Senator Portantino Honors Community Leaders & Activists in Celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
For Immediate Release: June 4, 2024
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Honors Community Leaders & Activists in Celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Pasadena, CA - In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI), Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) recognized AAPI women, businesses and nonprofit organizations Friday, May 31st in Pasadena. The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the AAPI community and the achievements and contributions of the community’s leaders in the 25th Senate District.
Since 1990, the U.S. government has designated the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
May was chosen as annual AAPI Heritage Month by Congress because of two significant historical events for the AAPI community in the United States. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant traveled to the United States. On May 10, 1869 the transcontinental railroad was completed and the majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
“Taking time to raise awareness and appreciation of our broad communities in our state helps us remember that we all play a part in working towards creating inclusivity and understanding in our society,” stated Senator Portantino. “During AAPI Heritage Month, I am proud to recognize our community champions throughout the 25th District who are dedicated to serving our cities and neighborhoods with distinction. It is important to recognize our diverse and rich cultural heritage, as well as the ongoing challenges they face, not only during the month of May, but year round.”
Senator Portantino recognized twenty deserving honorees who have positively contributed to our communities and the State of California.
25th Senate District AAPI Honorees
Ahee Han, La Cañada Flintridge
Ahee Han is committed to promoting excellence within her community through her professional career and as a community volunteer. As President of the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation and Chair of the Korean Outreach Committee, she actively fundraises for the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) and fosters increased Korean-American involvement in the larger school community. Ahee’s dedication to public service and strong leadership extends through her contributions on the LCUSD DEI Committee.
Arleen Penaflor, Glendale
Arleen Penaflor not only excels in her professional endeavors but also dedicates her time and expertise to serving her community. She currently holds the position of Vice President for FABAG-GLAC (Filipino American Business Association of Glendale). In this role, Arleen plays a vital part in contributing to the betterment of her community, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact. Through her involvement with FABAG, Arleen embodies her passion for helping others and actively works towards creating a stronger, more vibrant community for all its members.
Caroline Que Anderson, La Cañada Flintridge
Caroline Que Anderson was elected to the La Cañada Unified School District Board of Education in 2020. She is the first Asian American woman to serve on the board and brings her grassroots energy to making policy decisions that advance the interests of all students. Caroline is a dedicated volunteer not just to the school district but also to her community. She is on the Executive Board of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses, Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, La Cañada Sister Cities Association, Foothills Community Scholarship Foundation, and an Ambassador for the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce.
Chun-Yen Chen, San Marino
As Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF), Chun-Yen provides executive leadership and directs operations and grant making for the organization. Chun-Yen has over 20 years of professional working experience in non-profit executive management and fund development, state government budgetary analysis, and academic faculty fields. Under Chun-Yen’s leadership, APCF has grown from its initial 12 Asian American nonprofits in 1990 to over 80 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) nonprofits within its network in 2024. Chun-Yen was also instrumental in supporting Brandon Tsay, who heroically subdued the gunman while working at his family’s Lai Lai Dance Studio in Monterey Park, to create the Brandon Tsay Hero Fund, which focuses on mental health resources and their relationship to the community.
Dorothy Wong, Altadena
Working in Hollywood for over twenty years, Dorothy “Dot” Wong took her skills into community organizing where the bicycle became her tool for change to get more people on bikes, hosting world-class bicycle events, recreational rides, safety education classes for all ages with a focus on youth Pop Up Bike Skills Parks in Altadena and across the SGV. Her mission to make a difference, Dot has served on the SoCal Nevada Cycling Association, Cal Bike Board, as well as the advisory group for Caltrans Complete Streets-District 7. As a champion for the San Gabriel Mountains and Arroyo Seco watersheds, Dot has been advocating for land protection and conserving wild spaces for future generations. She is in her fourth term on the Altadena Town Council, where she chairs the Traffic Safety & Mobility Committee, connecting community to work towards Safe Routes to Schools and Parks.
