Celebrating an incredible and memorable journey of growth, the CAUSE Leadership Academy Graduation at Blossom Market Hall in San Gabriel felt reflective, sentimental, and a cause for pride. The event brought together interns, mentors, and families to commemorate the profound experiences shared over the course of the program.
Deputy State Treasurer of California Stephanie Tom and the CAUSE Programs team of Steve and Shanahan imparted inspiring words of wisdom that resonated deeply with the room. We chose Angel to represent us as a cohort and speak on our behalf with a graduation speech. We couldn’t have picked a better intern; Angel created an atmosphere of laughter and nostalgia, sharing inside jokes and personalized shout-outs that truly represented the unique journey we all shared over the summer.
My family lives in San Francisco, so it was too far for them to travel to my graduation. So with the absence of my family, I was especially grateful for the presence of my host office supervisors from Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC).Their attendance added a touching layer of support. Their commitment to being in the audience despite distance and busy schedules showcased the bonds formed during the internship. The following Soirée also gave me a chance to connect with these managers from my host office.
From acquaintances to a tightly-knit family, this cohort found a sense of belonging and empowerment in one another. As the event concluded, a shared sentiment of gratitude filled the air – gratitude for the opportunities, the lasting connections made, and the transformation that the CLA facilitated.
The CAUSE Summer Soirée, a dazzling follow-up to the CLA graduation, transformed a converted parking lot into an upscale oasis. Set against a picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains, the event exuded sophistication and luxury, hosting a mix of influential politicians and attendees. The Soirée kicked off with a meaningful segment where several politicians received recognition from CAUSE for their contributions to the Asian American community, highlighting the power of collective progress. This portion of the evening unfolded as a celebration of Asian American achievements and unity.
The food provided from different Blossom Market Hall vendors was extraordinary. From oysters and sushi to Caribbean dishes and ice cream, there was something to be found for everyone. Seemingly unlimited in its supply, the restaurants and open bar were definitely the highlight for a food lover like myself as well as for my friends and one of my supervisors. As I tasted oysters for the first time, the evening turned into a really enjoyable exploration of new tastes and experiences. However, the event was about more than just food. It represented the cultural tapestry of the Asian American community, celebrating diversity through cuisine.
Shared with fellow interns, friends, and supervisors, the Soirée fostered a sense of togetherness that had grown during the internship. Although I had never met my supervisors in person due to my position being remote, we were able to savor and appreciate the tremendous amount of food and drinks as well as the music provided by the DJ together. Our time at the Soirée event led to my friends and I going out for drinks and karaoke after the soiree ended which was the cherry on top of an already memorable and eventful night.
Moreover, being interviewed for an international online news station provided an unexpected spotlight for us to share our experiences and perspectives. It was a chance to extend the impact of our journey beyond the event and let a larger audience know just how special and impactful this summer and CAUSE was.
In essence, the CAUSE Summer Soirée was a testament to unity, culture, and achievement. Amidst laughter, dancing, and appreciation, attendees celebrated not only the evening's extravagance but also the strides the Asian American community has made and continues to pursue.
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 Olivia Diaz Anderson, 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.