In the News

The California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs Celebrates Presumptive Presidential Nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris

Sacramento, CA — The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Commission (CAPIAA) celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris’ presumptive nomination for President of the United States.

Vice President Kamala Harris is the daughter of immigrants, with her mother of South Asian descent and her father of Jamaican descent, making her a first-generation American. Her nomination marks the first time a person of Asian descent and the first Black woman has been nominated for president by a major party. Harris’s background reflects significant milestones regarding diversity and representation in American politics.

“During his term, President Joe Biden has been a dedicated and trusted partner in elevating, strengthening, and safeguarding our Asian-American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community. His significant contributions include signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and strengthening the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders,” said Chair Jason Paguio. “We are witnessing history with the presumptive nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the first person of Asian descent to be a presidential nominee by a major party. This milestone signifies progress not just for our state, but for the entire country, as we strive for a more inclusive and representative nation.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has a long history of public service in California. She began her career as Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County from 1990 to 1998. Harris then served as District Attorney of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. In 2011, she became California’s Attorney General, holding the position until 2017. Harris was elected as a U.S. Senator for California in 2017 and served until she became Vice President in January 2021.

“Congratulations to Vice President Kamala Harris on her presidential candidate nomination,” said Executive Director Khydeeja Alam. “As a South Asian and a mother, I see firsthand how vital representation is. Her nomination embodies goodwill, and we hope she unites the community and truly represents the diverse voices that make our community strong and vibrant.”

As of the 2020 census data, over six million people in California identify as Asian & Pacific Islander, representing the largest Asian population in the United States. These communities contribute to the state’s economy and play a vital role in its national political landscape.

### 

The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is a state agency dedicated to elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAPIAA advises the Governor and Legislature on effective responses to the needs and concerns of the state’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander American communities and works to foster understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration across the state. 

For more information, please visit our CAPIAA website: www.capiaa.ca.gov

The California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs
Announces New Executive Committee

Sacramento, California – The California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs (Commission) Unanimously Elects New Executive Committee.

The Commission unanimously elected its new Executive Committee at the May 6 Full Commission Meeting. Jason Paguio is elected Chair, Kirin Macapugay as Vice Chair, and Lance Toma as Secretary.

The California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs is the only ethnic commission established by statute and its mission is to address the diverse and complex needs, issues, and concerns of Asian American and Pacific Islander American communities. It plays a crucial role in advising the California Governor and State Legislature on the views, needs, and concerns of the state’s population of over six million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

“I congratulate the new executive committee members of the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs,” said Speaker Robert Rivas. “I look forward to seeing the work they will accomplish to address the needs and concerns of the diverse AANHPI communities across the state, but also advance their work and representation.”

“I am honored that the Commission put their trust in me to lead as their new Chair; it is an immense honor to serve alongside dedicated individuals advocating for increased representation and empowerment of AANHPI communities. I’m committed to leveraging this opportunity to advance economic equity, develop meaningful change with policymakers, and amplify our state’s most diverse voices,” said Chair Jason Paguio.

Commissioner Paguio was appointed to the Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. He is the President and CEO of the Asian Business Association San Diego (ABASD) and the Asian Business Association Foundation. In his previous role as Secretary, Paguio led the efforts to bring on the new Executive Director for the Commission.

“I want to highlight the proven track record of the members of our new executive committee which will ensure continuity and leadership for the Commission as we continue to expand our impact. We are all ready to roll up our sleeves and be of service to our AANHPI communities,” said Secretary Lance Toma who presided over the meeting in his role as Vice Chair. Secretary Toma was originally appointed by then State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and recently re-appointed by Senate President Pro Temp Mike McGuire. Secretary Toma also chairs the Commission’s Health Access Committee.

“There is much work ahead of us and I am humbled to step into this new role. I look forward to continuing my service with the Commission to uplift our communities voices,” said Vice Chair Kirin Macapugay. She served on the Commission from 2013-2014 as an appointee of Governor Jerry Brown, and re-appointed by then State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins in 2020. Vice Chair Macapugay co-led the Commission’s Higher Education Committee with efforts to create historic California education code, establishing the first state budget to benefit lower income AA&NHPI higher education students in the country. She chairs the Higher Education Committee, which continues to address educational equity and access to higher education across the state.

