CAUSE Hosts The 2017 Veterans Initiative Leadership Luncheon

Contact: Haidee Pan, Director of Marketing & Communications

626-356-9838  haidee@causeusa.org

260 S. Los Robles Avenue, Suite 115, Pasadena, CA 91101

www.causeusa.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

CAUSE  Hosts the 2017 Veterans Initiative Leadership Luncheon

A leadership luncheon to discuss the best practices in working on veterans’ issues and to celebrate accomplished leaders in veterans affairs will occur at City Club- Los Angeles on October 24, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Who: 
Renata Simril (Keynote Speaker)
President & CEO of LA84 Foundation
Military Police Officer, US Army Veteran

The Honorable Steven Ly (Elected Remarks) 
Mayor Pro Tem of the Rosemead City Council
Second Lieutenant, US Army Reserves

Blas Villalobos (Status of Veterans)
Veterans Affairs Manager  at the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti
Squad Leader, US Marine Corps Veteran

The 2017 CAUSE Veterans Initiative cohort:

• Evette Kim, US Army Reserve | Specialist | Reservist

• Richard Mai, US Marine Corps | Sergeant | Veteran

• Audrey Oh, US Army | Sergeant | Veteran

• Andrew Saetern, US Army Reserve | Specialist | Reservist

• Priscilla Songsanand, US Army | Major | Veteran

• Jayce Wolf, US Army | Specialist | Veteran

What: Veterans Leadership Luncheon to learn about best practices in working on veterans’ issues and to    celebrate some of the most accomplished leaders in veterans affairs in Los Angeles.

When: Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 11:30AM – 1:30PM 
Lunch will be served.

Where: City Club Los Angeles
Hollywood Room
555 S. Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Complimentary parking will be provided at City National Plaza at 515 S. Flower Street.

Why: This luncheon is an effort to spotlight the need for more veterans in civic leadership positions and provides attendees with a greater understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities for veterans pursuing these avenues.

Interview Opportunities:
Interviews with speakers may be conducted before the program from 11:30AM – 12:00PM. Interviews with the 2017 Veterans Initiative fellows may be conducted before the program from 11:30AM – 12:00PM and/or after the program from 1:30 – 2:00PM.

Photo Opportunities:

1. Presentation of Colors

2. Program speakers:  Renata Simril, The Honorable Steven Ly, Blas Villalobos, Kim Yamasaki

3. Military personnel in uniform: Veterans, reservists, and active duty service members will be attending in their appropriate uniforms.

Dress code:
Business attire is appropriate for civilians.
US Army: Army Service Uniform
US Marine Corps: Service Alpha
US Navy: Navy Dress Blues
US Air Force: Service Dress
US Coast Guard: Service Dress

About the Veterans Initiative
The CAUSE Veterans Initiative is a fellowship and civic leadership program for veterans and reservists who are seeking community leadership roles outside of the military. The Veterans Initiative program was specifically designed for veterans interested in increasing the accessibility and awareness of available veterans resources as well as learning how to effectively advocate on behalf of Asian Pacific American (APA) veterans issues. In this program, participants are provided with mentors, professional development opportunities, and issue/policy briefings.

During this program, participants will not only gain insight on issues related to the veteran community and how to provide assistance, but will also be exposed to opportunities for individual professional development. Exclusive access to a network of prominent mentors and enhanced political awareness are a few notable examples.

About CAUSE
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 outreach, training, and education as well as 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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（影音）暑期政界實習 15亞裔生收穫豐 (World Journal)

記者李雪

亞美政聯（CAUSE）今年暑期政界實習（Leadership Academy Internship）18日舉行畢業典禮，15位年輕亞裔大學生獲得官員表彰，並展示其共同完成的「選民資源項目」策畫。

這批學生在過去九周時間，分別在國會眾議員趙美心、華特斯（Mimi Walters）、謝安達(Adam Schiff)、羅考莉(Lou Correa)，以及數位州參議員和眾議員，洛市市長賈西提、州財務長江俊輝和主計長余淑婷等民選官員的辦公室實習。當日出席畢業典禮的民選官員們，對實習生表現表示非常滿意。

今年19歲並就讀於波莫納學院的華生任容甫表示，實習期間主要負責接電話、接待選民等。雖然是簡單的工作內容，但能第一手接觸選民，了解其需求。為有訴求的選民建立案例，看著案例經過層層程序，最終得到解決，他覺得是工作中最有成就感的事。

他表示，實習改變了他對政治的看法，以往看到政客們的鬥爭，覺得他們「壞」。但在趙美心的辦公室，看到趙美心和幕僚們認真對待選民們提出的訴求，為他們解決疑難問題，發覺原來政客也沒有那麼「壞」，「看到了(政治)好的一面」。

他表示，去年的大選讓他和同齡的朋友同學感到無助，不知有何方式能發出屬於自己這一代的聲音。主流的意見表達幾乎都被年長的人掌控，年輕人的利益不被顧及。他認為加入實習能更多參政，幫助自己發聲，不過他也表示只要關心政治，參與政治的途徑有很多。

趙美心為學生們頒發獎狀，她回憶自己從小也沒想過成為政治家，那時更沒有這樣幫助年輕人從政的項目。直到蒙市20年多前的一場反移民排華情緒，激發她走上政治道路，一路走到第一位華裔女性國會議員的位置，她表示打破玻璃天花板真的很難。以前在國會山莊極難見到亞太裔，現在因為有不少這樣鼓勵亞裔參政的計畫，華府也能常見到亞裔面孔了。

