Press Release: APAPA Shining Stars Reception Celebrates Interns, Legislators And AANHPI Coalition

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: media@apapa.org

May 2, 2025

APAPA CELEBRATES SHINING STARS EVENT HONORING 27 STUDENT INTERNS AND THEIR CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE HOSTS

Sacramento, CA — As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month begins, the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) launched the celebration with its annual Shining Stars Reception on April 28, 2025. The event honored 27 APAPA Spring Student Interns placed in legislative offices throughout the California State Capitol.



The evening featured stories of inspiration, with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma delivering opening remarks and reflecting on her long-standing support of APAPA’s internship program. 

“Over two decades ago, I started hosting APAPA student interns in my office when I began my career in public service as an elected member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “ I believe deeply in the leadership pipeline that APAPA Founder CC Yin has built. Interns continue to make meaningful contributions to our office and across the state.”

Many California legislators were in attendance to celebrate the interns and highlight the importance of public service and mentorship, including Assemblymembers Mike Fong, Stephanie Nguyen, Alex Lee, Darshana Patel, Blanca Rubio, Lori Wilson, Blanca Pacheco, Mike Gipson, Mark Gonzalez, Al Muratsuchi, Tri Ta, Jeff Gonzalez, Anamarie Avila Frias, Leticia Castillo, David Tangipa, and Senator Scott Weiner. Click here to view a complete list of over 250 public officials who have hosted APAPA interns nationwide.

“We are all here to celebrate with APAPA and this great diverse community with many CA AANHPI Coalition leaders here too. Congratulations to all the amazing APAPA student interns, and a special thank you to all the legislators who open their doors to host and mentor them,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the CA AAPI Legislative Caucus.  

“An inspiring night! There is incredible enthusiasm from the interns and their hosting offices for the APAPA Internship Program,” said Jason Chan, Chair of Asian Pacific Islander American Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) and the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute. 

Former APAPA intern Jacob Francisco, now a Field Representative for Assemblymember Lori Wilson, shared his journey from intern to staffer:

“Starting as an APAPA intern in 2001 gave me the foundation and opportunity to now serve in a public office.”

“Our incredible sponsors fuel this leadership pipeline,” said Sonny Mehrtash, APAPA National President. “We appreciate our long-term sponsors who have supported our impactful programs for nearly 25 years.”

Earlier that day, APAPA and the CA AANHPI Advocacy Day Coalition—comprised of over 100 organizations—conducted legislative visits across the Capitol, advocating for shared priorities and amplifying community voices.



The evening concluded with all 27 interns receiving certificates of recognition, joined by elected officials, APAPA chapter leaders, and community partners. The event was emceed by Julie Watts (CBS 13) and Eytan Wallace (Fox 40), who guided the celebration with energy and heart.

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Founded in 2001, APAPA is a national, community-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing API civic engagement and leadership through voter education, public policy advocacy, and student internship programs.