Owhen Astorga is President of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and Region 9 Board of Advisor. She serves as the liaison between APA and local chapters in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Learn more about the Region 9 Board of Advisor with this exclus
ive Q&A session!
What were your thoughts when you were asked to serve on the Board of Advisors?
Oh, where do I begin?
My first thought was “Wow, what an honor to be asked to serve!” and then my heart started racing. There were a lot of things going through my mind. As exciting as the opportunity was, I felt a little intimidated, like a little league player being asked to play in the major league. I knew it would be a big responsibility. I rested on the fact that I have good friends from APA who are more than happy to provide guidance and support.
What are some of the struggles you have experienced and overcome as a Board of Advisor?
I do not think I experienced any struggles at all. I was fortunate to be working with an amazing region. If there is one challenge though, it would be hearing from some chapters about their difficulties in finding new officers. I feel their pain.
Tell us about a fond memory you have made with your region during your term as Board of Advisor.
My fondest memory was meeting the different chapter officers and members from my region at Congress. Sitting with them at one table during the Chapter Exchange was a great experience. We smiled, we talked, we high-fived, and at the end of Congress, we hugged to say “so long for now.” It was a pleasure meeting them in person for the first time. I feel like I gained more friends!
What is some advice you would like to give to the chapters in your region?
It is very important that chapter officers work well together. When chapter members and vendors see unity, understanding, and collaboration amongst the officers, they are more willing to share their support. I am very proud to have a “well-gelled” set of chapter officers in the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Through the years we have become family and this family mentality has extended to our chapter members! We have to look at our chapters as more than just a means to learn and network. When chapters create an atmosphere that fosters and encourages friendships, the members can’t help but look forward to meetings.
What question do you get the most from your region and what is your response?
The top two concerns I hear from chapters are: 1) finding a cost efficient venue for meetings and 2) raising funds for chapter events. My advice is simple. Reach out to companies inside and outside of your chapter. Many businesses are more than willing to offer their support but you will never know which ones until you ask!
What do you like most about being on the Board of Advisors?
First, I love talking to the chapters in my region, hearing their successes and challenges. Speaking to them gives me the opportunity not only to help but to learn. As a Chapter President, I certainly know how big of a task it is to run a chapter so being reminded that I am not alone is reassuring.
Second, I love the fact that I get to know more of the payroll folks that make it happen. When I go to most APA events, especially Congress, I meet these incredible movers and shakers, but I do not get to spend much time with them. Attending the Summer Board Meeting was the highlight of my term. I got to collaborate with smart, professional, and fun folks. I have said this before and will say it again: “I want to be like them when I grow up.”
Are you a proud chapter leader in Region 9? Introduce yourself to Owhen in the comments below or send her an email.
Owhen Astorga began her 2-year term as the Region 9 Board of Advisor in May 2016.
