August 18th was bittersweet. Though the excitement of nine weeks had culminated in my cohort’s graduation ceremony and CAUSE’s 30th Annual Soirée, I felt keenly aware that these gatherings would mark some kind of ending to the time I’ve had at CAUSE and its wonderful people.
Our CLA Class Speaker Angel’s speech was riddled with inside jokes that we’d made over the last nine weeks. Each tease and compliment was a sweet reminder of the funny moments we’ve shared. California Deputy Treasurer Stephanie Tom was our graduation’s keynote speaker. She shared her experiences making the switch from the private sector to the public sector and the importance of leveraging advocating for ourselves. She specifically encouraged us to figure out what we want next for ourselves personally and professionally – an important reminder for us to take the time to envision what we see and want for ourselves after CAUSE. I am excited to see what lies in the future for me and my fellow cohort-mates. As our Program Director Steve always says, “This summer was only the beginning of our careers and friendships.”
I was uniquely able to observe the ways in which I’ve grown in my friendships and relationships since last year’s Soirée. Whereas last year I stuck mostly with CAUSE staff (who have become my friends in the past year), this year,I was eager to reconnect with people I’ve met previously through different opportunities and events and meet others that I’ve heard of in the space. Hearing from our honorees like Assemblymember Evan Low, Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, and Treasurer Fiona Ma reminded me that there were great Asian-American leaders paving the way and speaking up on behalf of our communities. I wondered who among my peers would run for office and be our future Assemblymembers and state officials, leading with the compassionate and thoughtful leadership I know all of them to have.
I could not have found a better place than CAUSE to begin my journey in advocacy. More than the true confidence and empowerment I’ve felt from CAUSE’s network, I am grateful for mentors and friends who I’ve had and will continue to have the privilege of knowing. Though I am unsure what the future will hold, I know I will have the best people supporting me along the way.
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 Emma Chen, 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.