CAUSE Hosts the 2017 Women In Power Annual Leadership Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lindsey Horowitz

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: lindsey@causeusa.org

CAUSE Hosts the 2017 Women in Power Annual Leadership Conference

Pasadena, CA – July 21, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 2017 Women in Power Annual Leadership Conference on Friday, July 21, 2017 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (506 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071), from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a network reception to follow from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The Women in Power (WIP) program aims to create opportunities for candid discussion regarding issues that women leaders face and to explore strategies for overcoming them. The WIP annual conference and networking programs help foster a community built on leadership, inspiration, and mentorship, empowering women to achieve their full leadership potential.

The program also serves as a recruitment tool to be able to ensure we are engaging with women of all different industries and ensuring that they are encouraged to apply and go through our other pipeline building and leadership development programming efforts such as the Leadership Academy and the Political Institute.

We are delighted to recognize the following honorees with the 2017 Women in Power Changemaker Award:

The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet
24th Administrator of the US Small Business Administration

Maria Contreras-Sweet is the 24th Administrator of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and was a member of President Obama’s cabinet. As a business leader, California state cabinet official, and entrepreneur, Contreras-Sweet’s achievements in bringing efficiencies and modernization to large scale organizations have earned her international acclaim. Her drive to bring SBA into the digital age, and expand into broader domestic and global markets, has yielded record results in lending and contracting for small businesses. Contreras-Sweet is a founding director of The California Endowment, a $3 billion foundation dedicated to improving the health status of Californians. She served on the boards of Blue Cross of California and numerous other nonprofit organizations.

Ming Chen Hsu
Director at the JT Tai & Company Foundation and Former FMC Commissioner

Ming Chen Hsu has extensive experience in international trade and commerce in both the public and private sectors. She was appointed as a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission by former President George HW Bush and was confirmed by the United States Senate in 1990. She served on the commission for ten years. Hsu was actively involved in negotiations with the Chinese Ministry of Communications, which led to the US-China Maritime Bilateral Agreement signed by President George W. Bush and Premier Wen Jiabao in Washington in 2004. She’s the recipient of awards including the US Maritime Medal of Freedom, the Woman of Year Award from the Asian-American Professional Women’s Association, and George Washington University’s Alumni Achievement Award.

The schedule of events is as follows:

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Opening Remarks

Kim Yamasaki
Executive Director, CAUSE

Nita Song
President & COO, IW Group

Sponsor Remarks

Trisha Muse
Director of Community Relations, Southern California Gas Company

9:15 – 10:30 AM

Panel 1: Women Leading & Influencing

What does it take to succeed in today’s workforce, especially in industries where there aren’t traditionally many women leaders? What unique perspectives and leadership styles do women in power bring to the table? Panelists will discuss what factors led to their rise to the top and the importance of gender diversity across all industries.

Shelly Kapoor Collins
General Partner, Shatter Fund

The Honorable Sachi A. Hamai
Los Angeles County CEO

Moderated by Nita Song
President & COO, IW Group

10:40 – 11:50 AM
Leadership Development Breakout Session: Language of Leadership

Language is a powerful tool. Language is the most common way we create and replicate culture in organizations. We use language to endorse for the talent of others or to sponsor them. Yet, when we use language in an automatic way, bias can creep into our choice of words, inadvertently softening our advocacy. Learn the language of leadership so that you can be the best advocate for yourself, your peers and your teammates.

Lori Nishiura Mackenzie
Executive Director, Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University

11:50 AM – 12:20 PM

Fireside Chat: Technology & Next Generation Leadership

New media is changing how we view the world around us and ourselves. The next generation of female leaders is utilizing online platforms, social media, and other avenues to influence our communities. We’ll hear insight from leaders in this space at different stages in their careers to learn more about how media is providing new opportunities for representation and empowerment.

Angeline Vuong
Director of Strategy & Marketing, Open Listings

Julie Zhan
Actress, Dancer, & Producer – YouTube Creative

Moderated by Mariko S. Carpenter
Vice President for Strategic Community Alliances, Nielsen

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Luncheon

Sponsor Remarks

Emily Wang
Senior Vice President & Director of Marketing and Community Development, East West Bank

2017 Women in Power Changemaker Award

The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet
24th Administrator of the US Small Business Administration

Ming Chen Hsu
Director at the JT Tai & Company Foundation and Former FMC Commissioner

1:30 – 2:45 PM

Panel 2: Power with a Purpose

What good is power if there is no purpose behind it? How can a sense of meaning and desire to serve your community drive your personal success? Panelists will share their path to leadership, what led them to serve their communities, and how their community leadership enhanced their professional careers.

