NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Sonny Mehrtash serves as the National President of APAPA, where he leads the organization’s national strategy to advance civic engagement, leadership development, and policy impact within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Under his leadership, APAPA is scaling its programs, expanding its national presence, and building deeper partnerships across sectors.

With a background in executive leadership, fundraising, and nonprofit development, Sonny brings practical experience and a results-oriented approach to his role. He has spent his career building initiatives that are focused, mission-driven, and sustainable. His work has supported efforts to train young leaders, increase AAPI representation, and strengthen civic participation at every level.

Sonny is deeply committed to building collaborative structures that help chapters thrive and national goals stay aligned. He works closely with board members, partners, and community leaders to ensure APAPA’s long-term success.

NATIONAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As the oldest daughter of APAPA Founders, CC & Regina Yin, Mary is committed to continuing her parents legacy with APAPA. Since APAPA was established in 2001, she has served in many APAPA leadership roles. She now volunteers her time and resources to serve as a national board member and APAPA CEO. She is committed to building a strong leadership team for APAPA on the local and national level.

As a McDonald's Franchisee, she was elected as the first female and minority President of the Northern CA McDonald's Operators Association. With her husband, she owns and operates restaurants in Solano, Yolo, and Sacramento counties. In her prior career, she worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Northern California. She also served as Vice-President of the Solano County Women Lawyers Association, and was appointed to the Yolo County Planning Commission. She is the founder of the nonprofit Thriving Pink, and is passionate about giving back to the community. In 2024, she was recognized as a Top 20 AAPI Change Maker by The Sacramento Bee, and as Woman of the Year by Congressmember Mike Thompson.

NATIONAL CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Marilyn facilitates APAPA’s relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Operational integrity is top of mind, as she oversees workflows, marshals resources, and positions our APAPA team as an impactful community leader.

She brings depth of experience as a legislative staffer, nonprofit director, campaign specialist, community organizer, and APAPA Tri-Valley board member. She has lobbied for privacy rights, accountability in public education, healthcare access, and access to higher education for all communities. She is the first Filipina and Polynesian American appointed to the Contra Costa County First 5 and the Commission of Women and Girls. She also served as California State DEI Chair of the country’s longest running youth and families advocacy NGO. She holds degrees in communications, psychology and education from Santa Clara University and a Kennedy School of Government Credential, focusing on public policy, data, and leadership.

NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Isa is a well-researched educational and community advocate skilled at exercising longitudinal and cross-sectional research and collaborative projects that center equitable policy and social service creation: including climate justice, public safety, diversity in representation, affordable multi-generational housing, K-12 higher education curriculum, and culturally conscious and accessible healthcare. Isa is an Indigenous Chamoru and Filipina woman raised through the assistance of neighborhood intervention. The collective culture of her upbringing, called inafa'maolek among Chamoru, taught restoration of order through cooperation, reciprocity, and social support. Inafa’maolek has driven Isa to become a transformational leader at APAPA.

Isa was a former chief consultant for the CA API Legislative Caucus. As APAPA National Program Director, she leads our signature programs, including advocacy day partnerships, digital and social media communications, and the APAPA National Internship Program.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Jaimie is a seasoned administrative professional with over a decade of experience supporting executives, coordinating operations, and strengthening organizational systems. As Executive Assistant to the National President at APAPA, she manages executive scheduling, prepares strategic communications, supports the National Governing Board, and assists in key initiatives and events that further APAPA’s mission.

Born and raised in Sacramento, Jaimie is a proud first-generation Filipino American. While this is her first foray into nonprofit work, she has long aspired to contribute to a mission-driven organization that advances equity, civic engagement, and public service. Her background in operations and executive support, combined with a passion for community impact, makes her a strong advocate for APAPA’s vision of empowering the next generation of AANHPI leaders.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

Amandeep manages administrative responsibilities to support both internal and external communications as well as chapter development at APAPA. She also leads social media, the monthly newsletters, and chapter updates. Amandeep is a first-generation Sikh-American, born and raised in Northern California. She is bilingual, fluent in both Punjabi and English. Amandeep became interested in public policy and advocacy while helping her parents with their U.S. Citizenship examinations while she was in the 6th grade.

Amandeep previously worked as a Receptionist for the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom. She graduated from California State University - Sacramento with a major in International Relations and a minor in History. As a student, Amandeep interned for the CA API Legislative Caucus and worked at the California Secretary of State as a Student Assistant.

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Manny is a dedicated and enthusiastic team member who organizes the office, coordinates the set-up for local events at APAPA HQ, and supports our local partnership community events. He also organizes chapter kits and outreach supplies for our grassroots leaders and ambassadors. Manny has worked for other nonprofit organizations in the area of advocacy, community relationships, and policy. He also has extensive administrative experience at a private construction company.

Manny has been an APAPA HQ intern to help with special events. He is graduating this coming year from UC Davis with a degree in Quantitative psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. He is also a strong writer with a passion for research and public policy.

CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Dylan is a first-generation Hmong American who is committed to supporting the APAPA of Tomorrow as the Chapter Development Intern. He assists internal communications within the organization promoting the growth and development of new chapters across the nation. Dylan is a current junior at California State University, Sacramento, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Although originally raised in the Bay Area, he understands the needs of people in all communities and how getting civically involved will benefit all. 

Dylan is also a leader within Circle K International (CKI), which is the collegiate branch of Kiwanis International, a service oriented organization. As the District Governor for the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, he supports the growth of the organization of new clubs and members. He is excited and passionate to bring his lived experiences to create more opportunities for leadership and civic engagement during his time with APAPA National!