SPECIAL REMARKS

Honorable Judy Chu and Honorable Dave Min captivated the audience with their special remarks by highlighting the critical need for greater Asian and Pacific Islander (API) representation and celebrating CAUSE’s dynamic leadership pipeline. Their messages emphasized the importance of enhancing representation for the API community and nurturing the next generation of changemakers to drive meaningful and impactful change.

Assemblymember Fong has passionately championed critical issues, introducing legislation that increases access to quality education at all levels, enhances language access for non-English speaking Californians, and strengthens public safety by expediting the removal of dangerous weapons from our streets.

His unwavering commitment to these causes embodies the spirit of the Champion of Change award, and CAUSE is thrilled to recognize his outstanding contributions to our community.

The Soirée also served as Election Night for the CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) Mock Campaign, a cornerstone component of the CLA program that offers interns hands-on experience in running a campaign for Assembly District 49. 

At CAUSE Soirée Vote Center featured ballots in three languages (English, Chinese (Traditional), and Spanish) and four voting booths loaned from the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. In addition to the Mock Assembly District 49 Race, the ballot also asked poll questions to gain insights. These poll questions were sourced from CAUSE’s Multiethnic Statewide Community Poll, current CAUSE efforts, as well as community curiosities.

Poll Question 1:

As you may know, in Los Angeles County, the Board of Supervisors currently governs roughly 10 million people with 5 supervisors. Some people are now proposing to increase the size of the Board from 5 to 9 Supervisors. From what you know, would you favor or oppose increasing the size of the Board of Supervisors?

Vote FAVOR or OPPOSE?

POLL QUESTION 2:

As you may know, in Los Angeles each City Councilmember currently represents roughly 255,000 people. Some people are now proposing to increase the size the City Council to include more Councilmembers. From what you know, would you favor or oppose increasing the size of the City Council?

Vote FAVOR or OPPOSE?

Many Asian and Pacific Islander traditions prepared a version of a roasted pig dish for special occasions and gatherings. Siu Yuk (燒肉) is a Cantonese roast pork belly dish that features crispy skin and juicy meat. Cebu Lechon is a Filipino roasted pig dish that consists of a whole pig that is spit-roasted and is also known for its crispy skin, juicy meat, and unique flavor. As a light addition to the Election Night Ballot, the preferred roasted pig question explores which roasted pig dish is preferred amongst the Soirée guests.

POLL QUESTION 3:

Do you prefer Chinese Roasted Pig or Filipino Roasted Pig?

Vote for One.

The Mock Campaign was a key part of this year’s CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA). Through the Mock Campaign project, the interns produced two competing mock campaigns for candidates running in Assembly District 49 to gain direct experience advocating for salient issues, running a campaign, and building networks. Each team of interns filled designated roles vital to running a campaign: Candidate, Campaign Manager, Communications Director, Finance Director, Field Director, and Policy Director. Candidats were nominated to be Ryan Horio and Haley Ku, forming Team Horio and Team Ku respectively.

Throughout the weeks leading up to Soirée/Election Night, the interns developed campaigns, raised funds, talked to constituents, and secured endorsements. The night of the election, the interns engaged with more than 300 Soirée guests, encouraging them to vote and also informing them about their candidate’s platforms. The race was tight all night, with Team Ku securing the win in the end. 

THE (mock) CANDIDATES AND THEIR TEAMS

KEY REPORTS LAUNCHED AT THE PRE-EVENT

At the Soirée Pre-Event, CAUSE hosted a report launch for two data reports exploring current issues in the API community. These reports were created in collaboration with leading institutions and committed community organizations. These studies represent a vital advance in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the API community, offering valuable insights that aim to drive positive change and support informed advocacy.

INVISIBILITY IS KILLING US

Data Aggregation and its Health Impact on Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans in California

Invisibility is Killing Us summarizes Pacific Islander and Asian American experiences with California county public health departments’ collection and reporting of public health data. 