“I am delighted to welcome Chair Jason Paguio, Vice Chair Kirin Macapugay, and Secretary Lance Toma as the new Executive Committee, as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month,” said Executive Director Khydeeja Alam. “I am grateful for the Commission’s support and confident that the new leadership of the Commission will steer CAPIAA towards even greater heights of impact as we work together to advance our shared mission.”

###

The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is a state agency dedicated to elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAPIAA advises the Governor and Legislature on effective responses to the needs and concerns of the state’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander American communities and works to foster understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration across the state. For more information, please visit our CAPIAA website.

The California Commission on 
Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs 
Welcomes Its New Executive Director, Khydeeja Alam

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –  The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Khydeeja Alam as its new Executive Director. Khydeeja Alam was sworn in by the Honorable Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly at the State Capitol surrounded by family and friends.

“California’s diverse AAPI communities enrich and strengthen our state in countless ways and have a pivotal role in driving our state and nation forward,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.“ Director Alam brings more than a decade of experience working on a variety of priority issues for the state, and deep ties to nonprofit and philanthropic partners that will help further the Commission’s important work. I thank her for her dedicated service to our state and commitment to elevating the needs and concerns of our dynamic AAPI communities.”

Khydeeja brings a wealth of experience and leadership in advocacy, non-profit, and state government to this role, and the commission is confident in her ability to lead CAPIAA in its mission to elevate the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

“I extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Khydeeja Alam for this exciting appointment. I have had the pleasure of witnessing her career unfold through the years as a former colleague,” said Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas. She is passionate, determined and a fierce advocate for her community. There is no one better suited to represent the best interests of over 6 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who call California home. As Speaker, I look forward to working alongside her in this new capacity.”

One of the key focus areas for CAPIAA under Alam’s leadership will be to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for the rights and safety of AAPI communities. The Commission will work towards an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents of the state.

“The Commission is excited about the fresh perspective and dynamic leadership that Khydeeja Alam brings to the table. Khydeeja will undoubtedly play a crucial role in advancing CAPIAA’s mission to ensure the voices and needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at the forefront of discussions and investments by California decision makers,” said CAPIAA Chair Serena Kirk.

As Executive Director, Alam will spearhead efforts to maximize outreach efforts with Asian and Pacific Islander American communities, including informational campaigns about public and private programs that benefit community interests, and addressing issues of access and cultural language sensitivity within state agencies, departments, and other commissions. Most importantly, Alam will bring visibility around the incredible work the commission continues to do on behalf of California’s AAPI communities.

“The California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC) welcomes Khydeeja Alam as the new Executive Director for the Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). The Caucus looks forward to continued partnership with the Commission under the leadership of Khydeeja to ensure that we continue to uplift and mobilize our AAPI community here in California,” said Assemblyman Evan Low, Chair of the AAPILC.

Alam will also play a pivotal role in providing assistance to policymakers and state agencies by identifying the needs and issues of AAPI communities, developing appropriate responses, and implementing programs to address these concerns effectively.

“I welcome Khydeeja Alam as the new Executive Director of CAPIAA. Her lived experiences as an immigrant and her hard work that led her to be where she is today is an incredible benefit to the AAPI community and a celebration of the rich tapestry of perspectives that will guide CAPIAA towards meaningful progress,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

The only ethnic commission established by California State Law, CAPIAA’s mission is to address the diverse and complex needs, issues, and concerns of Asian American and Pacific Islander American communities. The commission plays a crucial role in advising the Governor and Legislature on the views, needs, and concerns of the state’s population of over six million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

“Khydeeja Alam’s dedication to public service will serve her well as Executive Director.  She’s a respected leader in her community and trusted advisor to many lawmakers. I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in this new role,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins

Khydeeja Alam: “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to represent the AAPI community. As CAPIAA’s new Executive Director, I look forward to continuing the commission’s incredible work, and taking it to the next level, while ensuring that over six million AAPI community members have a strong representation. I believe the stronger the footprint of the commission, the stronger and more resilient the API communities will be. As a first Pakistani American in this role, I wear my identity with pride. This position allows me to pay it forward, uplift, and empower the community and the next generation of AAPI leaders.”

xxx

About the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA):

The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is a state agency dedicated to elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAPIAA advises the Governor and Legislature on effective responses to the needs and concerns of the state’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander American communities and works to foster understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration across the state. For more information, please visit CAPIAA website.