The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) is privileged to have twelve community leaders serving in the role of Commissioners. The Commission will be featuring our Commissioners monthly presenting their perspectives, goals, and activities.
In this piece, we are featuring Commissioner Lakshmi Gaur, Commissioner Mohan Gurung and Commissioner Lori Wada on why they joined CAPAA, what they hope to accomplish as a Commissioner, and what are the highlights of being a Commissioner.
Commissioner Gaur:
“Working for the community in a volunteer capacity is a great way of giving back. As I learned more about the Commission’s mission, I felt I can do more to the Indian community by being on the commission and representing voices, which other wised would be unheard, and I could serve as a liaison between community and the state government.
My original intent was to serve for the Indian community, but over the past two years with a dynamic group, I truly begun serving the Asian Pacific Islander communities.”
Commissioner Gurung:
“As a responsible citizen, I was curious and wondered, I may be able to do something for our communities and future generations.”
Commissioner Wada:
“I wanted to support the information flow to the Korean community regarding policy and procedure changes within the state government while providing a voice for the API community as a Commissioner. Often, lack of information due to limited representation can cause economic and mental hardships in immigrant communities where disadvantage is inevitable in all aspects of life for people with limited English proficiency.
Improving the quality of life through equality in social and health services, housing and economic development were one of few interests that motivated me to seek to serve on the commission.“
Commissioner Gaur:
“First, by being in the commission I learned that geographical differences of culture do not reflect philosophical approaches to problems and concerns at all. It’s an honor and privilege serving with a group of individuals I have so much in common. We all are looking at the same gaps in justice in this country known for its diversity.
Though we are a country fosters diversity on paper, in a small way (from my side) I would like to see the opportunity gap narrow and with time completely disappear. I am a team player and work with my group on health and human services. However, I would like to focus my energies primarily on issues surrounding mental health.”
Commissioner Gurung:
“As a responsible citizen, I was curious and wondered, I may be able to do something for our communities and future generations.”
Commissioner Wada:
“Trying to fulfill my role in assigned subject areas-social and health services, economic development opportunities.
“With a limited term and time duration serving as a commissioner, I am trying to narrow the gap in any improvement needed to provide support and preventive measures for the Korean community.”
Commissioner Gaur:
“First exciting moment was when I met the passionate, talented individuals that serve on the commission. Every single meeting presented me with an opportunity to learn from these different groups we meet at different meetings in that as how ordinary, common people really make the difference. Though, in theory we learned about democracy in books, this for me is an opportunity to watch democracy work at grass roots from the front row.
Every instance is a highlight for me when communities stand up united and address hatred and bigotry, when communities address prejudice, when communities openly discuss social issues such as LGBTQ and mental health. At times it looks gloomy but we are marching towards the change and change is imminent.”
Commissioner Gurung:
“Meeting with different community leaders, sharing ideas and working together. “
Commissioner Wada:
“The outcomes from current work is often limited due to the nature of government systems. My hopes are future generations will overcome the same hardships as their parents experienced.”
To learn more about what our Commissioners are active in, view our November Commissioner Report.