WINNING THE FUTURE: 

A ROAD MAP FOR THE ASIAN 

AMERICAN AND PACIFIC 

ISLANDER COMMUNITY

MARCH 2011
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 2

Table of Contents

Introduction........................................................................................................................................................... 3

Priority Program Goals........................................................................................................................................... 5

U.S. Department of Agriculture.......................................................................................................................5

U.S. Department of Commerce .......................................................................................................................6

U.S. Department of Defense ...........................................................................................................................7

U.S. Department of Education.........................................................................................................................8

U.S. Department of Energy..............................................................................................................................9

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ..........................................................................................10

U.S. Department of Homeland Security ........................................................................................................11

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.................................................................................12

U.S. Department of Interior ..........................................................................................................................13

U.S. Department of Justice............................................................................................................................14

U.S. Department of Labor .............................................................................................................................15

U.S. Department of State ..............................................................................................................................16

U.S. Department of Transportation...............................................................................................................17

U.S. Department of Treasury.........................................................................................................................18

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.............................................................................................................19

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .........................................................................................................20

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .......................................................................................21

U.S. Office of Personnel Management .........................................................................................................22

U.S. Social Security Administration ..............................................................................................................23

National Aeronautics and Space Administration...........................................................................................24

Corporation for National and Community Service........................................................................................25

Appendices.......................................................................................................................................................... 26

APPENDIX A: Executive Order 13515 ............................................................................................................26

APPENDIX B: Interagency Working Group Members....................................................................................29

APPENDIX C: President’s Advisory Commission Members...........................................................................30
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“Each executive department and agency designated by the Initiative shall prepare a plan (agency plan) 

for, and shall document, its efforts to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 

through increased participation in Federal programs in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders may 

be underserved.”

–Executive Order 13515: Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in 

Federal Programs, signed by President Obama, October 14, 2009

“[W]hen any of our citizens are unable to fulfill their potential due to factors that have nothing to do 

with their talent, character, or work ethic, then I believe that there’s a role for our government to play.”

–President Obama at the signing of Executive Order 13515: Participation of Asian Americans 

and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs, October 14, 2009

Since the signing of Executive Order 13515, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 

(Initiative) engaged 23 Federal departments and agencies to focus on the unmet needs of Asian Americans and 

Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Each of the Federal agencies began reviewing and assessing their programs and services in 

August 2010, compiling data relevant to AAPIs and soliciting input from the AAPI community and the President’s 

Advisory Commission on AAPIs. The cross-departmental efforts were coordinated through an Interagency Working 

Group, co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and coordinated by 

Initiative Executive Director Kiran Ahuja and members of the Interagency Implementation Team (IIT).

These efforts culminated in Agency Plans designed to meet the needs of the AAPI community while leveraging the 

dynamic community assets that work to meet those needs. The Plans address the Initiative’s cross-cutting 

priorities: improving data collection, analysis and dissemination of AAPI-specific information; ensuring linguistic 

and culturally competent access to Federal programs and services; protecting civil rights and equal opportunity; 

promoting and increasing Federal employment among AAPIs; and increasing outreach and access to Federal grant 

opportunities and other programs.

Agency Plan Snapshot of Cross-cutting Goals

Data: Ten agencies commit to improving the collection, analysis and dissemination of data on AAPI

communities.

Language Access: Twenty agencies address linguistically and culturally competent access to their 

Federal programs and services.

Civil Rights: Thirteen agencies seek to protect civil rights and equal opportunity for AAPIs 

specifically.

Federal Employment: Fifteen agencies actively promote and seek to increase Federal employment 

among AAPIs.

Outreach: Nineteen agencies increase outreach and access to Federal grant programs for the AAPI 

community.

In addition, the Agency Plans tackle the Initiative’s issue-specific priority areas: Healthy Communities, Sustainable 

Neighborhoods, Educational Opportunities, Economic Growth and Civil Rights. Working closely with members of 

the IIT, the Initiative aligns its cross-cutting and issue-specific goals with those in the Agency Plans to ensure 

coordinated implementation. 
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Winning the Future

In the State of the Union, President Obama spoke of the need to maintain America’s leadership in a rapidly 

changing world so that our economy is competitive, growing, and working for all Americans. To do so, he put 

forward a plan to help the United States win the future by out-innovating, out-educating and out-building our 

global competitors. The Initiative Agency Plans help achieve the Administration’s goals by investing in the AAPI 

community in the following ways:

Innovate

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is developing innovative programs to improve the health and 

wellness of NHPIs through the Community Health Data Initiative and by providing funding to programs that 

address NHPI health and well-being and encouraging research projects that target diseases and conditions that 

disproportionately impact NHPI communities. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is integrating culturally relevant foods in nutrition information provided by the 

Food and Nutrition Service, the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and the National Institute of Food 

Agriculture. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is coordinating an intra-agency Nail Care Project among its regional 

offices and developing Train-the-Trainers workshops for nail salon workers to educate them about environmental 

workplace hazards.

Educate

The U.S. Department of Education is improving access and increasing technical assistance and outreach to 

institutions that qualify for the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) 

program in order to increase the number of AAPI students who finish college.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is promoting the availability of NASA content to AAPI 

educators and offering distance learning programs through the NASA Digital Learning Network.TM

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is partnering with Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander 

Serving Institutions and AAPI national and community groups to promote and support summer internship 

programs.

