Kim brings over 12 years of experience working alongside diverse partners in a collaborative manner across complex systems. She has leadership experience in nonprofit organizations and large health systems. Kim is passionate about fostering staff engagement and wellbeing, trauma informed practices, creating equitable and inclusive cultures and systems, and building authentic relationships with community and partner organizations. Kim is committed to her learning and growth to being antiracist, centering equity, and lifting the voices of others. Kim is biracial, a lifelong Oregonian, an avid reader, hiker, and Portland Thorns fan, and loves animals. She currently is working towards her PhD in Health Systems & Policy with her research centering on occupational stress, workforce psychological well being, Asian Community Health Workers, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amy (she/her) brings leadership experience in programs, advocacy, community engagement, food justice, and youth & family services.  Amy is passionate about building teams and supporting staff, advancing racial justice, and cultivating programs with love, trust, and care.  She is committed to shared leadership and fostering a workplace culture that centers equity & community-based priorities.

LP is a Filipino American, born and raised in one of the last working class neighborhoods in Honolulu, Hawai’i. In 2014, he moved to Portland, Oregon to study Sociology and Anthropology at Lewis & Clark College.

During his undergraduate career, he revived the Asian Student Union on campus and co-chaired their college’s Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies in 2016. He also led the 2018 alternative spring break to Yakama Nation, Central Washington with Lewis & Clark’s Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. The following summer, Lani also curated the annual Anakbayan-USA national exposure trip with Filipino-American youth organizers to the Philippines. As a youth leader, Lani sees the significance of grassroots efforts of youth leading our communities beyond campuses and universities. He also believes in the need to connect our local issues to global issues of migration, identity, and capitalism.

Outside of APANO, talk to LP about neuroscience and gender politics, and ask him how much he loves his dog.

Karmen is a second-generation Chinese American, born and raised in Southern California. She moved to Oregon in 2015 to study Environmental Science and Anthropology and to play soccer at Willamette University. During her undergraduate career, she was a collaborator in La Chíspa de Salem (The Salem Spark), an environmental justice coalition that sparks campus conversations about climate/energy justice and environmental racism. She was a student researcher in a project about Lyme Disease and healthcare inaccess. Karmen also led an alternative spring break trip about environmental and food justice to Seattle, WA with Willamette’s Community Service Learning program. In her last semester at Willamette, Karmen was a Legislative Intern at APANO, supporting Lobby Day preparations and member outreach and engagement efforts. From August 2019-20, she served in the AmeriCorps VISTA program as APANO’s Housing Resource Coordinator, with particular focus on expanding our Community Development goals in Washington County.

Karmen is excited to continue engaging her passion for justice, access, and community-centered change in her role as Community Outreach Manager.

In her free time, Karmen enjoys creating art, journaling, playing soccer, bouldering, traveling, learning how to garden, and laughing with friends and family.

Duncan Hwang grew up in a Taiwanese-American household in rural upper Michigan. He first became politicized while attending the University of Michigan where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Asian Studies. During this time he worked on numerous civic engagement and environmental campaigns. After graduating, he worked as a field organizer for a national nonprofit focusing on voter registration and GOTV campaigns. Duncan then moved to Portland, Oregon and obtained his J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2007.

After becoming an attorney, he relocated to Asia to practice international corporate law where he advised Fortune 500 companies on their cross-border merger and acquisition activities. In searching for more socially conscious work, he returned to Portland and has served as APANO’s Associate Director since 2013. He now works across APANO’s programs with the community development, policy advocacy, organizing, and cultural work programs ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to be successful. Duncan’s areas of policy work focus primarily on housing and transportation justice. In 2022, Duncan transitioned to the Community Development Director role.

In his free time, Duncan is an avid board gamer and plays futsal with his transportation advocacy focused team, Vision Zero Goals.

Alisa was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and identifies as biracial. She is fourth generation on both sides of her family: Japanese and Jewish American. After four years teaching English in Japan, Alisa moved to Portland to pursue her master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at PSU. During her studies she became more passionate about community language learning and after graduating started teaching citizenship classes at a local resettlement agency. This led to a full time position as the Community Outreach Supervisor for Refugee Services, focusing on community-based mental health. Alisa loves to meet new people and learn about different cultures and customs. She loves food (both eating and cooking) and believes gathering around food is one of the best ways to come together as a community. In her spare time, she loves to just hang out with her partner and their dog.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, cultural identity was not an emphasis outside of the home. With first generation ethnically Korean immigrant parents, born and raised in China, Janet has carried both Korean and Chinese cultural upbringings. Over time, this sparked, not only the embrace of her unique cultural upbringing, but also further exploration of diaspora.

