SACRAMENTO, CA— The California Joint Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus celebrated the 2026 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to recognize the rich history, culture, and achievements of the AAPI community.
California is home to over 7.3 million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, who account for nearly 17 percent of the state’s population, and they have made invaluable contributions to the history of California and the nation. Today, AAPI community members continue to make significant impacts in the fields of business, education, labor, civic engagement, journalism, arts and entertainment, community development, cultural preservation, philanthropy, and public service.
“California is proud to be home to the largest Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the nation. Our communities continue to shape the future of this state through leadership, innovation, resilience, and service. AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate our rich histories and recognize the countless contributions AAPI Californians make every day,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus.
On Monday, May 11, 2026, the State Assembly and Senate adopted HR 107 and SR 97, recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month and recognized distinguished leaders and organizations for their extraordinary dedication to uplifting and advancing AAPI communities across California. During the ceremony at the State Capitol, the Caucus honored 13 individuals and organizations representing excellence across civic leadership, business, labor, education, cultural preservation, advocacy, journalism, and the arts.
This year’s 2026 California AAPI Heritage Month Honorees are:
Caroline Que Anderson – Governing Board President, La Cañada Unified School District
A dedicated civic leader and the first Asian American woman elected to the La Cañada Unified School District Board of Education. She has been recognized for her commitment to representation, education, and community engagement.
Khang Bao – Founder, Thiên Ân Performing Arts
An educator and cultural leader who promotes Vietnamese culture through traditional drumming, lion dancing, and cultural performances that strengthen community connection and heritage preservation.
Nina Chuang – Assistant Director of Community and Government Relations, San José State University
A public affairs and advocacy leader dedicated to advancing student success, equity, healthcare, education, and civic engagement throughout California.
Glen S. Fukushima – Academic, Businessman, and Philanthropist
A distinguished leader in academia, business, and international relations who has contributed significantly to educational exchange, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropic initiatives between the United States and Japan.
Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj)
A cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing Japanese American history, art, and culture while serving as a cornerstone of San Jose Japantown and community coalition building.
Locke Foundation
A nonprofit organization committed to preserving Locke, one of the last remaining rural Chinatowns in the United States, through historic preservation, education, and cultural programming.
Nanda Mehta – Founder, Ahaana
An entrepreneur and community advocate who founded Ahaana, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating South Asian voices through arts, storytelling, and cultural awareness initiatives.
Charmaine “Sunshine” Morales – President, United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals
A trailblazing labor leader and advocate for healthcare workers, social justice, and underserved communities across California.
Debby Soo – CEO, OpenTable
A business executive known for her leadership in global partnerships, technology, and innovation, previously serving in leadership roles with KAYAK and Google before becoming CEO of OpenTable.
Rotchana Sussman – Activist and Founder, White Springs Café
A survivor of the historic 1995 El Monte Thai garment slavery case and a lifelong advocate for workers’ rights, anti-human trafficking efforts, and community healing through activism and service.
Suzie Suh – News Anchor, CBS News LA
An award-winning journalist and the first Korean American primetime news anchor in Los Angeles, recognized for her impactful reporting and representation in broadcast journalism.
Jay Tamsi – President and CEO, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
A respected Filipino American business and community leader recognized for advancing entrepreneurship, economic development, and multicultural collaboration throughout Kern County.
Lei Wang – Business Executive
A Chinese American business executive with more than three decades of international experience in infrastructure, real estate development, and cross-border leadership. His career includes leadership roles with Gemdale USA, PowerChina Real Estate Group, Walt Disney Imagineering, and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.
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The California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of the diverse API communities throughout California. It seeks to increase Asian Pacific Islander participation and representation in all levels of government. https://aapilegcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/