CLP 2013 Participants
Jaycee Chang
APALI Youth Leadership Academy 2009
APALI Leadership Training Internship 2012
University of California Davis
APALI Leadership Training Internship 2012
University of California Davis
Yan Yin K. Choy
B.A. in Environmental Studies, minor in Anthropology, San José State University, December 2012
Intern, Office of Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Nora Campos
Yan Yin K. Choy is a Dean’s Scholar (2012) and recipient of the 2012 César E. Chávez Memorial Education Award. Yan Yin was formerly the coordinator of the I THINK program with the SJSU Associated Students (A.S.) César E. Chávez Community Action Center, mentor for the 2010 Youth Leadership Academy with the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute, coordinator of the inaugural 2012 South Bay Womyn’s Conference, A.S. Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and producer of the 10th SJSU V-Day benefit production to end violence against women and girls. She currently interns at the Office of Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Nora Campos, and coordinates communication for the Santa Clara County Office of Women's Policy, with an emphasis on their Strong Girls, Strong Women Leadership Conference on May 4, 2013. Yan Yin also organizes with the Asian Pacific Islander Justice Coalition. In her free time Yan Yin loves to bike, hike, and paint.
Guadalupe "Lupe" Garcia
B.A in Sociology with social service option and minor in recreation from CSU East Bay
Guadalupe is member of the May Day Coalition March in Mountain View, TIGRA, and PIA. When she is not at work or doing community service Lupe likes to spend time with friends and family. She hopes to be able to someday work with at risk youth or in a school setting.
Guadalupe is member of the May Day Coalition March in Mountain View, TIGRA, and PIA. When she is not at work or doing community service Lupe likes to spend time with friends and family. She hopes to be able to someday work with at risk youth or in a school setting.
James Gonzales
James Gonzales has worked in law enforcement for over a decade in the Silicon Valley. He has been a court appointed educational rights advocate for juveniles in the criminal justice system. He serves on the board of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association where he is director of political affairs. While at the SJPOA, James has worked on building better relationships with the community and giving his members a larger voice in local politics. He has experience working on political campaigns and frequently is seen on local television commenting on public safety issues. In February of 2012 James was elected President of BAYMEC, silicon valleys oldest and largest LGBT political action committee.
Laura Guillen
Laura Ortiz Guillén is a bilingual and bicultural Chicana Psychologist in independent practice in Berkeley, CA. She is the eldest of four children from immigrant parents. Laura was a first-generation college student. She obtained a BA in Psychology at UC Irvine and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Washington State University. Currently, she provides individual, couples and group counseling to community members, offers training and consulting support to community organizations. Some of her current civic work includes supporting the undocumented immigrant population, in particular AB 540 students in higher education. She participates in a Curandera apprenticeship with an aspiration to formally blend Indigenous and Western therapy practices.
Kelsey Haynes
Kelsey Haynes will be attending Seattle University in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities for Leadership with specialization in social justice. Previously, she has worked as the sole youth intern for Faith In Action Silicon Valley Rotating Shelter, where she helped to organize an interfaith youth community within Santa Clara County, working to advocate for the organization and to motivate youth to take action within their community. She is currently working on a project with NOVA Youth Program, which offers jobs to disadvantaged youth, to develop a leadership program to empower older youth to gain leadership and organizational skills while providing necessary mentorships to younger clients.
Janet Hung
UC Davis, Major in Nutrition Science, minor in Spanish
Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Nutritionist
Janet graduated from UC Davis with a major in nutrition and a minor in Spanish. As a foodie and a health enthusiast, it's no surprise that Janet is a nutritionist with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.She loves using her language skills and creative and artistic side to make nutrition education fun and engaging. She is particularly interested in social issues involving food insecurity, obesity, and social/environmental factors leading to poor nutrition. She hopes to obtain a yoga teacher training certification in the future to guide others to feel emotionally, mentally, and physically stronger.
Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Nutritionist
Janet graduated from UC Davis with a major in nutrition and a minor in Spanish. As a foodie and a health enthusiast, it's no surprise that Janet is a nutritionist with Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.She loves using her language skills and creative and artistic side to make nutrition education fun and engaging. She is particularly interested in social issues involving food insecurity, obesity, and social/environmental factors leading to poor nutrition. She hopes to obtain a yoga teacher training certification in the future to guide others to feel emotionally, mentally, and physically stronger.
Angela Jaffari
Angela Jaffari was born and raised in Middle East and in country of Iran. Thirty five years ago, she immigrated with her husband to United States and resided in Santa Clara County. Angela raised three successful adults and is grandmother of two beautiful kids.
