The Sacramento Capitol is a hub of democratic ideals where decisions shape a whole state's future. A recent visit revealed the intricacies of governance and the impact of collaborative policymaking—a blend of diverse voices shaping our destiny.
Touring the Capitol was inspiring and eye-opening. The walls echoed historical debates and decisions. It was also cool to get an insight into the different Governor portraits and the rationale behind how they were painted. During our trip, we had the opportunity to meet with a panel of Asian American leaders, each with a unique path of enriching governance. Erika Ngo's journey as Legislative Director for Assemblymember Ash Kalra exemplifies initiative. Charmaine Albano Mills, Legislative Director for Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, combines passions for holistic policies. Byron Briones, Legislative Aide for Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, overcame adversity. Amy Ho, Legislative Assistant for Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, amplifies marginalized voices. Arali Seneviratne's role with APICA and Assemblymember Ash Kalra merges heritage and purpose. Sophia Kwong Kim's Chief of Staff role for Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizes experience. Allison Lim, Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Alex Lee, embodies self-carving paths.
One of my favorite parts of CAUSE is the people I have gotten to meet and hear from. While I have a base plan for the future, a common thread for the people I’ve heard from is that their life and careers took different paths from what they planned.
This idea was reinforced when I heard from a panel of CAUSE (Center for Asians United for Self-Empowerment) alumni. The panel consisted of young professionals who had all attended CAUSE as college students and were now navigating the early phases of their careers. The panelists shared their experiences and insights, offering advice to current college students who were also interested in pursuing a career in public service. They talked about the importance of networking, building relationships, and seeking out opportunities to learn about different career paths. They also discussed the challenges they had faced as Asian Americans, including stereotypes and discrimination. They emphasized the importance of finding a supportive community and embracing one's identity. Overall, the panel was inspiring and informative. It was a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. I left the Sacramento Capitol feeling motivated and inspired to continue pursuing my own career goals.
These leaders' stories and the Capitol's essence remind us that paths, like governance, are diverse. Initiatives, challenges, and varied experiences define meaningful careers. Just as governance gathers perspectives, careers result from choices, growth, and dedication. Our paths are a tapestry of wisdom and enriching experiences.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
Written by Naya Dukkipati, Leadership Academy 2023 Intern.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.