Faye Washington
President & CEO, YWCA Greater Los Angeles

The Honorable Betty T. Yee
California State Controller

Tanzila “Taz” Ahmed
18 Million Rising & #GoodMuslimBadMuslim

Moderated by Kimberly Freeman
Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives & Community Relations, UCLA Anderson School of Management

2:45 – 3:00 PM

Closing Remarks

3:00 – 4:00 PM

VIP Reception

3:00 – 5:00 PM

General Networking Reception

Tickets are $85. Please RSVP by Tuesday, July 18 at wipconference.eventbrite.com.

Hotel valet parking is available for event attendees at a rate of $22.00 per car. Other parking options are available in the surrounding area at varying rates

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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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CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class Of 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lindsey Horowitz

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: lindsey@causeusa.org

CAUSE Welcomes Leadership Academy Class of 2017

Pasadena, CA – June 23, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 2017 Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference and Reception on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017), from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Through this program, CAUSE will welcome and introduce the 2017 Leadership Academy Cohort. Program participants will share their stories and passion in serving the community. The Honorable Mike Eng of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees will serve as the keynote speaker for the program.

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 offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, and legislative research.

Class of 2017 Leadership Academy Cohort includes:

• Anna Katrina Alvarado, California State University, Los Angeles | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD-41)

• Sylvia Guan, University of Pennsylvania | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Josh Newman (SD-29)

• Sabrina Inoue, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (AD-66)

• Jeffery Jen, Pomona College | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Judy Chu (CD-27)

• Nayada “Mint” Katavetin, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti

• Diana Lam, Wellesley College | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Ed Chau (AD-49)

• Hanah Lee, Yale University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ed Hernandez (SD-22)

• Dim Mang, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Controller Betty Yee

• Erika Ngo, Whittier College | Intern at the Office of California State Treasurer John Chiang

• Sonia Romero, University of Southern California | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Adam Schiff (CD-28)

• Stephanie Sun, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Mimi Walters (CD-45)

• Eric Thai, University of California, Davis | Intern at the Office of California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (AD-63)

• Allison Vo, University of California, San Diego | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Lou Correa (CD-46)

• Helen Yu, Duke University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ben Allen (SD-26)

• Zheng, Amherst College | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu (District 4)

This program is open to the public. Elected officials, community leaders, press members, family, and friends are welcome to join. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 21 at CLAKickoff.eventbrite.com.

Underground parking is available at the L.A. Chamber on West 4th Street. Parking costs $2 for every 15 minutes with a maximum daily charge of $6. Additional parking is available at 417 South Boylston Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The parking is one block away from the L.A. Chamber and costs $7 per vehicle. Metered parking is also available surrounding the L.A. Chamber.

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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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CAUSE Mobilizes APA Community For Its 24th Annual Gala – “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders”

CAUSE mobilizes APA community for its 24th Annual Gala – “Empowering Tomorrow’s

Leaders”

Pasadena, CA – February 27, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will be celebrating its 24th Anniversary on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the L.A. Hotel Downtown (333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071). This year’s theme is “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders.” As our country enters a new era of leadership, it is more important than ever to empower the future leaders and change-makers of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community.

The schedule of events is as follows:

5:00 P.M. VIP Reception

6:00 P.M. Silent Auction & Networking | California Ballroom Foyer

7:00 P.M. Dinner Program | California Ballroom

The CAUSE Annual Gala is the premier APA event for those interested in politics and community. It boasts the largest attendance of APA elected officials and is a celebration of those striving to make an impact in our community. More than 100 APA federal, state and local officials from all

over California will be in attendance. The gala also serves as the largest fundraiser of the year for CAUSE. Funds raised help sustain our many programs and services, which include voter outreach, training, and education and leadership development programs. Our programs have proven to be successful in encouraging increased civic engagement and political leadership in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond.

Additionally, 500 guests are expected to attend this year— all of whom are dedicated to elevating the APA community. We are delighted to recognize the following honorees for their audacity and resolve to stand as leaders for the APA community:

Partners in Public Service Award

The Hon. Anthony Rendon, 70th

Speaker of the California State Assembly and

Annie V. Lam, Principal, Lam Consulting Group

Speaker Rendon and Ms. Lam have exemplified the importance cross-sector partnership in civic leadership. Their commitment to public service in government and the nonprofit industry is commendable. Speaker Rendon and Ms. Lam’s long-standing support for the APA community includes supporting CAUSE’s past programs and helping us to inspire the next generation of civic and public service leaders.

