Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment

Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization.

Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan, community-based organization focused on the political and civic empowerment of the API community.

Meet Rachel Nguyễn, a 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) alumna and CAUSE Programs Intern this summer! Hear how her exp...
08/29/2026

Meet Rachel Nguyễn, a 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) alumna and CAUSE Programs Intern this summer! Hear how her experience at CAUSE has shaped her understanding of representation, public service, and the future of AAPI leadership.

Why did you join CAUSE? What were you hoping to gain from this experience?

Community brought me (back) to CAUSE! My most meaningful civic experiences have been in community, like helping someone cast their special election ballot at Haunted Little Tokyo or casting my own mock ballot with friends over donut holes at CAUSE and KADC’s AANHPI California Gubernatorial Forum. This summer, I hoped to better understand what it takes to build such moments. Through CLA programming, the AAPI Lead Community Reception & CAUSE Mock Election Night, and Summer Soirée, I’ve had the distinct opportunity to build and convene community and learn from the awesome CAUSE team and network of community partners, alumni, and friends who make that work possible.

Why are civic engagement and voting important to you?

I owe much of my politicization to my family—all of whom are extremely informed and opinionated, yet never felt like their voice mattered enough to participate in conventional political processes. I can only imagine how different participation might feel if it met us in the familiar rhythms of our lives, like dropping off our ballots at a mobile vote center outside our temple or passing around konjac jelly with friends as a commission meeting unfolds in a trusted community gathering space. My hope for the future is more accessible, welcoming, and fun entry points for APIs to have a stake in decisions that will impact our communities for generations to come because civic engagement is an opportunity to hang out, show up for one another, and shape the future together!

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CLA is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund, Southern California Gas Company, Edison International, Southwest Airlines, and the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumni.

Meet Natalie Bray, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern who was placed at the office of Congressman Ted Lieu thi...
08/25/2026

Meet Natalie Bray, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern who was placed at the office of Congressman Ted Lieu this summer! Hear how her experience through CLA has shaped her understanding of representation, public service, and the future of AAPI leadership.

What is one experience you’ve had through CLA that has been especially meaningful?
This summer, I attended the national AAPI Lead Summit for our cohort’s mock election. As an intern for Congressman Ted Lieu, I also attended another day of the summit and staffed the Congressman at his speaking panel event. This national summit brought together AANHPI electeds, advocates, and community leaders, and it was the first time I saw so much AANHPI representation gather to empower each other. I saw how effective organizing works, and I saw the amazing work AANHPIs continue to do to uplift their communities. This empowered me to connect with many of them and made me hopeful for our communities l as we push for progress and representation.

Why are civic engagement and voting important to you?
As an AANHPI woman and a political science student at USC with a minor in news media, I have learned the sheer importance of using your voice in times of adversity and finding strength through civic engagement. I acknowledge that I stand on the shoulders of many before me who did not have this ability, and I do not take it for granted. Thus, advocating for what one believes is right helps ensure that public issues are addressed through collective action. Through voting, people get a direct voice in shaping the systems around them, leading to empowerment and progress for the broader community. Civic engagement and voting strengthen community, and in an age of growing division, community is what we need most.

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CLA is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund, Southern California Gas Company, Edison International, Southwest Airlines, and the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumni.

AJSOCAL and CAUSE are launching the AANHPI Community Appointees Initiative to build a statewide pipeline of Asian Americ...
08/25/2026

AJSOCAL and CAUSE are launching the AANHPI Community Appointees Initiative to build a statewide pipeline of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders ready to serve on government boards, commissions, task forces, and advisory bodies.

California’s AANHPI communities are incredibly diverse. Our representation in public decision-making should reflect that diversity across ethnicities, languages, geographies, generations, and lived experiences. We’re looking for established and emerging leaders across California—prior appointment experience is not required.

Nominate yourself or a qualified leader in your network by September 9 to be considered for the inaugural statewide roster.

Nominate here: bit.ly/AANHPIappointmentsCA

Read the full press release for details on the initiative and timeline:
causeusa.org/news/2026/8/25/ajsocal-and-cause-launch-statewide-initiative-to-build-pipeline-of-aanhpi-leaders-for-public-appointments

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Meet Matthew Inui, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern that was placed at CAUSE this summer! Hear how his exper...
08/24/2026

Meet Matthew Inui, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern that was placed at CAUSE this summer! Hear how his experience through CLA has shaped his understanding of representation, public service, and the future of AAPI leadership.

What is one thing you’ve learned from CLA so far?
As the CAUSE intern, I helped to research small business resources in the 88 Los Angeles County cities that will ultimately help the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) create a wayfinding tool for small business owners. As I slogged through endless city websites, I had plenty of time to think about civic engagement, which I originally assumed was limited to engagement with government: voting, public comment, etc. But my work with CAUSE has shown me the importance of representation in all areas of civic society, whether or not it touches government. Whether it’s voting or small businesses, my time with CAUSE has helped me see the impact of their programming in a new light and renewed my commitment to fighting for AAPI representation across society.

What is one hope you have for the AAPI community in the coming year?
I hope the AAPI community understands that its voice matters. For too long, our voice and our vote have been assumed to be unimportant, both from within and outside. But especially in SoCal, our community can shape policy so it reflects our wants and needs. So I hope we can learn to be unapologetically loud in our advocacy, fighting together for our voices to be heard.

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CLA is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund, Southern California Gas Company, Edison International, Southwest Airlines, and the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumni.

Meet Kara Mak, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern placed in the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu! Hear how her...
08/21/2026

Meet Kara Mak, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern placed in the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu! Hear how her experience through CLA has shaped her understanding of representation, public service, and the future of AAPI leadership.

