District – Mesa, Arizona, a delegation to help strengthen US and Japanese relations (Kakehasi Project), and numerous other endeavors.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are moments in life where two roads lay before you—one that leads down a path of normality and complacency, and the other lined with struggles; but in the end, the harder path will lead to a life worth living. The greatest ability of the human race is the freedom to hope and dream. It is these intangible elements of our soul that we must continue to foster and let flourish. This has always been the foundation of any great society and the key to the current success we are starting to reap.

The beginning was a very tough transition. I sat on the Board of Directors and sadly our leadership was literally dying. The passing of Dr. Namba and Madeline Ong-Sakata left a tremendous hole in our community and leadership. The Chamber was at a crossroad – where our Board debated if we should close. I felt obligated to our founders to continue pushing the Chamber forward because when I was young they were the first to see the greatness inside me and allowed it to flourish. So I asked the Board for two weeks to allow me to put together a vision for the future. I sat and analyzed the major issues we were facing and strategized how to combat and overcome them. I then presented the Board with my five and ten year plan – to which the agreed and let me lead the new wave of the Asian Chamber.

Our first step consisted of getting younger individuals onto the staff – people who were creative and had a hunger and passion for community development. We then had to re-imagine how to approach certain issues and procedures.

That first year was especially tough – I had to demand respect from elder community leaders and our Board was hesitant about the numerous changes that needed to take place. I demonstrated through pure willpower and determination that this new direction would lead the Chamber to exponential growth and would allow us to steer our community in the right direction. Thankfully, here we are going into the third year of me tenure. We are staring to see the success and exponential growth that we set out to achieve.

Please tell us about your organization.
The Chamber is a multi-generational community based organization made up of different backgrounds and experiences – each generation contains special knowledge and abilities that in unison with each other creates a unique but powerful organization focused on the growth and sustainability of the Asian Pacific American community. The Asian Chamber of Commerce Incorporated understands the importance and significance of economic and cultural development and the impact it has on society. Economic and cultural development provides opportunities and opens doors of communication between people that helps us to create bridges that improve our lives. The Asian Chamber of Commerce Incorporated partners with a multitude of different community based organizations to provide workshops, seminars, and events focused on enhancing cultural awareness and co-ethnic collaboration.

The Chamber focuses on three main pillars:
1. Education – Provide mentorship, scholarships, and skill development – Collaborate with corporate and governmental entities to ensure opportunities exist for students.
2. Business – Provide referral service, Business Development programs, Networking opportunities and access to larger Corporate Sponsors and events.
3. Government – Connect city programs with our community, help with civic engagement, and disperse information to our community. Help develop pro-community candidates and policies.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My uncle and aunt, Kevin & Anna Reid, for showing me how to always be a professional and to love unconditionally.

Pricing:

• Corporate Membership – $10.000
• Business Membership – $3,000
• Small Business Membership – $350
• Non-Profit/Community Organization – $150
• Individual Membership – $50
• Student Membership – $10

Contact Info:

• Website: www.azasianchamber.com
• Phone: (602) 529-8475
• Email: ceo@azasianchamber.com
• Instagram: @AZAsianChamber or @ReidForAZ
• Facebook: @AZAsianChamber or @ReidForAZ
• Twitter: @AZAsianChamber or @CEOAsian

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.