With over seven years in the nonprofit sector, Janet has worked with Asian diaspora individuals on leadership and cultural identity development. She is passionate about access to culturally competent resources, and even created a mental health resource, for her master’s thesis.

She hopes for healing and thriving for all.

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Brian Liu is the Community Development Manager at APANO. With an education background in geography and urban planning, he is dedicated to promoting spatial equity through collaborative planning and design. Previously, as a community organizer in Seattle’s International District, Brian connected small businesses, seniors, and immigrants with relief funds, facilitated public engagement for neighborhood place-keeping projects, and organized COVID-19 vaccination clinics. He is committed to continuously serving the API communities in Portland.

Grace is second generation Korean-American. She grew up in Los Angeles and called San Francisco home before migrating North after completing culinary training. In Portland she was the chef at Santé earning The Oregonian's Restaurant of the Year award.

Grace eventually founded her own business, developing it into one of the Top 10 Women Owned Businesses several years running as noted by the Portland Business Journal. She managed her company through the lens of sustainability and reached many benchmarks in sustainable business operations including earning the BCorp Certification.

After 16 years, she sold the business to pursue her desire of working in the non-profit sector.

She is passionate about social justice and is pleased to be a part of the Community Development Team. As Small Business Advisor Manager for APANO she offers support, coaching, mentoring and development to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Grace enjoys an active lifestyle riding her bike, yoga, hiking, running, surfing and paddling on a Dragonboat team.

Ali Williams grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent several years working and obtaining higher education in Hawaiʻi on the island of O‘ahu.  She received her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in International Cultural Studies from BYU-Hawai’i then received her J.D. from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, William S. Richardson School of Law.  She finds a lot of fulfillment in helping people, which is why many of her past jobs and volunteer work has been with various government agencies and non-profits such as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, State of Hawaiʻi Legislative Reference Bureau, Pacific & Asian Affairs Council, City & County of Honolulu Ethics Commission, Pacific Survivor Center and the Domestic Violence Action Center.

Ali then moved back to Phoenix and started her own small business, Soak + Unwind, where she enjoyed a few years making bath and body products.  Ali has always enjoyed visiting the Pacific Northwest and wanted to make it her permanent home which is why she made the move to Portland and couldn’t be more excited to work at APANO as a Small Business Advisor.  In her free time Ali likes to read, explore the area by walking her dog, buy fresh flowers each week and check out the food scene!

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Jules Estacio (they/them) is a queer mixed Filipinx tender spoonie artist born and raised in unceded Duwamish land (Seattle, WA), currently residing in Cowlitz/Multnomah land (North Portland). They believe everyone is an artist and that art should “make the revolution irresistible,” so the art they create is reflective of joy, sorrow, play, connection, memory, and liberation. Jules centers a love ethic in their work grounded in their immediate community and the teachings of bell hooks, James Baldwin, adrienne maree brown, and other radical thinkers. They are passionate about building intentional relationships based on trust and a shared vision of a liberated future.

Outside of work Jules likes to read, game, journal, practice tarot, spoil their friends, and spend quality time with their fur babies, partner, and chosen family.

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Maiyee (they/she) is a second-generation Chinese-American and has lived in Oregon their entire life. They have had the privilege of working with diverse Asian communities throughout their professional journey from student clubs and the department of Diversity & Cultural Engagement at Oregon State University to neighborhood organizing and greening in the Jade District and program integration efforts between teams at APANO.

In their current role as Culture, Equity, and Integration (CEI) Manager, Maiyee is focused on supporting staff capacity and wellness through integrating principles of collective care, healing, and learning into organizational systems and culture. She is a strong believer that healing one’s self is also healing one’s community as self and community are never separate.

Her knowledge and practices draw strongly from the intersectional writings of adrienne maree brown, Grace Lee Boggs, and bell hooks and shared conversations and social media posts with friends. In addition to reading books on healing and “self-help”, Maiyee also enjoys getting delicious foods and goodies from local BIPOC small businesses and various pop-ups & farmers markets across the Portland/Metro area.

Elora made the move to Portland in 2020, leaving behind her southern California roots. She earned a BA in Literature and Writing, with a minor in Spanish from Cal State University San Marcos, initially aspiring to become a high school English teacher. However, her career trajectory veered into Human Resources, driven by her people-centric nature and a passion for helping others. In this field, she has gained significant expertise, earned professional certifications, and has thrived across multiple industries and locations. Most recently, Elora spent 3.5 years overseeing all aspects of Human Resources at another local non-profit organization, the Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon).

Now, Elora is excited to serve as APANO's HR Operations Director, where she looks forward to supporting the organization's mission and impact. As someone with a multicultural background, she values equity-driven work, and the power of diverse voices in shaping meaningful change.

