News

Governor Inslee has proclaimed May 2018 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month acknowledges the contributions made by Asian and Pacific Islander communities to Washington State’s economic, social, and democratic institutions.

The Commission joins the Governor and Washingtonians in celebrating the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities and encourages the promotion of cultural awareness and civic engagement and the advancement of civil rights for all.

API Heritage Month Celebration

Governor Inslee signed a bill to expand health care coverage for Washingtonians from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia on March 22. The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) would like to acknowledge Governor Inslee and legislators for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Washingtonians.

The Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs will be convening a public board meeting on June 16, 2018 in Yakima, Washington. The Commission will be hearing from local community members and organizations, reviewing CAPAA’s 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, and providing updates from committees and commissioners.

Community members are welcome to attend the public meeting. We will also have time for public comment from 10:30 – 11:00 AM.

Meet CAPAA’s Newly Appointed Commissioners

Governor Inslee has appointed Sam Cho and Lalita Uppala to serve three year terms as Commissioners.

Commissioner Sam Cho is a second-generation Korean American who was raised by Korean immigrants in the state of Washington. He is a staff member working in the state Legislature and is a small business owner.

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 and providing updates from committees and commissioners.

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

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

Governor Inslee has appointed Sina Sam to serve on the Commission.

Commissioner Sina Sam is a 1.5 generation Cambodian American, born in a Thai refugee camp and raised in Seattle, WA. She has been active in the Cambodian community in Washington State for almost 20 years and is currently the Program Exam Specialist at Washington State University’s Global Campus.

On Saturday, April 13^th, 300 community members attended CAPAA‘s Sapphire Celebration, observing 45 years of service to Asian and Pacific Islander communities statewide. Honored at the event for their distinguished careers in serving the API communities were Diane Narasaki with CAPAA‘s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Reynaldo Pascua with CAPAA‘s Vanguard Award, both of whom were named Commissioners Emeriti.

Director Hasegawa talks with Project Coordinator Sam Le about his service with CAPAA over the past two years.

After nine years of service on behalf of the Commission, Chair Tyati Tufono-Chaussee will conclude her time as a CAPAA appointee at the end of the month.

By Bopha Cheng
Co-Chair, Education Committee
Cambodian American Community Council of Washington

Updated April 17, 2017

The UW’s American Ethnic Studies Department was successful in its search process and will bring on two new faculty. AES will begin the process to request authorization to conduct a third faculty search next academic year.

Updated February 17, 2017