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- ABOUT: OUR STAFF | APIAHF
OUR STAFF — EPHRAIM COLBERT OPERATIONS MANAGER SHARONDA ELIZABETH EVERETT SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER KAITLYNN HUSOVSKY BOARD LIAISON & CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANT SOFIA KARIMI PROGRAM MANAGER LENAYA KIMBALL PROGRAM COORDINATOR NHIEN LE MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REID MASAKI HEALTH POLICY FELLOW DONOVAN RAMOS LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MANAGER PHOEBE SAWYER PROJECT ASSOCIATE JAMILA SHIPP C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR HAYLEY SMART EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CEO AND OFFICE MANAGER CALI TRAN COVID-19 RESPONSE FELLOW RUOYU (AMY) WANG SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE
- UPDATES: Resources | APIAHF
All Resources Testimony and Comments FAQ Fact Sheet Infographics Public Health Alerts Memo ACA Data Disaggregation Health Disparities Health Equity Race & Ethnicity Robert Woods Johnson Foundation State Resource Report CBO Community Based Organization Funding Health Advocacy Mental Health Survey Health Benefits Health Care Health Coverage Health Policy Public Health Open Enrollment Advocacy Comment Letter Health Care Access Language Access Aug 12 Testimony and Comments APIAHF Comment Letter on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Publish Date: August 12, 2024 Type: Testimony and Comments, Comment Letter Topics: Health Equity, Medical Debt Ethnicity: Language:... Aug 6 Health Disparities Community Spotlight: A Conversation with Vattana Peong, Executive Director of Cambodia Family Center An interview on Overcoming Health Disparities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities. Jul 11 Testimony and Comments APIAHF Comment Letter on Request for Information on Development of Public Health Vaccine and Prevention Education Campaigns Involving Community Health Workers Publish Date: July 2024 Type: Testimony and Comments, Comment Letter Topics: Data Disaggregation, Health Care Access, Public Health... May 29 Testimony and Comments APIAHF Comment Letter to CMS Request for Information Regarding Medicare Advantage Data Publish Date: May 29, 2024 Type: Testimony and Comments, Comment Letter Topics: Data Disaggregation, Health Care Access, Public Health,... May 1 Infographics Measles Parent and Caregiver Guide Publish Date: May 2024 Type: Infographics Topics: Ethnicity: Language: State: As people prepare to travel for the summer, it is important... May 1 Testimony and Comments APIAHF Comment Letter to OMH Advocating for Language Access Publish Date: May 2024 Type: Testimony and Comments Topics: Advocacy, Affordable Care Act, Comment Letter, Comment Letters, Health Care,... Apr 10 ACA Building on the Affordable Care Act: Strategies to Address Marketplace Enrollees’ Cost Challenges The Affordable Care Act (ACA) dramatically changed the private insurance landscape, providing health coverage for millions. The success... Apr 1 Fact Sheet Uterine Health Fact Sheets Publish Date: April 2024 Type: Fact Sheets Topics: Uterine Health Ethnicity: Language: English, Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese,... Mar 1 Fact Sheet Obesity in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Publish Date: March 2024 Type: Fact Sheet Topics: Asian American, Health disparities, Native Hawaiian, obesity, Pacific Islander... 1 2 3 CBO REPORT CBO SURVEY RESOURCES —
- APIAHF APPLAUDS OMB REVISIONS TO DIRECTIVE 15 FOR ACCURATE, INCLUSIVE FEDERAL DATA STANDARDS
PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS OMB REVISIONS TO DIRECTIVE 15 FOR ACCURATE, INCLUSIVE FEDERAL DATA STANDARDS MARCH 28, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity. The revised standards modernize the collection of race and ethnicity data and improve how federal agencies analyze and publish that data. Directive 15 was last updated in 1997 to create separate “Asian” and “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and expand “Hispanic” to include “Hispanic or Latino.” APIAHF President & CEO Juliet K. Choi released the following statement: “APIAHF is proud to have advocated for revised standards, including submitting comments with over 40 national, state, and local partners through the regulatory process, that would reflect the communities that span our great nation. The updated Directive 15 is the culmination of work across all communities and between federal agencies toward data equity in the U.S. “In particular, we applaud including the new Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category. We know first-hand the importance of communities being seen and represented, and this new designation will mean critical resources, including in-language, can be delivered to MENA communities. We also applaud OMB’s commitment to revising these standards and establishing a regular review ahead of each decennial census. “We look to OMB’s continued commitment to build upon this great work by requiring all federal departments and agencies to collect, analyze, use, report, and disseminate disaggregated data on communities as the minimum standards. Accurate, inclusive data is core to the work that we can achieve and has a meaningful impact on how resources are allocated. We look forward to continuing collaboration with OMB as they work to implement these new revisions.” # # # BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- APIAHF APPLAUDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES JUNE 18, 2024 WASHINGTON – Today, on the 12th Anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, President Biden announced two new immigration actions that continue his commitment to protecting immigrant communities. Eligible spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have lived in the U.S. for ten or more years will not need to leave the U.S., and they can remain with their families when applying for a “green card." They can also continue to legally work and receive protection from deportation while they wait. Dreamers who have earned a degree from a U.S. college or university and have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer can now quickly secure a work visa. