Press Release: APAPA Hosts Statewide California Educational Gubernatorial Forum at Sacramento State University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: media@apapa.org
September 10, 2025
Pictured: CSUS and APAPA Leadership, Several CA Gubernatorial Candidates, Honorary Co-Hosts and Forum Emcees.
Pictured: APAPA Intern Steering Committee
SACRAMENTO, CA — On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) and California State University, Sacramento co-hosted the California Educational Gubernatorial Forum at California State University, Sacramento. The nonpartisan event convened gubernatorial candidates, civic leaders, youth advocates, and elected officials to promote civic engagement, youth empowerment, and informed public discourse.
Held in the University Ballroom at Sacramento State’s Student Union, the Forum featured eight confirmed candidates, each with dedicated time to share their vision for California and address key issues with students, voters, and community stakeholders. Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, Butch Ware, Betty Yee, and Leo Zacky appeared at the Forum in person. Three additional candidates, Toni Atkins, Chad Bianco, and Che Ahn provided their remarks by video.
Nearly 30 APAPA student interns served on this year’s Intern Forum Steering Committee, coordinating logistics and acting as APAPA Ambassadors throughout the day of the Forum.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis remarked, "This is such an impressive event. I want to congratulate the APAPA team and all their student interns leading the way. I’ve been honored to host several interns in my office over the years. The incredible diversity and partnerships in this room reflect the strength of our community and our great state."
The Forum program was co-emceed by Dylan Morgan, an APAPA intern and current Sacramento State student, Julie Watts, award-winning journalist with CBS News California, and Wenda Fong, California State University Trustee. Distinguished guests included California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, California Controller Malia Cohen, CC Yin, APAPA Founder, Joe Johal, APAPA National Board Chair, and Dr. Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State University. Former NBA star Mike Bibby, and head coach at Sacramento State University also joined the reception.
APAPA extends its sincere gratitude to our sponsors and the statewide co-hosting committee whose generous support made this Forum and our programs possible. Their commitment to civic engagement and youth leadership was essential in bringing this important event to life.
The 2025 APAPA California Educational Gubernatorial Forum reflects APAPA’s ongoing commitment in building diverse partnerships and intergenerational leadership pathways for California’s diverse communities. For more information, visit: https://www.apapa.org/2025-ca-educational-gubernatorial-forum
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Founded in 2001, APAPA is a national community-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan API organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement and leadership through voter education, public policy advocacy, and student internship programs.