日裔眾議員土村（Al Muratsuchi）也到場感謝實習生的幫助，鼓勵年輕人未來更多參與政治。亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）也恭喜各畢業學生，為他們一一頒發證書。

亞裔政壇勢力擴大！趙美心：搞好人際關係最重要 (Apple Daily)

駐洛杉磯記者：張紫茵

（新增動新聞）
「我們要改變亞裔美國人的思想，他們覺得政治事不關己，總希望下一代可以當醫生﹑律師，我們希望令大眾明白政治的重要性，並為亞裔爭取更多曝光。」首位華裔女聯邦眾議員趙美心（Judy Chu）周五出席亞美政聯（CAUSE）領導力學會的畢業禮分享自己從政之路，並希望年輕人好好裝備自己，打好人際關係。

過去每年都有實習生在趙美心辦公室工作，他們現在在社會上也取得不錯成就。趙美心認為，這類型的領導力訓練能讓更多年輕人參與公共事務，為亞裔發聲。她分享自己由蒙特利公園市（Monterey Park）市議員，一步步向上爬的故事，她表示沒有勢力在背後，一個華裔女性要打破「隱形天花板」並不容易，幸好得到前勞工部部長及眾議員Hilda Solis 支持才成功走到今天。

她又寄語年輕人，要好好建立人際關係及找尋你的良師益友（Mentor），此外要懂得變通，沒有永遠的朋友或敵人，最後當你抓緊機會，同時要有充足準備去滿足到別人的期望，繼續裝備自己。過去一段長時間，亞裔都像是隱了形一樣，但過去11月議會內亞裔的人數由13人增加18人，為歷史上最多，反映愈來愈多亞裔站出來發聲。

早前《蘋果》直撃亞美政聯（CAUSE）領導力學會的開學禮，當時接受訪問的19歲學生的任容甫（Jeffrey）也完成了為期9個星期的實習，在眾議員趙美心的辦公室工作。趙美心對於他的實習表現非常滿意，認為他切身處地為求助者解決問題，亦在不少活動上幫忙，表現出色。

任容甫再度接受訪問時表示，經過2個月後學到很多溝通的技巧，以前見到一些重量級人物時都會很怕跟他們講話，現在膽子大了可以從容面對。而在他實習過程中，見到一些個案由零開始到解決，覺得可以幫助到很多人。此外，他更了解提案由草擬到立法的過程，也對教育﹑移民等問題有更深入了解，所以受益不淺，希望未來無論在公共部門或私人機構可以學以致用。

另一位實習生孫詩韻（Stephanie）這個暑假就在聯邦眾議員華特斯（Mimi Walters）的辦公室實習，她學會了可以從不同途徑去為亞裔社會發聲，而對於未來會否從政，還沒有清晰路向，但會繼續幫助及關注與亞裔相關的議題。（張紫茵／洛杉磯報導）

CAUSE Welcomes 2017 Veterans Initiative Fellows

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haidee Pan

Director of Marketing & Communications

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: haidee@causeusa.org

CAUSE  Welcomes 2017 Veterans Initiative Fellows

Los Angeles, CA – August 25, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 2017 Veterans Initiative Kickoff on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the Hershey/Crocker Room of the Omni Los Angeles Hotel (251 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012), from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Join us as we welcome the 2017 class of Veterans Initiative fellows!

The kickoff will feature keynote speaker, The Honorable Jay Chen of the Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees & Lieutenant of the US Naval Reserve.

The CAUSE Veterans Initiative is a fellowship and civic leadership program for veterans and reservists who are seeking community leadership roles outside of the military. The Veterans Initiative program was specifically designed for veterans interested in increasing the accessibility and awareness of available veterans resources as well as learning how to effectively advocate on behalf of Asian Pacific American (APA) veterans issues. In this program, participants are provided with mentors, professional development opportunities, and issue/policy briefings.

During this program, participants will not only gain insight on issues related to the veteran community and how to provide assistance, but will also be exposed to opportunities for individual professional development. Exclusive access to a network of prominent mentors and enhanced political awareness are a few notable examples.

This program is open to the public. Elected officials, community leaders, press members, family, and friends are welcome to join. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at CVIKickoff.eventbrite.com.

$15 valet parking. Nearby parking lots are available at varying rates.

—

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 outreach, training, and education as well as 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 Hosts Graduation For Leadership Academy Class Of 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haidee Pan

Director of Marketing & Communications

Phone: 626-356-9838

Email: haidee@causeusa.org

CAUSE Hosts Graduation for Leadership Academy Class of 2017

Pasadena, CA – August 18, 2017 – Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) will host the 2017 Leadership Academy Graduation on Friday, August 18, 2017 at the KPCC The Crawford Family Forum (474 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105), from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy Graduation celebrates the 2017 Leadership Academy class’ completion of a rigorous nine-week internship program. Join elected officials, community leaders, local press, and families to congratulate the leaders of tomorrow!

The graduation will feature keynote speaker, Congressmember Judy Chu of the 27th Congressional District of California and Master of Ceremonies Jack Song, Marketing & Communications Lead at LimeBike and an alumni of the CAUSE Leadership Academy (Class of 2001).

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.

The CAUSE Leadership Academy offers opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in politics through constituent services, community organizing, community relations, and legislative research. Interns are required to participate in civic leadership workshops, work full time in a political office, attend an APA internship conference in Sacramento, and complete a group voter engagement project.