Speaker Rendon was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012 and was sworn-in as the 70th Speaker of the Assembly in 2016. He represents the 63rd California Assembly District, which includes Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate and a northern portion of Long Beach.

Ms. Lam specializes in governmental affairs, organizational development, and nonprofit management. Ms. Lam serves as the executive director for four nonprofits with complementary missions: the Asian Union Election Committee Education Fund (AUECEF), the League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus, the League of California Cities Women’s Caucus, and the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute.

Community Championship Award

Mr. John Kobara

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

California Community Foundation

After serving five years on the Board of Directors, Mr. Kobara was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the California Community Foundation in 2008. For more than 40 years, Mr. Kobara has been leading and managing diverse and complex non-profit and for-profit organizations, including CK12 Foundation, OnlineLearning.net, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. More than anything, Mr. Kobara considers himself an educator and teacher. He has taught hundreds of classes and workshops for undergraduate and graduate students, including participants in CAUSE’s leadership development programs for many years.

Corporate Citizenship Award

Mr. Patrick Niemann

Managing Partner – Greater Los Angeles

Ernst & Young LLP

As Managing Partner for Greater Los Angeles at Ernst & Young LLP, Patrick Niemann leads a team of 1,600 professionals who serve more than 1,000 innovative and entrepreneurial companies. Mr. Niemann is also a client-serving partner who works with public and private companies in diverse sectors. Prior to his current role, Pat managed EY’s Greater Los Angeles Audit practice and served as industry leader for the Media & Entertainment and Japanese Business Services practices. For many years, Mr. Niemann and EY have been actively involved in the Los Angeles community and dedicated to empowering and giving back specifically to the APA community.

Certificate presentations and press interviews will take place during the VIP reception. Press will receive complimentary admission; to reserve your press spot, please RSVP with Lindsey Horowitz by email at lindsey@causeusa.org or phone at (323) 573-3452 by Friday, April 14.

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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 civic and political empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

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

2017 CAUSE Political Institute – Now Accepting Participants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lindsey Horowitz

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: lindsey@causeusa.org

2017 CAUSE Political Institute – Now Accepting Participants

Pasadena, CA – November 28, 2016 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is now officially accepting candidate forms for the 2017 CAUSE Political Institute.

The CAUSE Political Institute (CPI) is a political leadership and advocacy training certificate program for high-potential professionals with seasoned leadership experience and a passion for serving the needs of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community in California. The program was co-founded by CAUSE and the USC Dornsife Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics in order to ensure a pipeline of political and civic leadership for the APA community.

CPI trainings consist of policy seminars, skill development workshops, intimate roundtable discussions with notable leaders, and group work. Training sessions and activities are led by a unique array of seasoned politicians, campaign professionals, and other civic and issue experts who will share their best practices and personal insights. Participants complete the program armed with the skills, knowledge and network vital to advocate for the APA community and run for elected office.

CPI is open to participants through a nomination-only process. Elected officials at the state and federal levels are invited to look within their networks to identify and nominate two candidates per year for the program: one in public service, and one from the broader community. While this program is geared towards individuals pursuing public office, the program is also highly recommended for individuals desiring community leadership roles in the private and non-profit sectors.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please click here. The candidate information form and nomination package must be received by Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST.  All submitted materials will be carefully reviewed by the CPI Selection Committee.  Please contact CAUSE at info@causeusa.org or at (626) 356-9838, if you have any questions.

It is the policy of Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age, or disability.

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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 Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101

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CAUSE To Host Voter Education Workshop Focusing On The General Election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lindsey Horowitz

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: lindsey@causeusa.org

CAUSE to Host Voter Education Workshop Focusing on the General Election

Pasadena, CA – October 14, 2016 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) will be holding a Voter Education Workshop and Dim Sum Reception at the Grand Plaza Community Room in Downtown Los Angeles (601 N. Grand Avenue) on Wednesday, October 19th from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 This voter education session will be geared primarily towards English, Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking seniors who are seeking easily accessible information about voter registration and voter re-registration, in addition to absentee ballot information, ballot propositions and other information regarding the November 8th General Election.

The workshop will be conducted in English, Mandarin and Cantonese and will begin with an overview of the voting process and ballot measures. It will then be followed by a question and answer portion and will end with a dim sum reception. The event is free and open to the public.