In her history of public service, Angela has worked at Santa Clara County Office of Education, as an Administrative Assistant for 14 years. And now, she is a member of Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI). However, Angela would like to become a life-long public servant. She is committed to APALI Civic principles and the mission of service and support.
In her history of public service, Angela has worked at Santa Clara County Office of Education, as an Administrative Assistant for 14 years. And now, she is a member of Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI). However, Angela would like to become a life-long public servant. She is committed to APALI Civic principles and the mission of service and support.
Fernanda Karp
Fernanda Perdomo A. Karp is the Director of Campus and Community Relations in the Division of Student Affairs at San José State University. She serves as liaison to the campus community and external university partners to develop initiatives designed to promote access and success for underrepresented, first generation and veteran student populations.
Fernanda is a board member of the Latina Coalition Silicon Valley (LCSV) and a Fellow in the Latino Board Leadership Academy (LBLA) 2013-Class III.
Fernanda earned an MA in Public Administration and a BA in Mathematics (Statistics), both from San José State University. Before pursuing her studies at SJSU, she studied law at the Universidad Externado de Colombia in her native country of Colombia.
Fernanda is a board member of the Latina Coalition Silicon Valley (LCSV) and a Fellow in the Latino Board Leadership Academy (LBLA) 2013-Class III.
Fernanda earned an MA in Public Administration and a BA in Mathematics (Statistics), both from San José State University. Before pursuing her studies at SJSU, she studied law at the Universidad Externado de Colombia in her native country of Colombia.
Emily Kim
Emily is originally from Southern California. She obtained a B.S. degree in Mathematical Sciences and a minor in Music from UC Santa Barbara. After graduating in 2010, she moved to San Jose to explore career options in the Bay Area. While attending SJSU, working on receiving a Teaching Credential in Math, Emily started working at Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI). She is currently the Development Coordinator at the non-profit, immersed in planning several events to celebrate the agency’s 40th anniversary. A dedicated volunteer at her church, Emily fulfills administrative duties for the young adults ministry. Her interests in civic engagement revolve around mental health and wellness for all age groups. She loves to explore new places and new foods and is always open to an adventure!
Nancy Le
"Nancy Le is the Community Outreach Liaison in the Center for Addiction Recovery & Empowerment (CARE) at Asian Americans for Community Involvement. She works directly with the Vietnamese community in East San Jose to raise awareness and create dialogue on issues of problem gambling, addiction, prevention and recovery to promote healthy lifestyles.
Nancy was born in East San Jose and later graduated with Honors from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies and a minor in Community & Regional Development and received the Academic Achievement Award and the Community Service Award. Her passion and interest include issues of social justice, public interest & public service, educational equity, community solidarity, and research. Nancy hopes to someday pursue Public Interest Law to create legal literacy for communities and provide representation for underrepresented and unrepresented communities."
Nancy was born in East San Jose and later graduated with Honors from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian American Studies and a minor in Community & Regional Development and received the Academic Achievement Award and the Community Service Award. Her passion and interest include issues of social justice, public interest & public service, educational equity, community solidarity, and research. Nancy hopes to someday pursue Public Interest Law to create legal literacy for communities and provide representation for underrepresented and unrepresented communities."
Ellen J. Lin
Ellen J. Lin, Ph.D., has been employed as licensed psychologist at Counseling Services at San José State University since 2004 and became the Director in 2011. She previously served as the Co-Chair of the SJSU Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association (APIFSA), was a member of the SJSU Academic Senate, and was the Vice Chair of South Bay First Thursdays. Ellen currently serves as the External Liaison for APIFSA, and represents APIFSA on API Justice Coalition. She received her B.A. in Psychology with Business Emphasis at UCLA, and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Washington State University.
Rosemarie Nahm
B.A. Wellesley College
J.D. Boalt Hall School of Law
Real Estate Attorney and Community Volunteer
J.D. Boalt Hall School of Law
Real Estate Attorney and Community Volunteer
Binh Nguyen
Binh Nguyen spent his childhood and early adulthood in Saigon, Vietnam. Growing up with a single mother but being fortunate to go to school led him to a firm belief in the need to reach out to our neighbors with arms of compassion & education values. In 2007, he helped to cohost a very first education symposium sponsored by Stanford University at Van Lang University, Vietnam. Living in the Bay Area, he experienced the call to ensure that medical care is a right of all people through policy work. Politically, he spent his last summer to help set up a health fair for State Senator Elaine Alquist with her colleagues and got involved in securing logistics for Vision New America's health fair at Yerba Buena High School in the East Side of San Jose. Struggled with budget cuts to community colleges, he spent over 160 hours generating public support for Proposition 30 and registering new voters. He is an alumni of Democratic Gain 2012 Raise Your Voice Training Program and a graduate of Vision New America Class of 2012. He feels blessed to work together with so many people who share his passion to be positive agents of change in their communities.
