Our Story

Our Vision

A society in which true equal status for Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Americans exists at all levels.

APICCO’S Values


APICCO is a 501(c)(3) organization that has embedded the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all things. Our mission is to inspire and empower Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders by developing their leadership potential through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on experience. APICCO’s leadership has a wealth of skills and lived experience to visualize and execute our vision and mission. All board members are presently volunteers.

Our criteria for equity, diversity, and inclusion organizational leadership are three-fold: Diversity in race or ethnicity, Intergenerational, Gender neutrality

Oregon has a rich history of API organizations collaborating on racial and social justice causes. APICCO believes that unity and collaboration are fundamental to advancing API issues and policies. We utilize our Boards broad and diverse lived experiences to engage in our community on issues including but not limited to: buildings relationships with community leaders to reduce anti-Asian hate crimes, helping advance racial and social justice, improving environmental justice, advancing women’s rights, and working on policy to help immigrants and refugees’ live safely in our communities.

Our Background


APICCO was established in July of 2019 when Civic Leadership USA (CLUSA) Executive Director convened a meeting of API Leaders. The participants agreed to work together to promote the common goals of all API ethnic communities. In 2021, APICCO was granted its 501(c)(3) non-profit status and created a paid internship program, placing five API students in legislative offices in Oregon. APICCO’s interns complete a rigorous program including: an orientation, workshops, and assignments.

They also participated in Civic Leadership Academy’s Student Project Consulting Session and the National Showcase Award Ceremony. APICCO’s projects and accomplishments include an internship kickoff celebration, virtual Internship graduation celebration, Vietnamese speaking focus group facilitation, holiday celebration, and Emergency Broadband Benefits program that gives free cell phones and internet services to underserved communities