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The Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs will be convening a public board meeting on September 29, 2018 in Spokane, Washington. The Commission will be hearing from local community members and organizations, providing updates from committees and commissioners, and conducting board officer elections.

Community members are invited to attend the public meeting. We will also have time for public comment. View the tentative agenda for the board meeting.

Board Meeting Details
Date: September 29, 2018
Location: Gonzaga University School of Law, Room 314
721 N. Cincinnati St
Spokane, WA 99202

For more information and parking permits, contact Sam Le at Sam.Le@capaa.wa.gov or 360.725.5667

CAPAA’s Executive Director, Michael Itti, will be transitioning from CAPAA today after five years of service. He has accepted a new position at a non-profit organization serving immigrants throughout King County. The Governor’s Office and CAPAA are currently conducting interviews for the new executive director.

“Working with commissioners, the community, Gov. Inslee, legislators, and colleagues in state government was a tremendous privilege and responsibility,” Itti said. “The Commission serves a vital role to ensure state policies, programs, and services are inclusive of the unique needs of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. I enjoyed supporting the efforts of our Commissioners, who are driven by their commitment to serve and represent the public, and seeing the impact of our accomplishments to address opportunity gaps, improve health equity, and promote economic opportunity.”

“While it saddens me that Executive Director Michael Itti will move on from CAPAA, I am also very happy and excited for his new venture,” said Ty Tufono-Chaussee, Chair of the Commission. “It has been a great few years working alongside Michael under his guidance and leadership, and he will leave a legacy behind of phenomenal milestones in support of Asian and Pacific Islander communities.”

While the director search is underway, Sam Le, the Commission’s Project Coordinator, will be able to provide assistance and can be reached at Sam.Le@capaa.wa.gov or 360-725-5667.

Photo of Carrie Huie

Governor Inslee has appointed Carrie Huie-Pascua to serve a three year term on the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

Commissioner Carrie Huie-Pascua is a first-generation Chinese American born in Ellensburg, WA. She graduated from Central Washington University with a B.A. and a M.S. from San Francisco State University in Clinical Psychology. She has over 35 years of experience serving people with behavioral health needs. Retired in 2016, Commissioner Huie-Pascua is active in the Filipino American Community of the Yakima Valley as a member, serves as a trustee on the Mabuhay Foundation, and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Chew Lun Benevolent Association of Seattle.

Learn more about Commissioner Huie-Pascua on our website.

Update on Commission’s 2015-2018 Strategic Plan

In 2015, the Commission board approved a four-year strategic plan as its road map to address challenges and opportunities in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the areas of education, health and human services, and economic development.

As the four-year plan is coming to an end in 2018, the Commission assessed progress and accomplishments and has begun work to develop a 2019-2022 strategic plan. Accomplishments include:

  • Listening to community issues and concerns at meetings, events, and Commission board meetings and addressing those concerns by engaging with state decision-makers;
  • Expanding the collection of disaggregated data in the areas of health and education to address health disparities and opportunity gaps;
  • Developing recommendations and advising policymakers on state task forces to represent the unique needs of AAPI communities;
  • Improving health equity for Washingtonians from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia;
  • Raising awareness of public health issues impacting AAPIs such as mental health, funding to prevent underage marijuana use, stomach cancer, and diabetes;
  • Advising on strategies to increase participation among minority, women’s, and veteran-owned businesses in state contracting; and
  • Connecting small businesses to state agency staff, resources, and programs.

Learn more about the Commission’s current strategic plan and accomplishments.

Governor Jay Inslee signing SB5683, enacting COFA Islander Health Care. (Photo by CAPAA Project Coordinator, Sam Le)

Community Resources & Opportunities