A journey of true friendship and collaboration

　　On 28th June, 2014, The Rising Asian Pacific American Coalition for Diversity (RAPACD), Nevada, arranged a luau event at their newly opened RAPACD cultural center & Isla Vegas, The Ninth Island TV show studio. The event was organized to honor the Presidents and officers of two Arizona based nonprofit organizations.
　　Ms. Mari C. Dillard , President of Arizona Asian American Association ( AAAA) ,and Ethel Luzario, CEO and President of 3000 club and many officers from both organizations were warmly greeted by Salve Vargas Edelman, Founder and President of RAPACD; Executive Director of RAPACD Cultural Center; and the Creator, Executive Producer, Director, and Host of Isla Vegas, the Ninth Island TV Show, which airs on My News3’s Dt3.2 and Cox Cable 123, COZI TV on Sundays from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
　　Ms. Edelman will be profiled in the 16th Special Edition Distinguished Women in Nevada book for 2014. Her biography and portrait will highlight her many accomplishments through the years in the state of Nevada.

　　AAAA officers those who accompanied Ms. Mari Dillard were Farhana Shifa Ahmed – Vice President; Bianca Amin,-Secretary, Maridith Esquivel- Treasurer and Raphael Ahmed- Director at large and 2014 AAAA festival Chair.
　　3000 Club guests were Lolita Steele, August Heiss and Stephanie Angels.
　　Along with Ms. Salve, Tusi Alston, RAPACD Treasurer and the Owner and Director of Operation, Heart of Polynesia; Pam Phan, RAPACD Membership Director; Shirley Rago, Maori Community Leader were present to make this event a delightful experience.
　　The Heart of Polynesia Dancers who performed cultural dances from Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand entertained guests. It was a real educating and entertaining part for the audience.
　　Ms. Dillard of AAAA expressed the richness of AAAA’s cultural, education resources, and many involvements of community works. AAAA is proudly collaborating with 3000 Club’s activities under Mari’ss lead for a long time.
　　Ms. Luzario, who was past President of Lions Club and current CEO and President of 3000 club, is recently honored as Positively Powerful Women award, shared her initiatives of Market on the Move and medical helps to the Philippines.
　　Ms. Edelman, President of RAPACD, shared her vision of collaboration of cultural groups regardless of their origin and nationality.
　　These three powerful, amazingly active community leaders and creative women symbolized the power of true friendship and togetherness. Empowering members and creating successful leaders are the common goals of these leaders.
　　RAPACD and AAAA members shared their vision of bringing the cultural treasures and community on the spotlight, community involvement and educating young generation about the heritage, culture and preserving the community treasures that are slowly fading away. AAAA and RAPACD also discussed about exchange programs and doing events jointly in the near future.
　　This event confirmed a firm collaboration of efforts to bring Nevada and Arizona closer. Raphael Ahmed invited RAPACD, Isla Vegas, the Ninth Island TV show and Heart of Polynesia to attend AAAA’s 20th Festival , ”Asian Treasures”, which will be held at Mesa Art Center in Arizona on November 8th and 9Th, 2014. AAAA will feature 14 different cultures. This year AAAA will bring many guest cultures, special features to engage all ages. We are inviting you to join us this year in celebrating Asian arts, kids’ activities, foods, entertainment, and educational programs.