Los Angeles, CA - On Wednesday, April 7th, CAUSE held the second session of the 2021 Leadership Institute virtually on Zoom.
The theme for the second session was VOTE. PARTICIPATE. LEAD., The session explored ways every fellow can get involved with their community and develop as civic leaders from the wisdom of those who have done it and continue to do it. The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) fellows connected with members of the CAUSE network including Leadership Institute alumna Bianca Nepales Gervacio, Leadership Network member Stacia Kato-Takayesu, and CAUSE Supporter Honorable John Chiang. Each speaker shared about their civic engagement journey, what inspired them to get involved with their communities, and how they create a balance to do this important work.
Bianca Nepales Gervacio, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Lionsgate, spoke about how she is able to use her drive for storytelling in the ways that she engages her communities. At her “9 to 5”, Bianca works to create inclusive content within the entertainment industry. In her “5 to 9”, Bianca serves as President of the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD), mobilizing the Filipino community to be civically engaged. She emphasized the importance of being involved in our communities any way we can.
(Political engagement isn’t something we do every 4 years, it’s something we do every day.” - Bianca Nepales Gervacio, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Lionsgate)
Stacia Kato-Takayesu, Senior Business Analyst, Business Process Management for Enablement Capital Group, shared how her early civic engagement experiences became a big source of support in her personal life and shaped her advocacy work. As an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Stacia reminded the fellows that culturally aware outreach is vital to building networks with diverse communities. She emphasized that forming connections with each other is a valuable way to be civically engaged.
(“You don’t have to be perfect. In fact, your ability to have a network and appreciate what others are excellent in; partnering with them, and finding commonality between each other - that’s powerful.” - Stacia Kato-Takayesu, Senior Business Analyst, Business Process Management for Enablement Capital Group)
Honorable John Chiang, Former California State Treasurer, shared his journey and experience running for public office. His fascination for governmental procedures began at a young age and fueled his passion to stay actively involved in the Asian Pacific American community outside of his day jobs. He embolden the fellows to reach for the highest stars that challenge them to be their optimal capacity.
(“You have infinite power to affect others. Give the very best of yourself to the world. The world will benefit from it and so will you.” - Honorable John Chiang, Former California State Treasurer)
Following the speakers’ sharings, the fellows engaged with them in an intimate Q&A session. The fellows continued to connect through thought discussions in smaller breakout groups.
The CAUSE Leadership Institute (CLI) is a community leadership and advocacy training certificate program for high-potential professionals with seasoned leadership experience and a passion for serving the needs of the APA community in California. Participants complete the program armed with the skills and connections vital to advocate for the APA community. Graduates of this program have gone on to change the civic landscape in the region through elected office and leadership roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The 2021 program will be held virtually using Zoom.
Our program is highly selective and each member of our cohort is selected based on their leadership abilities, public service, and community involvement. Program fellows are identified by leading elected officials, select nonprofit partner organizations, CAUSE Board Members, and CAUSE Alumni.
Read more about this year’s Leadership Institute cohort here.