What is one experience you’ve had through CLA that has been especially meaningful?
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to engage with CAUSE’s diverse and impressive network of partners and supporters. I’ve gained so much insight through personal conversations with individuals like CAUSE Board Chair Charlie Woo and CAUSE 2026 Soiree Honoree Stephen Cheung. Hearing their perspectives and experiences has shaped how I think about the intersection of politics, policy, and community, and has challenged me to think more critically about my own work and assumptions. It’s shown me that one of the best ways to grow is to surround yourself with people who challenge, push, and expand the way you see the world

What is one experience that changed the way you view AAPI communities and their role in politics?
Personal experiences with constituents in my host office, as well as listening to the experiences of CAUSE ED Nancy Yap and Act to Change ED Soukprida Phetmisy, have taught me that while navigating the diversity of the AAPI community can be challenging, as AAPI leaders, it is not our job to personally represent all of those diverse interests in politics, but to make space for all those interests to be heard and respected. The diversity of the AAPI community is often seen as one of our community’s greatest challenges to putting up a united front; however, I think it proves that we, as a community, have things to say and diverse perspectives and experiences that deserve to be heard and represented.

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CLA is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund, Southern California Gas Company, Edison International, Southwest Airlines, and the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumni.

Meet Ivory Sihashath, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern placed in the Office of Senator Alex Padilla! Hear ho...
08/20/2026

Meet Ivory Sihashath, a 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) intern placed in the Office of Senator Alex Padilla! Hear how her experience through CLA has shaped her understanding of representation, public service, and the future of AAPI leadership.

What is one experience you’ve had through CLA that has been especially meaningful?
One experience I had through CLA that has been meaningful was the placement at my host office! I felt like I really got to see what a supportive and healthy work environment is like. I hope to bring that type of environment when I am in a leadership position one day.

Why are civic engagement and voting important to you?
Growing up Lao American in Arizona, I really saw how misinformation affects our democracy and our communities’ right to vote. As a result of the Second Indochina War, I really saw how fear affects people’s ability to participate in civic engagement. Through CAUSE, I really see how we need leaders who not just look like us, but also understand our communities to create a pathway that shows how government can be accessible for everyone.

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CLA is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund, Southern California Gas Company, Edison International, Southwest Airlines, and the 2025 CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumni.

The Los Angeles County Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF) will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, August 21, focused on ...
08/19/2026

The Los Angeles County Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF) will hold a Special Meeting on Friday, August 21, focused on hearing directly from the public about the future elected County Executive.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to participate in breakout group discussions, share their thoughts and feedback and provide public comment.

Friday, August 21, 2026
5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
Room 140A & 140B, First Floor
500 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

FYI: Entrance is from Gloria Molina Grand Park. Please walk toward the Civic Center block between First Street and Temple Street.

Optional RSVP form to help GRTF plan for attendance: https://forms.gle/AUo5PNfkhCWKxnfK8

**An RSVP is not required to attend or participate. The meeting is open to the public.

CAUSE, in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), have officially launched the...
08/17/2026

CAUSE, in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), have officially launched the AANHPI Community Appointees Initiative to strengthen AANHPI representation on government boards, commissions, task forces, and advisory bodies across California.

The initiative will identify and elevate qualified leaders, build a statewide pipeline of prospective appointees, and connect decision-making bodies with advocates who understand our diverse communities and will speak up for their needs. Together, we are working to strengthen pathways to public leadership and ensure that AANHPI voices help shape California's future.

Interested in serving—or know someone who should? Learn more and nominate an individual here: https://www.causeusa.org/aanhpi-community-appointees-intiative

Thank you for joining us for our 2026 CAUSE Summer Soirée: Shaping Futures!It was a special night celebrating our commun...
08/17/2026

Thank you for joining us for our 2026 CAUSE Summer Soirée: Shaping Futures!

It was a special night celebrating our community and the people who make our work possible. We were proud to honor Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation with the Inclusive Futures Award and Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis with the Community Builder Award.

We also celebrated our 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy cohort as they wrapped up their summer internships with us. The cohort brought Shaping Futures to life through an interactive activation that helped our community learn about the changes coming to Los Angeles through Measure G governance reform.

We were also so happy to celebrate Rachel Nguyen, our Summer Programs Intern and 2025 CLA alum, who completed an extended internship with the Governor’s Office of External Affairs this past year, and Diane Tabilas, a 2025 CAUSE on Campus intern who interned with the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs this spring.

And last but not least, a special thank you to everyone who helped make the evening possible:

Venue: Terasaki Budokan

Music: Keykool of Visionaries and DJ JustQ

Photography: Albert Liu Photography

Taste of Community Across LA County
Supervisorial District 1: Cafe Dulce | Park’s Finest
Supervisorial District 2: JiHwaJa Rice Bakery
Supervisorial District 3: NaaKin Thai Kitchen
Supervisorial District 4: Curry Lounge
Supervisorial District 5: Altadena Cookie Co.

To our interns, volunteers, alumni, supporters, and the entire CAUSE community, thank you for continuing to show up, give back, and grow with us. So much of what we do is possible because of this community, and we are grateful to keep shaping the future together.

CAUSE is proud to present the Community Builder Award to Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L....
08/13/2026

CAUSE is proud to present the Community Builder Award to Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis for her commitment to bringing communities together and uplifting Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities.

Supervisor Solis has been a longtime champion for API communities and a steadfast supporter of CAUSE. Throughout her years of public service, she has continued to uplift API voices and ensure our communities are seen, heard, and represented. We are deeply grateful for her continued partnership and dedication to community building.

At this year’s CAUSE Soirée Summer, a representative from Los Angeles County’s First Supervisorial District will accept the award on behalf of Supervisor Solis.

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