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) and former Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, gave the following statement: “President Biden continues to improve the lives and conditions for immigrant communities and builds upon his Spring announcement of expanding health coverage for DACA recipients by opening coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent about ten percent of DACA recipients, and half of all DACA recipients are college graduates. This new process will expedite their work visa from six months to two weeks. “The administration’s announcement to keep families together and working during the green card process underscores the President’s commitment to our values and makes America safer and stronger.” ### The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- APIAHF APPLAUDS BICAMERAL CONGRESSIONAL INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024
PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS BICAMERAL CONGRESSIONAL INTRODUCTION OF THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2024 JULY 25, 2024 WASHINGTON - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 (HEAA). The bill focuses on eliminating racial and ethnic disparities and has been introduced by the Congressional Tri-Caucus, composed of CAPAC, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This is the first time HEAA has had a bicameral introduction, and over 150 members of Congress have co-sponsored the bill over the past two decades. HEAA is a comprehensive and strategic legislative blueprint and one of the few bills that contains community input from over 300 organizations, including national health justice and civil rights organizations. APIAHF president & CEO, Juliet K. Choi issued the following statement: “As our nation's demographics change, so do our health needs. Underserved and underrepresented communities face substantial barriers to obtaining quality health care and equitable health outcomes. APIAHF is proud to lead the 118th Congress's reintroduction of HEAA, with AAPCHO, to tackle these health disparities head on. HEAA invests in culturally and linguistically appropriate health care and health services, creates a pipeline for an inclusive workforce, and deploys innovative strategies to reach communities regardless of region, immigration status, gender, ethnicity, age, or disability. Achieving health equity requires a multi-faceted approach, and HEAA provides a blueprint to do exactly that.” The full text of the bill is available here . A one-pager is available here . Learn more about HEAA here . ### The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- NHIEN LE
NHIEN LE MANAGER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Nhien Le is a Community Engagement Manager at APIAHF. A graduate of Missouri State University, Nhien has over eight years of experience working with communities. A former recruiter at City Year in Dallas, Nhien focused on building partnerships with key stakeholders to implement up to 80 full-year AmeriCorps members to serve communities in Dallas. As chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander affinity group at City Year, he was a frequent speaker on AA NH/PI issues, including serving as a panelist focused on the Mental Health and the AAPI Community as part of the Nonprofit Success Institute Speaker Series, organized by the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Earlier in his career, Nhien served as a Library Associate where he managed educational and cultural programming for the City of Dallas public libraries. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- APIAHF RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
PRESS RELEASE APIAHF RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS MARCH 7, 2024 WASHINGTON – Tonight, in his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden outlined the Administration’s progress over the past year, and his vision for the remainder of his term. Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), released the following statement: “We applaud President Biden’s and Congress’ continued efforts to reduce health care costs and broaden quality health coverage for American families, including wins from the Inflation Reduction Act. “This month, we commemorate four years since the start of the deadly, global COVID-19 virus that caused devastating impacts across our country. Today, our country is back, stronger than ever, with American families seeing dividends from policies that have reduced the coverage gap, lowered prescription drug costs, and capped drug costs for seniors. In fact, in the 2023-24 ACA Open Enrollment period, a record-breaking 21.3 million Americans enrolled in marketplace health plans. “As we celebrate the wins, we also look forward to the opportunities to promote health equity in care and research mentioned tonight, including innovation for rare diseases and cancer through ARPA-H and new initiatives on women’s health research. “APIAHF is proud of the progress our country has made to strengthen and expand health care and health equity, and reiterate the President’s statements to preserve that right for all people, including protections for reproductive freedoms and privacy. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with both the Administration and Congress to improve the health of our nation.” # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- APIAHF APPLAUDS CMS’ BOLD ACTION TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH CARE COVERAGE
