Leadership Academy
Sydney Pike
BLOG 5: Saying, Yes!

When I received my bachelor's degree from UCLA in June, the only thing I knew was that I would be joining CAUSE for the next nine weeks. I didn’t know what to expect, however what I gained was a new sense of confidence, a community of amazing individuals, and a greater understanding of our AANHPI community and my place within it.

BLOG 5: Saying, Yes!
Leadership Academy
Malia Ferrer
BLOG 5: Thank Goodness I Checked My E-mail!

I often reflect on the “butterfly effect" moments that have occurred in my life; the seemingly small choices or coincidences that have led to profound changes. This internship is a prime example.

BLOG 5: Thank Goodness I Checked My E-mail!
Leadership Academy
Jianhao Cui
BLOG 5: Nine Weeks Just 60 Days

As each of the nine weeks of our internship passed, I felt myself developing skills and knowledge through my placement office at LA County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office and through CAUSE’s cohort sessions. 

BLOG 5: Nine Weeks Just 60 Days
Leadership Academy
Emma Tom
BLOG 5: C (you all) LA (ter)

I often face difficulties coming up with answers for this icebreaker because my facial expressions always reveal my true feelings. So when I released the waterworks in front of the CAUSE board members during graduation, it was clear that I was not ready to say goodbye and close this chapter in my life.

BLOG 5: C (you all) LA (ter)
Leadership Academy
Ryan Horio
Blog 5: FTP (Family, Trust, Power)

As my time at CAUSE comes to a close, I reflect on the lessons I've learned about family, trust, and the collective power of API communities. CAUSE has not only deepened my understanding of civic engagement but also has reinforced the importance of prioritizing being rooted in community and centering our hearts in the work we do.

Blog 5: FTP (Family, Trust, Power)

Introducing the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy Interns

Join CAUSE in welcoming fifteen (15) exceptional interns to the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA)!

Continuing CAUSE’s longest-running program, the CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) is a nine-week, paid internship that equips college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community on their campuses and beyond.

Interns gain valuable in-person office experience through placements at government offices while deepening their understanding of the unique challenges facing California’s API community and exploring ways to become civically engaged across multiple sectors.

This year's cohort features 15 exceptional students from 14 different universities. Introducing the 2025 CLA cohort and their assigned host internship offices:

Stephanie Ahorro

Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles

Office of CA Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (Assembly District 57)

Kyle Ching

USC Gould School of Law, Los Angeles

Office of LA City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado (Council District 14)

Jordan (JJ) Halili Dove

University of California, Riverside

Office of CA State Senator Ben Allen (Senate District 24)

Paolo Estrella

American University

Office of CA Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (Assembly District 52)

Natalie Glezen

University of California, San Diego

Office of U.S. Senator Adam Schiff

Imani Lee

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo

Office of US Congressman Jimmy Gomez (Congressional District 34)

Joyce Li

University of California, Los Angeles

Office of LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis (Supervisorial District 1)

Zhe Shan (Esther) Lian

Northwestern University

Office of CA Assemblymember Mike Fong (Assembly District 49)

Rachel Nguyen

University of California, Los Angeles

CA Governor’s Office of External Affairs

Sarah Park

University of California, Berkeley

Office of US Congresswoman Judy Chu (Congressional District 28)

Jonathan Silverman

Princeton University

Office of LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (Supervisorial District 3)

Ellie Ta

Georgetown University

Office of US Congressman Derek Tran (Congressional District 45)

Dulasi Tennakoon

Willamette University

Office of US Congressman Ted Lieu (Congressional District 36)

Joanna Yeh

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, External Affairs

Zackary Yen

Emory University

Office of CA State Senator Sasha Renee Perez (Senate District 25)

We’re excited to share their journeys and experiences with you. Follow along for upcoming blog updates and recap posts!

THE 2025 CAUSE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IS SUPPORTED BY

 
 
 
 

Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund

 
 
 
 

BLOG 5: At Ease

BLOG 5: At Ease

My first commute to the CAUSE office in Little Tokyo was filled with nervousness. During the 20-minute ride, I was straightening my jacket and tucking in my blouse continuously, feeling so uneasy. It did not help that I was not from the area; I was nervous to meet new people in a city that I was a stranger to, and more importantly about making the most of this unique opportunity that initially felt out of reach.

BLOG 5: Albert Einstein was truly onto something

BLOG 5: Albert Einstein was truly onto something

In May 2024, I graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, feeling unsure about how to navigate post-grad life. My first day at CLA was nerve-wracking; I was intimidated by those around me, not realizing they would soon become some of my closest friends. Alongside this, imposter syndrome began to creep in, and I thought to myself, "These next nine weeks are going to feel like an eternity." I was completely wrong, this summer flew by and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

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