Outside of work, Elora loves spending time with her family- her son, husband, two dogs and two cats. She also plays in an amateur pool/billiards league, is an avid Pilates enthusiast, plays music, loves to cook, and enjoys summertime activities that involve being in or around large bodies of water.

Sorya is a second-generation Cambodian Taiwanese American, born and raised in the PNW.  Growing up in a multicultural and multigenerational home, she is dedicated to cultural work and social justice within marginalized communities. Completing her Bachelor's in Digital Technology and Culture from Washington State University Vancouver has given Sorya a strong passion for development and creative work. In her previous position at NW Natural, Sorya expanded her knowledge of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through being a member of the DEI Council and Women's Network.  "Sorya" means sun, or sunlight, in Khmer (Cambodian). She hopes to live up to her name and create a brighter future for herself and others.

In her free time Sorya enjoys fiber arts such as knitting and crocheting, as well as spending time traveling and exploring the world!

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Jason has over 14 years of experience in financial management, including ten years and counting working with Portland and Southwest Washington area nonprofits, with a proven track record in audit compliance and organizational leadership. With a willingness to think outside the box, Jason is passionate about supporting unique and innovative programs that impact local communities, and exploring the role that finance can play in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and the world.

Michael worked in the non-profit entertainment industry under Theatre and Music as a production stage manager for various San Francisco companies and organizations, most notably Berkeley Rep, Campo Santo, Aurora Theatre Co., and SFJAZZ.

Prior to joining APANO, he worked as office manager for ICF International and SFJAZZ, building 18 years of experience in office administration. Outside of trying to save the world, Michael enjoys cooking with his wife and boarding doggies.

Summer first started working as a receptionist and has worked her way up to be a Lead Employment Specialist with Express Employment Professionals before joining APANO. She has 10 years of HR knowledge and experience. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with various HR teams from different industries. Summer finds success through partnering with hiring managers to determine staffing needs leading to place the right candidate with the right company. She acts as a liaison between employees and managers. Her extensive background as a life insurance agent has broadened her lens to community issues and finding solutions. With her knowledge she wants to make an impact in people’s lives and share resources to those who are in need. Summer believes in doing the right things for the right reasons. Summer is friendly and always acts with a sense of urgency adhering to applicable laws and policies. She is passionate about her community and will give with kindness.

Jean Kang is a finance professional with over 7 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specialising in accounting, payroll and financial planning and analysis. With a passion for empowering organizations, Jean combines technical expertise with a continuous improvement commitment and meaningful impact.

Outside of work, Jean enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring emerging professionals, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Megumi (she/her) comes from a multicultural background and spent her childhood between Beaverton, Oregon and Osaka, Japan. She is Shin-Nisei (new second generation) on her mothers side.

After receiving her Master's degree in Sustainable Cultural Heritage in Rome, Italy, Megumi lived in Japan before returning back to Oregon. Previous to APANO, she worked at IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization) with their in-kind fundraising program, and most recently with Portland Japanese Garden as their Assistant Director of Philanthropy. Megumi is dedicated to bringing a community centric approach to fundraising and increasing support of philanthropic efforts within marginalized communities.

Megumi currently sits on the Board of JAMO (Japanese American Museum of Oregon), and spends her time volunteering with JASO (Japan-America Society of Oregon) on both the Women's Leadership Council and Culture Committee. Megumi enjoys experiencing new cultures, yoga, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Hina. She puts family at the forefront of everything, and shares deep gratitude and appreciation to her parents.

Linh is 1.5 generation Vietnamese-American who came to the states with her parents and brother in 1980 and grew up in Houston, Texas. She’s been in Portland 7 years and has grown to love it more each year.

She has been connected to her community since childhood, when her parents were involved with non-profit organizations and social activism, but only understood it more deeply when she worked with various organizations in Houston. She also grew up in an environment where self-employment was a path toward independence and empowerment, and gave one the opportunity to help others.

She joined the Jade District team because she believes that a multi-ethnic diverse community can thrive and flourish, and ethnically-owned small businesses are crucial in that development and vision.  She would love to see more people of color-owned small businesses along Division Street and 82nd Ave, and for the area to continue beyond the destination for families, youth, and residents alike to catch-up, eat, drink, shop and connect with their roots or share their roots.

Wanna Lei is the Community Engagement Manager at APANO, is an immigrant herself, and a mom of two. She got involved with APANO because of her passion to get a Chinese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program to SE Portland, an area in which most new Chinese Immigrants live. Leading a group of new immigrant moms (Spicy Moms), they won the campaign to bring Portland’s third Chinese DLI program to Harrison Park Elementary School in SE Portland in September of 2017.

