AAPI LEAD, First National Membership Organization for AAPI Elected and Appointed Officials Launched

ATLANTA (July 11, 2024) - During a 3-day summit (June 19-21) hosted by the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF) in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside NALEO, over 350 leaders from 26 states (plus the District of Columbia) convened to launch AAPI LEAD (Leadership Elected and AppointeD), the first-ever national membership-based organization for and by elected and appointed officials.

The summit convened the largest gathering of AANHPI elected and appointed officials from state, national, and local levels in U.S. history, aiming to organize elected and appointed officials.

"As the first president tapped to serve with the newly formed AAPI LEAD Board of Directors, I want our new organization to unleash the incredible leadership potential that AAPI elected and appointed leaders represent, because we are truly stronger together," said Hon. David Chiu, San Francisco City Attorney & AAPI LEAD President. "We have much more work to do, to ensure that progress continues and that AAPIs have a seat at every table."

"I am grateful to have been on the working committee to create this organization, the first-ever national membership-based organization for and by elected and appointed officials across the United States," shared Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D-Lawrenceville). "I'm honored to be part of the inaugural board for AAPI LEAD and look forward to the meaningful collaboration and work that will be accomplished with my colleagues."

The Honorary Advisory Board of Directors (non-voting) and inaugural AAPI LEAD Board consist of AAPI elected leaders from 15 states and territories, representing all levels of government - local, state, and national. The next convening is scheduled for July 23-25, 2025, once again alongside NALEO in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.aapilead.org."

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Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at 404.463.1318 or by email at [email protected].