Upcoming Events
Asian Heritage Month Celebration (SIGNATURE EVENT)
Join us for our APAPA Asian Heritage Month Celebration! This is a special dinner event with sponsorships and table reservations available (32 round tables with 9 guests each). We are recognizing outstanding community leaders and highlighting our diverse cultural heritage.
WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS: CA Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis & CA Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
PRESENTERS: CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CA State Controller Malia Cohen, CA Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson, CA Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, CA Assistant Speaker pro Tempore Stephanie Nguyen
PUBLIC SAFETY CHAMPION AWARDS: SF Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, APOA President Captain Brent Kaneyuki, and Asian Resources Inc.
CIVIC LEADERSHIP IMPACT AWARD: CA AAPILC represented by Asm. Evan Low and Asm. Mike Fong
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXCELLENCE AWARD: Chef Martin Yan
CA STATE CAPITOL LEGISLATORS HOSTING APAPA SPRING 2024 INTERNS: Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Treasurer Fiona Ma, Asm. Dr. Jasmeet Bains, Asm. Mike Gipson, Asm. Matt Haney, Asm. Tri Ta, Asm. Stephanie Nguyen, Asm. Lori Wilson, Asm. Laura Friedman, Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Sen. Nancy Skinner, Sen. Brian Dahle
CO-EMCEES: Sam Shane (Anchor KFBK 1530AM) and Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Former CA Chief Justice & CEO Public Policy Institute of CA).
FAMILY STYLE DINNER SERVICE: Roline's Filipino Catering
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES: Singer Ernestine Balisi (Disney & Nickelodeon), Polynesian Fire Dancers, Asian Dancers, Egyptian Drums
There are a limited number of general reservations available.
Please contact events@apapa.org if you have any questions or concerns.
CA State Capitol Day & Legislative Reception (SIGNATURE EVENT)
We invite community leaders and partnering organizations to join us for CA State Capitol Day to support issues and policies which are important to our AAPI and diverse communities. Support teams, materials, and lunch will be provided at the Stanley Mosk Library & Courts Building (across the street from the State Capitol). After the legislative outreach at the State Capitol, we will return to the library for a reception with the CA AAPILC. Join us by clicking “RSVP” below or email events@apapa.org. There is no cost to participate in this event.
We need as many people (volunteers) to come as possible to read our script and talk to elected officials.
Come in the morning for networking and lunch, then get training.
Itinerary
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM: Press Conference
11:30 AM: Arrival (find parking and walk to Stanley Mosk Library, Room 500)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Training & Presentation with complimentary lunch
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Walk in groups to State Capitol
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Meetings & appointments with legislators at the State Capitol
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Reception with complimentary dinner at Library
Reservation ends at 8pm
DC Congressional Day & Legislative Reception (SIGNATURE EVENT)
APAPA chapter leaders from across the country will travel to our nation’s capitol to support issues and legislation which are important to our AANHPI communities, including education, immigration, resources to fight hate crimes, and more. We will be meeting with congressional members and lawmakers, and hosting a legislation reception in the Rayburn House Office Building in the evening of Thursday, June 27 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. (We appreciate the partnership with UCA.)
If you are interested in sponsoring the Legislative Reception, please email events@apapa.org.
APAPA National Youth Leadership Academy
The APAPA National Youth Leadership Academy is a program that focuses on cultivating leadership skills among more than 100 high school students nationwide. To join this program, email pcurzon@apapa.org.
APAPA CA Gubernatorial Appointments Team Reception
The APAPA Government Appointments Team supports highly qualified candidates who aspire to hold government-appointed positions. We will be hosting a reception with representatives from the CA Governor’s Appointments Team, including Chief Deputy Appointments Secretary Morgan Carvajal and Appointments Secretary Cathryn Rivera. We encourage recent appointees and those interested in future appointments to join us.
APAPA National Leadership Summit
APAPA HQ will be hosting the APAPA National Leadership Summit at the Yin Ranch and APAPA HQ. This weekend event will bring together leaders from more than 50 chapters across the country, creating an opportunity for networking, collaboration, and growth.
APAPA Unity Awards Gala (sIGNATURE EVENT)
We are excited to invite you to join us at this special event to honor and celebrate community leaders and partners who have made a positive impact in our diverse communities. This is our signature event and a major fundraiser to sustain our mission, programs, and national internship program. This event will also highlight cultural performances, and a dinner themed “Taste of Asia” with stations featuring various local ethnic cuisine. Contact us at events@apapa.org for sponsorship opportunities.