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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 (APA) community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

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

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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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CAUSE Board Chair Charlie Woo And Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu Speak On The New Wave Of Young Asian American Voters In Los Angeles County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joshua Alegado

Programs Coordinator

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: joshua@causeusa.org

CAUSE Board Chair Charlie Woo and Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu speak on the new wave of young Asian American voters in Los Angeles County

Pasadena, CA — June 23, 2016 — New wave of young Asian American voters in LA County means change is on the way, according to Pat Brown Institute Poll. Survey has warning signs for both the Republican and Democratic parties.

What:

The Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State LA will host a press and community event to release findings from its Asian American poll on civic engagement and political behavior. The event will be held on June 29 from 8–10 a.m. at Cal State LA’s downtown campus located at 801 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90017. The poll, conducted in collaboration with the nonprofit, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, surveyed 1,865 Asian American registered voters in Los Angeles County, and included Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans, Korean Americans and Filipino Americans.

The survey reveals major differences between younger and older Asian American voters on social issues, religion, and partisanship. The event will include a presentation by Dr. Raphael Sonenshein, director of the PBI-Cal State LA Poll. Commenting on the results and their implications will be Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu, Chair of (CAUSE) Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment Charlie Woo, and Cal State LA Professor and Director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Program, Ping Yao.

When:

8–10 a.m., Wednesday, June 29. Click here to register for the #PBIAsianAmPoll. Reserved seating in the front will be held for members of the media who have registered.

Where:

Cal State LA’s downtown campus, 801 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90017. Parking is free with validation at the parking structure located at 801 South Grand Ave. Public transit stops are also within walking distance of the downtown campus. For additional information, visit the Pat Brown Institute or call us at (323) 343-3770.

More:

Gov. Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, who held office from 1959 to 1967, brought the Pat Brown Institute to the Cal State LA campus in 1987. The Institute is a nonpartisan center for community engagement, civic education, public policy forums and debates, youth leadership, and applied public policy research. The Pat Brown Institute has developed a series of distinguished and accessible programs to carry out the mission of the University and create more inclusive and empowered communities across Southern California.

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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 and civic empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

For press registration and inquiries, please contact CAUSE by phone at (626) 356-9838 or by email at joshua@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website, www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 South Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101.

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CAUSE Hosts Women In Power: Leadership In Entrepreneurship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aki Leung

Director of Programs

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: aki@causeusa.org

CAUSE Hosts Women in Power: Leadership in Entrepreneurship

Pasadena, CA — January 27, 2016 — The Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will be hosting Women in Power: Leadership in Entrepreneurship at City Club Los Angeles (555 South Flower Street, 51st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071) on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This Women in Power panel discussion program will feature some of Los Angeles’ top entrepreneurial women. Through candid discussion, panelists will continue the program’s tradition of empowering women to rise to the top. Panelists include:

• Ellen Chen, Co-Founder and President, Mendocino Farms

• Toni Ko, CEO, Butter Ventures, and Founder, NYX Cosmetics

• Pooneh Mohajer, CEO and Co-Founder, tokidoki

Nita Song, IW Group’s President and Chief Momentum Officer will moderate the program.

CAUSE will facilitate a candid discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs. While reports from the United States Census Bureau show that women-owned businesses have increased by 79% since 1997, businesswomen still face significant struggles in achieving the same ground as their male counterparts. Forbes recently announced that the majority of women-owned businesses start their companies with 50% less capital and that only 4 % are able to generate over $500,000 in revenue.

Panelists will delve into the heart of these challenges, share how they were able to rise above, and point out why leadership made all the difference. CAUSE will explore what made their individual brands successful as well as how they grew those brands to reach success. By sharing their experiences, panelists intend to encourage members of the audience to follow suit.

This event is in partnership with the National Association of Women Business Owners – Los Angeles and was made possible due to the support of East West Bank and Ernst & Young. Please RSVP by Monday, February 1, 2016 at wip-entrepreneur.eventbrite.com. Admission is $35 per person and valet parking is $10 with validation. Please contact Kim Yamasaki at kim@causeusa.org or at (626) 356-9838 for sponsorship inquiries.

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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 and civic empowerment of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through nonpartisan voter registration and education, community outreach, and leadership development.

The Women in Power program aims to create opportunities for candid discussion regarding issues that women leaders face and to explore strategies for overcoming them. The panel discussions and networking programs help foster a community built on leadership, inspiration, and mentorship. The program helps women professionals achieve their full leadership potential.

For press registration and inquiries, please contact CAUSE by phone at (626) 356-9838 or by email at aki@causeusa.org. General information can be obtained from our website, www.causeusa.org. Our office is located at 260 South Los Robles Avenue, #115, Pasadena, CA 91101.

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