The report was conducted by the Southern California Pacific Islander and Asian American Data Equity and Health Policy Collaborative with CAUSE as a community partner. The report was made possible through the support of the U.S. DHHS/Office of Minority Health, Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Taskforce, and UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were data gaps that impacted distribution of resources to diagnose and mitigate COVID-19 for Pacific Islanders (PI) and Asian Americans (AA). As a response, the Southern California Pacific Islander and Asian American Data Equity and Health Policy Collaborative (DEHP) was formed, bringing together researchers, advocates, community-based organizations, and health departments to understand the policy challenges and opportunities to disaggregate Pacific Islander and Asian American data. 

From 2021 to 2022, the research team conducted a legal mapping study to evaluate how counties with populations of 106,000 or more handle data disaggregation. This study involved analyzing local health department standards for race/ethnicity data policies through various channels, including inquiry forms, public records requests, emails, presentations, and community partner outreach.

At the report launch, speakers shared key takeaways and community stories collected through the study. Speakers included:

• Cevadne Lee, Research Manager, Tanjasiri Lab at UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health

• Isa Sasi, Advocacy Project Coordinator at Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team

• Peter Gee, Director of Service Programs at Little Tokyo Service Center

• Dr. Brittany Morey, Associate Professor of Health, Society, and Behavior at UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health

ASIAN AMERICAN VOTER ACCESS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Findings on In-Language Ballot Use, Voter Experiences,

and Effectiveness of Voter Outreach

This report study offers insight into what Asian American experiences are like when they cast a ballot in Los Angeles and the extent to which they find services to ease voting useful. 

The Asian American Voter Experience Survey was produced through the partnership of CAUSE, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Asian American Studies Center and Loyola Mount University (LMU).

Since January 2024, CAUSE has collaborated with Professor Dr. Natalie Masuoka (UCLA Asian American Studies Center) and Professor Dr. Nathan Chan (LMU Department of Political Science) to produce, conduct, and analyze a survey on Asian American voting experiences in Los Angeles County. The partnership was the foundation of the 2024 CAUSE on Campus (CoC) student program. Through this partnership and the CAUSE on Campus program, student interns gained direct experience carrying out the study’s research and data collection. As a mixed group of undergraduate students from UCLA and LMU, the CoC cohort researched, conducted, and analyzed a survey exploring the voter experiences of community members in these neighborhoods. 

The team reached large numbers of low propensity voters in high API populated neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, collecting over 1,000 in-person surveys through attending community events held at various locations across Los Angeles County. The survey was available in English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Vietnamese, Thai, and Spanish, reflecting the common languages spoken in the areas the team visited.

At the report launch, speakers shared personal experiences talking to community members, the impact of culturally-informed translations, and key takeaways from the study. Speakers included: 

• Dr. Nathan Chan, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Loyola Marymount University

• Shengxiao “Sole” Yu, Activist-in-Residence, UCLA Asian American Studies Center

• 2024 CAUSE on Campus Alumni: Sophia Hua, Sydney Pike, and Jasmine To

REPORT: ASIAN AMERICAN VOTER ACCESS IN LA COUNTY

Since January 2024, CAUSE has been partnering with UCLA Asian American Studies Center and Loyola Marymount University to produce, conduct, and analyze a survey on Asian American voting experiences in Los Angeles County. 

This report was made possible through the support of:

• The California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs

• University of California, Los Angeles Asian American Studies Center

• The Department of Political Science and International Relations at Loyola Marymount University

REPORT: INVISIBILITY IS KILLING US

CAUSE is a proud community partner on the Invisibility is KIlling Us report conducted by the Southern California Pacific Islander and Asian American Data Equity and Health Policy Collaborative. Members of the research team publicly shared the report before the CAUSE Summer Soirée. 

This report was made possible through the support of:

• The U.S. DHHS/Office of Minority Health

• Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Taskforce

• UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health

CAUSE’s 2023 Summer Soirée was a reimagining of previous CAUSE Annual Galas. In its second iteration, the soirée continued to serve as the premier Asian and Pacific Islander (API) event for those interested in politics and community, boasting the largest attendance of API elected officials. The soirée also served as the largest fundraiser of the year for CAUSE. Funds raised helped sustain CAUSE’s many programs and services, which included leadership development programs for students and professionals, voter engagement, and multicultural collaboration. 300 guests were expected to attend this year—all of whom were dedicated to elevating the API community. The 2023 Summer Soirée celebrated the accomplishments of API leaders throughout this challenging year. This year’s soirée also fell on CAUSE’s 30th-year anniversary.

