Our program is highly selective and each member of our cohort is selected based on their leadership abilities, public service, and community involvement. Program fellows are identified by leading elected officials, select nonprofit partner organizations, CAUSE Board Members, and CAUSE Alumni.

Alexander Fung

Management Analyst, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments

Born in Hong Kong and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Alexander is fluent in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. He currently serves as a Management Analyst to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), a regional government agency that aims to maximize the quality of life for the two million residents of the San Gabriel Valley.

Alexander’s work and responsibilities include supporting the transportation, energy efficiency, environmental protection, regional planning, wildlife management, goods movement, and public engagement efforts of the 30 incorporated cities in the San Gabriel Valley. As a Management Analyst, he serves as the project manager that oversees several regional programs and initiatives, including the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership, the San Gabriel Valley Coyote Management Implementation Plan, and agency’s regional public outreach efforts. Additionally, Alexander chairs the agency’s City Staff Energy Work Group and staffs the SGVCOG Transportation Committee, Public Works Technical Advisory Committee, and Planning Directors’ Technical Advisory Committee.

Alexander is a former corporate social responsibility consultant and has substantial experience in organizational leadership, capacity building, legislative analysis, and government relations. He graduated from UCLA with a Master of Public Policy degree with distinctions and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UC Irvine with the highest honor of “Chancellor’s Award of Distinction.”

He is a current resident of Monterey Park that actively collaborates with city staff, businesses, and community organizations to push for policy reforms in the Greater Los Angeles region.

Allen Au

Risk Consulting Manager, EY

Allen Au is a generalist with professional experiences in leading teams, guiding clients, and consuming enough boba to cause a draught (not measured). He has a wide set of experiences in technology risk, financial statements, digital transformation, product management, and design. He’s also an advocate for Diversity and Inclusiveness, developing and maintaining programs in the company that are designed to expose and mentor under-represented minorities into a career in professional services.

Allen was previously a board member to a non-profit membership organization (ISFFA) where he led the branding efforts. He helped crafted a two-year program curriculum centered around in-demand professional development needs as well as a national conference uniting the organization. Allen was also a previous member of the 2019 EY-Earthwatch expedition to Xochilmico, Mexico, where he provided pro-bono business consulting to local producers as well as general support to the Earthwatch scientist researching Axolotls in the area.

Allen attended California State University Long Beach for a degree in Business Administration, emphasis in Accountancy. While he was there, he served in several volunteer positions including Beta Alpha Psi & Accounting Society, an organization he helped overhaul and grow using policy and technology, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. He also was a member of the Forensics Speech and Debate, and was active in the college dormitories as a resident multimedia technician where he coordinated esports events that were professional sponsored.

Dr. Amy Matecki

President, International Center for Integrative Medicine

Dr. Amy Matecki moved to California from China in 1994, she has been licensed to practice medicine in California since 2002 and in 2004 pioneered a hospital acupuncture program bridging Eastern and Western Medicine at the Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center where since 2008 she has been the Medical Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine.

In additional to clinical practice, Dr. Matecki works on safety and protocol for Integrative Medicine with a team of physicians, nursing staff and multidisciplinary health care providers. She frequently travels to China, to develop collaborations and training programs, to bring the best of Eastern Medicine into Western Oncology practices. She helped to create the first Chinese Medicine Residency in Highland Hospital in U.S. in 2016. This has helped the Chinese Medicine Students to build the confidence to practice when they graduate, become familiar with conventional medical systems, and build referral networks with physicians. It has also helped the Western medicine physicians in training to gain knowledge on nonpharmacologic modalities to care for their patients.

Dr. Matecki is the Co-founder and President of the International Center for Integrative Medicine where she leads a group of multidisciplinary practitioners to expand the role of integrating Eastern and Western Medicine in clinical, research and education in hospital. She continues to work on policy and safety guidelines for hospital based Integrative Medicine practice. She was also reappointed to the California Acupuncture Board by Governor Brown in 2017 and is the current President. She has volunteered to work with various nonprofit organizations including Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association and encourages Asians to become involved in public service.