He has plans of attending medical school. He has a strong academic foundation and seeks to rebuild his life through education. His goal is to be a leader in medicine and politics.
He has plans of attending medical school. He has a strong academic foundation and seeks to rebuild his life through education. His goal is to be a leader in medicine and politics.
Kevin Nguyen
APALI Youth Leadership Academy 2012
Elisa Orona
Elisa Orona recently joined Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) as Grants and Contracts Manager for the 40-year-old community health organziation. Before AACI, Ms. Orona managed the 3-year transition of the Mexican Heritage Plaza for the City of San José. She was also a founding staff member of the School of Arts and Culture, the new non-profit operator of the MHP. She received her undergraduate degree in rhetoric from UC Berkeley and holds a master's degree in public policy from Carnegie Mellon University. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Guatemala ’05-’07) and currently serves as President of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley.
Dat Tommy Phan
Dat is a Vietnamese American community leader from San Jose, California. He currently works as a District Field Representative for Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Nora Campos, representing the city of San Jose.
Prior to joining the California State Assembly, he worked with several legislative offices and community organizations throughout the Bay Area, developing a passion for educational equity, urban sustainability, and social justice. Dat attributes his civic engagement and political consciousness to his experience working with the Vietnamese community in San Jose.
He earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration with minors in Public Policy and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
Prior to joining the California State Assembly, he worked with several legislative offices and community organizations throughout the Bay Area, developing a passion for educational equity, urban sustainability, and social justice. Dat attributes his civic engagement and political consciousness to his experience working with the Vietnamese community in San Jose.
He earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration with minors in Public Policy and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
Sophia Quattlebaum
B.A. in Political Science, UCLA
Field Representative for Assemblymember Paul Fong
Sophia was born in Taiwan, then immigrated to the U.S. at a young age. She grew up in different parts of the Bay Area and experienced firsthand many of the issues that keep individuals disempowered and disadvantaged communities from moving forward. She cares about many issues including: social justice and equality, quality and accessibility in public education, a clean and safe environment, voter education and participation, as well as, financial independence and accountability. In addition, she is passionate about encouraging others to take control of their health and wellness by staying active, eating well, and finding balance in the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their lives.
Field Representative for Assemblymember Paul Fong
Sophia was born in Taiwan, then immigrated to the U.S. at a young age. She grew up in different parts of the Bay Area and experienced firsthand many of the issues that keep individuals disempowered and disadvantaged communities from moving forward. She cares about many issues including: social justice and equality, quality and accessibility in public education, a clean and safe environment, voter education and participation, as well as, financial independence and accountability. In addition, she is passionate about encouraging others to take control of their health and wellness by staying active, eating well, and finding balance in the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their lives.
Dennis Raj
Political Director in South Labor Council
Karla Reyes
Karla Reyes is a small business owner that wants to help entrepreneurs make the world a better place. She is a Certified Business Advisor, and a proud graduate of San Jose State University. Karla is an advocate of women and immigrant rights, and she loves public speaking.
Maylea Saito
APALI Youth Leadership Academy 2012
Evelyn Shieh
B.A. Psychology, Cum Laude (2011), San Jose State University
Telephone Counselor at Crisis Line
Evelyn Shieh was a Dean’s Scholar twice, is a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, and a member of Psy Chi, SJSU’s Honor Society for Psychology Majors. She was active in Students for Quality Education, an organization that spearheaded with California Faculty Association to fight against numerous budget cuts that were implemented on the CSU system. She is now volunteering as a telephone counselor at a crisis line and has spoken to multiple persons on a variety of crises (e.g. suicidal ideation, homelessness, or fatal disease). She is currently applying to graduate school to achieve the goal of obtaining a Ph.D. to become a Therapist, Researcher, and Professor in Clinical Psychology. She aims to become a researcher that publishes what can become actionable knowledge, a clinical therapist with a focus on LGBT persons, and a professor who teaches both to increase awareness of the relevance of psychology and the visibility of LGBT youth. She aspires to become a vocal leader that will act as a bridge between psychology and the LGBT community, improving the visibility of both as a result.
