Building the next generation of diverse leaders since 1999.

Our Program Initiatives

Leadership Development

Workforce Investment

Civic Engagement

Community Resiliency

Information Sharing

Capacity Building

Relationship Building

Our Impact

1,200+ participates in our programs since inception

Over 30,000 connected through our digital network

250+ individuals placed into jobs/leadership roles after program participation

Over $50,000 granted to entrepreneurs and small business owners

25,000+ Small businesses and community members engaged with mental health and AAPI Strong CA resources

Challenges to the AAPI Community

Between 2000 and 2019, the Asian American population in California grew by more than

2 million

the largest growth in the U.S. (Pew, 2021). With this growth comes unsolved challenges.

From 2020 to 2021, anti-AAPI hate crimes have increased by

342%

40% of those crimes have been reported in California, home to the nation’s largest AAPI population (CBS News, 2022).

In philanthropy, communities of AAPI have received less than

0.5%

of charitable giving (The Asian American Foundation, 2021).

More than

84%

of AAPI small businesses have reported negative business effects from the pandemic. Almost half have laid off staff (National Asian/Pacific Islander Asian Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, 2020).

Even though AAPI’s on average have a high household income, because of certain struggling AAPI groups, AAPI’s actually have a

12.3%

higher poverty rate than non-Hispanic whites at 9.8%. Over 30% of Southeast Asians live on welfare, with 20% of Cambodians living below the poverty line (NPR, 2013).

AAPI’s are the most underrepresented in politics at

-85%

relative to their population in 2020 (Reflective Democracy Campaign, 2021).

According to a survey conducted by Stop AAPI Hate, nearly half

(49%)

of AAPI’s reported experiencing a hate act in 2023 due to their race, ethnicity, or nationality (Stop AAPI Hate, 2024).

AAPI’s only make up

6%

of the senior leadership positions while representing 21.2% of those in non-leadership positions in fiscal year 2021 (Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, September 2022).

In a survey, nearly

90%

of respondents said the bamboo ceiling has had an impact on their personal career trajectory (AAIM, September 2021).

Partner With Us

CalAsian Foundation is committed to providing pathways that will continue to advance AAPI leaders. Our programs have impacted the lives of many in accelerating careers, businesses and civic participation. Be a part of our journey in continuing our efforts by contributing to our cause.

Participating in the AAPI Lift Conference was an empowering experience that inspired me to embrace leadership within our community. The connections made and insights gained from industry leaders have been invaluable in driving both personal and professional growth. It’s a must-attend event for anyone seeking to elevate their impact!

MayMay Huang

Realtor, Epique Realty

The NextGen Empower U Program is amazing for young AAPI adults who are stuck or lost in various facets of their life. This program has taught me many things I did not previously know about and I feel more confident in leading a successful life because of this program.

Madison Duong

Alumni, California State University, Sacramento

It’s amazing to be part of the Node’s network. I’ve met many great individuals. The workshops are extremely helpful to the growth of Asian Creative Foundation. I’ve also learned how other non-profit grow their organizations.”

Susana Chen

Node Founding Member, CEO of Asian Creative Network (50,000 members on Facebook)

The past three months have been very engaging, informative, and overall a great educational experience. I am grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for this program because it definitely was well worth it. This program challenged me, my ways of thinking, my complacency, but most importantly it sparked new ideas in me that will go back with me to my community to continue to work and strive for change!”

Adam Allen

Participant, Catalyst
Leadership Program

Susana Chen

Node Founding Member, CEO of Asian Creative Network (50,000 members on Facebook)

As Asian American Women Political Initiative expands nationally this year, Node's trainings and being part of Node's community of AAPI leaders have been incredibly valuable in this critical moment for us. It's a space we needed to help us maximize our impact as we grow AAWPI.