Andy Tran

Impact Manager, 9 Dots

Andy is an Impact Manager at 9 Dots, a non-profit that provides K-6 computer science education to Title I schools in Los Angeles & Compton. He is of Chinese-Vietnamese descent and grew up in San Jose, CA before moving to Los Angeles to attend UCLA in 2011. Prior to his role at 9 Dots, he worked as a student data coordinator for a charter school and spent years building an education technology startup. He is passionate about educational equity and is particularly excited to learn how to better advocate for APA communities in education through the CAUSE institute.

Outside of work, Andy is an enthusiastic dog dad to his terrier mix, Cooper, and spends a large amount of his free time at a bouldering gym. He’s always excited to discuss his favorite TV shows, bands, video games, animes, foods, and travel destinations.

Angela Shen

Student Program Analyst, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Angela Shen is a Student Professional Worker II at the LA County Department of Mental Health where she analyzes departmental programs and policies. She is also a second year Master of Public Administration student at USC. Angela received her B.A. in Sociology at UC San Diego with an emphasis in International Studies. She is a CAUSE Leadership Academy alum and credits the program as one of the stepping stones of her public service career. Angela has served in two AmeriCorps programs, worked in Communications at a foreign consulate office, and has also worked in Development at Planned Parenthood.

In her spare time, she enjoys live music, cooking, traveling, and learning to play new songs on her ukulele.

Charles Chen

Philanthropy Chair, Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP-LA)

Charles Chen currently serves as the Philanthropy Chair leading community service activities for the Taiwanese American Professionals of Los Angeles. He is also the In-house Intellectual Property Attorney at Panda Restaurant Group and he occasionally serves orange chicken to loving guests in stores and enjoys assisting the activities of Panda Cares, a nonprofit serving the health and education needs of underserved youth. Charles grew up in Vancouver, Canada and was born in Taipei, Taiwan.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles, he was in New York and served on the board of Asian American Bar Association of New York and as Director of Marketing for Project by Project New York.

Cindy Lee

Field Representative, Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu
Masters in Public Policy Student, USC Price School of Public Policy

Cindy Lee graduated from the University of California, Irvine with B.A.s in Social Policy and Political Science and a Minor in Education. During her undergraduate career, she studied abroad at Peking University in Beijing, China and Lund University in Lund, Sweden to learn more about the intricacies of education policy in the international arena. Her professional experience includes working for various government agencies in Washington, D.C. and prominent elected officials in Los Angeles. Prior to working for the 27th Congressional District, Cindy worked for School Board District 5 with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

Cindy has been involved with an organization called Project by Project - Los Angeles for the past four years and served as the Director of Volunteer Management. Through her involvement, she was able to help various nonprofits raise awareness to issues affecting Asian Americans. Additionally she is serving on the Council of Advisors for Food Forward, a nonprofit that focuses on produce recovery and hunger reduction to help feed families and individuals in need. Currently pursuing her Masters in Public Policy and Homeland Security Certificate at the University of Southern California - Price School of Public Policy, Cindy hopes to integrate policy and service in hopes to better the community.

Cindy Lin, Pharm.D.

Board Member, Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP-LA)
Pharmacist

Cindy Lin is a pharmacist who graduated from the USC School of Pharmacy and is currently practicing in DTLA. Cindy immigrated to USA from Taiwan with her family at age 16. The transition period was not easy but she was fortunate to have support from my family, relatives, and community groups. Now, Cindy would like to contribute back and get more involved with the community. She started by becoming a board member of the Taiwanese American Professionals-Los Angeles Chapter.

Cindy is very humbled and excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the CAUSE Leadership Institute. I know that I have a lot to learn. She looks forward to networking with and learning from her cohort. She is excited to obtain the skills and resources that she can use to help improving the APA community.