2020 honoree

California state treasurer fiona ma

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected as California State Treasurer. When she first took office in 2018, Treasurer Ma and her office actively addressed statewide issues including, affordable housing, clean energy projects, and education. Her leadership was vital throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prior to being elected Treasurer, Treasurer Ma’s leadership path included serving as an elected member of the California Board of Equalization, an Assemblymember, Speaker pro Tempore, and Assembly Majority Whip. Due to the cancellation of CAUSE’s 2020 Annual Gala, at which Treasurer Fiona Ma would have been honored, CAUSE recognizes her achievements at this year’s 2023 Summer Soirée.

2023 honoree

California Assemblymember Evan low, AD 26

Assemblymember Evan Low was elected to the California State Assembly in 2014 as the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected to the Assembly. He represents the 26th California Assembly District, which includes the cities of Cupertino, San José, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale, and the unincorporated Santa Clara County districts of Burbank and Fruitvale. He currently serves as the Chair of the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (APILC), a key advocacy body for the API community in California. His leadership as Chair was especially meaningful throughout the ongoing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. Assemblymember Low is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and launched the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus.

2023 HONOREE

cALIFORNIA aSSEMBLYMEMBER PHIL TING, AD 19

Assemblymember Phil Ting represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes portions of San Francisco and South San Francisco, Colma, Broadmoor, and Daly City. Assemblymember Ting serves as the Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and was a key leader in passing the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Equity Budget, a historic 3-year investment of $166.5 million in California’s API community. He has become a leading voice on California’s finances through his leadership as the former San Francisco Assessor-Recorder and as former Chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2022 to represent the 35th California Assembly District. Prior to serving on the State Assembly, Assemblymember Bains worked as a family doctor in the Valley, led research in treating Valley Fever, served as Board President of Kern Regional Center, and was selected as Chair of California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission as part of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. In addition to her leadership in the Valley and in the public health sector, Assemblymember Bains is also an alumnus of the CAUSE Leadership Institute for professionals.

EVENT DETAILS

Schedule of Events

• 6:00pm — Registration beings

• 6:30pm — Reconnection: A Summer Soiree begins

• 6:45pm — Program begins

• 7:00pm — Portrait of Power

• 8:00pm — Reception with music and heavy hors d'oeuvres

This video, which debuted at the Soirée, highlights words of wisdom from past CAUSE speakers and trainers. When the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning, CAUSE, like many other organizations, shifted its programming from in-person to virtual and adjusted program scope to fit the needs and capacity of the participants and staff. During this time, CAUSE found creative ways to stay connected and foster connection with its extended network.

The virtual programming offered new opportunities for CAUSE to connect with more people. From 2020- 2022, CAUSE had the most number of speakers and trainers for its programming. CAUSE also had the most geographically diverse cohorts, reaching various AAPI advocates from different localities. This video highlights just some of the words of wisdom and encouragement the speakers and trainers shared with the CAUSE program participants.

Thank you to CAUSE’s 2022 CLA Intern, Carissa Cheng for her work on this video.

From the East:

From either I-10 or Highway 60, follow the signs into downtown Los Angeles. Take 110 South and exit onto Wilshire Boulevard. Turn left onto Wilshire Boulevard and continue to Figueroa Street. Turn left onto Figueroa Street and proceed to 4th Street. Turn right onto 4th Street, then turn right onto Flower Street and proceed to the hotel.

From the North:

Take either Interstate 405, Highway 101, or Interstate 5 and follow the signs into downtown Los Angeles. Then take 110 South and exit onto Wilshire Boulevard. Turn left onto Wilshire Boulevard, and then turn left onto Figueroa Street. Turn right onto 4th Street, then turn right onto Flower Street and proceed to the hotel.

