Co-Chaired by Former DNC CEO Seema Nanda and Former Congressman Mike Honda

WASHINGTON – Today, AAPI Victory Fund in partnership with AAPI Progressive Action announced the creation of “AAPI 46,” a screening committee to identify, vet and endorse highly qualified Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates for a potential Biden administration.

Despite being the fastest growing racial group in the U.S. and a population of 23 million strong, AAPIs are underrepresented in political leadership as well as at the federal level. AAPI 46 seeks to remedy this by recommending highly qualified AAPI candidates for senior-level government positions that can influence the well-being of the AAPI community. The Screening Committee will conduct a nationwide search for the top 50 candidates whose names will then be submitted to the Biden Transition. Working closely with the Boards of the AAPI Victory Fund and AAPI Progressive Action, the Committee will also make a public endorsement for these senior positions by mid-September 2020.

“In January, AAPI Victory Fund was the first national AAPI organization to endorse Vice President Biden,” said Katie Kalvoda, who will act as AAPI Victory Fund Board liaison to AAPI 46. “This November, the AAPI community will carry the Vice President to victory and it is critical that AAPIs are represented at the senior-levels of our government once he is elected. AAPI 46 will ensure that the Biden Transition has vetted highly qualified candidates from our community to fill those positions.”

“Government functions best when its leadership reflects the diversity of our great nation,” said Chris Lu, who will act as AAPI Progressive Action Board liaison to AAPI 46. “The Steering Committee will play an important role in identifying AAPIs who will fight to create a more just and inclusive society."

The Screening Committee will be co-chaired by Seema Nanda, former chief executive officer, Democratic National Committee and Mike Honda, former Congressman and founder-chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Committee members include Michelle Bonoan, Managing Director, Koya Leadership Partners; Grace Choi, former White House Liaison staff, U.S. Department of State; Ankur Goel, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery; Julian Ha, Partner, Heidrick & Struggles; and Doua Thor, former Executive Director, White House Initiative on AAPIs. Ginger Lew, former White House executive, will serve as advisor to the Screening Committee. The Board liaisons are Luisa Blue, executive vice president, SEIU; Christopher P. Lu, former Deputy Secretary of Labor; Katie Kalvoda, founder, G3 Ventures; and Dilawar Syed, President and CEO, Lumiata. Organizational affiliations are listed for information purposes only.

The Screening Committee will be working with organizations and individuals to submit their information. To keep up to date with the Committee’s work and to submit your qualifications, please go to  www.aapiprogressiveaction.com/AAPI46.

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The AAPI Victory Fund – the first Super PAC of its kind – is focused on mobilizing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.