The 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

• Sylvia Guan, University of Pennsylvania | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Josh Newman

• Sabrina Inoue, University of Michigan | Intern at the Office of California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi

• Jeffery Jen, Pomona College | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Judy Chu

• 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

• Hanah Lee, Yale University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ed Hernandez

• 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

• Stephanie Sun, University of California, Berkeley | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Mimi Walters

• Eric Thai, University of California, Davis | Intern at the Office of California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

• Allison Vo, University of California, San Diego | Intern at the Office of US Congressmember Lou Correa

• Helen Yu, Duke University | Intern at the Office of California State Senator Ben Allen

• Olivia Zheng, Amherst College | Intern at the Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember David Ryu

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, August 16 at CLAGraduation.eventbrite.com.

Street parking and parking at local lots are available at varying rates. Public transit is encouraged.

—

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 outreach, training, and education as well as 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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亚美政联举办2017妇女领袖大会 (US China Press)

作者:高睿

【侨报记者高睿7月21日洛杉矶报道】亚美政联21日在洛杉矶千禧（Millennium）大酒店举办2017妇女领袖领导大会，邀请包括加州主计长余淑婷、华裔女企业家徐明辰（音译：Ming Chen Hsu）和宋妮塔（音译：Nita Song）在内的十多位巾帼精英同与会的数百名各行各业的妇女代表分享他们的参政、创业和职场经验。

本次活动的主办方亚美政联的主席胡泽群介绍说，美国亚裔在各行各业都面临着各种挑战，尤其是亚裔女性，在以白人为主导的美国社会所面临的挑战就更加严酷、巨大。今天的会议希望通过几位巾帼精英的参政、创业和职场成功经验，给其他正在奋斗路上的妇女代表以启示、鼓励和鞭策，希望她们从这些妇女领袖的身上学到值得借鉴的东西，成为激励自己拼搏奋斗的马达和航标灯，把学到的知识回馈给社会，为美国经济的发展做出自己的贡献。

胡泽群强调，“中国讲究‘关系’，这两个字同样适用于美国，不论你如何努力，贡献多大，都离不开与各行各业的关系，处理得好就有助于事业发展，处理不好就会直接影响你的奋斗之路。今天的活动就是一种‘关系’沟通大会，通过这次会议大家相互认识、了结、建立起朋友或伙伴关系。”

余淑婷说：“在当今竞争激烈、处处挑战的社会，作为一名女性，不论你在政坛、商业或职场，都需要学会如何去面对、适应，只有这样才能在全球经济一体化的时代找到自己的位置，而不致被大浪淘沙的激烈竞争所淘汰。我的工作是在州政府管钱，我的成功诀窍就是如何合理分配纳税人的钱，这也是可以分享给广大妇女的经验，她们从中可以学会如何正确地管理资金，为自己的创业成功做好前期的预算、中期的融资和后期的分配。”

【洛杉磯直擊】亞裔女文靜無意見？加州女高官鼓勵打破成見當領袖 (Apple Daily)

駐洛杉磯記者：張紫茵

雖說現代社會追求男女平等，不過根據統計，現時福布斯全球500強企業中，女性行政總裁的比例只佔6.2%，反映女性在職場上仍然有透明天花板，難登大公司的首要位置。亞美政聯（CAUSE）周五舉行女性領袖論壇（Women In Power Leadership Conference），邀請了多位職場上有出色成就的女性分享經歷，洛杉磯縣行政總裁濱井（Sachi Hamai；該職位前身為首席政務司長，Chief Administrative Officer）及加州主計官（Controller）徐淑婷（Betty Yee）均鼓勵女性要多主動，爭取成為社區領袖。

作為洛杉磯縣政府內罕見的亞裔高層，洛杉磯縣行政總裁濱井則表示，她在30年前加入縣政府時，沒有想過有朝一日會成為CEO。「我覺得我們需要鼓勵更多亞裔女性爭取成為領袖，不單止是洛縣，而是希望整個國家。從數字上看（女性擔任領袖）比例仍然是低，洛杉磯縣在這點是做得較好，所以希望可以推廣及鼓勵更多亞裔女性。」

在洛縣政府中，有4個監委是女性，只有1個男性。行政人員中7成是女性，60％的部門主管也是女性，且縣政府內最高薪酬的12位職員中，有6位是女性。對此，濱井覺得比例相當平均。她認為，女性擔任要職時會較注重合作。去年他們提倡了「婦女及女童」（Women and girls) 的提案，撥款支援因性別而經歷不公平對待的女性。

另一位出席論壇的加州主計官徐淑婷表示，政治圏至今仍然是白人男性主導，近年見到西裔或亞裔都積極培訓政治人才入局，由地區政府開始做起；此外，以前女性不願意參選，因為要犧牲家庭，參選時更要到處籌款等。但自去年選舉後，她見到更多女性願意走出來，希望將女性的聲音帶入議會。「（女性參政）最大的阻礙仍然是對於亞裔女性的偏見，覺得我們是安靜的﹑做事保守的，但這不是事實。」
過去一直從事財務及稅務的工作，徐淑婷記得有一次在會議室內，她是唯一一個女性，眾人覺得她應該要為所有男士沖咖啡，她覺得自己的職責並不在此，所以並沒有遵從，而是像大家一樣參與討論。「我們要打破這些阻礙及偏見，以行動證明自己是憑實力及經驗去工作。」

未來徐淑婷表示自己會在政府內尋求更高的職位，目前希望可再連任下一屆主計官，日後亦有意選州長。但此前首先要解決加州的稅務問題。她表示自特朗普當選後，加州的預算相當棘手，因過去不少項目如醫療補助都是依賴聯邦政府撥款，加上全民健保暫時擱置，所以有很多未知之數。