Emily Wu Truong, Arcadia
Emily Wu Truong is a Taiwanese American grassroots mental health advocate for trauma-informed care, harm-reduction, and systemic change. She is committed to promoting emotional resilience and community healing and brings a deep passion for diverse cultures and communities to her work. Through storytelling, she channels her trauma into life lessons. Currently, as a support group facilitator, Emily creates safe spaces for marginalized neurodivergent individuals with disabilities. Over the last ten years, Emily has participated and facilitated countless meetings affiliated with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Disability Rights California (DRC). She serves on the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery (NCMHR) & National Asian American Pacific Islander Empower Network (NAAPIEN).
Kyoko Nancy Oda, Sunland Tujunga
Kyoko Nancy Oda retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) after thirty-two years as an elementary principal at schools in Pacoima, Sylmar, and North Hollywood. Kyoko is a lifetime member and former President of the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center. She initiated several fundraisers to benefit Japan Earthquake Tsunami survivors and served on the scholarship committee for UCLA alumni, Japanese American Citizens League, and the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center for many years. During her tenure as president, the Tuna Canyon Detention Station became a Los Angeles Historical Cultural Monument #1039. The Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition has educated the public about the Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants who were held there at the onset of WWII.
Li Hsiang (Lisa) Chung, La Cañada Flintridge
Lisa Chung is the College & Career Counselor/Specialist at La Canada High School. Prior to establishing the College & Career Center, Lisa served as the Engineering & Medical Academy Counselor in Burbank. She started her counseling career over 20 years ago at Granada Hills Charter High School as their first Asian American counselor. Lisa also worked as an adjunct professor at California Lutheran University and at UC San Diego as a Senior Learning Skills Counselor. She is passionate about supporting AAPI youth and hopes to inspire others to be brave change agents. Lisa has presented “Unseen & Unheard: Elevating AAPI Adolescents’ Mental Health” at conferences.
Meggan Ellingboe, Los Feliz
Meggan Ellingboe is the Recreation Representative and Secretary to the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council. She enjoys championing greater recreation opportunities for all generations. By day, she is a strategic communications professional working with legacy media companies to assist independent creators. Prior to working in media, Meggan worked in progressive politics. She worked for U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone whose oft-quoted line, “We all do better when we all do better,” continues to ground her work.
Mijung Konakov, La Cañada Flintridge
Mijung Konakov has been an active member of the La Canada Flintridge Unified School District community since 2017, serving both as a dedicated parent volunteer and educator. Beyond her involvement in education, Mijung has also plays active roles in the Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles, the Korean National Association Memorial Foundation, and the La Cañada Engineering Club. Mijung holds certifications in teaching Korean as a foreign language and teaches Korean at the LA Korean Education Center. She is deeply committed to empowering individuals' cultural intelligence by facilitating multicultural events and engaging with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in educational and community settings.
Sally Takeda, South Pasadena
Sally Takeda has taken on various leadership roles in the South Pasadena Unified District, serving on the PTA Council, South Pasadena Educational Foundation and in executive positions for the PTA at Monterey Hills Elementary and South Pasadena Middle School. She also was a member of the LCAP and Dual Immersion Committee during its formation. Sally and her neighbors were instrumental in installing a stop sign at Oak and Meridian Avenue to ensure safer crossings for children, a process which took nearly 20 years to secure. She also has played a key role in discussions about the CalTrans properties along the Meridian corridor and supported decisions that benefit the community.
Shelley Ryan, San Marino
Shelley Ryan is the President of the Board of Education for the San Marino Unified School District. The district is dedicated to excellence and takes pride in their numerous achievements, including National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished Schools awards, along with Golden Bell awards for specific programs. Shelley remains committed to innovation and enhancing student-learning experiences. She has
spearheaded efforts to provide tailored mental health support and advanced Ethnic Studies within their inclusive curriculum. By incorporating the histories, experiences, and contributions of diverse communities, Shelley works to foster outreach, engagement, and inclusion for all within the school district.
Yuki Cutcheon, South Pasadena
Yuki is in her fourth year of being the President of the South Pasadena Chinese-American Club. During her tenure, she brought the first ever large-scale AAPI celebration event to the City of South Pasadena that honored over 60 AAPI cultures in food, activities, and entertainment. This June, she is bringing 88 students in middle school and high school, along with 10 adults, to JiangSu Province in China for a language, cultural, and educational exchange. She advocates for celebrating the heritage of all AAPI groups and sharing the special uniqueness of all cultures.
