CAUSE’s 2023 Summer Soirée was a reimagining of previous CAUSE Annual Galas. In its second iteration, the soirée continued to serve as the premier Asian and Pacific Islander (API) event for those interested in politics and community, boasting the largest attendance of API elected officials. The soirée also served as the largest fundraiser of the year for CAUSE. Funds raised helped sustain CAUSE’s many programs and services, which included leadership development programs for students and professionals, voter engagement, and multicultural collaboration. 300 guests were expected to attend this year—all of whom were dedicated to elevating the API community. The 2023 Summer Soirée celebrated the accomplishments of API leaders throughout this challenging year. This year’s soirée also fell on CAUSE’s 30th-year anniversary.

2020 honoree

California state treasurer fiona ma

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected as California State Treasurer. When she first took office in 2018, Treasurer Ma and her office actively addressed statewide issues including, affordable housing, clean energy projects, and education. Her leadership was vital throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prior to being elected Treasurer, Treasurer Ma’s leadership path included serving as an elected member of the California Board of Equalization, an Assemblymember, Speaker pro Tempore, and Assembly Majority Whip. Due to the cancellation of CAUSE’s 2020 Annual Gala, at which Treasurer Fiona Ma would have been honored, CAUSE recognizes her achievements at this year’s 2023 Summer Soirée.

2023 honoree

California Assemblymember Evan low, AD 26

Assemblymember Evan Low was elected to the California State Assembly in 2014 as the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected to the Assembly. He represents the 26th California Assembly District, which includes the cities of Cupertino, San José, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale, and the unincorporated Santa Clara County districts of Burbank and Fruitvale. He currently serves as the Chair of the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (APILC), a key advocacy body for the API community in California. His leadership as Chair was especially meaningful throughout the ongoing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. Assemblymember Low is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and launched the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus.

2023 HONOREE

cALIFORNIA aSSEMBLYMEMBER PHIL TING, AD 19

Assemblymember Phil Ting represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes portions of San Francisco and South San Francisco, Colma, Broadmoor, and Daly City. Assemblymember Ting serves as the Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and was a key leader in passing the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Equity Budget, a historic 3-year investment of $166.5 million in California’s API community. He has become a leading voice on California’s finances through his leadership as the former San Francisco Assessor-Recorder and as former Chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2022 to represent the 35th California Assembly District. Prior to serving on the State Assembly, Assemblymember Bains worked as a family doctor in the Valley, led research in treating Valley Fever, served as Board President of Kern Regional Center, and was selected as Chair of California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission as part of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. In addition to her leadership in the Valley and in the public health sector, Assemblymember Bains is also an alumnus of the CAUSE Leadership Institute for professionals.