論壇亦頒發了2017年女性創革領袖創革大獎予徐敏（Ming Chen Hsu) 及Maria Contreras-Sweet 。徐敏在前美國總統喬治布殊年代擔任聯邦海運委員會會長一職，並有份促成2004年中美雙方海運協議，亦是美國戴氏基金會的總裁。而Maria Contreras-Sweet 則是前總裁奧巴馬的幕僚，亦曾任美國小型企業管理局（SBA）行政官。

【掌權女性論壇】詹妮：新媒體爆亞裔網紅 (World Journal)

亞美政協(CAUSE)21日舉辦年度「掌權女性」(Women in Power)論壇，華裔網絡演員詹妮(Julie Zhan)指出新媒體為亞裔年輕人帶來無限機會，原先因族裔被邊緣化無法出頭的才能者，能通過網絡自由表達，也是現今亞裔「網紅」湧現原因。

舞蹈演員出身的詹妮，多年前參與出演不少網絡微電影，是「王夫電影小組」(Wong Fu Production)主要演員之一，作品大多講述在美的亞裔第二代年輕人的生活、文化相關故事。在Youtube上，詹妮擁有大量粉絲，每條視頻都有幾十萬甚至數百萬瀏覽量。

作為「科技與下一代領導力」的主講嘉賓，詹妮興奮地表示新媒體的到來改變了一切，為亞裔年輕人帶來無限機會。在以往傳統媒體中，亞裔演員、編劇、導演等可能都很難出頭，畢竟娛樂公司要考慮賺錢，考慮主流市場。與此同時，亞裔的銀幕形象也被傳統媒體壟斷，塑造為安靜內向的刻板印象。

而通過新媒體，亞裔年輕人能自由地表達自己，向世界展示亞裔多彩的性格。更重要的是教育了下一代，她舉例團隊裡年輕的90後編劇，從小看著Youtube長大，覺得劇本塑造一個很活潑外向的亞裔女孩是非常正常的事，這在十年前的傳統影視領域是不可想像的。

詹妮相信，網絡的普及也是造就現今不斷湧現出大量亞裔「網紅」的原因，無論是走紅的化妝高手、跳舞達人以及各領域的視頻博主，其實這些亞裔網紅們原本就存在，直到Youtube出現才迅速竄紅。她表示，上一代亞裔移民可能沒有條件和機會，但這一代可以不再局限在工程師、律師或醫師。

【掌權女性論壇】余淑婷：未來有意參選州長 (World Journal)

亞美政協21日舉辦年度「掌權女性」(Women in Power)論壇，加州主計長余淑婷在座談後透露自己未來有計畫角逐州長，也分享作為女性最初被要求給男同事端咖啡，到如今事業有成的經歷。

余淑婷表示，過去女性不願參政，主要需要很大程度犧牲照顧家庭的精力。不過自去年大選以來，更多女性因希望為女性發聲，有意參政。她透露做完下一任主計長，有計畫角逐州長一職。她表示，加州的稅務和財務問題，不是靠主計長擺弄數字能解決的了，需要從政策上改變。

她表示，如今政壇依舊是白人男性主導的文化，不過慢慢地西語裔也在努力改變現狀，亞太裔也跟隨其後。她表示有意參政女性可從地方政治開始，如市議員或學區教委，但更重要的是要明確自己想做什麼，以及能帶來什麼樣的經驗。她以自己為例，就從未參與過地方選舉，但擅長財務和稅務，也希望為這些領域帶來更多女性領導力。

余淑婷笑說，自己作為亞裔做財務工作，從未被懷疑和歧視過，亞裔擅長數字這件事深入人心，倒是作為女性則被人懷疑過能力。她早年就是辦公室裡唯一女性，辦公室中就默認應該由她去給其他男性端咖啡。不過余淑婷堅持表現得和其他人一樣，只拿自己的咖啡，表示自己和他人一樣是來工作，也是夠資歷的。她表示，每一個女性都有責任去打破身邊的刻板印象和障礙。

余淑婷認為，亞裔女性成功路上最大障礙，還是社會對亞裔女性有太多刻板印象，例如安靜、不願惹事、更願意選擇安全保守的選項等。不過她也提到最自豪的一件事是從沒上過新聞頭條。她表示這並不矛盾，這代表自己在默默做事，而且沒做錯，通常上頭條是因負面新聞。

【掌權女性論壇】濱井幸：勇敢冒險 勿要求自我完美 (World Journal)

亞美政協21日舉辦年度「掌權女性」論壇，會上洛杉磯縣府日裔首席執行長(CEO)濱井幸(Sachi Hamai)分享自己作為少數族裔女性，掌管整個洛縣事務的心路歷程。

洛縣是全美第二大城市經濟體，每年高達300億元預算，縣府是洛杉磯最大的人力雇用單位，共有超過10萬人的職員。操持這麼大的系統，大管家濱井幸在當日峰會的第一場「女性領導和影響」座談分享職業女性經驗。

濱井幸在虎媽狼爸式的典型亞裔家庭長大，如父母所願學習會計，畢業後因教授鼓勵以及公務員的優厚福利，自然而然進入縣審計局工作，沒想到在縣府一待就是30年。

雖現在洛縣府女雇員比早年多，但濱井幸入職時，仍是男性主導的職場。例如當年她被告知必須穿裙子，批評穿褲裝的她衣著不得體。也曾有男員工不滿女性做上司，跑來她的辦公室大罵髒話，平時溫和的濱井幸也乾脆用強硬的同等髒話回罵。她表示，職場中可能會遭遇一些針對性別的恫嚇，但女性們一定要為自己站出來回應。