Day (Dahyun) Son

Outreach Director Lead, Educators for Excellence

Day (or Dahyun) originally hails from the greatest city in Texas (in her opinion), Austin. A product of public schools her entire life, she pivoted from choosing a career in the business sector to the field of education by deciding to join the Teach For America corps in Los Angeles. She taught for several years as a middle school math teacher, loving her time with students but becoming increasingly frustrated with the systemic injustices her students, their families, and their communities faced in the education system. Eager to elevate the voices of educators who could champion the needs of students and ultimately help advocate for more equitable policies, she transitioned out of the classroom to become an Outreach Director in the organization, Educators for Excellence. Now as an Outreach Director, Lead, she not only organizes educators to advocate for student-centered policies and supports their development as leaders and decision makers, she also helps support and peer manage her team of other Outreach Directors to do the same.

In her free time, Day loves to explore new spots to eat, watch movies, go on a hike, or simply spend quality time with loved ones.

Gina Charusombat

Policy and Research Associate, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE)

Gina Charusombat is a second generation Thai American born and raised in southern California. She received her Master of Public Policy degree at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, where she co-facilitated a student-led course on Social Justice and Public Policy with her Policy Professionals for Diversity and Equity (PPDE) pals, who grounded the curriculum in community impacts. Gina is the Policy and Research Associate at Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE), where she conducts policy and research and analysis on health equity issues facing low-income communities of color in Los Angeles. She previously worked as a Policy and Program Coordinator at the Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC) to advance affordable housing, tenant protections and equitable development for low-income communities of color. She is a runner, a living room musician, and a member of Sister Insider Book Club, a collective of bookworms who read womxn/WOC authors.

Hanna Yi

Prevention Specialist, Koreatown Youth and Community Center

Hanna Yi is a Prevention Specialist at Koreatown Youth and Community Center, a multi-service agency that provides resources to community members in Koreatown, Westlake, and Pico-Union. Her work focuses on reducing substance use related harms in the community through education and advocacy. She is currently a coordinator for a youth group that aims to build their leadership and advocacy skills.

Hanna received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Biola University.

Jennifer Love Tang

Public School Teacher

Jennifer Love Tang is a public school teacher, grassroots organizer, and Monterey Park native. Because of her experience as an educator and activist, Jennifer believes that a diversity of voices in the political process is essential for creating policies that benefit everyone.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Monterey Park, Jennifer grew up in a working class immigrant household. Her father was a small business owner and her mother was a data entry clerk. As the daughter of war refugees, Jennifer learned early on how lucky she was to live in a stable, safe community.

After graduating from Mark Keppel High School, Jennifer attended USC, where she studied English Literature and International Relations. As a college senior, Jennifer traveled to her parents’ home country of Cambodia, where she started her career as a teacher.

In her career, Jennifer has helped narrow the achievement gap in her classroom, designed innovative technology for startup companies, engaged student-activists in the political process, and advocated for policies on Capitol Hill.

Jennifer is a former policy fellow in Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office, the current Vice President of Programs for the Monterey Park Democratic Club, and a co-founder of the grassroots organization 626 Progressives.

She currently teaches 9th grade English and AP Literature in Huntington Park, CA.

Jessica Wong

Senior Associate, Blue Garnet

Jessica Wong is devoted to empowering social change organizations to make effective, sustainable, outcomes focused impact. As a Senior Associate, she integrates her 6+ years of for-profit consulting and on-the-ground non-profit experience together to empathize with clients in how to create structure out of ambiguity.

Prior to Blue Garnet, Jessica managed the financial operations of a $25M portfolio in concurring project financials, responsibilities included revenue projections, financial reconciliations, and competitive analysis at Deloitte Consulting. She then became a ProInspire Fellow and transitioned into the social sector as a Program Evaluator at the Homeless Prenatal Program.

Jessica holds a BA from the University of California, Irvine in Business Economics with an emphasis in international relations. She currently serves on the Executive Council of Children's Defense Fund California.