APAPA Holiday Mixer
The APAPA Holiday Mixer will be a wonderful networking event to ring in the holidays. We will also be recognizing outstanding student interns and chapter leaders. Dinner and refreshments will be provided.
APAPA National Internship Program Graduation
The APAPA National Internship Program takes place throughout the year, engaging over 200 college students from across the country. We organize professional development workshops and community service projects, providing valuable experiences for our student interns. Our interns are hosted by legislators and public officials, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for growth. Email internship@apapa.org for more information.
Community Champions Women's History Month Event
Join us in partnership with the APAPA Greater Sacramento Chapter to honor and celebrate outstanding women leaders who have made significant contributions to our community. Keynote speaker: Former CA Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. Other honorees/presenters: Reclamation District Board President Elena Lee Reeder, Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, and CA Assembly Budget Committee Consultant & APAPA Alumna Christine Miyashiro.
Town Hall Hosted by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho
Join us for a town hall hosted by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with local leaders and discuss important issues facing our Natomas community. Reception will be held from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Program starts at 6:00pm. Refreshments and light dinner will be provided.
APAPA Jupiter Train at San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
Join us on our APAPA Jupiter Train, a historic and amazing train float! Email events@apapa.org to join our float. APAPA is also a sponsor and honoree at the local chamber of commerce dinner banquet afterwards.
Sacramento MLK March Parade with NAACP
Email events@apapa.org to join the march with APAPA and NAACP. Our meeting point will be at Oak Park.
Visit mlk365.org/the-march/ for more information.
APAPA HQ Hosted Natomas Town Hall with Senator Angelique Ashby, Mayor Darrell Steinberg, and City Councilmember Karina Talamantes
Join CA Senator Angelique Ashby for the Natomas Town Hall at APAPA HQ. Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP at http://bit.ly/3NtFer2.
APAPA National Unity Awards Gala
30th Year Anniversary of the Yin Ranch at the new Heritage Center Pavilion
VIP & General Reception 5:00pm – 6:00pm | Program and Dinner 6:00pm – 8:30pm
All proceeds from this special event will support APAPA’s programs, volunteer-driven chapters, and national internship program that will make a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders. For sponsorship information and seat reservations, please review the sponsorship opportunities. Dress code is business cocktail attire. Theme colors are burgundy, black, and gold.
Cultural Performances
Guitarist/Singer LOLAH
Swans Hmong Dance Institute
Teng Fei Lion Dance
Honor Kung Fu Academy
Ohana Hawaiian Dance Group
Dyami Fire Dancer
Musician Neil Nayyar (Chinese Erhu and Guzheng, Indonesian Handpan, and Egyptian Darbuka)
We hope you will join us to celebrate with our community! Thank you for your support and partnership!
Please email events@apapa.org with sponsorship name and list of guest attendees by November 20th.
APAPA Jupiter Train at Golden Harvest Parade
Join us on our APAPA Jupiter Train, a historic and amazing train float! Let us know if you'd like to participate in the Golden Harvest Parade on October 28th near the California State Capitol. Meet-up time is at 10:30 AM.
RSVP to events@apapa.org.
Meet and Greet: Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho
Join us for an opportunity to meet Sacramento District Attorney Thien Ho. This event will be held at Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) National Headquarters at 4000 Truxel Rd, Suite 3, Sacramento, CA 95834. Don't miss this chance to engage with the District Attorney and learn more about homelessness and public safety concerns in Sacramento, CA.
Hosted by five local APAPA chapters: Greater Sacramento, Delta, San Joaquin, Elk Grove, Folsom
Sponsored by Carescope LLC, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, Pegasus Bakery, Dumpling House, and other local businesses.
Unity Against Hate: a community forum exploring the intersection of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identities
Our Panelists
Fah Sathirapongsasuti
Fah Sathirapongsasuti, PhD, is a Director of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at Alloy Therapeutics where he leads the target evaluation process for the company's venture studio arm. He was Director and Head of Bioinformatics at MedGenome's Genomic Medicine Division, which focuses on translating the wealth of South Asian genetics into novel therapeutics targets. Previously he served as a Senior Scientist in Computational Biology at 23andMe Research and was a founding member of 23andMe's Therapeutics Division. He authored several scientific articles in the field of genomics and serves as an expert reviewer for high-impact journals such as Genome Research, Bioinformatics, and Nature. Fah received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science form Stanford University and PhD in Biostatistics from Harvard University.
