CAPAC Congratulates New Members of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

May 6, 2014
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, fourteen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders from across the nation were sworn in as new commissioners for the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The swearing-in ceremony took place during an opening ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Interior to kick off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The event also featured a special keynote from Vice President Joe Biden, as well as remarks by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), Deputy Secretary of Labor Chris Lu and other senior Administration officials.

Congresswoman Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement:

"Congratulations to the newly sworn in President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I am thrilled that such a qualified and diverse group of AAPI leaders has been appointed to advise the President on the needs of our community. These 14 leaders have played an instrumental role in addressing the needs of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders – from ensuring that AAPIs have access to culturally and linguistically competent services to building stronger coalitions for our community. I have no doubt that the new commissioners will excel in their new roles, and I look forward to working with them to advance the priorities of AAPIs and all Americans.”

Background:
The President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is tasked with working to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) through increased participation in and access to federal programs. The Commissioners will advise the President and work with federal agencies to improve the health, education, and economic status of AAPIs across the country. Hailing from all over the nation and from across a wide range of disciplines, these accomplished individuals will work to advance the inclusion of the AAPI community and uplift the community’s contributions to America.

The new Commission Members include:

  • N. Nina Ahmad 
  • Michael Byun 
  • Ravi Chaudhary 
  • Lian Cheun 
  • Billy Dec
  • Bill Imada 
  • Kathy Ko Chin 
  • Dee Jay Mailer 
  • Diane Narasaki 
  • Shekar Narasimhan 
  • Mary Ann Young Okada 
  • Maulik Pancholy 
  • Linda X. Phan 
  • Lorna May Ho Randlett 

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.

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