PRESS RELEASE APIAHF APPLAUDS CMS’ BOLD ACTION TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AUGUST 30, 2023 WASHINGTON—Today, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services sent a letter to all states and U.S. territories requiring them to determine if they have an eligibility systems issue that could cause entire households to be disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP even if they are eligible for coverage. If a state has an eligibility systems issue, they must do the following, to avoid CMS enforcement to bring states into compliance: Pause procedural disenrollments for those individuals impacted, Reinstate coverage for all affected individuals and provide retroactive eligibility back to the date of termination, Implement one or more CMS-approved mitigation strategies until such time that the state has fixed all systems and processes to prevent continued inappropriate disenrollments, and Fix state systems and processes to ensure renewals are conducted appropriately and in accordance with federal Medicaid requirements. Juliet K. Choi, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement: “We applaud CMS for taking bold action to safeguard health care coverage for millions of families across our nation as we continue to face the devastating impacts of disenrollment from Medicaid Unwinding, which disproportionately affects communities of color, immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency. “Health care is a fundamental right, and ensuring that children and families have reliable access to necessary services is paramount. It is unconscionable for states to disenroll thousands of families, including children, due to a state’s systems and operational issues. This action today by CMS is a positive and necessary step toward protecting coverage for low-income families, and we are optimistic that the Biden administration will continue to forge forth towards affordable, quality care for all families.” # # # The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- Policy Manager
BACK TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES Policy Manager WASHINGTON DC Title: Policy Manager Reports To: Policy Director Supervises: Yes – Interns and/or Fellow Status: Exempt Position Duration: Full-time Salary Range: $65,000-$85,000 Duty Station: Washington, DC Last Reviewed: 08/20/2024 POSITION SUMMARY The Policy Manager works closely with the Policy Director, Community Engagement Team, and other APIAHF staff to promote federal and state policies that address the needs of AA & NH/PIs. The Policy Manager is responsible for analyzing federal and state policy proposals and developing products that support APIAHF's advocacy efforts, providing technical support and assistance to state and local coalitions, and APIAHF’s National Network of community-based organizations. The Policy Manager will also work in partnership with other national health advocacy, AA & NH/PI, and civil rights organizations to advance legislative and policy measures that advance APIAHF’s mission. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor and assess the impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory actions as they relate to the health of AA & NH/PI communities. Establish and maintain state and federal legislative contacts. Research and draft white papers, comment letters, talking points, policy briefs, fact sheets, and other materials as needed. Track, review, and summarize policy research and reports on APIAHF issues. Develop legislative and administrative strategies and conduct advocacy on policy priorities. Manage grant programs related to the policy programs. Work with the Community Engagement Team to develop and implement strategies to engage the National Network, local AA & NH/PI community-based organizations, community leaders, researchers, health professionals, and other key stakeholders with the intent to bolster their capacity to advocate on issues of importance to the AA & NH/PI community. Under the direction of the Policy Director , act as a resource for and provide technical assistance to government officials, legislative staff, advocacy groups, health care and social service providers, advocates, and community organizations. Respond to media requests concerning APIAHF legislative and policy priorities. Monitor media coverage of health policy issues affecting AA & NH/PI communities; and, Perform other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Bachelor’s degree with minimum of three (3) years of policy/advocacy experience or JD or Master’s degree in health, public health, public policy, or related field. Minimum 3-5 years of increasing experience (or equivalent) in public policy, especially health policy, public health, health economics, or civil rights. Demonstrated experience in interacting professionally with diverse individuals and organizations; and, Strong understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES Ability to exercise independent judgment. Exceptional writing and research skills. Strong verbal communication skills including public speaking; and, Excellent attention to detail. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Washington DC, congressional staff, or advocacy organizational experience is preferred. Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Experience with federal budget and appropriations. Experience in state or federal legislature or government health or social service agency at a policy level. Demonstrated interest or experience working with AA & NH/PI communities. Demonstrated experience in program coordination and management; and, Familiarity with social media platforms and project management. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS N/A TO APPLY To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to jobs@apiahf.org with the subject line “Policy Manager” APIAHF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. BACK TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- JAMILA SHIPP