Clarissa Laguardi (she/Her)
Clarissa is a queer, Latinx, indigenous immigrant. She grew up in El Salvador during a Civil War and migrated to the United States after high school. She navigated the immigrant experience much on her own. She swiftly mastered the language and developed a keen curiosity for cross-cultural communication. As an immigrant and former Limited English Proficient individual, she’s passionate about language access and social equity work. She was appointed Language Access Manager by Gov. Brown for the CA Complete Count - Census 2020. She served on the Language Accessibility Advisory Committee at state and county level. At the peak of the pandemic, she launched a grassroots organization, Rethink Language Access. She managed the Newman Civic Fellows program, of which she is an alum, nationwide for Campus Compact. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural/International Communication and master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State University. For over a decade, Clarissa has devoted her time to advancing civic action as a community advocate and organizer. She’s been recognized by the League of Women Voters, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and participated in numerous civic leadership programs. As Executive Director, she hopes to expand civic participation programs to engage ALL youth statewide, especially those belonging to historically oppressed groups. On her spare time, she loves hot yoga, going on hikes, gardening, making jewelry, and spending time with her dogs.
Anjali Rimi (She/They)
Anjali Rimi (She/They) is San Francisco Bay Area based Global South API immigrant Transgender brown woman belonging to South Asian diasporic Kinnar Hindu transgender identity and experiences. With roots in India, she blossomed in Canada and belonging in the United States. Anjali is the president & co-founder of ParivarBayArea, America’s only transgender-led and transgender-centering organization led by Global South Asian transgender individuals with the intent of cultivating a community of light, love, and acceptance and strives to serve as an organization for Transgender economic justice, Health care equity, Intersectional unity, social inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ Immigration Equity centering the Global South Trans Immigrants and Asylees and uplifting the culturally diverse Hijrah, Kinnar, Thirunangai, Khwaja Sira and all transgender identities of the South Asian Diaspora. She leads the California Coalition of Transgender Immigrants. During the pandemic years, Anjali led the global disaster relief program of Parivar Bay Area helping save over 90,000 Transgender lives across San Francisco Bay Area, Texas, India, Bangladesh and Guyana. Anjali has helped build the world’s largest transgender entrepreneurship program with over 26 small businesses owned and led by Transgender Hijrah people across India known as SITALparivar. Anjali serves on the boards of LGBT Asylum Project and San Francisco Pride & on the Transgender Advisory Committee with the Office of Transgender Initiatives, San Francisco Mayor’s office. Anjali remains the first southasian transgender kinnar person to be recognized by California Legislative Assembly as a state LGBT leader in the Senate as well as the Assembly as a California State LGBTQ community champion. She is the first South Asian Kinnar Trans woman to be awarded the Grassroots Immigration leader award by the City & County of San Francisco for her commitment and community advocacy for transgender immigrant equity. Becoming the first SouthAsian Trans Kinnar Immigrant to be invited to the White House for Pride celebrations, Anjali is greatly recognized by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Scott Wiener, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed along with the Board of Supervisors for her work uplifting Transgender, SouthAsian, Immigrant and Women-centered identities.
Makaila Nartea (they/them)
My name is Makaila Nartea. I'm non-binary, and my pronouns are currently they/them. I'm Thai/Filipino and grew up in Mission Viejo, CA. I currently work for a non-profit STRTP in Placerville that helps at-risk youth in a residential setting in therapeutic rehab groups and individual sessions. I also started my company's first-ever LGBTQ+ program. I'm a Sac State graduate with a Bachelor's in Sociology and was in the Queer Union club back in 2016-2018 and helped organize the counter-protest when the Westboro Baptist Church came to protest against the LGBTQ+ community. A few of my hobbies are playing musical instruments (currently joined the Sacramento Taiko Dan), learning about my Thai culture and language at Wat Thai Sacramento, as well as engaging in art projects (painting and sketching), playing video games, learning K-pop dances when I have time, and exploring new restaurants.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email our External Relations Manager, Imelda Martinez, at imelda.martinez@apapa.org
AANHPI Youth Leadership Academy
Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81146428744?pwd=N1dYWENxMVljcFBkOGpMM2NHZnIrQT09
Password: 214605
APAPA’s Youth Leadership Academy is an opportunity for high school students to develop the skills and experiences that they need to be successful in college and their future careers.
