A national organization has been formed to enhance the political power and voice of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community in mainstream politics.
This marks the first time a coalition of elected and appointed AAPI officials has been created. Notably, former LA City Councilman David Ryu, the first Korean American elected to the LA City Council, has been appointed as Executive Director.
AAPI Leadership Elected and AppointeD (LEAD) announced on July 8 that it was launched and that it will be the first-ever national membership-based organization for and by elected and appointed officials. Its launching event was held at a summit hosted by the Asian Pacific Americans Leadership Foundation (APAFL).
According to AAPI LEAD, approximately 350 elected and appointed officials from across the U.S. attended the summit held in Las Vegas from June 19 to 21.
They also formed a board of directors consisting of elected leaders representing local, state, and federal governments. The honorary advisory board includes U.S. Representatives Andy Kim and Marilyn Strickland. Other participating California politicians include U.S. Representatives Judy Chu, Ted Lieu, Ro Khanna, Mark Takano, and California State Assemblymember Mike Fong.
“I want our new organization to unleash the incredible leadership potential that AAPI elected and appointed leaders represent because we are truly stronger together,” said David Chiu, San Francisco City Attorney & AAPI Lead inaugural President. “We have much work to do, to ensure that progress continues and that AAPIs have a seat at every travel.
David Ryu Executive Director of AAPI LEAD and APALF emphasized, “Over the past 18 months, the planning for this inaugural summit and organizational launch was received with tremendous enthusiasm. The level of interest and engagement from elected and appointed members was truly inspiring. My board and I remain dedicated to evolving and growing AAPI LEAD to provide support and infrastructure to our members.”
AAPI LEAD plans to hold a national conference in Atlanta next July.
BY NICOLE CHANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
