CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class Of 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aki Leung

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: aki@causeusa.org

CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class of 2016

Pasadena, CA – June 9, 2016 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 25th Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference and Reception on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017), from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Through this event, CAUSE welcomes and introduces the 25th Class of Leadership Academy participants to the community. Program participants will share their stories and passion in serving the community. The Honorable Mike Eng, Vice President of the Los Angeles Community College Board will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.

Since its inception in 1991, the CAUSE Leadership Academy develops a pipeline of leadership for the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. The program prepares its participants to be leaders at the forefront of the democratic process through learning the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Graduates of this program have gone on to run for political office and have become leaders in politics, business and nonprofits.

This year, CAUSE received a record number of applications from elite students across the nation. Participants went through a rigorous and comprehensive reviewing process. Decisions are made based on academic and personal excellence, as well as demonstrated leadership capabilities in extracurricular activities.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy – Washington, DC Program offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through legislative work, attending various legislative briefings and hearings, and conducting policy research.

Class of 2016 Leadership Academy – Washington, DC Cohort includes:

  • Haeeun Blessing Jee, Harvard College | Intern at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

  • Edwin Saucedo, University of Southern California | Intern at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The CAUSE Leadership Academy – Los Angeles, CA Program offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, and legislative research.

Class of 2016 Leadership Academy – Los Angeles, CA Cohort includes:

  • Zenni Duong, University of California, Davis | Intern at the Office of U.S. Congressmember Judy Chu

  • Kevin Hsu, Claremont McKenna College | Intern at the Office of California State Treasurer John Chiang

  • Sabina Li, University of California, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of California State Controller Betty Yee

  • Jess Xinyi Liu, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of U.S. Congressmember Adam Schiff

  • Eric Phung, Yale University | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Ed Chau

  • Phoebe Shen, Scripps College | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez

  • Joanna Tien, University of California, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of U.S. Congressmember Grace Napolitano

  • Xuan Le Tong, University of California, Riverside | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles Unified School District Boardmember Scott M. Schmerelson

  • Erika Zheng, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti

This event is open to the public. Elected officials, community leaders, press members, family and friends are welcome to join. Admission is free and light refreshment will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 15 at cla2016-kickoff.eventbrite.com. Parking is at 417 S. Boylston Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 ($7 cash only) and additional street parking is available.

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Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization with a mission to advance the  political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

For any further inquiries, please contact CAUSE via phone at (626) 356-9838 or email at info@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website at www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 S. Los Robles Ave., #115 Pasadena, CA 91101

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