OUR MISSION & FOUNDERS
The story of how the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association started…
Our Founders
Founders C.C. and Regina Yin, together with a pioneering group of civic and community leaders, established the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) in 2001 to inspire, engage, and empower the API community to increase leadership and civic engagement (DBA - Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs). CC & Regina immigrated to this country from China and Taiwan to attend the University of Washington graduate school programs for engineering and social work. Later in life, they became McDonald’s Franchise Operators in Northern California, and owners of the Yin Ranch, a beautiful 40 acre property in Solano County, California which hosts many community and nonprofit events. We truly appreciate all the volunteers, chapter leaders, student interns and supporters of APAPA, and the mission to serve the greater community!
Our Mission
Advancing Asian Pacific Islander Communities Through Increased Leadership And Civic Engagement
Fulfilling a Deep Need
With grassroots support through a growing number of chapter leaders and student interns, APAPA set out to engage voters, partner with the community, and develop API leaders of tomorrow. APAPA also engages the community through cultural events and programs to honor the positive contributions made by the API community. Through mutual understanding and appreciation of our history, we embrace diversity as our strength. Together, we are building a better world that is diverse, inclusive, and with representation from all voices and communities.
Continuous Growth
APAPA opened its National Headquarters in Sacramento, just a few miles from California’s Capitol, with a satellite office in Washington, D.C. The APAPA National Internship Program partners with hundreds of hosting legislators and public officials each year to support the next generation of leaders. Momentum is also growing with new APAPA Chapters, student interns, events, and programs, expanding across the country every year.