The Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW)

02/19/2026

We have hosted many guests/panels during the APAWLI or Asian Pacific American Women's Leadership Institute over the years... and this panel was INCREDIBLE... and they kept the conversation real, relevant and relatable!

Our three leaders included:

May Lee is a trailblazing, award-winning broadcast journalist, speaker and content creator whose work spans CNN, CNBC, Oxygen Media, NHK and other major international outlets. She is also the founder of Lotus Media House and the creator of the "May Lee Show" and "Shoes Off Inside."

Elley Cheng, is a seasoned, results oriented executive who specializes in growth acceleration and turnaround through strategic leadership, operational excellence and product innovation. She served as President of Pantone, various leadership roles in Shutterstock and Adobe. She comes with a Mechanical Engineering background and has pivoted many times in her career.

Tuyet Duong is the newly promoted Chief Strategy Officer at National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), APAWLI Fellow and former CAPAW Board member. She's had over 20 years of experience successfully developing organizational strategy, engagement plans, policy and research in private and public sectors. She also led the White House Initiatives for AAPIs during the Obama Administration.

Our conversations included:
-Cultural and parent influence around career choice
-Career development/progression
-Strengthening boundaries
-How to break through the "bamboo ceiling"
-How to have direct conversations
-Navigating through the political landscape and influencing others
-Tips to keeping your mental wellness

Thank you Patrice Tanaka our founding sister for connecting us. A big shoutout to Katherine Coleman, State Farm for supporting CAPAW programming to be able to help develop whole person leaders.

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02/10/2026

Hello CAPAW Community,

We’re excited to share that you now have two opportunities to complete Phase One of the sHERO Discovery program before moving on to Phase Two.

Brief Description:
The sHERO Discovery Program was created in response to the March 16, 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, with a commitment to healing, connection, and whole-person leadership. Designed for early-career individuals, sHERO offers space for reflection, confidence-building, and community growth.

Target Audience: We are looking for individuals who are within the first five years within their professional career... those who need further development and support.

Details:
-The cohort will be led by Michelle Burris, sHERO graduate.
-The program is now offered in two phases, allowing participants to move forward with intention and support.
-You only need to complete one Phase One round to advance.
-All Phase One sessions meet on Tuesdays from 6:30–7:45 PM.
-The cohort meets virtually via Zoom.
-Each cohort will have up to 14-16 individuals.
-For these two sessions, tuition is FREE...

Phase One is a foundational experience focused on reflection, self-discovery, and connection, designed to prepare you for the deeper work ahead.
Phase One Dates include:

Round One Dates:
April 7, April 21, April 28
May 5, May 19
June 2, June 16, June 23, June 30

Round Two Dates:
September 15, September 29
October 6, October 13, October 27
November 3, November 10, November 17
December 1

Choose the round that works best for your schedule—both offer the same experience.

Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ehW4kfdh

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01/30/2026

With deep gratitude and admiration, CAPAW honors Sue Ann Hong-Whitaker as she announces her retirement, effective January 31, 2026.

Since 2018, Sue Ann has led CAPAW with vision, heart, and an unwavering commitment to building authentic relationships and empowering women to step fully into their leadership. Her impact is woven into every program, every connection, and every life touched along the way—including guiding CAPAW to its 30th Anniversary milestone.

Sue Ann will continue serving as Interim President & CEO through June 30, 2026, ensuring continuity and supporting the organization’s ongoing growth.

Please join us in celebrating Sue Ann’s remarkable legacy and congratulating her on this next chapter. If you’d like to share a note of appreciation, you may email her at [email protected]
Thank you, Sue Ann, for everything you’ve given to CAPAW and to our community.

12/22/2025

We are proud to share that Kim Malone has accepted the role of Director of Operations at the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW).

Kim’s journey with CAPAW began in 2019, and over the years she has supported our programs, conferences, and community with care, consistency, and heart. Her deep understanding of CAPAW’s mission and her commitment to whole-person leadership make her a natural fit for this role.

As we build on 30 years of impact, we are grateful for Kim’s continued leadership and excited for the strength and stability she brings to our operations and future growth.

