San Mateo County API Foundation

08/24/2026

“Every morning, my kid would come downstairs and shake my hand.” — Program Dad 👥✨

That’s what real-world impact looks like. We just wrapped up our 2026 class with record-breaking attendance! 🏆

Our curriculum equips high school and early college students with vital life skills and civic knowledge left out of traditional classrooms. This cohort experienced everything from attending mayoral dinners, City Council, and Rotary meetings to mastering public speaking, LinkedIn networking, and the confidence of a firm handshake. 🤝

Growth check: We started 4 years ago with just 8 students. Today, we are celebrating a 300%+ enrollment increase with 27 graduating leaders! 📈

Milestone alert! 🌟 We launched our inaugural Latino student class in partnership with Casa Círculo Cultural. Nine amazing youths spent their Saturdays building lasting networks and professional skills. Endless gratitude to Connie Guerrero and Veronica Escamez for championing this expansion. 💓

Thank you to our incredible sponsors and advocates—we couldn't do this without you. 💜

Next up: our holiday appreciation open house and the Heroes Dinner in May 2027! 🍽

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Amazon
Kaiser Permanente
Stanford Medicine
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Fiona Ma
South San Francisco Scavenger Co.
Swinerton
California Apartment Association
Rotary Club of Foster City
East West Bank
W. L. Butler
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Steve Droz - Silicon Valley Real Estate Agent
Martin Yan
Margaret Abe-Koga
Crystal Springs Catering
Casa Circulo Cultural
Inspirebridge
PLUS Foundation

07/13/2026

A great start to the Foundation’s 2026 Summer Intern program! With 30 interns this year, the first day included San Mateo Community College District Trustee and Board President Wayne Lee discussing leadership. Former Foster City Councilmember Steve Okamoto shared tips on making a good first impression. Steve Droz, realtor with Compass Realty, shared his professional journey and let the interns know that it is “OK to not know” what their future career might be.

A lot more to come as our interns look to participate in our communities, learn about civic engagement, public service, and important life skills.

07/06/2026

Thank you to East Palo Alto Mayor Lincoln, EPA council members, City Manager Gaines and staff for allowing our summer intern cohort from Casa Círculo Cultural attend the June Council of Cities dinner. Our interns learned about the history of East Palo Alto, and the city’s vision for the future. They also had the opportunity to meet mayors and councilmembers from throughout San Mateo County. Thank you!

06/28/2026

Thank you to San Mateo County Controller Juan Raigoza for sharing with our interns what the county controller does and your path to becoming an elected official. A shout out to former Foster City Councilmember Steve Okamoto for his tips on overcoming your fear of public speaking and tips for success. And a big shout out to San Mateo County API Foundation co-founder Michelle Droz on creating a building your network on LinkedIn. Another full day of experiences and learning!

06/16/2026

We’ve Expanded! 🎉

We’re proud to introduce our inaugural 2026 Summer Internship Class, serving and empowering Latino youth in our community!

This incredible group of teens is dedicating their Saturdays to developing professional skills, learning from local leaders, gaining insight into the role and impact of government sectors, building their networks, and exploring new opportunities for their future.

A special thank you to Connie Guerrero, President of the Governing Board, and Verónica Escámez Mártinez, Founder and Executive Director of Casa Circulo Cultural, for your partnership and commitment to bringing this vision to life. Together, we are expanding our Foundation’s reach and creating meaningful opportunities for youth from all backgrounds.

Kind regards to Redwood City Mayor, Elmer Martínez Saballos and Hector Camacho Jr., San Mateo County Office of Education Executive Director, for your presentations to the class!

05/22/2026

Thanks to Crystal Springs Catering for making our Heroes Dinner delicious! 🍽️🥢

04/28/2026

Meet our 2026 SMC API Foundation Rising Star 🌟

Amy Nguyen is a third-year student at UC Berkeley studying Sociology and Political Science. From leadership roles at the College of San Mateo and the UC Student Association to community work with San Mateo County and the City of South San Francisco, she’s been a powerful advocate for equity and public service.

Through her community-based research, Amy explores systemic inequalities in immigration, mental health, and labor—working to create more just and inclusive opportunities for marginalized communities.

As a Vietnamese, first-generation college student raised between Saigon and the Bay Area (Ohlone Land), she draws on her lived experiences to uplift and inspire future generations.

Join us on Friday, May 15th to celebrate Amy’s impact and bright future! 💫

Buy your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-san-mateo-county-api-foundation-heroes-dinner

04/12/2026

We are honoring culinary legend Chef Martin Yan at this year's Heroes Dinner, May 15th! 👨‍🍳🌏

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Yan's decades of community work and advocacy — especially supporting AAPI initiatives — reflect a lifelong commitment to connection through food.

From hosting Yan Can Cook since 1978 to inspiring millions across 3,000+ shows worldwide, Chef Yan has shaped how the world experiences Asian cuisine. A recipient of the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, he’s also an acclaimed author, educator, and global ambassador of food and culture.

Thank you, Chef Yan, for bringing joy, humor, and heart to kitchens around the world. We can't wait to celebrate with you! ❤️🍜

Join us! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-san-mateo-county-api-foundation-heroes-dinner

04/01/2026

Words cannot fully capture how excited we are to honor trailblazing leader, Honorable Fiona Ma, CPA. Her achievements are extraordinary, and her journey is truly inspiring. From her roots in an immigrant family to serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the California State Assembly, the State Board of Equalization, and now as California State Treasurer, Fiona’s story reflects the kind of vision and possibility that API communities and women everywhere deserve to see.

We invite you to join us on Friday, May 15th for an unforgettable evening celebrating her, alongside fellow honorees Chef Martin Yan (Yan Can Cook), Kaiser Permanente, and Amy Nguyen.

02/16/2026

Thanks to the youth that have applied for our summer internship program already! Spots are filling up so make sure you get your application in soon!

Submit online: www.smcapifoundation.org

Now Accepting Applications for 2026! There is a limited class size capacity so apply early for consideration! Please share with any youth who may benefit from learning professional skills, networking opportunities, public speaking aptitudes, and how to impact the community through civic service. www.smcapifoundation.org