女性領導有時易心軟，而被人當做軟弱，與會者們都表示這是對女性善良本性的最大誤解。另有一些女性又為此故作嚴厲，難以與人相處。濱井幸認為還是應善良為人，不過她在職場做事以及領導風格都是基於事實、就事論事。

同台的「Shatter Fund」投資合夥人Shelly Kapoor Collins，提到成功女性常有「冒名頂替症候群」(Impostor Syndrome)，即患者無法將成功歸功於自己的能力，而是覺得靠運氣或他人的過高器重，獲得不少在場女性贊同。

濱井幸也表示自己有這樣的體驗，不少女性在機會擺在眼前時，會突然猶豫能否勝任，她在升職為首席執行官前也問自己「我真的能做這件事嗎，我是否真的準備好」。她鼓勵女性不必非得要求自己完美，擁有該職位100％技能時才敢接受，應該適當勇敢「冒險」。

洛縣縣政委員從未有過亞裔代表，濱井幸是每周委員會例會上唯一的亞裔面孔。她對此表示遺憾，也鼓勵亞裔女性積極參政，加入公共領域。

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

—

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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全美500大企業CEO 僅5％是女性 (ETTV America)

現代女性, 真的在職場上, 出頭天了嗎? 根據最新統計, 目前全美, 前五百大企業中, CEO的角色, 只有百分之五, 是由女性擔任, 說明了, 女性在職場上, 透明天花板, 真實存在。因此, 非營利團體「亞美政聯」, 今年, 就舉辦一場, 「華裔婦女交流講座」, 還特別邀請, 來自法律、娛樂、以及廣告界的成功女性, 共同分享, 她們成功的故事。

亚美政联2017年领袖实习班启动 (US China Press)

作者:高睿

【侨报记者高睿6月23日洛杉矶报道】亚美政联23日在洛杉矶商会举行2017年领袖实习班启动仪式，以华裔学生为主的15名来自美国各州的青年男女参加了这次活动，洛杉矶社区学院理事伍国庆受邀做主题演讲。

亚美政联主席胡泽群介绍说，亚美政联从1991年起首次举办领袖实习培训班至今已有26年的历史，其间培养了无数亚裔青年走上从政道路，通过在赵美心、江俊辉、刘云平、伍国庆、周本立等华裔民选官办公室8周的实习，让华裔青年人了解美国政府机构的运作机制，学习参政议政的知识和经验。他们当中很多人现在已经进入美国各级政府部门、非营利团体和华人企业商家，成为美国华人参政议政、创业经商的生力军。

伍国庆在演讲中鼓励年轻人肩负着老一辈华裔民选官的重托，“亚美政联培养你们，是希望你们将来能在各级政府争得更多的席位，更多的发言权，为亚裔选民争取更多的合法权益，通过你们的努力打开美国主流的大门，打破美国政坛的天花板，让父母为你们的参政议政而骄傲，让美国华人为你们的出现而自豪。”

据介绍，今年的15名领袖实习班成员大多数都是华人，他们来自美国各个州，经过层层筛选择优录取，其中包括滨州大学的关卓妍、卫斯理学院的林树钰、耶鲁大学的李涵娜、密执根大学的马迪姆、州大伯克利分校的孙诗韵、戴维斯分校的蔡艾瑞、杜克大学的于汉蓝、艾母赫斯特学院的郑一含等人。

在周本立办公室实习的林树钰表示，之前她曾在赵美心办公室实习过，这次再到周本立办公室实习，目的是让自己在参政议政的道路上向前迈进一步。“不论你将来选择什么职业，律师也好，医生也罢，都会受政治人物的摆布，你的命运都会掌握在别人的手中，与其受人摆布，不如自己参政议政，去决策国事的同时，也把命运掌握在自己的手中，这就是我参加政治领袖实习班的目的和原因。”

马凯普高中毕业的任荣富被分配到赵美心办公室实习9个星期，“参加领袖实习班是想给自己多一个接触社会的经验，有了这个经历，不论将来做律师还是做科学工作，都会起到增长见识、丰富阅历的作用。”

亞美政聯暑期政界實習 15亞裔入選 (World Journal)

記者張敏毅

積極推動亞裔參政的非營利團體亞美政聯（CAUSE）23日啟動今年暑期政界實習（Leadership Academy Internship）項目。今年共有15位年輕的亞裔大學生入選，其中華裔五人。

北加州灣區長大的鄭一含（Olivia Zheng）現在麻州私校艾姆赫斯特學院（Amherst College）學習英語文學。她在學校擔任期刊編輯，也是舞蹈社成員。她表示，未來發展目標還沒想好，但很有可能是政治、非營利或法律相關方向。她將前往洛杉磯市韓裔市議員柳大衛（David Ryu）辦公室實習。

在紐約長大的虞漢藍（Helen Yu）現在杜克大學，學習國際比較研究（International Comparative Studies）。她表示，爸爸來自中國，媽媽來自韓國，但無論亞洲哪裡，她發現亞裔在美參政的都比較少。恰好學校亞裔學生中心的老師告訴她，亞美政聯暑期實習項目，她就申請了。未來兩個月，她將在州參議員Ben Allen辦公室實習，這讓她很期待，「一直都想來感受陽光加州，現在終於有機會了」。

華裔實習生還包括賓夕法尼亞大學英語文學系的關卓妍（Sylvia Guan），她將前往州參議員Josh Newman辦公室實習；衛斯理學院（Wellesley College）政治系的林樹鈺（Diana Lam），將前往州眾議員周本立辦公室實習；柏克萊加大政治系的孫詩韻（Stephanie Sun），她將前往聯邦眾議員華特斯（Mimi Walters）辦公室實習。