Please join us in congratulating Kim as she steps into this next chapter.





Kim’s journey with CAPAW began in 2019, and over the years, she has supported our programs, conferences, and community with care, consistency, and heart. Her deep understanding of CAPAW’s mission and her commitment to whole-person leadership make her a natural fit for this role.

07/28/2025

Looking back over 30 years ago:

"The idea of the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APAWLI) began in 1993 when Asian Pacific American women leaders from across the country gthered to discuss developing leadership skills and strategies. There "sisters" felt that more can and must be done to increase awareness, understanding and interaction of Asian Pacific American people within out communities an damong the general population. They also believed that for the U.S. to realize its full capabilities and talents, more Asian Pacific American people must assume leadership roles.

Creating skiils-building programs for Asian Pacific American women required support. One hundred prominent women were asked for $100 to send the new institute and demonstrate to other prospective donors that the concept had active support. With the help of these "Founding Sisters" and other sponsors, the Asian Pacific American Women's Leadership Institute was born in 1995. Since then, many people nationwide have contributed to APAWLI." From the original brochure of APAWLI."

We honor our founder Martha Lee and the Founding Sisters for their vision!

The organization is mow called The Center for Asian Pacific American Women, the APAWLI program is still in existence and help not only AAPI women but other leaders who are interested in learning.

Join CAPAW to celebrate its 30th anniversary conference & gala in San Francisco, CA, September 4-6 at the beautiful Hotel Nikko San Francisco! Our theme is, "Honoring Our Past, Innovating Our Future." Conversations include leadership/workforce development, Health & Wellness, Technolog/A.I., Civic Engagement and more. There is something for everyone who want to learn and connect with others. Find out more information at CAPAW.org!

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07/07/2025

CAPAW is Celebrating 30 Years of Impact!
Join us for a powerful and inspiring weekend at our 30th Anniversary Conference & Gala — happening September 4–6, 2025, at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.

Come together with leaders from across the country as we honor our past and innovate for the future.

Here’s what’s in store:
✔️ Engaging sessions on health, wellness, tech, and civic leadership
✔️ Special reunions for APAWLI, sHERO, Mentorship, and Compassion Circle alumni
✔️ Wellness activities, networking, and a formal Gala celebration

Early bird pricing is still available!
Register now and explore all the details here: bit.ly/CAPAW30

Let’s celebrate the legacy—and the leaders—of CAPAW.

09/13/2024

I had the honor of representing The Center for Asian Pacific American Women at a very special event. "President Biden delivered remarks at the White House to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), landmark bipartisan legislation that he wrote and championed as a U.S. Senator and has worked across the aisle to strengthen ever since. He will reflect on the significant progress we have made in reducing violence and supporting survivors as well as the work ahead to realize VAWA’s promise of a nation where every woman and girl can live free from fear, free from violence, and free from abuse.

Working to end gender-based violence has been a cornerstone of President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ careers. VAWA was the first comprehensive federal law to focus on preventing and addressing violence against women and to provide justice and support for survivors. The law transformed the nation’s response to gender-based violence by recognizing that domestic violence and sexual assault are not a private matter but rather a violation of fundamental rights and dignity. Between 1993 and 2022, annual domestic violence rates dropped by 67% and the rate of rapes and sexual assaults declined by 56%.

In the three decades since the original VAWA was signed into law, President Biden has worked with survivors, advocates, experts, and Members of Congress of both parties to reauthorize and strengthen the law four times. As President, he signed into law the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022—critical legislation that expands access to safety and support for survivors, increases prevention efforts, and establishes new federal protections against online harassment and abuse. The President and Vice President also secured the highest-ever funding levels to implement VAWA, and the Biden-Harris Administration has acted quickly to implement the law’s new programs and protections."

Read the full fact sheet here by clicking https://lnkd.in/eUeEQtdX

Let me highlight the staff/support of the GA Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence for their impactful work, led by Monica Khant, CEO:

Cannon Han, Chisato Horikawa, Gabby Debelen, Grace Huang, Hai Chan,
Kayla Chan, Krista Grajo, Hildegard Koenig, Jose Juan Lara, Jr., MS, Kaylee Wong, MBA, Kimberly Vongnalith, Youngju Ji, Sarah Khan, Matapuna Levenson, Jennifer Lee, CPA, CA, Shirley Luo (HHS), Courtney Peters, MPH, Swathy Reddy, Tomiko Tamashiro Pardo, Kaylee Wong.

