Event Description
Asian American Pacific Heritage Month offers a moment, albeit brief, for our communities and allies to reflect, strategize, and mobilize to expand resources for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities to build a more just and equitable society. What is the state of AANPHI communities today? Where do we go now after two years of pandemic that has brought heartache and fear that has tested our resiliency? How does one find joy and grieve, embracing both with equal fervor? Join Asian Americans /Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) — Los Angeles and Southern California Grantmakers for this virtual webinar to celebrate and commemorate Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian American communities — and strengthen our resolve for a resilient future.
Speakers
Erin Limlingan SCG Member
Donor Relations Officer, California Community Foundation
Erin Limlingan is a Steering Committee Member for the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) Los Angeles Chapter. In her role at the California Community Foundation, she serves as a relationship manager and partners with individual donors, families, and advisors to fulfill their philanthropic visions and maximize the impact of their giving. Prior to joining the foundation, she secured funds for transformational conservation projects and worked in the Bay Area to help private, public and community foundations integrate impact investing practices.
Isra Pananon Weeks
Interim Executive Director, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF)
Isra Pananon Weeks is a 2nd generation Thai American and Chief of Staff at the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), an organization dedicated to building power with AAPI women and girls. Isra arrived at NAPAWF after a decade of working in the environment and conservation field.
As a "Citizen Soldier," Isra served in many roles throughout her career in government, non-profits, and the military. She's managed executive teams, led DEIB initiatives, implemented strategic planning processes, and facilitated organizational change projects. As a social worker, Isra is skilled at leading and facilitating virtual meetings and creating systems that help teams thrive and succeed.
Isra was a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of the Interior from 2012-2015 and has served in the United States Army Reserve since 2010. She earned masters degrees from the University of Baltimore School of Public and International Affairs and the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Isra is fully committed to cultivating leaders at all levels of organizations and to building inclusive environments that foster a strong sense of belonging.
As a "Citizen Soldier," Isra served in many roles throughout her career in government, non-profits, and the military. She's managed executive teams, led DEIB initiatives, implemented strategic planning processes, and facilitated organizational change projects. As a social worker, Isra is skilled at leading and facilitating virtual meetings and creating systems that help teams thrive and succeed.
Isra was a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of the Interior from 2012-2015 and has served in the United States Army Reserve since 2010. She earned masters degrees from the University of Baltimore School of Public and International Affairs and the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Isra is fully committed to cultivating leaders at all levels of organizations and to building inclusive environments that foster a strong sense of belonging.
Sandy Chiang SCG Member
Senior Program Manager, The California Endowment
Sandy Chiang is Senior Program Manager for the Programs and Partnerships Department at The California Endowment. Sandy has been with The California Endowment since 2007, starting off as a Program Associate and becoming a Program Manager for the Long Beach and more recently, the Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities initiative. Prior to joining The Endowmentin 2007, Sandywas director of the Justice, Advocacy and Compassion (JAC) Ministry for NewSong Community Church where she developed strategies to engage and mobilize congregation members to become involved in social justice advocacy. Sandy also workedfor Kaiser Permanente Southern California Medical Group and wasproject director for People Assisting the Homeless (P.A.T.H.) where she oversaw the organizational design and implementation of the PATHHealth Clinic, which provides primary health care services to homeless individuals in Los Angeles.A resident of Los Angeleswith her husband and two children, Sandyearned her bachelor’s degree inMicrobiology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA and her master’s degree in Public Health from Loma Linda University.
Tavae Samuelu
Executive Director, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC)
Tavae Samuelu is the daughter of a pastor from Leulumoega and a nurse from Saleimoa in Sāmoa. As the Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), she’s a passionate advocate for Pacific Islanders and is committed to liberation for all. Tavae was born and raised on Tongva Territory, and credits her time on unceded Ohlone land for her political consciousness. Before joining EPIC, Tavae served as the Development Director for the RYSE Youth Center in Richmond and has since become a member of RYSE’s Board of Directors. In addition to that she serves as the Vice President of the AAPI Equity Alliance board, a member of the NCAPA Executive Committee, and most recently joined the CA 100 as a commissioner. During the pandemic she has learned that her most important title is Aunty Vae.
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