JAMILA SHIPP C4H MANAGING DIRECTOR OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Jamila Shipp is the managing director for Capacity for Health, a program of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. An Oakland native and nationally respected leader in public health, community advocacy and capacity-building, Shipp brings a heart for social justice, nearly two decades of experience, and a track-record of innovation in an always changing HIV sector. Jamila has extensive experience in program development, implementation, research, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She specializes in underserved populations, particularly sex workers, homeless, and substance users. She has served as the chair of the California HIV planning group. Jamila holds a Masters of Public Health from San Francisco State University, and a B.S. in Health Care Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF
- ANCHOR JOINT STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
PRESS RELEASE ANCHOR JOINT STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION JUNE 29, 2023 WASHINGTON — The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) on June 29, 2023 that affirmative action programs violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Today’s Supreme Court decision is a stark reminder of the challenges communities of color face, and highlights the need for continued advocacy to ensure educational opportunity and racial equity. Since its inception, affirmative action has empowered students of color to speak up and share their stories as they seek a brighter future through education and career opportunities. This, in turn, helps build inclusive and thriving communities of students and workers. Despite the outcome of today’s ruling, NCAPA remains committed to supporting affirmative action. “Affirmative action honors the diversity and cultural histories of the AANHPI community. Without it, we all stand to lose,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of NCAPA. “The Supreme Court’s decision to undo decades of progress comes at a time when communities of color are increasingly under attack. While we are disappointed in today’s ruling, we will continue fighting for a fair and equitable education for all students.” Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) said: “The Court has long held that affirmative action is vital to advancing diversity and ensuring our graduates are prepared for our multiracial workforce and society. This decision has implications not only for undergraduate admissions but also for graduate-level admissions, including medical and nursing school. Our communities’ health does best when medical professionals are more likely to understand our experiences. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders continue to be grossly underrepresented in the medical profession, and health equity is further compromised by this decision – particularly in the shadow of the impact of COVID-19 on NHPI communities, which had one of the highest per capita death rates in our nation.” Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) said: “We unequivocally condemn this decision, which ignores the systemic and racially disparate barriers to education access that have historically blocked pathways to upward economic mobility for communities of color, including Southeast Asian American communities. While the ruling is a setback to ensuring educational opportunity for all students, we are resolved to continue fighting for a future where every individual, regardless of their life circumstances, can thrive and succeed.” Estella Owoimaha-Church, Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) said: “There is no alternative to affirmative action or race-conscious admissions for marginalized communities of color, including Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. This decision will exacerbate structural inequities that persist for Pasifika youth. We continue to move in solidarity alongside our partners to ensure all students have access to inclusive history, culturally responsive learning environments, and diverse books. Our stories matter and deserve to be heard. Each of us has a role to play in cultivating clear paths for emerging leaders so they might forge futures once denied to our elders and ancestors.” John C. Yang, President & Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian American Justice Center (Advancing Justice – AAJC) stated: “We are outraged that the Supreme Court has ignored nearly 50 years of legal precedent in favor of supporting racial inequity that harms Asian Americans and all people of color. But we are more committed than ever to ensuring equal opportunity for our children – and for all children in this country. We will not let this court decision keep us from pushing colleges and universities, Congress, and others to keep today’s ruling from undermining the progress made toward educating future multiracial, talented leaders who deserve every opportunity to reach their highest potential on campuses that reflect the diversity of America.” Vimala Phongsavanh, Board Chair of the Laotian American National Alliance (LANA) said: “LANA continues to support what affirmative action stands for: educational equity that enables aspiring students of color to achieve in higher education and in the pursuit of their careers. Lao American students are already three times more likely not to have earned their high school diplomas, when compared with white students; undoing any progress for the AANHPI communities and the communities with which we stand in solidarity only sets us all back further.” Julie Ajinkya, Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Research and Applied Partnerships at Asian Pacific American Islanders Scholars (APIA Scholars) commented: “APIA Scholars is an organization that supports diversity, equity and inclusion and we decry the Supreme Court’s decision today to repeal affirmative action. Numerous studies on affirmative action bans have demonstrated that the result is an immediate and long-term decrease in diversity and representation and prevents equitable access to opportunities for students. As an organization that is founded on increasing diversity and access to educational opportunities, we support affirmative action, we defend diversity and we affirm