As I was researching my dinner plans yesterday, I came across some exciting receptions. First, I wanted to attend the inaugural event of the Black Professionals Connection, which is Washington’s newest organization of young Black Professionals. It was designed for black professionals to meet one another in a unique and upscale setting. And the best part was it was open to all people, not just African-Americans! Since it was an upscale event, I think they were asking for donations so I decided against it.

I was bummed out because I was looking forward to meeting some sexy young black professions, but I’m glad I decided not to go because I got lucky! (Well, not really... but I’ll explain) I sent out a mass-email to my friends that work on the Hill and to my roommates to see if they knew of anything going on around DC. I got several responses, one from my uber conservative friend who is a Hill staffer, one from my roommate and another from the Hill office I worked in last summer. Of the many responses, the two that seemed the most promising were the fundraising event at the Cantina Marina for minority leader John Boehner. It was invitation only, but I gots mad connections so I managed to get on the list. The second was a welcoming party with the secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. She was scheduled to host a reception to welcome Asian Pacific American interns to Washington, D.C. The latter was obviously right up my alley. I figured, even though it would be so fun to go to the Boehner event (what an unfortunate name…) I decided to go disguised as my roommate to the Elaine Chao event. 

So, I left CAP and ran home quickly to change into business attire and to grab my roommate’s I.D. I channeled my high school and early college days when I had to memorize everything on my fake I.D. I made my way over to the Department of Labor on 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. When I arrived, I saw a swarm of Asians all suited up to meet their hero, Elaine L. Chao!

I guess it’s true what they say, “All Asians look the same” because the man checking the IDs at the registration table didn’t even give me a second look. I’m about 4 shades darker than my roommate, my hair is jet black, hers is light brown, and basically we look nothing alike. Let’s just say, I got REALLY LUCKY!! I entered the enormous room where about 200 young Asian Pacific Islanders were awaiting Secretary Chao’s arrival. Of course I had one thing and one thing only on my mind. “Where’s the food at?”

I saw some refreshments and appetizers (cheese, veggie platters, mini sandwiches, coke, sprite and water)… I took about 5 mini sandwiches, a bowl full of cheese bites and two-three celery sticks (with some yummy ranch dipping sauce).

As I was enjoying my small, but delicious goodies, a young woman asked me if the tuna sandwich was any good. We then engaged in the ‘who are you interning for’ ‘what school do you go to’ ‘do you like D.C’ bit… until we were all informed on the microphone that the one and only, Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao was here and ready to speak to us all. Chao got on the mic and gave a short welcoming speech. She told us to make the most of our time in D.C. and to network a lot. I noticed that there were about 20-25 camera men there from various media outlets. So, I was grouped with some interns to wait in line for my photo with Elaine Chao. I got my picture taken with her and was assured that it would be sent to me (err, my roommate) within the week.

Overall, opting against the young black professionals’ reception and the fundraiser for the minority leader got me lucky with some Asians!