Changing Lives

By providing comprehensive leadership education, continuous professional development, and robust credentials, IAAP transforms administrative professionals into recognized, empowered leaders. This transformation not only uplifts individual careers but also creates a ripple effect that strengthens organizational effectiveness, fosters innovation, and reshapes workplace culture.

Demita Villaruel

2024 Summit Scholarship Colleague

“This experience has helped redefine my professional journey and how I connect with my peers. I hope to share the positive impact that IAAP Summit has given me by striving to advocate for other administrative professionals. I want work to feel like Summit in some ways. We learn together, grow together, and stay connected in the office — introducing others to what IAAP has to offer all admins.”

Clara Haruko Nakagawa, CAP

2024 Summit Scholarship Colleague

“Summit exceeded my expectations in many ways. I attended acquiring valuable administrative skills, such as strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, and gaining insights into the latest technological advancements. These topics are particularly challenging to find comprehensive training for in Japan, making the experience even more rewarding and impactful.”

Edith Kuteesa Gitta

2024 Summit Scholarship Colleague

“Attending the conference opened my mind to the fact that I can do so much more, in so much less time by simply exploiting AI. I am unstoppable on this journey and ensure I try out new things now and then until I have perfected them. The best part is that, as someone passionate about communication, I returned with practical skills and lessons for my team to emulate so that we all enhance our communication culture as top management.”

Pamela North, CAP

2024 CAPstone Scholarship Colleague

“When I reflect on my CAPstone experience, I think about how blessed I was to have the opportunity to share this training with so many wonderful and engaged administrative professionals. I really looked forward to the next class and sharing what I learned with my peers. The insight that I gained was that I have the ability to effectively manage any project if I use my project management toolkit throughout the project lifecycle.”

Strategic Investments

Since 2012, the IAAP Foundation has invested more than $4 million in the administrative profession. World class local, national, and virtual educational programs, leadership development, community building, soft advocacy and the premiere Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program strengthen our community.

Honoring Those Who Give

Behind every scholarship awarded and every new path created are the donors and partners who believe in what’s possible. The IAAP Foundation celebrates these champions whose generosity turns ideas into action and support into impact.

2024 2023

Philanthropist of the Year

The Philanthropist of the Year award is the IAAP Foundation’s most prestigious award given annually to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through extraordinary financial and volunteer support of the administrative profession.

Ann Dahlke

2024 Philanthropist of the Year.

Ann Dahlke, CAP (Expert), has been named the 2024 IAAP Foundation Philanthropist of the Year! Known for her unwavering commitment to the Foundation, Ann has been a steadfast supporter since 2010. She not only donates generously but also leverages her employer’s matching gift program to maximize her impact. She is a proactive participant in every
Foundation initiative, notably the Power of 10 program, where she not only joined two circles but also serves as a Circle Captain.

Ann’s dedication extends beyond financial support, as she actively encourages others to engage with the Foundation. Her unwavering commitment and substantial impact make her an inspiring role model within our community.

Karlena Rannals

2023 Philanthropist of the Year

Karlena Rannals, CAP exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through extraordinary financial and voluntary support of the administrative profession. In addition to her leadership as a past IAAP Board chair, Karlena has also served as a Foundation board member.

She’s always one of the first to step up for Foundation initiatives and donates the most fabulous sweepstake and auction items.

Nora and Roy Onishi

2022 Philanthropist of the Year

Nora and Roy Onishi work as a team – and that is why we chose to honor both of them as Philanthropist of the Year in 2022. The two established the Malama ‘ohana Scholarship (meaning “taking care of family”) in 2019, specifically to provide extra expense assistance so IAAP members from Hawaii can attend Summit.

Nora participates in many IAAP programs and is always one of the first to support Foundation initiatives. We are fortunate to count Roy and Nora among our friends.

Karen Swoopes

2021 Philanthropist of the Year

Philanthropist of the Year Karen Swoopes exemplifies everything it means to be a giver. Karen is that and more. She is a donor, serves as a Foundation Ambassador, and continuously advocates on behalf of the Foundation’s mission.

Her enthusiasm for the administrative profession is contagious and we are so honored to have her represent the Foundation in this capacity.

Elizabeth White-Peters

2020 Philanthropist of the Year.

Elizabeth White-Peters, CAP, was named 2020 Philanthropist of the Year during this year’s IAAP virtual Summit. Elizabeth has been an IAAP Foundation donor and volunteer for several years.

She serves as a Foundation Ambassador, giving her time to assist in our efforts to support admins and advance the profession.

Stacey Brewer, CAP, Foundation Chair, presents the 2019 Philanthropist of the Year award to Joyce Hawkins, CAP, (right) at IAAP Summit.

Joyce Hawkins

2019 Philanthropist of the Year

Joyce Hawkins, CAP, was named 2019 Philanthropist of the Year at IAAP Summit 2019. Joyce has been a supporter of the IAAP Foundation since inception.

She is a leader in philanthropy and a true example of what it means to be a giver.

Brenda Jindra, Foundation Chair, presents the 2018 Philanthropist of the Year award to
Sandy Chandler, CAP (left) at the Foundation Celebration.

Sandy Chandler

2018 Philanthropist of the Year

Sandy Chandler, CAP, has supported the foundation for many years as a volunteer and donor. She is a long-time IAAP member and a past IAAP president. She now gives back to the profession by giving to the Foundation through her time, talent and treasure.

She serves as a Foundation Ambassador and supports the foundation’s mission in any way she can. She is a true giver.

Char Wilkinson, CAP, (left) 2016 Philanthropist of the Year, is pictured with 2017
Philanthropist of the Year Lynda Boulay, CAP, at the Foundation Celebration.

Lynda Boulay

2017 Philanthropist of the Year

Lynda Boulay, CAP, OM has supported the foundation for many years and has previously volunteered her time on the foundation’s board of directors. She also became the first Benefactor of the foundation, which means that over her lifetime, she has donated more than $15,000 to this organization.

She has an extraordinary amount of passion for the organization and is a great example of a philanthropist.

Char Wilkinson

2016 Philanthropist of the Year

Char Wilkinson, CAP, has been a long time member of IAAP and has worked tirelessly to support educational activities targeted to the profession. This includes active participation at the chapter and division levels in raising money for the foundation and making personal contributions throughout the years in support of her colleagues.

She has also served as a mentor to others in modeling her philanthropic volunteer efforts which we hope will ignite others to follow.

CHANGE ANOTHER ADMIN’S LIFE FOR JUST $10 A MONTH

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