|
|
President’s Corner
Happy 2023 – Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Cat! I am pleased to start out our year with gratitude to all readers. It is my honor to take on the role of the new CAPA President, and it is my pleasure to introduce all of the new Board members. I am very excited about all the future plans for the term. CAPA’s theme is “Embracing Diversity and Inclusion.” CAPA’s mission is to unite Asian Pacific Americans and the community-at-large through culture, education, and community service. We have plans to reach out beyond to collaborate with other communities.
We started the New Year with the tragic occurrence of the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings that shook Asian communities across the United States. On Saturday, January 28, 2023, on behalf of CAPA, I attended the Michigan Asian American Community Solidarity Vigil – a unity gathering in remembrance of the victims and communities of the Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings. It was amazing to see all communities, not just Asian communities, showing up to express support and pay respect.
CAPA’s first-of-the-year Board meeting was on January 24, 2023. New Board members were voted in, and there are a total of 10 new board members – congratulations! We are in the process of revising CAPA’s website to reflect new Board members.
Looking ahead, in February, we will continue to have the Leadership Circle series, which will be facilitated by Dr. Jamie Hsu and Pina Vyas, past president of CAPA. On Friday, February 24, 2023, the City of Sterling Heights, along with its Ethnic Community Committee, will host the 25th annual Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange. CAPA will have a table to share about our organization and to network and spread the word of who we are. The event will include different cultures’ performances and crafts. This is the first time that CAPA has participated in a long time. We are looking forward to it!
CAPA’s Educational Scholarships for high school seniors are currently open for senior students to apply. There are three scholarships of $1000 each available. The scholarships will be awarded in the month of May, which is APIA Heritage month. Please see CAPA’s website for more details on how to apply.
Other major events that are in the planning process are the APIA Recognition Dinner on May 13, 2023, and Splendor of the East (SOE), on September 30, 2023. More information will follow as we finalize the details. Other events to look out for are Taste of Asia, Leadership Summit, and educational workshops, among other activities/events.
Again, Happy 2023, and I look forward to a successful year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Su McKeithen-Polish
CAPA’s President
| |
First Board meeting with new CAPA President, Dr. Su McKeithen-Polish (center), and new Board members along with past presidents and returned Board members, 1/24/2023. | |
|
CAPA Supports Rizal Day Celebration
Members of the Council of Asian Pacific Americans joined in the festivities held by the Filipino American Community Council (FILAMCCO) to commemorate Philippine National Hero Dr. José Rizal last month.
FILAMCCO’s annual Rizal Day Celebration took place at Larsa Palace in Sterling Heights last December 17 and was attended by over 500 guests representing 50+ organizations of Michigan’s Filipino American Community.
“This year’s Rizal Day theme, ‘Peace, Unity, and Love of Country’ clearly reflects our National Hero José Rizal’s dreams for our native land,” said FILAMCCO President Ryan Rosario. “Thank you to our event sponsors, DTE Energy, Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Health Disparities, Innovations and Studies, and @168 Group of Companies for their continued support of FILAMCCO.”
|  | CAPA Nominations Chair and FILAMCCO President, Ryan Rosario, and DTE’s Oakland County Public Affairs & Community Engagement Manager Ann Marie Harris pose with a portrait of National Hero of the Philippines, Dr. José Rizal. | CAPA member Paul Hardwood Ward, CAPA Secretary Julie Rosario, CAPA President Dr. Suchiraphon McKeithen-Polish, CAPA Immediate Past President Pina Vyas Bennett, CAPA Advisory Board Member Mi Dong, and CAPA Public Relations Chair Joseph Paul Javier. | |
CAPA Director and Event Master of Ceremonies Dan Moen, CAPA Advisory Board Member and Rizal Day Program Director Arcie Gemino with husband Cesar, PACCM Recording Secretary Ruth Rush, PACCM Executive Director Tony Kho, and CAPA Board Member Lisa Gray. | |
|
Upcoming Events:
CAPA celebrates International Women’s Day with Asian Indian Women’s Association
We are proud to announce our participation as a collaborator for the upcoming event at Schoolcraft College led by the Asian Indian Women's Association. This event is on March 11th, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Individual registration is $25.00. Here's the link to register.