Telephone Counselor at Crisis Line
Evelyn Shieh was a Dean’s Scholar twice, is a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, and a member of Psy Chi, SJSU’s Honor Society for Psychology Majors. She was active in Students for Quality Education, an organization that spearheaded with California Faculty Association to fight against numerous budget cuts that were implemented on the CSU system. She is now volunteering as a telephone counselor at a crisis line and has spoken to multiple persons on a variety of crises (e.g. suicidal ideation, homelessness, or fatal disease). She is currently applying to graduate school to achieve the goal of obtaining a Ph.D. to become a Therapist, Researcher, and Professor in Clinical Psychology. She aims to become a researcher that publishes what can become actionable knowledge, a clinical therapist with a focus on LGBT persons, and a professor who teaches both to increase awareness of the relevance of psychology and the visibility of LGBT youth. She aspires to become a vocal leader that will act as a bridge between psychology and the LGBT community, improving the visibility of both as a result.
Shawn Sieu-Nguyen
Shawn is the Student Government President at Evergreen Valley College. Additional to guiding his 15-member board, he represents the students of Evergreen at the district level as their Student Trustee. He is responsible for helping revive Evergreen’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor’s society for community colleges. He currently serves as their VP of Hallmarks. Outside of school, Shawn is the President of the St. Patrick Leadership Program at St. Patrick’s church in San Jose, CA, a program that aims at empowering middle school/high school youth to take up leadership positions. Shawn enjoys taking care of his two dogs and currently aspires to own a loyal duck.
Bonnie Sugiyama
Director
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center
Women Resource Center
San Jose State University
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center
Women Resource Center
San Jose State University
Angella Tai
Kenny Tram
Lena Tran
Lena Tran was born in San Diego, CA. She was raised by a first generation Vietnamese refugee mother with a spirit of a survivor. Growing up as an API womyn and low-income in the suburbs of San Diego, Lena experienced growing pains with understanding her identity, roots and hystory. She moved to the Bay Area to attend University of California Berkeley where she earned her B.A. in 2012, double majoring in Asian American Studies and Sociology. During her college years, she found her love and passion for social justice as she was able to identify her struggle with that of other marginalized communities. She held leadership positions in various student organizations and had the opportunity to work at the UC Berkeley Labor Center. Being deeply involved in student activism and the fight for educational justice, Lena was awarded the Cal Alumni Association Leadership Award in 2011. Now living in Santa Clara County, Lena is currently the Community Outreach Liaison for Asian Americans for Community Involvement’s Center for Addiction Recovery and Empowerment program. She hopes to apply for graduate school in the near future and remain active in the community. In her spare time, Lena enjoys cooking for family and friends, and running.
Josephine Villanueva
APALI Program and Outreach Manager
Josephine Villanueva is attending De Anza College and plans to pursue Global Studies. She is part of APALI Youth Leadership Academy 2011 and Leadership Training Internship 2012. On campus, she serves as the Co-President of Asian Pacific American Students for Leadership and the Student Representative of AANAPISI Grant Steering Committee. Last June Primaries and November General Elections, she worked as an organizer for My Vote Our Future campaign, sponsored by Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters and De Anza Institute of Community and Civic Engagement, to engage immigrants, low-income families and students to vote. Off campus, she is involved in SANDIWA National Alliance of Filipino American Youth, wherein she is currently part of the Migrante Partylist Committee, uniting Filipinos around the world to take a seat in the Philippines Congress. Social issues that concern women, youth and immigrants are Josephine’s motivation to continue and finish higher education so she can better serve our community.
Josephine Villanueva is attending De Anza College and plans to pursue Global Studies. She is part of APALI Youth Leadership Academy 2011 and Leadership Training Internship 2012. On campus, she serves as the Co-President of Asian Pacific American Students for Leadership and the Student Representative of AANAPISI Grant Steering Committee. Last June Primaries and November General Elections, she worked as an organizer for My Vote Our Future campaign, sponsored by Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters and De Anza Institute of Community and Civic Engagement, to engage immigrants, low-income families and students to vote. Off campus, she is involved in SANDIWA National Alliance of Filipino American Youth, wherein she is currently part of the Migrante Partylist Committee, uniting Filipinos around the world to take a seat in the Philippines Congress. Social issues that concern women, youth and immigrants are Josephine’s motivation to continue and finish higher education so she can better serve our community.
