December 10, 2021
For Immediate Release
Catt Phan
LEAP Celebrates the Launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)
Washington, DC - Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced the launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). Although there have been various iterations in previous administrations, LEAP remains heartened by the expanded inclusiveness of the Native Hawaiian community. We praise the appointment of Ambassador Katherine Tai as co-chair of the initiative and welcome her leadership with co-Chair Secretary, Xavier Becerra, and Executive Director, Krystal Ka’ai. The Initiative will be housed within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“This is an important opportunity for our diasporas to have a voice in the White House and for our diverse AANHPI leaders to encourage policy which benefits all of us instead of some of us,” said Linda Akutagawa, CEO & President of LEAP. “Many of our community members are still suffering from the physical, mental, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism. For our communities to realize their full potential and to foster robust participation in issues facing all Americans, our communities must be part of the solutions and the recovery. LEAP is appreciative of the opportunity for the AANHPI community to have a meaningful voice at the decision making table and ensure that culturally grounded leaders can advocate and speak on behalf of AANHPI communities.”
For more information on the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) visit NCAPA’s website.
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LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1982 with a mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) through leadership, empowerment, and policy. Established in 1982, LEAP is the leading institution on API leadership development.