John Ma

Director of Strategy & Ops, Fox Entertainment
Organizer, Ground Game Los Angeles

John Ma (马) is a 29 year-old Chinese-American balancing a career in corporate media & entertainment while learning to lead, canvass, and fundraise for non-profit community organizing groups in LA. He is dedicated to advancing Asian American media and electoral representation, and hopes to learn more through CAUSE about the political history and landscape of LA and the AAPIs who have - and continue to - shape our shared experience of LA City and County life.

Kent Chen

Business Analyst, SoCalGas

Kent is currently a Business Analyst at SoCalGas, where he crunches numbers and turns data into action for the Financial and Operational planning team. Kent graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics and a Minor in City and Regional Planning. In the non-profit world, Kent is currently the Director of Volunteer Management Team of Project by Project - Los Angeles and Board Treasurer of OCA-Greater Los Angeles chapter.

Additionally, he is an alum of the 2018 AAPA Board Leadership Program and participated in the 2019 JACL/OCA Leadership Summit, where he immersed himself to the national policy making arena. Kent enjoys an active lifestyle and participates in hobbies such as running marathons, hiking peaks, traveling, and cycling and is known to possess an "encyclopedic sports data brain."

Kevin X Mai

Senior Account Executive, Adtaxi

Kevin Mai is a Vietnamese American from Torrance, California. He is a LMU Alumni and was awarded 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year. Kevin posses over ten years of experience in Marketing and Advertising and helping businesses grow through the power of the internet. In his free time, he loves training Jujitsu and playing golf.

Kim Kandel

Communications and Social Media Associate, Skirball Cultural Center

Kim Kandel is passionate about inspiring Angelenos to experience art in their communities. She manages social media, digital communications, and copyediting projects as Communications and Social Media Associate at the Skirball Cultural Center. Kim’s arts administration background began at the Skirball in 2010, where she originally started as an intern. She then worked in communications and marketing for the LA County Arts Commission (currently known as the LA County Department of Arts and Culture) and at the Ford Theatres from 2015–2018.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is also an alumna of the Getty Multicultural Undergraduate Internship program (2010), Southern California Leadership Network’s Leadership L.A. program (2018), and Kizuna’s Board Fellowship program (2018). She currently serves on the board of directors for the Japanese American performing arts organization, Grateful Crane Ensemble.

Kristina Zhang

Recruitment Manager, Teach For America

Kristina was born and raised in Powell, OH, a suburb of Columbus. Her parents immigrated from China in the early 90s and have lived in Ohio ever since. Kristina attended Northwestern University where she earned my degree in Neuroscience. While at Northwestern, shw was very active in Greek life and sports medicine within the athletics department, having worked with baseball, football, and fencing. Upon graduation, she joined the 2017 Teach For America Memphis Corps. Her first year in Memphis, she taught 10th grade chemistry and led her students to achieving the highest state test scores in chemistry out of all open enrollment schools in Memphis. Her second year, she piloted the AP Chemistry program at her school and was able to work with seniors in addition to 10th graders. While in Memphis, Kristina had the honor of leading TFA Memphis’ AAPI affinity group where they were able to discuss explore our identity as AAPI educators. During her time in the classroom, Kristina became incredibly passionate about the education equity movement and working in allyship with low-income communities.

Last summer, Kristina left the classroom to join Teach For America staff as a Recruitment Manager. She moved to LA, and now manages the recruitment portfolios at UC Davis and Loyola Marymount University for TFA. In her role, she hopes to bring incredible leaders into this work who will drive the educational equity movement. Kristina is brand new to LA, and is really looking forward to learning more about the AAPI context in LA and meeting people who are shaping the incredible work being done here.

