FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2022
Media Contact: Nikki Saechao
nsaechao@calasianfoundation.org
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Foundation (CalAsian Foundation) announced the upcoming launch of AAPI Lift, a leadership program to support Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the private sector who are interested in entering public service as an elected official or serving on a local board or commission. The CalAsian Foundation will celebrate the launch with a private event on December 5, 2022.
The program consists of a one-weekend training followed by a six-month one-on-one mentorship and will be guided by experienced political professionals. To enhance the experience for program participants, CalAsian Foundation will partner with the Asian Pacific American Leadership Forum (APALF), which has hosted more than two decades of candidate training programs for AAPIs. Participants will gain practical insights on the AAPI perspective in governing, marketing and branding, fundraising and running winning campaigns. Each Participant will receive individualized support and advice, a peer network to lean on and a powerful set of skills they can use for their pursuit in public service.
To lead the program, the CalAsian Foundation tapped Rob Fong, the founder of RKF Consulting LLC, a lobbying and consulting firm. Fong has more than 14 years of experience in politics, including service as a Sacramento City Councilmember and School Board President.
Several statewide leaders are in support of the program, and participants will be connected with public figures who can guide them. One of these individuals is Senator Dave Min, who represents California Senate District 37.
“As an Asian American Legislator, I have seen firsthand the need for AAPI communities, and all communities of color, to be engaged and active in shaping public policy,” said Senator Min. “The AAPI Lift program empowers our community members to use their voices and learn how to become dynamic leaders that can help all of us move forward. I am proud to support this important program to cultivate the next generation of AAPIs in public service.”
The AAPI Lift launch event is invite-only and will be held on December 5, 2022, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Leland Stanford Mansion in Sacramento. Elected officials, statewide private sector leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs will be in attendance. To inquire about attending, please contact Nikki Saechao, Foundation Programs Manager, at nsaechao@calasianfoundation.org.
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About the CalAsian Foundation
The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a statewide 501(c)(3) headquartered in Sacramento, California that strengthens underserved, diverse communities through leadership, professional development, and continuing education. The Foundation operates in conjunction with the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, both of which are 501(c)(6) organizations. The two chambers combined is the largest ethnic chamber in California. Visit their website to learn more about the CalAsian Foundation and the new AAPI Lift program.
About Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF)
Over the course of nearly two decades, APALF has become one of the nation’s premier candidate training programs for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. APALF alumni dominate the State Legislature and currently serve in statewide and local offices throughout California. Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Betty Yee, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, Assemblymembers Phil Ting, Evan Low, Phillip Chen, Mike Fong and newly elected Jasmeet Bains are all past participants of the program. Former Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu serves as Executive Director.
