Leadership Academy
Sydney Pike
BLOG 5: Saying, Yes!

When I received my bachelor's degree from UCLA in June, the only thing I knew was that I would be joining CAUSE for the next nine weeks. I didn’t know what to expect, however what I gained was a new sense of confidence, a community of amazing individuals, and a greater understanding of our AANHPI community and my place within it.

BLOG 5: Saying, Yes!
Leadership Academy
Malia Ferrer
BLOG 5: Thank Goodness I Checked My E-mail!

I often reflect on the “butterfly effect" moments that have occurred in my life; the seemingly small choices or coincidences that have led to profound changes. This internship is a prime example.

BLOG 5: Thank Goodness I Checked My E-mail!
Leadership Academy
Jianhao Cui
BLOG 5: Nine Weeks Just 60 Days

As each of the nine weeks of our internship passed, I felt myself developing skills and knowledge through my placement office at LA County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office and through CAUSE’s cohort sessions. 

BLOG 5: Nine Weeks Just 60 Days
Leadership Academy
Emma Tom
BLOG 5: C (you all) LA (ter)

I often face difficulties coming up with answers for this icebreaker because my facial expressions always reveal my true feelings. So when I released the waterworks in front of the CAUSE board members during graduation, it was clear that I was not ready to say goodbye and close this chapter in my life.

BLOG 5: C (you all) LA (ter)
Leadership Academy
Ryan Horio
Blog 5: FTP (Family, Trust, Power)

As my time at CAUSE comes to a close, I reflect on the lessons I've learned about family, trust, and the collective power of API communities. CAUSE has not only deepened my understanding of civic engagement but also has reinforced the importance of prioritizing being rooted in community and centering our hearts in the work we do.

Blog 5: FTP (Family, Trust, Power)

Leadership Academy

Week 4: Remember the People

Week 4: Remember the People

This week, my placement in the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti proved to be yet another week of learning and understanding. Between working on asset mapping with fellow interns, organizing a civic education workshop for Asian Pacific Islander community leaders, working at the Mayor’s Help Desk, touring the Dodgers Stadium, and picking up whatever day-to-day tasks needed to be completed, I came across a multitude of individuals throughout the city working to better their lives or others’.

Week 3: Reconnecting with My Filipino-American Background

Week 3: Reconnecting with My Filipino-American Background

When it came time to accept an internship for this summer, I had the fortunate difficulty of choosing between two amazing opportunities. The first was to continue working within the student veteran community, which I had been dabbling in over the last four years, or to accept an internship with the CAUSE Leadership Academy, which I had zero ties to.

Week 3: Sacramento, the Town Teeming with Important People

Week 3: Sacramento, the Town Teeming with Important People

For the third week of the Leadership Academy program, I had the opportunity to visit Sacramento for the first time with my cohort. I had a great time taking obligatory tourist photos in front of the Capitol building and bonding with my cohort through our plane ride and strolls in Capitol park. But most importantly, I felt so inspired after seeing so many Asian Americans in elected positions and legislative staff, giving hope that maybe one day I can also work in politics.

Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference

Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference

Pasadena, CA – On Friday, June 22nd, CAUSE held the Leadership Academy Kickoff Press Conference at the KPCC Crawford Family Forum to welcome the 2018 class of Leadership Academy interns.

Week 5: Bringing It Home

Week 5: Bringing It Home

At the CAUSE Leadership Academy Kickoff, I told the audience that I was proud to be placed in the office of my state senator, Dr. Ed Hernandez. While the Senator represents a lot more than just my hometown, this week in the office really drove home the idea that I was working right with the beliefs and issues that I grew up with—including some that I didn’t even realize existed until now.

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