Michael Nguyen

Master of Public Administration & Master of Urban Planning Candidate, University of Southern California

Michael Nguyen is a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, and Master of Urban Planning candidate at the University of Southern California. Michael currently interns for Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis in the transportation and infrastructure team. Past experiences include internships with the Asia Society Southern California, Congressmember Karen Bass, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the United States Indian Political Action Committee.

After graduating in May 2020, Michael plans to work in policy analysis consulting for 3 years and then attend law school. Michael graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in English and political science from Southern Methodist University.

Michi Lew

Executive Assistant, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles

Michi is the Executive Assistant at Advancing Justice-LA. Prior to joining Advancing Justice-LA, Michi worked at the Little Tokyo Service Center as the Executive Assistant, Office Manager and Receptionist. Michi graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles.

Outside of work, she likes to stay active and volunteer with different community organizations. She is a long time volunteer to the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, Nisei Week and her church, Montebello Plymouth Congregational Church. She serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Queens Committee at the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center.

Michi was previously on the Nisei Week court and since then has been a volunteer for Nisei Week as a Hospitality committee member which hosts the visiting courts from our sister cities.

Minwoo David Kim

District Representative, State Senator Anthony Portantino

Minwoo David Kim is a 2nd generation Korean American born in New York and raised mostly in Torrance, CA. His life mission is to develop a Culture of Care in cities where everything from the streets, economy, education, healthcare, housing, government, to all aspects of diverse community life is connected by a care for the common neighbor and the greater good.

David has a unique variety of experiences contributing to all levels of government, nonprofit, business, labor, faith, healthcare, and education. Currently, he serves as a District Representative for State Senator Anthony Portantino (SD-25). Prior experiences include work in the City Manager’s Office in Torrance, CA and being one of twelve nationally selected to be a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs in St. Louis, MO. He is a graduate of Fuller in Pasadena with a dual emphasis Masters degree in 1) International Development & Urban Studies and 2) Theological Studies.

David is passionate about intersectionality; esp. in the topics of Identity, Race, Faith, Politics, and Organizational Culture. He looks forward to participating in the 2020 CAUSE Leadership Institute and learning from the various perspectives of the cohort. His goal through CLI is to develop lasting friendships and partnerships with fellow leaders committed to advancing the cause of AAPI.

Reiney Lin

Organizer & Trainer, Racial Equity Institute

Reiney Lin is an organizer and trainer with the Racial Equity Institute. Based in Los Angeles, California, she works with all types of organizations to deepen a collective understanding of historical and institutional racism to achieve equity and justice in our systems through training, analysis, and strategy. Reiney joined REI in early 2016 during her graduate studies in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the state of Florida. She also brings institutional organizing experience in higher education gained during her role as the Assistant Director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education at Elon University. Reiney currently trains with REI across the nation, develops Asian American specific content, and serves as an organizer for the Los Angeles area, California, and the West Coast.

Rose Ann E. Gutierrez

PhD Student, University of California, Los Angeles

Rose Ann E. Gutierrez is a PhD student in the Social Sciences and Comparative Education division specializing in Race and Ethnic Studies at the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She received her bachelor‘s degree in sociology at the University of Richmond and master’s degree in student development administration at Seattle University. She has worked in K-12 public education as a middle school teacher in Miami, FL and was recognized by her school as Rookie Teacher of the Year in her second year of teaching in 2013. She has also worked in higher education as a student affairs practitioner in Seattle, WA. Rose Ann has consistently been engaged in the local community with her involvement in Filipino American National Historical Society – Hampton Roads as former chapter secretary in Virginia Beach, VA; Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. as summit co-director and facilitator of community intergenerational dialogues in Seattle, WA; and Southern California Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Educators as summit co-organizer in Los Angeles, CA.

Rose Ann currently serves as a research associate for the Institute for Immigration, Globalization, and Education and National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education at UCLA. Her research explores the analytical nexus between racialization, immigration, and social stratification in education. In her spare time, she likes spending time with loved ones, traveling, painting, and being a plant mom.

