Central California Asian Pacific Women

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Fresno, CA
Central California Asian Pacific Women

Empowering each generation of API women in the Central Valley since 1980. Visit us at www.ccapw.org

Established in 1980, Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW) has emerged as a vital source of empowerment and support for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women throughout the Central Valley. Proudly standing as the sole pan-Asian women’s organization in our region, CCAPW has flourished by remaining attuned to the evolving needs of our community. What began as a

grassroots AANHPI women’s group has evolved into a dynamic organization dedicated to uplifting all AANHPI women in their educational, leadership, and professional pursuits. Over the past four decades, CCAPW has embraced diversity across cultures and generations. We are proudly led by a board of directors composed of a multiethnic and multigenerational group of women with deep roots in Central Valley AANHPI communities. As an entirely volunteer-driven organization, we’ve remained dedicated to fostering leadership, visibility, and cross-cultural relationships among AANHPI women, driving significant impact through our scholarship initiatives, community education, and outreach programming. Since our inception, CCAPW has provided over $400,000 in financial assistance to women and girls pursuing higher education, many of whom are from refugee and immigrant families and are the first women in their families to attend college. This initiative has culminated in this year's record-breaking scholarship total of $32,000. Over the years, we’ve also facilitated numerous workshops, panels, and mentorship programs designed to support AANHPI women and girls in achieving their educational and professional goals. The enduring impact of CCAPW can be seen not only in the academic achievements of our former scholarship recipients but also in their return to serve as board members, funders, and volunteers, contributing to the organization's growth and sustainability. As we look to the future, we hope to build on our rich history of women leaders of all ages from diverse ethnic backgrounds and professions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to amplifying the voices and achievements of AANHPI women.

06/02/2026

Our favorite time of the year is here! Please join us for the annual CCAPW Scholarship Gala on Sunday, June 28th to congratulate the 2026-2027 recipients.
To purchase tickets and for more details: https://www.ccapw.org/event-details/scholarship-gala

05/30/2026

We don’t recognize enough the diversity within AANHPI communities, identities, and experiences. Ancestor Yuri Kochiyama reminds us, “We are all part of one another.” Here’s a snippet of the invisibilized AANHPI women who the CCAPW Board sends love to.

Post inspired by as we add to the overlooked experiences they have lovingly highlighted.

05/27/2026

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, we honor the generous contributions of sponsors and donors who help make CCAPW scholarships possible! Swipe to read a few of their messages to scholarship recipients.

05/25/2026

In observance of AANHPI Heritage Month, we honor the historical contributions of former CCAPW board members. Gaonou Vang was a scholarship recipient in 2019 and had a full-circle moment upon joining the board from 2021-2023!

05/19/2026

In observance of AANHPI Heritage Month, we honor the historical contributions of former CCAPW board members. Eunji Seo joined in 2015 and served as Treasurer for 5 years contributing her professional experience as a CPA while supporting a meaningful mission!

05/08/2026

A special thank-you to the Office of Council Member Brandon Vang for inviting us in recognition of the work of CCAPW for over 40 years. It is an honor to share this day with at City Hall’s 2nd Annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration.

The proclamation, in part, reads:
WHEREAS, the Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW), a volunteer-led organization founded
education, mentorship, and leadership development,
awarded over $450,000 in scholarships, supporting many first-generation college students
while fostering connection, representation, and opportunities across generations; and

WHEREAS, the City of Fresno and its residents are strengthened by the contributions of AAPI communities and organizations such as The Jakara Movement and CCAPW, whose dedication to service, advocacy, and empowerment continues to build a more inclusive, informed, and united City of Fresno.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that we, Mayor Jerry P. Dyer and the Fresno City Council,
do hereby proclaim May 7th, 2026, as:
“Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month”
In the City of Fresno.

05/06/2026

Did you know that CCAPW’s Communications Chair is an Ethnic Studies/Asian American Studies community college professor? Check out this 101 on AANHPI Heritage Month by students in Introduction to Asian American Studies at Clovis Community College! Good work presenting about AANHPI history, Abbie, Ainsley, Ella, and Palmer— and thanks for letting Diana share your slides!

Why is this AANHPI Heritage Month post also highlighting education? Today is National Teachers’ Day. A heartfelt appreciation for the educators who moonlight as CCAPW board members: Varaxy Yi, AhRan Koo, Jenny Banh, Diana Chandara, and Michelle Fabros!

05/04/2026

May is designated as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which honors and celebrates the historic contributions of AANHPI individuals and communities in the U.S.

Check out our posts throughout May as we feature AANHPI histories broadly and reflect on CCAPW’s growing legacy locally.

04/24/2026

To 26-27AY scholarship applicants: we have updated the notification date to Friday, May 15th!
We thank you for your patience.

04/23/2026

It was a CCAPW legacy and new generation reunion at Clovis Community College’s Asian Heritage Festival! Also, peep Summer and Joanne outreaching to the community to plant seeds for the future gen of board members.

Address

Fresno, CA
93729

Website

http://www.ccapw.org/, http://eepurl.com/iMkVoQ, http://www.youtube.com/@ccapw_organization, https://www.ccapw.org/event

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