SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, California’s Joint Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus launches its AAPI Heritage Month activities. The month-long celebration kicks off with a social media campaign honoring its 12 honorees. Later in the month, the State Assembly and Senate will take up resolutions by Assemblymember Evan Low and by Senator Dave Min to recognize May as AAPI Heritage Month and the contributions of the AAPI community to California and the United States.
The Joint AAPI Legislative Caucus will honor distinguished AAPI leaders from various esteemed organizations. The Caucus will recognize these individuals during a special floor ceremony dedicated to honoring leaders who have extensively served and represented our AAPI communities.
This year’s 2023 California AAPI Heritage Month Honorees are:
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Wisa Uemura and Franco Imperial, San Jose Taiko
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Anni Chung, President and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly
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Julia Gouw, Chairwoman of the Board at Piermont Bank
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Anh Phoong, President and CEO of Phoong Law
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Travis Kiyota, Head of Corporate Global Affairs at East West Bank
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Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliate of CA
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Sameena Usman, Outreach and Advocacy Consultant at Support Life Relations
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Anne Nguyen Oliver, Founder and CEO of House of M Beauty
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Daniel Fong and Maryann Fong, Founders of Million Dollar Baby
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Dr. Manbir Singh, Physician at Singh Medical Clinic
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Dr. Albert W. Young, Chief Administrative Officer at ApolloMed Holdings
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Benny Luo, Founder of NextShark
Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley), AAPI Legislative Caucus Chair; Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine), Senate Vice Chair; and Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), Assembly Vice Chair would like to provide the following statements:
AAPI Legislative Caucus Chair Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley):“The AAPILC is honored to recognize these individuals who have demonstrated leadership and character in their work. Their efforts in serving the community have helped many AAPI communities across the state access medical and legal resources and care. Our caucus advocates for the creation of equitable and accessible resources for all.”
Senate Vice Chair Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine):“The individuals being honored by the AAPI Legislative Caucus represent the very best in their respective fields and highlight the vibrant diversity of our great state. From women’s rights to public service, I am incredibly proud to recognize the 2023 honorees for their outstanding contributions and service to the State of California.”
Assembly Vice Chair Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra):“These individuals serve as notable representatives of the AAPI community. Their passions and ambitions in helping and uplifting AAPIs have created a profound impact in advocating for equal opportunities, enabling AAPI organizations to optimize their goals, and motivating others to do the same. We are proud to recognize these individuals for what they have done for the AAPI community.”