Samantha Yturralde

Legislative Aide, California State Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson

Samantha Yturralde is currently a Field Representative for State Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson, serving in the 14th Assembly District. As a field representative, Samantha establishes collaborative relationships with local stakeholders, organizations, and constituents, serving as a community liaison between the Assemblymember and the district. She is also responsible for constituent case management, community engagement, and district-pertinent policy research. Prior to this role, she has held various professional experience as a Legislative Intern for State Senator Nancy Skinner, a Constituent Affairs Specialist for Governor Gavin Newsom, and a Refugee Advocate for the Non-Profit Boat People S.O.S.

As a proud First Generation Filipina American, Samantha has been a strong community advocate. Her current volunteer experience include several key AAPI organizations throughout the Bay Area, supporting them through mentorship, advocacy, and education. She looks forward to being an active and engaged community member to support those in need to promote social justice and cultural representation.

Samantha recently received her B.A. in Global and International Studies with an emphasis in Southeast Asian Studies with a minor in Asian American Studies at UC Santa Barbara. Her passions include traveling, photography, Asian cuisine, and long walks with her dog.

Victor Muñoz

Senior Specialist, Southern California Edison

Victor Muñoz is currently a Senior Specialist within the Policy Engagement team at Local Public Affairs for Southern California Edison. Previously, he worked as a Senior Legislative Aide in the Office of Assemblymember Chris Holden. Victor has over 6 years of public policy experience and currently serves as a member of the Personnel Board for the City of Azusa. Victor is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science '14. Victor likes to unwind by going to baseball games, coffee shops, and by walking his dog Chuy.

Victoria Shin

Attorney, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP

Victoria Shin is an employment attorney with substantial experience in all phases of civil litigation, including written discovery, depositions, law and motion practice settlement negotiations and trial. She has represented both public and private employers in all aspects of labor and employment litigation. She has defended public employers against whistleblower actions for retaliation in violation of the California Labor Code §1102.5, wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and failure to provide reasonable accommodations.

As second chair for three trials defending one of the largest school districts in the nation, Victoria was involved in all aspects of trial preparation and also direct examined percipient witnesses, cross-examined the plaintiff and took the deposition of plaintiff’s expert. She obtained favorable results for all her trials. Victoria also won an arbitration between a city and the local firefighter union.

When she is not advocating for the rights of her clients, Victoria loves exploring new trails at the Griffith Observatory, reading science fiction/fantasy sagas and does bridal hair and makeup on weekends.

Wendy Cheung

Director of Development, Inception Orchestra

Wendy Cheung is the Director of Development at Inception Orchestra and an Admissions Evaluator for UC Berkeley. A proud child of immigrants, a first-generation high school graduate, and a Berkeley alumna, she is a strong advocate for quality education and arts integration in underserved populations. Prior to returning the Los Angeles area, she taught high school English, French, and Interventional Reading in New Orleans and Atlanta public schools. Wendy also fought for educational equity and violence-free communities in Los Angeles, Dakar, Bangkok, and the Bay Area. She is native to the San Gabriel Valley and envisions creating a coffee shop/community space for AANHPI and queer folks in SGV.

Winnie Fong

President, Project by Project (PbP)
Senior Associate, Estolano Advisors

Winnie Fong is a Senior Associate at Estolano Advisors, an urban planning and public policy firm, where she focuses on housing and transportation policies through an equity and sustainability lens. She is involved with Project by Project (PbP), a non-profit organization that empowers and develops leaders within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community through innovative philanthropy. Since 2017, she helped build capacity for local nonprofits through public awareness, fundraising, and outreach efforts on PbP’s recent campaign issues related to immigration and homelessness. Winnie also joined the Chinatown Community for Equitable Development (CCED) grassroots organization as part of the Research Committee to advise the organization on land use-related strategies that promote equitable development, affordable housing, and anti-displacement in Los Angeles Chinatown.

Winnie received a BA in Economics and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from CSU Sacramento, and a Master of Planning from USC.