From the West:

From I-10 or Interstate 105, take 110 North and exit onto 3rd Street. Turn right onto 3rd Street and proceed to Flower Street. Turn right onto Flower Street and proceed 1 block to the hotel.

From the South:

Take I-405 North to 110 North. Exit onto 3rd Street and turn right. Turn right onto Flower Street and drive 1 block to the hotel. The hotel is located on the right.

Norman Y. Mineta Legacy Award

California State Treasurer
Fiona Ma

Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state's history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.

The State Treasurer’s Office was created in the California Constitution in 1849. It provides financing for schools, roads, housing, recycling and waste management, hospitals, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of residents. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Her office processes more than $2 trillion in payments within a typical year. She provides transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts, as well as for the state’s surplus funds.

Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio of more than $102 billion, approximately $20 billion of which are local government funds. She serves as agent for sale for all State bonds, and is trustee on over $100 billion of outstanding debt.

Master of Ceremonies

Councilmember David Ryu

Los Angeles City Councilmember David E. Ryu represents Los Angeles' 4th Council District, which includes the neighborhoods of Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, Silverlake, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Larchmont and a portion of Koreatown. 

On July 1st, 2015, Ryu became the first Korean American to serve on the Los Angeles City Council and only the second Asian American elected to the City Council. On January 14th, 2020, Ryu was named Assistant President Pro Tempore of the City Council. He became the first Korean American and first Asian American to serve on City Council leadership. 

The Councilmember’s top priorities include addressing homelessness and building affordable housing, expanding park access, and working to level the playing field in order to build a just Los Angeles for all.

Victor King

Ben Wong

Peter Woo

Caroline Choi

Annie Lam & Anthony Rendon

Bill Wong LLC

Kim Yamasaki

Carrie Gan

Temo Arjani

Chun-Yen Chen

Teddy Kapur

Joan Palomaki

Shirley Komoto

Kelli Wong

Thomas Wong 

Jessica Lee

Michele Evans

Jen Harris

Jessica Lim

Jingjing Cheng

Vanessa Marshall

Siuao Satele

Mallory Sczygelski

Diana Lam

Our theme this year is “The Future We Define.” As the Asian Pacific American community continues to grow, there is one thing that is clear: we cannot be silenced or ignored. Since our inception, hundreds of emerging leaders have become empowered to vote, participate, and lead. This year’s honorees and speakers embody our theme to define the future we want to see.

Dr. Leana Wen

President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund

Dr. Leana Wen is the President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. She leads an organization that has worked for more than 100 years to provide healthcare to women, young people, and marginalized communities. Before joining Planned Parenthood, Dr. Wen served as the Baltimore City Health Commissioner, where she oversaw more than 1,000 employees with an annual budget of $130 million; two clinics that provide more than 18,000 patients with reproductive health services; and mental health programs in 180 Baltimore schools. Under her direction, the Baltimore City Health Department led the country in health innovation and was recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials as the Local Health Department of the Year.

A board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Wen was a Rhodes Scholar, Clinical Fellow at Harvard, consultant with the World Health Organization, and professor at George Washington University. She has published over 100 articles, including in The Lancet, JAMA, and Health Affairs. The author of the book When Doctors Don’t Listen, she is regularly featured on NPR, CNN,New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today. In 2016, Dr. Wen was honored with the American Public Health Association’s highest award for local public health work, the Milton and Ruth Roemer Award. In 2018, Time Magazine named her one of the 50 most influential people in healthcare.

The Honorable Wendy Greuel

CAUSE Board Member
Commissioner, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

A working mom and lifelong Angeleno, Wendy attended LA public schools and graduated from UCLA. Wendy started her career in public service working for her mentor, former Mayor Tom Bradley, where for ten years she worked on a wide range of public policy issues including child care, senior care homelessness, housing, public health, and education. While in Mayor Bradley’s office, Wendy was a leader in the creation of LA’s BEST, a nationally recognized after school program that provides a safe and supervised environment for children after school, and helped found the city's first childcare center.

