The primary objective of the forum was to provide an open and transparent venue for gubernatorial candidates to articulate their policy positions on issues vital to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and their coalition partners. This mission was driven by APAPA Founder CC Yin and National Board Chair Joe Johal, alongside Sacramento State President Dr. Luke Wood. By facilitating direct engagement with political hopefuls, APAPA aimed to empower voters and strengthen the democratic process.

The event was co-emceed by a notable team: CBS 13 News’ Julie Watts, CSU Trustee Wenda Fong, and APAPA student intern Dylan Morgan. Distinguished guests in attendance included Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and California Controller Malia Cohen. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis remarked, “This is such an impressive event. I want to congratulate the APAPA team and all their student interns leading the way. I’ve been honored to host several interns in my office over the years. The incredible diversity and partnerships in this room reflect the strength of our community and our great state.”

Join APAPA for the 2025 California Educational Gubernatorial Forum on September 8, 2025. This statewide forum is an inclusive, nonpartisan event advancing civic engagement, uplifting the next generation of leaders, and strengthening our state’s democratic process. Major California gubernatorial candidates from all parties are invited.

Held at California State University, Sacramento, this unique forum will bring together California’s gubernatorial candidates, community leaders, student advocates, and elected officials in one dynamic space.

The event led by a steering committee of local APAPA interns, high school and undergraduate students, to brainstorm, inspire, and spearhead the overarching objectives and goals of the forum, down to the granular details of questions to be asked of the candidates, communications with co-hosts, media plans, and more! APAPA’s interns, having had local, state, and federal legislative and grassroots training and field experience, are excited and prepared for the statewide stage as aspiring changemakers. APAPA is encouraging youth to take an active leadership role at their campus, in their neighborhood, within the state capitol, and now a steering committee as the final decisionmakers on the program of this statewide event.

This is a high-visibility event to join community leaders and supporters from 100+ diverse organizations, including representatives from the CA AANHPI Advocacy Coalition, African-American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities.

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