At APANO, Wanna focuses on organizing parents and expanding APANO’s immigrant base to include tenants and workers. She hopes to bring immigrant parents together to address issues the Chinese community struggles with. She is inspired by the many super moms she has worked with, forming a collective of smart, dedicated, and passionate people.  She challenges herself to grow and is on a mission to grow with the many immigrant moms who have similar experiences and struggles as ones she’s faced and continues facing.

She loves Zumba, Yoga, beauty, culture exploring and living a healthy life style. She welcomes Chinese immigrants and parents to join us!

Oom is a first-generation Thai-American who was born and raised in Bangkok before relocating to Portland 13 years ago. In Thailand, she earned a degree in Advertising but embarked on her initial career path as an actress and TV show host. Later, she ventured into entrepreneurship, founding her own media company. Over the years, Oom has produced and hosted numerous TV shows, including one focusing on organic rice farming, where she purchased land and transformed it into an organic rice farm. Additionally, she began publishing a magazine and pocket books.

Now based in Portland, Oom is the Workforce and Development Manager at APANO, where she is passionate about connecting individuals with meaningful resources and opportunities. She is especially committed to building a strong Asian workforce in clean energy construction, early education, and healthcare. She has two lovely daughters who currently attend a Japanese-Immersion school. Oom cherishes spending time with her family, exploring new cuisines, hiking, embarking on trips, and delving into new board and card games.

Identifying as a lifelong learner, Oom consistently seeks to master new skills, whether it's pickleball, sewing and knitting intricate patterns, experimenting with baking recipes, or simply expanding her knowledge on various subjects.

Nha got a scholarship from Vietnam to study abroad and started her education at Oregon City High School. After that, she moved to Portland and fell in love with Oregon, making it her home for more than 15 years. Nha’s educational background is in Public Health and Nursing. Like many other immigrant families in the U.S., her family had to go through many obstacles for a stable life. She believes that where people end up is not dependent on where they began in life.

Nha enjoys working with people and connecting them with resources to achieve their needs. She focuses her work on health programs at APANO such as Reducing Cervical Cancer in Vietnamese Women with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Covid Vaccine Clinics with Oregon Health Authority and PCC, etc. Her wish for the Vietnamese community is to be united and their voices to be heard. Her motto that she lives by is “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

With over a decade of experience in political strategy, policy development, digital organizing, and advocacy, Kaliko Castille has built a reputation for his leadership, expertise in crafting impactful digital organizing strategies and track record of driving community engagement. Before joining APANO, Kaliko co-founded ThndrStrm Strategies, a digital strategy firm that helped political campaigns and organizations enhance their digital presence.

Kaliko has been a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, recognized for his leadership and advocacy. His work has been featured in major media outlets such as MSNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, Cheddar, The Hill, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and more. He was also named to MJ Venture’s "40 under 40" list for his contributions to the cannabis sector.

His extensive experience includes serving as the Director of Marketing and Head of Growth for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) and as the President of the Board of Directors for the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA). In these roles, Kaliko helped lead significant policy initiatives, including the creation and implementation of MCBA’s National Cannabis Equity Report, the development of model cannabis legalization policies for state legislatures and lobbying for equitable cannabis policies at the federal level.

Notably, he ran for State Representative in Oregon in 2022, applying his expertise in digital strategy and community organizing to his own campaign. Additionally, he has worked on statewide political campaigns including for State Treasurer Tobias Read, providing strategic direction and digital strategy to drive voter engagement.

Kaliko's diverse background in policy, advocacy, and digital strategy makes him a valuable asset in the ongoing fight for equity and representation in the halls of power here in Oregon.

Sam was raised in Chicago, Illinois where she completed her Bachelor's in Environmental Science and later went on to earn a Master's in Public Policy as well from Loyola University Chicago. She is the daughter of a Cantonese immigrant parent and proud member of the queer community. Through her work in advocacy and environmental justice, Sam aims to bridge the gap between policy/decision makers and the people they serve. Since moving to Portland a few years ago, she has developed a deep appreciation for the people here and is continuously inspired by all Oregonians. When not working, she likes to game, read, and spend time with her puppy, XingYin.

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My parents and I are refugees from Laos. I resettled in Portland Oregon in 1980 with my parents. I graduated from California State University Chico with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with core classes in Power, Wealth, and Inequalities. I have a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University. The refugee experience has shaped my values of equity, social justice, and community and I am committed to making sure that our immigrant population has an equal opportunity at success. I serve on the Advisory Board of the Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center, East County Rising PAC Board, and Asian Pacific Islander Community Coalition of Oregon. I am also the elected President of Iu Mien Association of Oregon, and Reynolds School Board Director.