18年前的夏天，在亞美政聯也當過暑期政界實習生的張慧中（Annie Chang Long）23日來到啟動儀式，用自己的親身經歷鼓勵年輕亞裔學子多多參與政治。她說，當年她剛進入洛杉磯加大，還沒開始選專業。母親在世界日報上看到亞美政聯招實習生的消息，催促她去報名，「當時我沒想好要學什麼，但媽媽想給我暑假找點事做，我就懵懵懂懂的去了，從此開啟了我不一樣的人生」。她說，那是她第一份與政治相關的實習，她每天負責傾聽選民的聲音，給他們回信，去社區會議聽他們說什麼。暑期實習結束後，她又去了州參議員劉璿卿（Carol Liu）辦公室實習，從此確定走上政治之路。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群（Charles Woo）表示，今年共有100個學生申請，每個人都很優秀。他說，這個實習項目的主要目的是幫助學生與社區之間建立聯繫，培養領導能力，「有時甚至還需要走出舒適空間」。他說：「我們首先需要政界的桌子上有我們一個席次，其次需要你們坐到領導席上，最終目的是要把你們培養成改變遊戲規則的人」。

【洛杉磯直擊】美國政壇亞裔力量崛起！華裔青年由細開始學從政 (Apple Daily)

駐洛杉磯記者：張紫茵

近年亞裔在美國政壇上的影響力愈來愈大，尤其是亞裔人口佔近15%的加州，在參、眾議會上亦不乏亞裔聲音。為了培育青年發展成為社區領袖或從政，亞美政聯（CAUSE）每年都舉辦領導力學會（Leadership Academy），周五就為15位實習生舉行開學禮。有參與的學生表示政治很重要，更表示從小父親就教導，對於社會現象「若不擁抱它，就改變它」。

領導力學會（Leadership Academy）已經是第26屆舉行，亞美政聯行政總監山崎（Kim Yamasaki）介紹，活動主要是安排大專生到南加州不同的亞裔政治領袖辦公室暑期實習，期間會安排工作坊，並會前往首府薩克拉門托（Sacramento）去學習憲政進程等，希望可以讓更多年輕的亞裔人士參與社區及政治，過去亦有實習生在不同領域有所成就，成為政界或商界的領袖人物。

每年都有參與開學禮的洛杉磯社區學院理事伍國慶（Mike Eng）表示，最近有調查指出加州人愈來愈擔心他們的前景。但他認為，縱使社會有不少問題，最重要的是到底誰會帶領社會去解決問題；而好消息是，91%的千禧世代（Millennials）有擔任領袖的意向。他認為，對比過去幾個年代的人選擇逃避，千禧世代更勇於去承擔社會責任。

其中一位實習生是19歲的任容甫（Jeffrey），他是台灣移民第二代。他表示自己是在蒙特利公園市（Monterey Park）長大，「我在長大的時候發現亞洲人在政治方面參與率不高，我很喜歡政治，我爸爸也是熱衷於政治，每次會投票，他教我為甚麼政治很重要。」在逾百名報名者中脫穎而出，Jeffrey表示在申請過程只是忠於自己就輕鬆過關。

現時他在波莫納學院（Pomona College）修社會學及副修政治，未來八星期將會在聯邦眾議員趙美心（Judy Chu）的辦公室內實習。他表示，一直都有留意她的動向，所以對於可以在她辦公室工作感到興奮，「希望可以學到領導能力、溝通技巧以及建立人脈等方面技巧。」至於未來，Jeffrey希望可以成為一名律師，服務亞裔及社區。

Jeffrey爸爸任海欣（Eric）表示，覺得兒子有機會參加此計劃是一件好事，對於他人生的履歷會很有幫助。他從小教育兒子政治以及社會現象，因為他覺得「生於這個社會裏面，你不能忽視它們（社會現象），只能夠擁抱或是改變它。」

任海欣1987年移民過來，第一個來他家敲門的就是趙美心的爸爸。他說，當年趙美心在選蒙特利公園市市議員。他跟她溝通時，深深感受到當時在美華人想在政壇上有所突破，隨後一家人就成為趙美心的支持者，「看着後來愈來愈多華人出來從事公職競選，華人參政對於社會提升都有很大的幫助。」

亞美政聯展開領袖訓練項目 亞裔青年勇敢發聲 (Sing Tao Daily)

記者李博爾洛杉磯報道

亞美政聯於日前舉辦記者會，宣佈迎來第24屆領袖訓練項目，2017年度共有15名青年經過遴選參與其中，他們將展開各級政府部門展開為期9周的帶薪實習。
多位華裔青年表示，他們參與該項目，志在未來為在美亞裔發聲。

亞美政聯記者會在洛杉磯商會舉辦，近百位嘉賓出席會議，各界民選官員辦公室代表現身會場。多位發言人在會場發表演說，表達對參與領袖訓練青年的期望。

亞美政聯主席胡澤群致詞表示，領袖訓練項目的青年參與者都是經過仔細遴選才可獲准參加，參與者在優秀的學術表現外，也具有領導潛能。他表示，在各級政府實習中，與會青年們應積極建立人脈，與實習中結識的人士建立有效的聯繫，這種在人脈發展上的投入將在未來給大家提供回饋。胡澤群談到，為社區培養領導者是該項目的首要目標，他希望年輕人們可以突破自身的「舒適區」（comfort zone），勇於挑戰自我，同時他寄語年輕人要樹立理想，並且為理想努力奮鬥。

