In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, we proudly highlight the exceptional contributions of two distinguished leaders within the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Goutam Kundu, our Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Strategy Officer. Goutam is the visionary behind MWAA Labs, our acclaimed in-house hub for technological innovation. Under his guidance, MWAA Labs has pioneered a remarkable array of cutting-edge airport solutions and passenger-centric technologies, earning accolades for its ingenuity. With a steadfast commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for business advancement, revenue enhancement, and superior customer engagement, Goutam has served as the CIO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority since 2013. Discover more about the groundbreaking solutions crafted by the MWAA Labs team by visiting our dedicated MWAA Labs site.

Roger Natsuhara serves as the Chief Engineering Officer at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Roger is responsible for leading the planning and negotiations with the airlines to develop the 2025 to 2039 Use and Lease Agreement Capital Construction Program. This program manages the development of buildings, roads, parking structures, airfields, utility systems, and other projects related to both Dulles International and Reagan National airports. We are proud to have Roger and his leadership as we plan out the future development of our airports. 
 

Every year, in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) organizes “Asia on the Creek”, a free event, by partnering with the Downtown Frederick Partnership.

• Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
• Time: 12 - 5pm
• Location: Carroll Creek Linear Park Frederick, MD 21701
• Registration: FREE, register today on Eventbrite. 

Join IAD and DCA for a celebration of our AANHPI Community and Heritage through a variety of performances in our airports.  We will feature Traditional Japanese Taiko Drummers and Polynesian Dancers and Trio Band on Friday, May 17, 2024. 

• DCA
  • Time: 10am - 11am (EST) 
  • Location: Post Security / National Hall, across from Chick Fil A
• IAD
  • Time: 3pm - 4pm (EST)
  • Location: Pre Security / East Security entrance – Upper ticketing area 
     

This month we’re celebrating Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders with trivia about AANHPI sitters from our collection. From athletes and activists to entertainers and engineers, test your knowledge with our friends from New Columbia Pub Quiz.  

• Date: Tue May 28, 2024 
• Time: 5:00pm - 6:45pm
• Location: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution (800 G Street Northwest Washington, DC 20001)
• Cost: FREE, register today on Eventbrite.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art celebrates artistry of all kinds. Plan your visit to engage in performances, films, lectures, and family friendly workshops all month long, 

Explore Smithsonian events happening online and in-person and find resources, podcasts, and collection items to learn more about AANHPI contributions.

Check out all their events happening during the month of May 2024. 

Yoga, an ancient practice steeped in history and philosophy, traces its roots back to the dawn of civilization. Originating in the ancient Indus Valley civilization around 2700 BCE, yoga emerged as a holistic approach to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. Its journey through time is not just a tale of physical postures, but a profound narrative of the human quest for inner peace, balance, and enlightenment.

While yoga remained deeply rooted in Indian culture, it gradually spread beyond its borders, influencing diverse traditions and civilizations along the way. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the transmission of yoga to the West accelerated, thanks to pioneering figures like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda, who introduced the philosophy and practices of yoga to a global audience.

Today, yoga has transcended cultural boundaries and become a universal phenomenon, embraced by millions worldwide for its myriad health benefits. From stress reduction and improved flexibility to enhanced mental clarity and spiritual well-being, the rewards of a regular yoga practice are abundant and well-documented.