During our Youth Leadership Academy, students will attend workshops, discussions, and presentations on professional development, leadership, and career path planning. The Youth Leadership Academy allows students to learn and practice skills that are critical for young adults to develop to become successful future college graduates, working professionals, and community leaders.
All applicants must be students in grades 9-12
Complete the form below to attend our FREE workshops!
Workshop #1 Topic: Mental Health & Stress Management
Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 5:00-6:00pm (PST)
Managing your workload in school, work, and leadership positions
Creating an effective workplan
Strategies for overcoming procrastination
Resources for taking care of your mental health as a student and working young adult
Why taking care of your mental health is important
How to take care of your mental health while balancing other responsibilities
Our Event Speakers
Dr. Debra Kawahara
Candidate for President-elect for the American Psychological Association
Debra M. Kawahara, Ph.D., is Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. Her responsibilities include managing over 20 programs across 6 U.S. campuses and previous international sites; conducting and supervising research on multicultural and international dynamics, women’s issues, and mental health; and teaching numerous courses. She has also published extensively and has presented at international, national, and state venues.
Her current leadership roles include being an APA Council of Representatives member, APA Finance Committee member, an Advisory Committee member for the Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology, Divisions on Social Justice representative, and a National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology delegate. During her tenure on APA Council, she was one of the movers to gain council seats for the Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations, which was successfully passed by the APA membership. She also served as co-chair of the Apology Letter to the American Indian, Native American, and Indigenous Peoples and participated in the Council Diversity Work Group and its three subcommittees and several caucuses: Women’s Caucus (chair), Ethnic Minority Issues Caucus (secretary), Association of Practicing Psychologists, COUNT, Education & Training, and Public Interest.
Several awards have been bestowed upon Dr. Kawahara, including the APA Presidential Citation; Shining Star Award at the National Multicultural Conference & Summit; APA’s Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Race and Ethnicity’s Distinguished Career Contributions for Service Award; and APA’s Society for the Psychology of Women, Section on Asian Pacific Islander Women’s Pioneer Award.
Katherine “Kat” Parpana, M.A. (she/her/siya)
Director | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative
Kat (she/her/siya) is a Pinay scholar-practitioner whose advising philosophy is cultivated by a culturally informed asset based approach. Kat is a UC Davis alumna with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Asian American Studies and Sociology and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Sacramento State University. She has worked in higher education for over 13 years in dedication to the advancement of hxstorically marginalized, systemically excluded, and underrepresented student scholars.
Prior to supporting the retention initiative, Kat was one of the inaugural diversity and inclusion educators and specialists with the Office of Campus Community Relations under the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She also served as an academic advisor and academic counselor with the College of Letters and Science and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office. Engaged and active in social justice work and diversity education, Kat is a founding chairperson for the award winning ‘Developing Deeper Advising Relationships’ module, embedded in the UC Davis Advising Certificate Series. In addition, she collaborates with organizations including APIs Mobilize, The Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association (APICA), and Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) in service to the Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Kat believes in the power of shared experiences and the importance of connectivity. When students have a culturally informed network that validates and cares for them holistically, they can truly thrive.
Region in the diasporas I identify with: Philippines, Okinawa, Pacific Islands*
*I recognize I am an Asian settler colonialist whose family benefits from ancestral transnational immigration to Pacific Islands, like Hawaii, due to the economic displacement from their homelands, like the Philippines.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor!
AANHPI Heritage Month Launch Celebration
join us on Monday, May 1st, 2023 at 6:00pm to Celebrate the Launch of AANHPI Heritage Month!
The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association is hosting our 2023 AANHPI Heritage Month Launch Celebration on May 1st from 6-9pm at the California State Railroad Museum.
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act so we are honoring the early contributions of the Chinese to our railroads and the continuing trend of AANHPI contributions to advanced technology today.