洛杉磯社區學院理事伍國慶發表演說，他表示，近些年來加州居民的恐慌感上升，面臨著多種社會問題的困惱，加州需要未來領袖來幫助民眾建立一個更好的加州。他強調，近些年來亞裔民選官員為民眾發生，為社區做出了巨大的貢獻，國會眾議員趙美心、加州財務長江俊輝等都展現了亞裔的政治力量及信念。

多位華裔青年參與了今年的領袖訓練項目。鄭一含今年19歲，在加州長大，她將在這個暑假加入洛杉磯市議員劉大偉（David Ryu）辦公室，她說，「儘管現在我還不知道我將從事什麼工作，但是我希望我可以在實習中歷練自我，學習更多知識。未來我希望可以為亞裔發聲。」

華裔、韓裔混血虞漢藍居住於紐約，就讀於杜克大學國際比較專業（International Comparative Studies），她表示這是她第一次有機會可以在洛杉磯長期生活。她說，「從小我就很喜歡洛杉磯的陽光，這次有機會可以在洛杉磯實習兩個月對我來說非常重要。」虞漢藍表示，她希望可以有更多亞裔政治家為亞裔發聲，未來她希望可以進入法學院繼續學習。

Taking Up Space (Twanas Press)

BY TAYLOR HUANG-BOUTELLE

For the first couple of hours after I was born, I was “Baby Huang.” My parents weren’t married and my dad wasn’t in the room, so they just identified me with my mom’s last name. The way my mom tells it, he was watching the Tonight Show in the waiting room, and my dad becomes reasonably humbled. Sometimes, I think that was the first and last time I was unquestionably legible as an Asian-American.

Whining about being mixed race is one of my specialties at this point, though this will not be an exercise in that vein. Legibility in society is something many people, particularly people of color, face on a daily basis. Whether it is attempting to be legible to a society that views you as only one thing, a checked box category, or trying to be seen as a person, are all issues of being seen and read how we truly are. Usually there is one space where you can be recognized with your own people, but I rarely feel that sense of belonging.

I have never felt very comfortable in AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) spaces. I get the squint and the unsaid ‘why are you here?’ at the same moment that eyes flicker to the jade on my neck and question whether I am a sinaboo1 or something more offensive. However, I decided to take several steps and a plane ride outside of my comfort zone when I took the opportunity to intern for an AAPI non-profit organization in Los Angeles and work in Washington, D.C. for ten weeks last summer.

I was afraid and unsure how I would fit into these spaces, and whether I might be an interloper once again. When I was accepted as a Leadership Academy Intern for the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) to intern with the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) in D.C., I learned a lot of acronyms and more about myself and my community than I could have anywhere else. There was not a singular event that allowed me to come to terms with and live in my skin, but an entire journey which allowed me change my mindset. From being readily accepted by my peers and the leadership to being part of a pan-ethnic organization, I was not only able to learn about the AAPI community in all parts of the country, but from the people who were most affected by these issues. In addition, I had the luck and privilege of a mixed race AAPI supervisor who I came to see as a mentor and a friend.

The sense of welcome, and an excitement for any AAPI to be interested in public service, allowed me to come into my identity as Asian American in ways I never would have expected possible. Just last year I was unable to think of anything good about being mixed race, as I often had the feeling of not belonging to any community. Personally, the comfort I have been able to feel in my own skin as a result of the opportunity to help uplift and create change in the AAPI community, even in the smallest ways, has been one of the most valuable experiences of this internship. For example, during my internship one of my main roles was working on an annual Career Fair. One of my duties was to order tables, at the time it seemed like an insignificant task, but every table used contributed money to my organization, to support future interns, and to allow AAPI access to networking opportunities they may not have seen otherwise.

For me, this is the reason affinity-based internships are so important. Even for people who may not have my exact experience of racialization, it is important to be able to discuss issues within the community. This is particularly true in the AAPI community, which is already heterogeneous, encompassing a continent and several islands, and a multitude of different experiences of diaspora. Some argue that these spaces are not necessary, that there should not be organizations dedicated to a particular identity, however there is no way I can see this as a logical argument. These organizations, whether they are non-profit or parts of the government, exist to fill a space that was once blocked to us, to tell a different story, and to show us that we can be leaders too. That even if our faces aren’t on television, or if we’re assumed to be a monolith of a racist caricature from decades ago, we need to take up space, and claim the space we’re owed.

This is particularly poignant in a place like Washington, D.C., where gentrification has hit multiple communities of color. From the Chinatown which includes an Urban Outfitters and only three hundred Chinese Americans still living in the area, to Dupont and U Street, which have become homes to high rise apartments and whole foods, but was once a historically black area.

In some ways, we must critique our own participation in the disenfranchisement of people of color from their homes. The center I lived in hosted many interns, and was in the middle of new land developments. We need to push past representation for representations sake and move towards representation as a modality for change. I cannot rally behind a person of color in leadership if they are espousing the same rhetoric and beliefs as dominant powers. We need to use our space, and even our tokenization to get a foot in the door, to be a part of a conversation we may not be included in otherwise.

For these reasons, I believe affinity organizations, whether they are in the Capital or on our campus, are key spaces for organizing and understanding goals as a community. It is impossible to mobilize something which has no name or direct values. Working within one’s community can do more than lift one person of color up, it can create a framework of people who help each other. My greatest understanding of this came from the White House Initiative on AAPI Youth Forum, where there was a panel on “Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling.” The glass ceiling is a more well known phrase, that attempts to name the blocks of advancement for women and people of color; sometimes, in AAPI spaces, it is somewhat jokingly called, “the bamboo ceiling”. It is not my favorite term for a couple of reasons, most particularly, it argues all we struggle against is an achievement gap. This is the kind of the thinking that forgets that we need more than representation. We need resources and we need to remember every part of our community, particularly those who do not fit the model minority myth. From undocumented AAPI (currently 10% of undocumented persons are AAPI identified), to high school dropouts and incarcerated individuals, and persons suffering from mental health issues. As an AAPI leader in mental health stated, “It should not be our goal just to get past the ‘bamboo ceiling’, but to prevent anyone from falling through the cracks in the bamboo floor”.