Thank you to Erika Moritsugu, Krystal Kaai and Helen Beaudreau at the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders for their leadership and support.

05/22/2024

The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund by National ACEwill accept grant applications from AANHPI-owned restaurants throughout the United States from May 1 to May 31, 2024 or when there are 5,000 applicants – whichever comes first.

Eligibility:
The restaurant must be Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%);
Must be based in the United States;
Must be currently operational;
Must be a for-profit business;
Must show proof of their primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food”;
Operates in a single location;
Cannot be a franchise;
Must demonstrate financial need;
Funds must be used towards growth and expansion of the business;
Must demonstrate community impact (i.e. culture/community, hiring, charitable/philanthropic efforts, etc.)

Priority will be given to first time grant applicants. For grand prize finalists, you must be able to attend our Annual Conference in Santa Clara, CA on September 4. Flight vouchers and hotel accommodations will be provided via National ACE for the three grand prize finalists.

Learn more at aapistrong.com/current-grants

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04/25/2024

CAPAW has piloted a new mentoring program on November 1, 2023. We've just opened up the program! Our goals are to:

1) Support development for early career individuals who are looking to advance (based on the mentee's definition) and
2) Foster an environment of cultural learning and openness.

Action Requested:
-Please share this information with those individuals who may benefit
-Please register for the informational call to be a potential mentor/mentee

Why important? Because the data tells us we have work to do.

Key Findings:

-Women represent about 1 in 4 C-suite leaders, and women of color just 1 in 16.
-Women of color face the steepest drop-off in representation from entry level to C-suite positions. As they move up the pipeline, women of color’s representation drops by two-thirds.

Data Source: https://lnkd.in/eksiQUme

Who should attend?
-Potential Mentors: Mentors from both private and public sectors (i.e. Government, Corporate, Entrepreneurs, Non-Profit, Academia)
-Potential mentees: Early career women of color, and those individuals who are interested in developing themselves.
-Supporters or volunteers

Also calling the following individuals to join us to help develop leaders:
-Current Asian Pacific American Women's Leadership Institute & Fellows
-Current Unleash the sHERO in You! Cohort and graduates...
-Members of the Compassion Circle
-Founding sisters or the "Warrior Sisters"
-Conference attendees, volunteers & Instructors of our programs

Date: May 2, 2024
Time: 7-8PM ET
Platform: Zoom

Register here for the informational call:

https://lnkd.in/e3pM_rCa

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04/23/2024

Of the 24 million Asians living in the United States, about 2.3 million live in poverty. Many are working to overcome the economic hardships they encounter and achieve their American dream. But they face challenges along the way, from Asian immigrants grappling with language barriers to U.S.-born Asians navigating pathways to success.

In February 2023, Pew Research Center conducted 18 focus groups with adult participants from 11 Asian origin groups in different regions across the U.S. These are among the most likely Asian origin groups to experience economic hardship in the U.S. Focus groups included those whose approximate family income is at or below 140%-250% of the 2022 federal poverty line, depending on their location. Accompanying these focus group findings are results from a Pew Research Center survey about the hardships and dreams of Asians living in poverty, conducted from July 2022 to January 2023.

Some common themes that focus group participants shared include day-to-day financial difficulties, assumptions by others that they do not need help because they are Asian, and the importance of financial security in achieving the American dream.

About one-in-ten Asian Americans live in poverty. Pew Research Center conducted 18 focus groups in 12 languages to explore their stories and experiences.

02/13/2024

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez delivered remarks at the State of the Net 2024 conference in Washington, DC, on Monday, in which she focused exclusively on the importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – specifically, the economic benefits of the program and the detrimental effects if it ends as expected this May.

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At an event on Monday, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez used her full remarks to rally support for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), stressing its role in US economic success and the BEAD program.