inclusivity. We do not support policies that result in the opposite outcome or any rhetoric that undermines racial equity and justice. In our survey that went out to about 22,000 high school seniors, college students and recent grads, 80% of our respondents approve of affirmative action. We believe race is part of a person’s identity and should be one of the factors that should be considered in a holistic admissions evaluation so that more students can receive a fair chance.” Christine Chen, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIA Vote) responded: “Nearly 70 percent of Asian Americans support affirmative action, according to our 2022 Asian American Voter Survey. This decision is another unfortunate example of our Supreme Court ignoring long-held precedent, and goes against what the vast majority of our communities believe. It is disappointing Asian Americans have been used as a wedge in this debate, instead of bringing all Americans together to transparently discuss the merits of affirmative action.” David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) stated: “The court’s dismantling of affirmative action has been done under the presumption that equal opportunity exists for all. We know this to be false both historically and in the present. The elimination of race consciousness in college admissions and employment decisions does nothing to promote equal opportunity. It will instead cover up the incredible diversity that makes this country stronger.” Seema Agnani, CEO of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) stated: “Affirmative action continues to be a vital pathway for low-income communities of color to access educational opportunities that have been historically denied to them by systemic barriers and discrimination. Increased educational opportunities lead to better outcomes for students, families, and communities, and affirmative action is thus an important strategy in the work to close the racial wealth gap. National CAPACD supports affirmative action and underscores the importance of inclusive academic spaces that reflect the diversity of this country.” Becky Belcore, Co-Director of the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) responded: “We condemn the Supreme Court decision as wrong and alarmingly destabilizing to democracy. Affirmative action policies recognize the historical and present-day exclusion faced by marginalized communities – including Asian Americans – and the impacts of such exclusion, and level the playing field so that every aspiring student has opportunities in education. In ruling race-conscious admissions as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court continues its recent pattern of weakening key civil rights policies.” Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates said: “The Supreme Court has chosen to ignore the reality of persistent racial discrimination and inequality in our country, and has undermined the efforts of educators and advocates to create more equitable and diverse learning environments. The ability to have a fair chance to pursue higher education in the United States is the embodiment of the American Dream. We will continue to support affirmative action policies that foster educational opportunity and access for all students, especially those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.” Samira Khan, President of the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA) commented: “SAPHA firmly believes that affirmative action is vital for addressing historical disparities, dismantling structural inequities and enabling marginalized students–including South Asian students–to thrive in academic settings by creating inclusive educational environments that reflect the diverse fabric of our society. The Supreme Court ruling undermines our collective efforts to create a more just and equitable society. While we are disappointed with this ruling, we remain steadfast in our efforts to advocate for inclusive and equitable policies.” Anisha Singh, Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition stated: “Inclusive education and representation for our communities isn’t just about what’s on the curriculum—it matters who is in the classroom to begin with. For decades, affirmative action has been an essential tool to ensuring that students from all communities have access to higher education. This ruling is a step backwards.” # # # Based in Washington, D.C., the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) coordinates and supports a coalition of forty-six national Asian Pacific American organizations that represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and to provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns. BACK TO PRESS RELEASES Next Item Previous Item BACK TO PRESS RELEASES
- LENAYA KIMBALL
LENAYA KIMBALL PROGRAM COORDINATOR OUR BOARD OUR LEADERSHIP OUR STAFF ABOUT OUR STAFF — Lenaya a program coordinator for Capacity for Health (C4H), the national capacity building program of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. She currently coordinates and leads the onboarding process for the National Learning Community for HIV Leadership. She brings a unique lens to her team, with diverse background experiences in biotech, hospital administration, nonprofits and self-employment. Prior to coming to APIAHF, Lenaya has explored many avenues to marry her need for creative expression and her calling to heal. She has run both a food business and a doula practice. Trained in health supportive cooking, herbal medicine making and certified as a birth and postpartum doula; Lenaya believes in a holistic approach to wellness on the personal, community and environmental level. “Along my journey, I have come to realize that everything is connected, we cannot address the environment, the economy, public health, etc. without inclusivity. It is at the intersection in the full richness of life, that we gain perspective to address our collective needs.” -Lenaya Next Item Previous Item BACK TO ALL STAFF