Wendy’s commitment to affordable housing led her to Washington D.C., where she served in President Clinton’s administration as the Deputy Director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness and later as the Southern California Regional Director at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In 1997, Wendy transitioned into the private sector, working for five years in the film industry as an executive at DreamWorks SKG. She provided strategic guidance in their civic and philanthropic efforts in the Los Angeles Region.

In 2002, Wendy was elected to the Los Angeles City Council and quickly developed an impressive record of accomplishment by creating jobs, preserving open space and reducing traffic congestion.

In 2009, Wendy was elected City Controller, becoming only the second woman in LA’s history elected to citywide office. As Controller, she brought a laser focus to examining government finances ensuring our taxpayer dollars were spent efficiently and she brought greater transparency to government.

In 2013, Wendy was engaged by the Orange County Discovery Science Center to help open their new facility, Discovery Cube LA, in the San Fernando Valley. She is providing strategic advice on Board development, fundraising and civic engagement for Discovery Cube L.A.

In addition, in 2016, Wendy was appointed as an Executive in Residence and Strategic Advisor at the California State University Northridge Nazarian College of Business and Economics. She currently serves on the LAHSA Commission working on homeless issues, as Co-Chair of the LAUSD Task Force, as a member of the Women And Girls Initiative Governing Council, and on the boards of Emily’s List, Emerge CA, East Valley YMCA, Oakwood School, Discovery Cube L.A., Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, CAUSE, ABODE, Pico Union Project, Homeland Security Advisory Council, UCLA Luskin Advisory Board and on the L.A. Kings Business Advisory Board. Wendy and her husband Dean are the proud parents of Thomas, who is a high school freshman.

Ralph Barnes

CAUSE Board Member
General Manager, Beverly Center

Ralph Barnes is the General Manager of Beverly Center, Southern California's premier fashion destination. Since taking the helm in 2013, Barnes is responsible for overseeing all functions related to center operations as well as retailer and community relations, marketing, and sponsorship.

Barnes had served in several roles at Beverly Center including director of facilities and director of operations, positions he held since joining the center in 2008. He has played a key role in high-profile, luxury leasing initiatives as well as overseen all aspects of the center's physical operations such as tenant and capital construction projects, production of major events, and vendor negotiations and budgets.

Barnes is very active in the Los Angeles community and currently supports various initiatives for Metro expansion, Homelessness, Education, Arts, Law Enforcement, and Small Business.

Most recently, Barnes played a significant role in obtaining corporate, board of directors and City of LA approval for a $500 million dollar remodel of the iconic Beverly Center. The evolution of the center includes a comprehensive rebrand, technology investments, digital marketing enhancements and increased community relations with a focus on civic and social strategies and responsibilities.

Barnes' experience prior to joining Beverly Center included several years with Enterprise Rent-A-Car where he oversaw the company's real estate portfolio for Southern California including development, negotiations, construction, facilities, operations and customer service.

Barnes holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, CAUSE, West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and West Hollywood Travel & Tourism. As a former musician and competitive tennis player, he spends most of his free time raising his 6 year-old twin boys.

From the East:

From either I-10 or Highway 60, follow the signs into downtown Los Angeles. Take 110 South and exit onto Wilshire Boulevard. Turn left onto Wilshire Boulevard and continue to Figueroa Street. Turn left onto Figueroa Street and proceed to 4th Street. Turn right onto 4th Street, then turn right onto Flower Street and proceed to the hotel.

From the West:

From I-10 or Interstate 105, take 110 North and exit onto 3rd Street. Turn right onto 3rd Street and proceed to Flower Street. Turn right onto Flower Street and proceed 1 block to the hotel.

From the North:

Take either Interstate 405, Highway 101, or Interstate 5 and follow the signs into downtown Los Angeles. Then take 110 South and exit onto Wilshire Boulevard. Turn left onto Wilshire Boulevard, and then turn left onto Figueroa Street. Turn right onto 4th Street, then turn right onto Flower Street and proceed to the hotel.

From the South:

Take I-405 North to 110 North. Exit onto 3rd Street and turn right. Turn right onto Flower Street and drive 1 block to the hotel. The hotel is located on the right.

WENDY GREUEL

Commissioner
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority

RALPH BARNES

General Manager
Beverly Center