[April 29, 2002] The Asian and Pacific American Women's Leadership Institute (APAWLI) recently named Mountain States Chapter President Giselle Rushford a 2002 Fellow. Giselle, one of thirteen awarded a fellowship to attend APAWLI's 2002 leadership program, is a recognized leader in the Denver community. Her influence spans the AT&T business resource groups (BRGs) — of which 4A is one — and many Denver Asian American organizations. I caught up with Giselle earlier this month and had a chance to ask her about this latest honor and life after AT&T.

Suwathin: Congratulations! You recently retired from "T" after 29 years, and you're now busy with a new venture.

Giselle: I retired on 3/18/2002. AppSoft Consulting has been a dream of mine to do [once retired] from AT&T. This business is built upon the training, education and experience I have gained over the last few decades while incorporating the relationships I've developed over the years. Based on those relationship I already received two projects in the horizon pending acceptance of the bid. The consulting business also allows me to exercise my entrepreneurial spirit.

In addition to continuing to lead the 4A Mountain States Chapter, what other organizations are you involved with?

I am still on Board of the Filipino American Community of Colorado as the ex-officio President, advisor at the [Denver] Dragon Boat Festival, and an Asian Round Table of Colorado member as well as I continue to collaborate with the local BRGs and other communities.

Is the APAWLI fellowship in recognition of any particular achievements in these organizations?

The APAWLI Fellowship award is given based on a Fellow's lifetime achievement: work, personal, and community. My recommendations came from all of those areas in my life.

How do you see the fellowship benefitting your work with API's a year from now?

If my impact project [see sidebar] is successful, the community would have gained another step towards independence and self reliance for the seniors in our immigrant population. I am also hoping to expand the program to the other Asian communities through larger grants from private and public funds.

Final thoughts to our readers? The Fellowship itself is a personal honor as it allows me to be part of a sisterhood that hopefully will become a time honored tradition for the younger generation to follow. This is a powerful program for those lucky to be asked to participate... It is part of my life's journey and I will try to nurture it as best as I can. I don't believe I left the "T" as it has been a big part of my life. I met many great people who were my mentors and friends and continue to maintain those relationships. I have shared experiences with these folks and we cried and laughed together while raising our children and meeting business goals.

Impact Project: FilAm Elderly Program of Colorado Vision: This program creates a support system and structure to the elderly immigrants who are sometimes confined to their homes due to lack of English language proficiency and cultural understanding of the society. This program could facilitate the elderly immigrants orderly transition to becoming happy, needed and productive contributors to their families, community and society. Mission: Create a program for the immigrant Filipino American elderly, 60 and over to facilitate social interaction and promote emotional well being.

— Suwathin Phiansunthon