Chinese Club of San Marino
The Chinese Club of San Marino was founded in 1979 as a non-profit organization, with a mission to promote cultural exchange, educational development, and community service. They are committed to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each year, the Club organizes a myriad of events, educational programs, and community-based projects. The Chinese School of San Marino was established by the club for people of all ages who are interested in learning Chinese language and culture. The annual Mid-Autumn Fundraising Gala held by the Chinese Club of San Marino brings together local groups and residents to raise funds for the community. The Club donates a share of the proceeds to charitable causes in the local community and schools, with the rest going towards supporting the Club’s various public welfare activities. The monthly workshops that collaborate with Crowell Library are very popular, as they share Chinese culture with the residents.
Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC)
Founded in 1990, the FABAG-GLAC is a nonprofit organization that was organized under the Cultural Exchange Committee of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Their vision is to improve intercultural relations among the many ethnic communities within the city, the county, and to reach out to diverse communities. FABAG-GLAC also works towards providing exemplary business leadership and collaborative community services that are based upon the highest levels of trust and integrity, while preserving cultural heritage and history. The organization’s helping hands reach out to benefit everyone through inclusive annual events, programs, and projects.
Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles (KAFNLA)
KAFNLA serves to represent and advocate for the interests of Korean Americans and associated citizens in North Los Angeles. Their mission encompasses supporting and empowering the Korean American community through a range of initiatives and services. These include establishing communication networks to provide important information on citizen rights, health, safety, welfare, and education. KAFNLA promotes friendly relations within Korean communities and with other groups through joint activities like cultural festivals and sports events, fostering youth education, and drug/alcohol prevention programs. They provide educational and hobby programs for the elderly, conduct fundraising activities to support their programs, and recognize contributions to the organization with certificates and appreciation plaques. KAFNLA stands as a pillar of support and empowerment for the Korean American population in North Los Angeles, striving to enhance their quality of life and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Korean American Youth Association (KAYA), North Los Angeles
KAYA pursues and provides an appropriate environment for youth to explore and develop their potential --reaching it to a maximum level-- and to train the whole child concept under specially designed after-school programs. The organization represents and advocates the interests and voices of the Korean American youth and other associated youth communities residing in the areas of Northern Los Angeles by providing and promoting various services and community activities. This includes promoting friendly relations and collaborations between different groups within the Korean communities, as well as between Korean communities, in the area through cultural festivals, food fairs, sports events, and sports projects.
626 Hospitality Group, Arcadia - Amber Tan, Owner
626 Hospitality Group, located in the City of Arcadia, was inspired by the neighborhood they grew up in, the San Gabriel Valley, which is also known as the “626.” The 626 area code is home to one of the largest Asian diasporas in America. At the end of 2020, they set out to make the world a little sweeter, and on this journey, an unexpected group of friends set out to build a dream together. Drawing from a combination of past experience, culinary curiosity, and heritage, the team began to develop their ethos: community-inspired, chef-driven. The flavors represent the cultures of their hometown, and their mission remains to honor the flavors and friendliness of the neighborhood in every bite.
Max’s Restaurant, Glendale - Robert F. Trota, Owner & Elvie Suavillo, Branch Manager
Max’s Restaurant is one of the oldest Filipino American restaurants in Glendale. Originally located in Manila, Philippines, the Max’s Restaurant chain traces its roots to a country teeming with culture and heritage. Max’s Restaurant has established itself as a household name in the Philippines, an institution, and a proud Filipino tradition. They are proud to say that their image and tradition have been kept up to this day. The key to their success is their commitment to high-quality Filipino food, excellent service, and a clean and welcoming atmosphere.
Paper Rice, Pasadena - Lee Diep, Owner
Paper Rice is located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena and is a family owned business that was able to keep their doors open after all the challenges the community faced. The owner, Lee Diep, originally conceived the concept for Paper Rice as she realized a need for a more light, healthy, and still satisfying meal option in the fast, casual dining experience. Lee has a great passion for food. This passion was the major driving force that led her to share her culture with the community by offering her family’s cooking at Paper Rice. Lee is excited how the community has embraced the concept of spring rolls and spring bowls and is looking forward to continuously serving Pasadena, as well as extended neighborhoods.
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