Sacramento, CA — Today, I had the honor of representing @commissionapia alongside Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D–Colton) and Assemblymember Mike Fong (D–Alhambra). students, fellow commissioners @drdkit@paguiojason@rillest and higher education leaders including our advisory members for a press conference highlighting legislation to establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI) designations in California.
Under current federal law, HSIs are colleges and universities where at least 25% of undergraduate students are Hispanic or Latino. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanders (AANAPISIs) are colleges and universities where at least 10% of undergraduate students are Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and where a significant share of students come from low-income backgrounds. These campuses often provide targeted academic programs, student support services, and pathways to careers in high-demand fields. However, California does not yet have a formal state designation recognizing these institutions or encouraging campuses to strengthen these efforts.
Dusted off the ol salidsid feet to proxy in so @suuupergeorge our resident baklava making lieutenant could go a few rounds. Pretty good job handling the switch up, Jorge! Cmon now, you know whose daughter I am, I couldn’t make it easy. 😏
Today was commencement at USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work but I’m sick and had other things that prevented me from going. We already celebrated last year when I finished. I did muster up energy to commemorate with a little photo shoot. I picked each spot intentionally, and there’s a story with the images, amongst the many more stories and lessons I’ve yet to share. I didn’t want to just take photos at the university, I wanted them in the places I learned most. Song by @andradaymusic , who’s also from Paradise Hills.
Congratulations to all of our @1stgenscholars 2026 graduates! Proud board member here, and happy for of all these amazing students who will be going on to higher education, DEBT FREE.
All my mentees just KILLING IT this week. Whether finishing grad school, or educating groups like the @portofsandiego for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month like my baby queen @cyrrona here. We had a beautiful session today, and got many kudos after. A Filipina employee reflected on her mother experiencing racism, a Chamorru employee shared wanting to preserve language, and another shared wanting to better appreciate the intersection of gender and sexuality. I was proud to present with Cyrrona to share history AND heritage. More of this.
@sandiegocitycollege@sdcityaanhpi Asian Pacific Islander graduation is always a beautiful time. We are incredibly proud of all our students and seeing them reach their goals, further their dreams. Even better, May is Asian Pacific Heritage month, so we represent extra, showing our students to be their full selves always. Personally, this one was extra special cause I got to celebrate my community ading @waterparkjones who became a social wok major, and be with folks like @allysreadingroom who I also know outside our campus. I love when the lines between classroom and community blur. It’s moments like these that give me hope. Congratulations, Knights class of 2026!
I had to do a special post for these three humans, @hey_lets_roll@kim.kim_03@diadesd who FaceTimed me from their masters in social work from @sdsu.social.work graduation this morning. They all started with me at various points years ago. Not only did I get to see them transfer, I’ve seen them earn multiple degrees, now joining the ranks of those with an advanced degree. These people are incredible and it’s such an honor to lay witness to their journeys. I couldn’t be more proud of them and hopeful for the world we’re working in. 😭😭😭
I loved seeing these affirmations in the restroom of our building at @sandiegocitycollege . I love our students support each other in little to big ways.
Back in the states capitol for our @commissionapia meeting and our first open house. Good to see folks, to keep doing the work for education, health, and economic equity for our Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander folks across California.
The first time I registered voters was in 2000-2001 at some festival in the plaza Bonita parking lot, encouraging the Filipino/a/x and Mexican elders. That’s over 20 years ago, and yes I’m still at it. I’ve been blessed to organize for policy and engagement alongside @leadfilipino when @fiercecoalition and @drangelicacortez came into my life in 2020, and now they’re doing GOTV efforts in San Diego during a time where we really don’t have an anchor organization specifically engaging the Fil-Am community. The kick off was at Mira Mesa today, canvassing the neighborhoods. Phone banking coming up soon. This is the nitty gritty of organizing and activism. Please tap in if you are able, hit up @john.paculdo.k . You do NOT need to be Filipino to do this, but you should care about our shared communities.
Doing my part as an @aftguild1931 union member and supporting interviews for our Fall 2026 internship program with beloved colleagues Kelly & Jim, who have dedicated much of their lives to educating and supporting above and beyond our college. Today is also Jim’s birthday! Honored to share virtual space with them today. 🙏🏾
