Kydeeja Alam, Executive Director

Khydeeja Alam is the first South Asian woman to serve as Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). Named the 2024 AAPI Change Maker of the Year by the Sacramento Bee, Khydeeja is proud to serve her community in this capacity. She was also recognized as the top 40 Under 40 AAPI political professionals by NAAPPPA. 

With over 18 years in California public policy and public relations, Khydeeja has driven transformative change, advancing legislation and securing historic level of state budget investments. Her work has advanced equity and opportunity across the state. 

Khydeeja currently serves on the University of California Center Sacramento (UCCS) Advisory Board, and the Muslimahs in Policy (MIPS) Advisory Council. Previously, she held leadership roles at CAIR CA as Board President of CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA. On the Governor’s Statewide Childhood Policy and at Educare California Silicon Valley, she championed equity and access in early education space. 

As Governor Gavin Newsom’s appointee, Khydeeja served as Director of External and Legislative Affairs at California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. There, she led initiatives that expanded two major service programs, securing California the Innovation in Policy Making Award and increasing statewide service opportunities for thousands of young adults. 

Earlier, Khydeeja spent over a decade as Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Catalyst California, where her advocacy drove systemic changes that improved equity in education, economic opportunities, and representation on behalf of marginalized communities. 

Khydeeja’s journey as an immigrant to driving impactful policies—reflects her resilience, vision, and commitment to public service. A proud graduate of UC Berkeley, she is dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable California while inspiring others to lead with purpose and passion.