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)

Blog 3: 24 Hours in Sacramento

Blog 3: 24 Hours in Sacramento

“I am constantly reminded that one of the most effective methods of learning is simply to dive into the deep end and learn to swim. In our case, the deep end was our 24-hour trip to Sacramento, and learning to swim looked like trekking from the Assembly floor to a luncheon to back to back meetings with legislative directors, chiefs of staff, and more. “

Blog 2: Community Events

By Sarah Park, 2025 CLA Intern

During the first week of CAUSE, I attended two different community events with a couple cohort members. Attending community events really helped me see and hear things from a perspective different from my own and it was refreshing to experience. I was able to understand the different methods people use to come together and I was also glad to be a part of a new community and expand my network. 

The first community event was Community Care and Decompression at Midnight Books LA. During this community event, we were able to ground ourselves and try to relieve ourselves of the anxiety and stress that has built up from the ongoing I.C.E raids that have affected friends, family, and our community. We were able to meditate and remember the importance of 7 different homecomings. For example the homecomings of my ancestors, community, and myself. As we were doing these exercises, I remembered how important it is to give time to yourself especially when things are rough. We had conversed about how many of us threw ourselves into protest and helping our community to the point where we had left ourselves behind. I think this community event really helped me realize that we should fight for causes that matter to us while also remembering to take care of ourselves. 

The second community event was the Pride Flea Market which was a combination of LGBTQ+ businesses raising funds for people detained by I.C.E. During this event, I saw the importance of community and how people were able to come together and advocate for a cause that is important. They had clothes, paintings, and tattoo artists coming together in order to raise funds for the detained individuals and I realized that this is how change comes about. People create ways to help others one step at a time.

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.

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.

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