The Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI) is a nonprofit organization developing community power through leadership training and community building to increase civic representation, equity, and social justice.

Who Should Participate in the Civic Leadership Program Cohort?

The CLP Cohort participant will be an individual with prior leadership experience who desires greater beneficial impact on their communities–such as an executive, program manager, elected or appointed official, community activist, legislative staff member, professor, or candidate for public office.

CLP Alumni Network

CLP alumni network are Asian American, Latinx, other underrepresented communities representing every sector of society (including government, nonprofit, education, and business), every socioeconomic background, all genders and gender identities, all sexual orientations, and range in age from 20s to 70s.

CLP Leadership Team

Dr. Michael Chang, Mayra Cruz, and Dennis Chiu have extensive experience as leaders in government, nonprofit, education, and law. Each has served as elected officials. Dr. Chang was the first Asian American Mayor of Cupertino. Mayra was President of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District, and Dennis was Vice Chair of the El Camino Healthcare District Board. APALI Coordinator Kimberly Lam, an APALI alumni and community organizer, will also lead trainings and provide class support.

CLP Curriculum and Pedagogy

Through online trainings and in-person gatherings, APALI’s curriculum and pedagogy broadens civic perspectives, models community power building, expands participants’ personal networks, and provides a safe space for participants to map their leadership future.

CLP Program Outcomes

• Holistic Development: Participants will become authentic and self-aware leaders, invested in their own and others’ well-being.
• Intersectional Allyship: Participants will develop awareness of and practice forming coalitions with underrepresented communities (including the AA&NHPI, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and women).
• Community Power Building & Public Policy Advocacy: Participants will develop a sense of belonging in civic leadership roles, and engage in power shifting community building and public policy to strengthen their communities’ well-being.
• Visibility Mindset: Learn how to overcome invisibility, develop voice and gain respect.

Who is the Civic Leadership Program designed for? Community leaders/activists,  mid-career managers/professionals, emerging activists/civic volunteers.

What are the program outcomes? Experience a best-in-class program focused on personal leadership journey and social justice; become a part of a civic leadership pipeline for Asians, Latinx, and under-represented groups in government, nonprofit, educational, and business sectors.

CLASS OUTCOMES

• Pipeline for Public, Nonprofit, Educational Sectors
• Personal Leadership Vision
• Social, Economic, & Political Landscape, Issues, & Policy
• Self-Care, Organizing, Community-Building Skills
• Diversity, Equity, Representation–Advocacy & Competencies