This Member Spotlight offers an opportunity for members to share their institutions' insights and best practices with other members, highlighting how they are making a difference in the community and how they have benefited from the HKANC membership.
This week, we are delighted to have Melinda Yee Franklin, Board Director to share her profession with us. Learn more about Melinda and how she became involved with the association below.
Introduce yourself to our members. Tell us who you are.
I am a third-generation Chinese American. My grandparents were born in Guangzhou, China and my parents were born in San Francisco. I have always had a deep love and admiration for Hong Kong and the people of Hong Kong, first traveling there in 1990 and returning for a visit annually. Several years ago, as part of a San Francisco Opera delegation celebrating “Dream of the Red Chamber”, I stayed in the Peninsula Hotel for a week. It was wonderful being pampered and to truly experience luxurious service in a beautiful place!
What does your company do?
I am the Managing Director of Corporate and Government Affairs in the Western Region for United Airlines. This means I interface with elected officials and business leaders throughout a nine-state region. I am also the Chairwoman of the Board of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. On both fronts, we are working extremely hard to turn the corner of our current COVID-19 business environment.
What made you decide to join HKANC?
I have been attending HKANC events since I served as Mayor Willie Brown’s International Affairs Director from 1996-2000. I always admired the professionalism of the group and the strong networking opportunities. I am still friends with many of the business leaders I met during that time and look forward to seeing them at our ongoing annual events.
How has HKANC membership been of value to yourself and your business or corporation?
Our membership gives exposure to United Airlines and to me to showcase our service offerings and help create new business partnerships. We enjoy collaborating on creative business ideas and promotions with our fellow members as well.
What is the best career advice you ever received?
Always be prepared and don’t sweat the small stuff. Someone is always watching, so make good decisions both personally and professionally as you conduct your day-to-day life. And live a balanced life, that aligns your mind, body, and soul every single day.
Q6: What would you like to say to our members?
Please join us on our journey together to celebrate a place and people we love and admire. Let’s work together to bring renewed economic vitality to Hong Kong and spread a positive message of hope and peace throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Interested to connect with Melinda? Contact her below.
Melinda Yee Franklin
Managing Director
Corporate & Government Affairs
United Airlines
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