This summer I realized it matters less how I look or how I am perceived, what I have power over is what I do. And for me, that is supporting and empowering myself and my community to do the best it can for those most vulnerable to powers outside our control.

亞裔女性近半是學士 比白人多 (World Journal)

記者謝雨珊

亞美政聯(CAUSE)1日在洛杉磯市舉辦華裔婦女交流講座，邀請具影響力的亞裔女性出席。亞美政聯媒體發言人Haidee Pan表示，許多參與者為傑出成功女性，也有許多參與者只是想到場取經，甚至還有少數參與者為男性，他們也覺得可以透過這平台深入了解女性想法。

律師Cyndie Chang指出，為什麼女性需要改變或需要做更多，才能爬到高位，而改變的卻不是整個社會型態？問題雖然無法解開，但女性也不能因此被打敗，應該持續互相打氣，讓社會知道女性要什麼，也許整個社會形態最終可以被改變。

日裔Mariko Carpenter是企業負責人，她指出，亞裔女性發展非常快，目前是美國最大的移民族群，且年齡25歲以上的亞裔女性，有49%得到大學學位，比白人(34%)還要多，有足夠能力掌權也有充分知識，但可能因社會型態及刻版印象影響亞裔女性發展。為幫忙女性發展，Mariko總結三個重點表示，第一，即使是團體中唯一亞裔女性，也必須要主動講話與融入，第二，不要忙於記下重點，與他人交流才最為重要，第三，如具影響力，應該持續為女性發聲及加油打氣。然而，具有自信心還是最重要。

演員胡凱莉(Kelly Hu)表示自己幼時被媽媽勸導，亞裔女性應該要乖巧安靜，不該大聲說話，也不該得到過多關注。投入影視界已有30年的胡凱莉表示，當時的影視界有非常少數亞裔女性，也因社會上的刻板印象，在戲劇角色設定方面非常侷限，而不只亞裔女性如此，亞裔男性也面臨同樣現象，即使近年亞裔角色變多元，但還是有很多角色始終還未讓亞裔嘗試過，例如：亞裔浪漫男主角。

Ahn, Gomez In Final Stretch Of Race For CD34 (Rafu Shimpo)

BY GWEN MURANAKA

With less than two weeks to go until the special election in the 34th Congressional District, candidate Robert Lee Ahn has staked the position of outsider in the race to succeed now-State Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez has garnered the bulk of the endorsements from the Democratic Party hierarchy, including Mayor Eric Garcetti and Becerra himself, who stepped down earlier this year.

But Ahn said he is counting on grassroots support, including voters from the historic Asian American neighborhoods of Koreatown, Chinatown, Filipinotown and Little Tokyo. In a small-turnout election, he said that may make the difference.

Ahn is an attorney and serves on the Los Angeles City Planning Commission. The special election takes place on Tuesday, June 6.

“I’ve been doing meet and greets from Koreatown to Little Tokyo, and all throughout Downtown, Eagle Rock and Boyle Heights,” Ahn said. “There are a lot of people frustrated with their elected officials and with government in general. The same politicians that we put in office time and time again, they are beholden to special interests.

“Everything happening with President Trump, people are feeling so uncertain about their government and future. They’re looking for someone to restore that hope and confidence in their government.”

If elected, Ahn would be just the second Korean American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kim Yamasaki, executive director of Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), said both candidates face challenges engaging the Asian Pacific American community. CAUSE is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the political and civic empowerment of Asian Pacific Americans.

“Candidates are going to have to work hard for the APA vote,” Yamasaki said, noting that her organization has volunteers working for both campaigns.

“What gets people excited about Robert is that he is Korean American. The struggle for both candidates is engaging the APA community,” Yamasaki said. “In a lot of civic discussions the APA community gets left out of the conversation and the narrative is between black and white or brown discussions. APAs aren’t involved in the mix.”

In early absentee ballot returns, the Asian vote is currently outpacing the Latino vote 5,503 to 3,619, as of May 24.

Ahn cited 12-cent gas tax hike, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown, as an example of a political class that is out of touch with the concerns of the working class.

“That’s a huge jump especially for poor people. The real travesty is we already pay a 38-cent gas tax. What’s happening to the 38 cents that is already being paid that is supposed to go to infrastructure? That’s the problem I have. There should be accountability,” Ahn said.

“I’m the candidate who is truly powered by the people, so when I get into office I can truly work on behalf of he people. In the media narrative that has been played out as a Latino vs. Asian candidate, but this really is an insider versus an outsider,” Ahn said.

Early voting is currently under way at three Los Angeles locations: Arroyo Seco Library, 6145 N. Figueroa St.; Puente Learning Center, 501 S. Boyle Ave.; and Pio Pico Library, 694 S. Oxford Ave. For more information, visit https://lavote.net.

The 34th District represents all of Koreatown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Little Bangladesh, as well as parts of Historic Filipinotown, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Downtown, Eagle Rock, Boyle Heights, City Terrace, Echo Park, El Sereno, Glassell Park, Highland Park, Lincoln Heights, Mt. Washington, Montecito Heights, and Westlake/Pico Union.

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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