We are also highlighting the hidden history of how the Chinese built Northern California’s wine industry; Chinese labor cleared the land, planted the grapes, set up irrigation systems, and built the caves and wine cellars. To honor this history, we will feature wine tasting from various AANHPI-owned wineries.
Culinary specialties from diverse AANHPI communities from AANHPI owned businesses will be served as well.
Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. Ticket sales will close on Friday, April 28th at 1:00pm PST.
All ticket purchases, donations, and sponsorships will be used to fund APAPA’s programs, including our K-12 AANHPI History Enrichment Initiative! Your support makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission to advance the AANHPI communities through leadership and civic engagement. Thank you for supporting our national organization with 44+ volunteer-driven chapters across the country.
Parking at the Event:
Short-term Parking: A small number of limited-term, metered parking spaces are available on the streets of the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Street parking is metered from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, these spaces are not suitable for guests visiting longer than 90 minutes.
Long-term Parking: All-day parking is available at two parking garages located at both ends of the Old Sacramento Waterfront:
Old Sacramento Garage – Entrance at I Street between 3rd and 2nd St.
Tower Bridge Garage – Entrance on Capitol Blvd. and Neasham Circle near the Tower Bridge.
Click the button below to purchase your ticket(s)!
Interested in sponsoring this event and our programs? Please email our External Relations Manager, Imelda Martinez at imelda.martinez@apapa.org
AANHPI Women Leaders in STEM Brunch
SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING | AANHPI WOMEN LEADERS IN STEM
Join us on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 for our AAPI Women Leaders in STEM Brunch. The event will include a keynote speech from Samaira Mehta followed by a Q&A. All ticket purchases will be used to fund APAPA’s Youth Leadership Academy Workshops.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event and our Youth Leadership Academy, please email imelda.martinez@apapa.org
All ages are welcome and brunch will be included. Purchase your tickets below!
Samaira Mehta
Our keynote speaker for this event is, “described by Vogue Magazine as a 14-year-old “CEO, entrepreneur, and feminist STEM advocate,” Samaira Mehta is breaking down barriers for the future of technology. Her inventions “CoderBunnyz” - a mechanism that simplifies complex coding concepts and teaches them in a fun adventure, “CoderMindz” - the world’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence board game that simplifies the intricacies of how AI works, and “CoderMarz” which brings together her love for coding and AI with her interest in outer space and Mars are just some of her most significant works.
Mehta is the youngest Davidson Fellow, Softbank Masason Scholar, and works with the United Nations for gender equality. She was featured on platforms like CNBC, Business Insider, Today Show, and Washington Post for her creations and 500+ workshops that spotlight her board games, through which she has taught over 15,000 kids to code. She has been a speaker at over 100 conferences nationwide and internationally including at MWC’19, C2 Montreal, and corporations like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Intel, SAP, Walmart, and IBM.
Her STEM initiative “Yes, One Billion Kids Can Code” and entrepreneurship academy “Boss Bizz” are ambitious but that’s not her only goal. She wants to become President of the United States when she’s older, giving her a bigger platform and voice to do what she believes is right for the country.”
Right On! Social Justice Art Procession
Please join us on Saturday, March 25th at 12pm to participate in The Right On! Social Justice Art Procession! During the 1.5 hour long procession, 150 performers will walk in silence in a 12-block radius with a slow, deliberate pace to highlight landmark Supreme court cases that evidence systemic and institutional discrimination based on class, race, ethnicity, gender, and ability.
We will meet at 11:30am at the Robert Matsui Courthouse.
Attendees and audience members do not need to register.
To read more about the event, click here: https://angieeng.com/right-on-political-art-action-to.../
To volunteer at the event, please click the link below.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScOuis1SFtIMc.../viewform
APAPA Float at the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
The APAPA Team is excited to reveal an amazing train float for the upcoming San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade! We designed and built a real train replica of the historic Jupiter train from 1858.
Please join us on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 5:15 PM - 8:00 PM. The parade will start at the corner of 2nd and Market Streets.
Unity Against Hate: A community Forum Exploring the Intersection of AAPI and LGBTQ+ Identities
Join us for a Unity Against Hate Community Forum where we will explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ and AAPI identities. The event will consist of a short cocktail hour, keynote speakers, and a panel for community members to share their nuanced perspectives on the topics. Click here to access the RSVP page.