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CA API Coalition Unites More Than 200 Organizations for 
Third Annual Advocacy Day

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: advocacy@apiadvocates.org 

May 21, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, CA — More than 200 community organizations from across California united during API Heritage Month for the third annual California API Coalition Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on Monday, May 18th, 2026. Together, nearly 300 advocates formed 50 constituent teams to amplify the voices and priorities of Asian and Pacific Islander communities statewide. The Coalition successfully engaged with all 120 California Legislators.

 

"A logo tai, ua logo uta," shared Coalition Chair Manufou Liaiga-Anoa'i, a Samoan proverb reflecting what is felt in the ocean is felt on the land. Her culturally grounded leadership throughout the day fostered unity, connectedness, and collective strength across communities: "E so'o le fau i le fau."

 

Hundreds of community leaders began the outstanding Advocacy Day with a 12 pm press conference on the Capitol West Steps. Speakers included Chair of the California API Legislative Caucus Assemblymember Mike Fong, Vice Chair of the API Caucus Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Assemblymember Darshana Patel, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Assemblymember David Tangipa, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and API Advocates student intern and UC Davis Scholar, Ele Fifita. The Coalition stood in solidarity, uplifting personal testimonies towards their 2026 Top Three Priority Bills: AB 2374 (Mike Fong), AB 1242 (Nguyen), and AB 1878 (Patel). A full list of their Coalition priorities can be found here. 

 

“Thank you to all the diverse community leaders who came from across the state to share your personal stories and meet with your representatives,” said Chair of the API Legislative Caucus Assemblymember Mike Fong. “It’s also inspiring to see so many student interns join this amazing coalition!”

 

Later in the evening, community leaders, youth advocates, and elected officials gathered at the 200 STRONG Annual Advocacy Reception hosted by API Advocates, celebrating the Coalition's continued statewide impact and honoring the next generation of civic leaders. The reception recognized the 2026 California Capitol Spring Interns, Youth Steering Committee, Coalition Steering Committee, and the many hosting legislative offices and public officials who helped mentor and support emerging leaders throughout the Capitol experience. More than two dozen elected officials and community leaders joined the celebration, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CA API Legislative Caucus Chair Assemblymember Mike Fong, and Sacramento District Attorney Thein Ho. The events were expertly guided by emcees Eytan Wallace of FOX40 and Jenny Huh of ABC10.

 

“I am honored to support all the dedicated community leaders making this great Coalition and student internship program possible!” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. 

 

Student interns representing diverse communities across California were recognized for their outstanding leadership, public service, and commitment to civic engagement through placements with legislative and constitutional offices, state commissions, and advocacy organizations. 

 

“Programs like this help carve new pathways, build confidence, and give students firsthand experience in public service and leadership.  That investment matters, not only for the individuals in this space, but for the future of California,” said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. 

 

Recognized interns included:

  • Abeer Alharbi, Anisha Vikash, and Audrey Tang with the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Institute;

  • Anderson Amiya with the Office of Congressman Ami Bera; 

  • Monica Ochoa Bautizta with Senator McNerney; 

  • Amanda Brzozowski with Assemblymember. Schiavo; 

  • Reece Camacho with Assemblymember Ransom; 

  • Anthony Chan with Assemblymember Ta; 

  • Michael Dunn with Assemblymember Wilson; 

  • Ele Fifita with Assemblymember Tangipa; 

  • Sith Gingras with City of Sacramento’s Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes; 

  • Adrian Gonzalez with Assemblymember Hoover; 

  • Annie Harlan with Assemblymember Avila Farias; 

  • Ryan Homan with Assemblymember Muratsuchi; 

  • Sarah Kubasek with Assemblymember Caloza; 

  • Valen Lo with Assemblymember Nguyen; 

  • Ailana Mendiola-Power with Assemblymember Garcia; 

  • Marlizett Morales with Senator Alvarado Gil; 

  • Dylan Morgan with Assemblymember Elhawary; 

  • Sarra Osman with Assemblymember Kate Sanchez; 

  • Natalie Posell with the Office of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; 

  • Teo Richard with Assemblymember Wallis; 

  • Anureet Saini with Assemblymember Hadwick; and 

  • Jenna Townend with the California Commission on the Status Women and Girls.

 

Media coverage throughout the day highlighted the Coalition's growing statewide impact, with features by ABC 10, CBS, KCRA, and Telemundo. Live interviews were conducted with Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, API Advocates Executive Director Isa Whalen, and API Advocates Spanish-speaking student intern, Marlizett Morales, who shared their personal testimonies and insights on the critical policy priorities being advocated for at the State Capitol.

 

For additional interviews or content related to this event, please contact Isa Whalen, Executive Director of API Advocates, isa.whalen@apiadvocates.org .

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The CA API Advocacy Day Coalition is organized by API Advocates, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to building strong community partnerships and amplifying the voices of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Through flagship initiatives—the California API Advocacy Coalition, Advocacy Day, and the California Capitol Student Internship Program—API Advocates empowers individuals and communities to come together and advocate for meaningful, positive change.

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