FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2026
For media inquiries contact:
AJSOCAL | (213) 977-7500 | communications@ajsocal.org
CAUSE | (213) 269-4639 | appointments@causeusa.org
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) and the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) announced the launch of the AANHPI Community Appointees Initiative, a joint effort to strengthen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander representation on government boards, commissions, task forces, and advisory bodies across California.
As California prepares for a new gubernatorial administration, the Initiative will identify and elevate qualified AANHPI leaders, build a statewide roster of prospective appointees, advocate for greater representation, and prepare leaders to serve in public decision-making roles.
Although AANHPI communities are among the fastest-growing populations in California, they remain underrepresented in many of the public bodies where decisions affecting their communities are made. That underrepresentation is compounded by the extraordinary diversity within AANHPI communities, which is too often overlooked. Ensuring representation across ethnicities, languages, geographies, generations, and lived experiences is critical to ensuring that AANHPI communities are not treated as a monolith.
The Initiative builds on decades of advocacy, community organizing, civic engagement, and leadership development by AJSOCAL and CAUSE.
“At a time when our communities are facing real threats to their visibility, safety, opportunity, and sense of belonging, AANHPI voices need to be present wherever decisions are being made. Building a strong pipeline of AANHPI leaders ready to serve is an important part of protecting our communities and strengthening their voice in California’s future,” said Dahni Tsuboi, CEO of AJSOCAL.
“CAUSE has long believed that civic leadership takes many forms,” said Nancy Yap, Executive Director of CAUSE. “Public appointments are important leadership roles that bring our communities’ voices to the table. Through this Initiative, we are creating stronger pathways for AANHPI leaders to serve and shape California’s future.”
Process & Timeline
Candidates will be identified through self-nominations and community nominations, followed by outreach, vetting, education, and relationship-building to prepare prospective appointees for public service opportunities. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates submitted by September 9, 2026, will be considered for the inaugural statewide roster, which is expected to launch on October 5, 2026. Additional nominations will continue to be accepted and reviewed for future appointment opportunities.
Timeline at a Glance
- Nominations: August 14 – September 9
- Contact & Outreach: August 17 – September 18
- Vetting: August 17 – September 18
- Education & Relationship Development: August 17 – Ongoing
- Confirmation: September 25
- Launch of Inaugural Roster: October 5
To submit a nomination, visit bit.ly/AANHPIappointmentsCA.
Established and emerging leaders across California are encouraged to nominate themselves, and community members and organizations are invited to nominate qualified leaders from their networks. Prior appointment experience is not required.
For questions, contact appointments@causeusa.org.
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About AJSOCAL
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest civil rights and legal services organization that advocates for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities. Through direct legal services, advocacy, education, and coalition-building, AJSOCAL aims to create a more just and inclusive society. Offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with a presence in Sacramento. www.ajsocal.org/.
About CAUSE:
The Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to advance the civic and political empowerment of Asian Pacific American communities. Through leadership development, voter education, and policy advocacy, CAUSE builds a more inclusive and representative democracy. Learn more at www.causeusa.org.
