CA Commission on APIA Affairs

New data from AAPI Data and NCAPA highlight important realities facing AANHPI workers across the country, from union membership and workforce representation to low-wage labor and language-access barriers.

The data also reinforces why disaggregated data matters. While many AANHPI communities are heavily represented in industries like healthcare, science, and technology, significant disparities continue to exist across ethnic groups, immigration status, wages, and workplace experiences.

📊 Key findings include:
• More than 1 million AANHPI workers are part of the union movement.
• Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander workers are among the most unionized groups nationally.
• Nearly 1 in 4 AANHPI workers are low-wage workers.
• Limited English proficiency significantly increases economic vulnerability.
• AANHPI union members earn about 22% more per week than non-union workers in similar jobs.

Explore the full resource guide and data for yourself: aapidata.com/featured/by-the-numbers-labor/

CAPIAA is proud to elevate research and data that help strengthen understanding of the diverse experiences within AANHPI communities and inform policies that advance economic opportunity and equity for all.

Happy Samoa Independence Day!

Today, we recognize and celebrate the history, resilience, culture, and contributions of the Samoan community as Samoa commemorates its independence on June 1.

California is home to more than 63,000 Samoans whose leadership, service, traditions, and cultural contributions continue to strengthen communities across our state and beyond.

CAPIAA extends its warm wishes to all those celebrating this important day.

📢 Save the Date: Afghan Community Listening Session

Join the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) and the Afghan-American Foundation for a community listening session focused on the experiences, needs, and priorities of the Afghan community.

This is an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives on services, barriers, and opportunities for stronger support. Your feedback will help inform future policies, programs, and resources that better serve Afghan Californians.

📅 June 13, 2026
🕞 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815

Registration is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot today:
🔗 bit.ly/AfghanCommunityListeningSession

We encourage Afghan community members, community leaders, service providers, advocates, and allies to attend and help ensure community voices are heard.

📘 Today, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), in partnership with the Campaign for College Opportunity, is proud to release The State of Higher Education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Californians, a new report examining the progress, barriers, and persistent inequities shaping AANHPI student success across California.

Far too often, AANHPI communities are treated as a monolith. This report challenges that narrative by highlighting how aggregated data can obscure major disparities in college preparation, access, transfer, completion, and economic mobility, particularly for Southeast Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.

The findings reinforce why disaggregated data, culturally responsive support systems, and equity-driven policy solutions matter. Access alone is not enough. California must continue investing in pathways that support AANHPI students from enrollment through completion and into long-term opportunity.

We are grateful to partner with the Campaign for College Opportunity on this important work and hope this report serves as a resource for policymakers, educators, advocates, and community leaders working to advance educational equity across our state.

📖 Read the full report here:
https://capiaa.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2026/05/Final_State-of-Higher-Education-AANHPI-Californians-2026.pdf

Eid al-Adha Mubarak from the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA).

As communities across California and around the world gather in celebration, reflection, and generosity, we recognize the significance of Eid al-Adha and the values of compassion, service, sacrifice, and community that this holiday represents.

California is stronger because of the contributions of its diverse Muslim communities, from small businesses and healthcare to education, technology, public service, agriculture, and the arts. Your work, leadership, and commitment continue to help shape the future of our state every day.

We extend our wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Adha throughout California and beyond.

Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the faith, resilience, leadership, and contributions of Jewish Americans across California and the nation.

Home to the second-largest Jewish population in the United States, California continues to be shaped by the many ways Jewish Americans enrich our communities through culture, public service, education, advocacy, business, civic engagement, and the arts.

The California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) proudly joins in celebrating the history, traditions, and lasting impact of Jewish American communities and their important role in strengthening the diverse fabric of our state.

Save the date! Join CAPIAA and the Afghan-American Foundation on June 13 from 3:30–5:00 PM in Sacramento for an Afghan Community Listening Session.

This community conversation is an opportunity for Afghan community members to share their lived experiences, concerns, barriers, and ideas for stronger support and resources across California. Your voice and feedback will help inform future conversations, partnerships, and community-centered solutions.

Register for free: Bit.ly/AfghanListeningSession

Join us this AAPI Heritage Month for the Secretary Speaker Series: AAPI Trailblazers — Bold Leaders Advocating for the Environment.

As communities across the country face growing challenges related to equity, representation, and inclusion, this conversation will highlight AAPI leaders advancing climate action, environmental justice, and equitable access to nature throughout California.

Hear from Secretary Wade Crowfoot alongside leaders from CAPIAA, Sierra Club, NRDC, and the California Natural Resources Agency as they discuss building a stronger and more inclusive future for generations to come.

🗓 Friday, May 29, 2026
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
💻 Virtual Webinar

Register today: https://bit.ly/AAPIEnvironmentalTrailblazers

CAPIAA was honored to attend the Global Engagement Week Reception celebrating the historic Sister City Partnership between the City of East Palo Alto and Kolofo’ou District, Tonga.

Executive Director Khydeeja Alam and CAPIAA Commissioner Taunuu Ve’e joined community leaders, partners, and delegates in welcoming Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho of Tonga and recognizing the importance of global partnerships rooted in culture, education, and community connection across the Pacific.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this meaningful celebration together and who continues to strengthen Pacific Islander representation, engagement, and international collaboration throughout California.