Past Events
Upcoming National Events
Join us in all our inclusive national events and programs.
Please email events@apapa.org.
APAPA Summer Leadership Teams Invitational
We are excited to pilot a Summer Leadership Teams Invitational. This year, the event is for northern California Summer Interns and leaders from northern California chapters who are hosting in-person internship programs this summer. We hope to extend this nationally in the near future.
We are hosting an Interns’ Retreat for our APAPA northern California summer interns; they will enjoy a full day (9:00am - 3:00pm) of workshops and camaraderie; lunch included. Our inclusive program allows for students to work at the offices of local legislators and public officials. Separately, but happening in the same locale and on the same day, we are convening our northern California chapter leaders Reception for those who are hosting in-person internship programs this summer (12:00 - 3:00pm) to be in community with each other, get reinvigorated with a program featuring our National Governing Board Chair, CEO, and President. Attendees will plan their chapter’s plans for the remainder of the year focused on inclusivity and empowerment, AND their approach to APAPA’s 25th Silver Anniversary, in 2026, with APAPA’s National Staff to help. This is an invitational event for our northern California-based summer interns and chapter leaders. Please direct any questions to events@apapa.org.
APAPA Government Appointments Reception
APAPA HQ is hosting a special reception for the governor's appointments team with our APAPA Government Appointments Committee members. The workshop presentation will provide insight about the appointments process, and will include time for networking. This is an invitational event.
APAPA Appreciation Night
We wish to welcome everyone back home to APAPA HQ to show our appreciation for our APAPA leaders, elected officials, sponsors, interns, and community partners across the nation. This inclusive celebration during the holiday season will host live music, a band performance, and a festive dinner.
We are also excited to announce that Chef Martin Yan will be joining us! He will bring 100 recipe books and will be available to sign them.
This is a fundraiser event, with all proceeds benefiting our internship and leadership programs for all Americans. We look forward to celebrating with you!
New York API Caucus Summit
During May Heritage Month, APAPA New York chapters will be partnering with one of New York Legislature’s Caucus for the 2025 Summit to support a Public Reception, and join outreach efforts to pass Assembly Bill A4638 (Lee), and its Senate version S3334 (Liu). These bills aim to be a first step, while keeping the ultimate goal of establishment of a model curriculum for public elementary and high schools, to provide instruction in history and civic impact by all Americans. Current discussions acknowledge the need to include all American historical contributions. Join us by emailing events@apapa.org.
Asian Heritage Month Celebration
This is a special series hosted by APAPA throughout the month of May 2025 highlighting AANHPI culture and heritage in Northern California. Receptions are in the evening by invitation only. Email events@apapa.org to attend or support.
APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit & Gala
APAPA is honored to support and participate as a special panelist speaker at the 2025 APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit & Gala in Washington, DC. The summit brings together nonprofit and corporate leaders, subject matter experts, as well as local, state, and federal elected officials to discuss important issues that affect the Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community and the nation at large. Join us in solution-oriented dialogue, and support building public service pipelines in communities of color.
Learn more: https://www.apaics.org/legislative-leadership-summit
An Evening with Shining Stars
Join us as we celebrate and recognize amazing partnerships with community leaders, student interns, coalition partners, and California State elected officials. As a kick-off to Asian Heritage Month, APAPA is hosting this special evening to highlight the shining stars of our community. Email events@apapa.org to join us!
CA AANHPI Advocacy Day
APAPA is proud to be organizing a coalition with over 100+ organizations for the 2nd Annual California AANHPI Advocacy Day, in coordination with diversity caucuses, to bring together leaders, advocates, and community members across California. Together, we will amplify AANHPI voices, share our stories and experiences, and work in teams to meet with legislative offices to share our stories and experiences to uplift our communities. We welcome organizations to join the coalition, email advocacy@apapa.org.
APAPA Spring Internship Program at CA State Capitol
Local California college students will be selected as APAPA interns, through an inclusive yet competitieve process, to work at the offices of hosting legislators and public officials. They will also participate in professional development workshops at APAPA HQ, and lead our special events and programs.
2024 APAPA Holiday Mixer
Join us for an evening of networking and community at APAPA HQ. This annual event brings together community leaders, chapter leaders, and supporters of APAPA to celebrate the holiday season together. Reserve your tickets early and stay for the karaoke after party. This is a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, and share our events and programs for 2025. We welcome everyone to join us!
APAPA National Leadership Conference
We are excited to invite our key chapter leaders from across the country to our annual conference with strategic planning sessions and workshops. This gathering is designed to align our vision, strengthen our strategies, and empower our leaders as we prepare for an impactful year ahead. Together, we will develop actionable plans and expand our outstanding events and programs in 2025.
APAPA National Leadership Conference
The NLC is an opportunity for strategic planning, building connections, and celebrating the amazing work happening in our chapters. After a successful 2024 NLC, we are excited to host our amazing chapter leaders once again in 2025!
Lanterns & Lights Dinner
We are excited to celebrate APAPA Founder CC Yin’s 88th birthday at his private main residence at Yin Ranch. This intimate gathering of esteemed guests is by invitation only. The event also honors influential community leaders within the APAPA community. Distinguished Congressmember Ted Lieu will deliver the keynote address, joined by other prominent guests, including Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Congressmember John Garamendi, Treasurer Fiona Ma, Assemblymember Mike Fong, and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. This special banquet-style dinner will benefit APAPA’s programs, including the National Internship Program, which is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of AANHPI leaders. Email events@apapa.org to attend, sponsor, or for more information.
2024 AAPI Statewide Policy Summit
The AAPI Policy Summit, co-organized by the CSUS APIDA Center, CA APIAA Commission, and CA AAPILC, will be held at CSUS. APAPA is the Presenting Sponsor and will lead the Strategy Session, "Community Power Building." APAPA is also inviting Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) & EPIC as guest presenters. To join us, please register at https://shorturl.at/eE33r.
Sacramento Mayoral Forum
Learn more about the Sacramento Mayoral race by joining APAPA, NAACP Sacramento, and the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce for an insightful evening with candidates Dr. Flojaune Cofer and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear the candidates speak on crucial topics such as public safety, among other important issues. The program will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Emcees include Eytan Wallace (Fox 40) and Julie Watts (CBS 13).
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 Ismael Contreras and Appointments Secretary Morgan Carvajal. We encourage recent appointees and those interested in future appointments to join us. This event is by invitation only.
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. This event will be from 10am - 1pm (PT) / 1pm - 4pm (ET). To join this program, email pcurzon@apapa.org.
National AANHPI Advocacy 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.
2024 AAPI Lead Summit
APAPA is honored to support the 1st Annual AAPI Lead Summit from June 19-21, 2024, at the Bellagio Las Vegas! This summit is the culmination of over two decades of work supporting and convening AAPI elected and appointed officials throughout the country, including last November’s hugely successful CALNET conference in San Francisco, CA.
CA AANHPI Advocacy Day & Legislative Reception (SIGNATURE EVENT)
We invite community leaders and partnering organizations to join us for CA AANHPI Advocacy Day to support issues and policies which are important to our AAPI and diverse communities, including education, immigration, and resources to fight hate crimes. 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 for networking and lunch, then get training.
Itinerary
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch & Training Presentation (Stanley Mosk Library, Room 500, 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento CA)
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Group Meetings with Legislators
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Reception for coalition partners making advocacy day legislative visits (Cafeteria 15L, 1116 15th Street, Sacramento, CA)
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.
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