On the day of the event, check-in and seating will begin at 9:30 am, the program will start at 10:00 am sharp, followed by lunch at noon.
The event is open to everyone above the age of 12. You will have the opportunity to listen to an exciting panel of speakers, ask questions, enjoy hot lunch, appreciate a variety of Asian cultural programs, and network!
The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. As per InternationalWomensDay.com, Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.
| |
|
A much-anticipated event celebrating the City of Sterling Heights' many cultures will take place Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. The City of Sterling Heights and its Ethnic Community Committee will hold its 2023 Cultural Exchange from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road. The public is encouraged to attend this celebrated event.
The 2023 Cultural Exchange will feature a wide array of ethnic music and dance, educational and cultural displays from area groups and organizations, and a variety of desserts, bread, and dips. Cultures represented will include African American, Albanian, Bulgarian, Chaldean, Filipino, German, Hispanic, Indian, Iraqi, Irish, Italian, Macedonian, Polish, Scottish, Slovakian, Turkish, and many more. A minimum suggested donation of $1 is requested.
Visit their website at Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange.
| |
|
Asian Pacific Heritage Month Gala
May 13th, 2023 @ 6PM
Splendor of the East
September 30th, 2023 @ 6PM
Taste of Asia
Summer of 2023
| |
|
CAPA’s Community Corner:
Support Justin Alesna cultural journey by reading his story and donating at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hqweyq-justins-tributour-2023
Umoja Community Garden
| |
|
Our 2023 CAPA Committee Chairs:
Luna Xiong
Education Co-Chair
Rita Phongphila
Education Co-Chair
Dr. Mayuree Wadhawan
Cultural Co- Chair in charge of Talent (SOE)
Gongju Zoe Baek
Cultural Co- Chair in charge of Venue (SOE)
Jacqueline Dinh
Cultural Co- Chair in charge of Afterglow (SOE)
Kalaya Petek
Community Services Co- Chair
Joy Janadia
Community Services Co- Chair
Mudmee Manthonkham
Communications & Marketing Co- Chair
Dan Moen
Communications & Marketing Co- Chair
Joseph Javier
Publicity Chair
Siri Pipatsattayanuwong
Membership Co- Chair
Nattapa Mularski
Membership Co- Chair
Anshi Pacha
Youth Chair
Poorna Barua
Youth Co Chair
Cathy Javier
Youth Co Chair
Pina Vyas
Nomination Chair
Dr Su & Ryan Rosario
Fundraising Co-Chairs
Suman Desaraju
Director
Anand Kumar
Director
Lisa Gray
Director (Taste of Asia, Chair)
| |
|
In celebration of the Lunar New Year was hosted by the Association of Chinese Americans on the 18th of February hosted at the Golden Harvest Restaurant. A wonderful event to network and meet different Asian community representatives like the Consul General of Japan, Yusuke Shindo (center). Dr. Su McKeithan- Polish, CAPA President, and Kathrine Lee, CAPA's Past President, were in attendance. | |
|
Word From Our Sponsors
REMINDER:
DTE’s virtual Energy Assistance and Payment Plan Overview session is only two weeks away. You won't want to miss the information we are presenting regarding energy assistance. To attend, please be sure to Register here today! Registration ends February 23. More details are below and attached. If you have already registered, thank you.
DTE Energy Assistance and Payment Programs Virtual Overview
DTE Community Engagement invites you to attend our Energy Assistance and Payment Programs Virtual Overview to learn about different programs and plans that can help residential customers with their energy bills. in addition, you will hear safety tips and human resource information. Make plans to join the virtual overview on Wednesday, March 1. Register here today!
For more details, see the flyer below and attached. Registration closes at 5 pm on February 23 and space is based on availability. If you have questions, email Devoria.Thomas@dteenergy.com.
Please Note: The overview training is only for non-profit organizations that provide these services to the community; it is not intended for the general public.
|  |  | | | | |
