Governor Jay Inslee recently announced Lori Wada as commissioner to the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA).

Wada has more than two decades of public service experience in support of affordable housing and health care equity initiatives. She currently serves as an Operations Supervisor for the Office of Insurance Commissioner. Wada provides consultation and training on the most up to date health insurance benefits, options, enrollments, and eligibility requirements. Previously, she worked at the Department of Commerce and the State Lottery Commission.

Wada immigrated to Washington State from Seoul, South Korea when she was 18 years old. She has been an active APA community member for over 35 years, having provided volunteer services as a translator for those with limited English proficiency. She is a board member for the Senior Housing Assistance Group and previously for Metropolitan Parks and Recreation and the Pierce County Library Foundation.

The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs was established by the state Legislature in 1974 to improve the well-being of APAs by ensuring their access to participation in the fields of government, business, education, health and other areas. It has a board made up of 12-governor appointed members that represents the diverse APA communities of Washington State.