Build

The Federal Communications Commission is improving AAPI digital literacy by providing translations of consumeroriented broadband materials into numerous Asian languages including Japanese, Hmong and Cambodian.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is planning to increase the number of small and medium AAPI businesses that 

export to an additional country by providing export-related training and business-to-business networking sessions

to minority-owned companies.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is partnering with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management

to create and implement a pilot program to begin collecting AAPI workforce and complaint race and national origin 

data at three Federal agencies.

The Initiative will further develop its relationships with the agencies over the next year to implement their 

ambitious agendas and continue its work to improve the quality of life and opportunities for AAPIs through 

increased access to, and participation in, Federal programs and services. 

This document contains summaries of the Agency Plans. To view the full set of plans, please visit 

http://www.aapi.gov and follow the “Agency Implementation Plans” link.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Mission. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides federal leadership on food, agriculture, natural 

resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available 

science, and efficient management. USDA strives to expand economic opportunity through innovation, helping 

rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production sustainability that better nourishes Americans while 

also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve and conserve our Nation’s natural resources 

through restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, USDA has identified four high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Improve health outcomes for AAPIs through their expanded access to USDA information about 

nutrition, physical activity, and food safety, and their increased participation in USDA nutrition 

assistance programs.

Activities include integrating food nutrition information on ten culturally relevant foods into USDA 

nutrition materials; translating food safety materials into AAPI languages; increasing AAPI participation in 

community extension programs about nutrition, food safety and related topics; implementing a targeted 

outreach program in 5 areas of the US with high pockets of food-insecure AAPIs focused on improving 

their access to USDA feeding programs; and collaborating with federal, state, local and NGO partners to 

increase involvement of AAPI adults and children in nutrition/physical activity programs, particularly for 

children at the K-12 levels.

Goal 2. Strengthen environmental quality and sustainable environmental practices in communities with AAPI 

farmers and ranchers.

Activities include targeted outreach to increase participation by eligible AAPI farmers and ranchers in 

USDA programs to improve on- and off-farm environmental quality, under auspices of USDA’s Natural 

Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Forest Service.

Goal 3. Improve understanding of the economic needs of AAPIs in rural America and increase their participation 

in USDA programs focused on rural development, farm economics and risk management.

Activities include developing focused studies on rates of participation by AAPIs in USDA programs; 

improving USDA employees’ understanding of AAPI cultural needs and specialty/niche crops; and 

implementing a new rural outreach campaign highlighting the Rural Micro-Entrepreneurs Assistance 

Program, and value-added resources for improving farm economics, including niche crops. 

Goal 4. Ensure that AAPIs have equal access to USDA programs and services, and employment opportunities.

Activities include focused analysis of civil rights program complaints; identification of best program 

practices; strengthened AAPI access to translated materials for USDA programs, projects, and initiatives; 

increased recruitment efforts to attract greater numbers of AAPI applicants for federal positions. 
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Mission. The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) advances economic growth, jobs and opportunities for 

the American people. It has cross cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, 

economic development, environmental stewardship and statistical research and analysis.

The products and services the Department provides touch the lives of Americans and American companies in many 

ways, including weather forecasts, the decennial census, and patent and trademark protection for inventors and 

businesses.

The development of commerce to provide new opportunities was the central goal at the department's beginning 

in 1903 and it remains a primary obligation today.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, Commerce has identified three high-priority goals that will span across the next two 

years. These goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase the annual number of Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) the Commercial Service

assists in exporting to an additional country by 40 percent.

In President Obama’s State of the Union Address on January 27, 2010, he announced the National Export 

Initiative, a critical new effort that will lead to long-term, sustainable economic growth for the United 

States. The President has a goal of doubling exports over the next five years, an increase that will 

support two million American jobs.

Commerce is committed to helping businesses including AAPI-owned businesses to grow through global 

trade. To help minority-owned businesses globalize their business models, the Minority Business 

Development Agency (MBDA) has developed a strategic partnership with the International Trade 

Administration, to provide export related training to minority-owned companies.

In addition, MBDA will be providing business-to-business networking sessions to link minority-owned 

companies to global opportunities. MBDA is building relationships with OPIC, EX-IM Bank and various 

other government agencies that can provide financial support for the companies.

Goal 2. Increase the AAPI community’s access to federal funding.

Commerce administers a number of grant programs. These grants range from grants that help foster 

economic development and competitiveness in a region to providing funds to entities that are equipped 

to provide technical assistance for minority businesses. Commerce is committed to developing an 

outreach strategy that ensures the AAPI community will have access to these grant programs. 

Goal 3. Foster the recruitment, career development and advancement of AAPIs in the Federal Government.

Commerce understands the importance of diversity in the workforce and professional development in 

the workplace. Commerce is committed to developing a plan which includes working closely with Asian 

American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions and increasing leadership activities 

that highlight diversity.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Mission. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) provides the military forces needed to deter war and to protect 

the security of our country. 

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, DoD has identified three high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Strengthen and improve support for AAPI Wounded Warriors, Transitioning Service Members, and their

Families and Caregivers. 

Our generation of AAPI heroes faces many challenges when they return home. Many are recovering from 

wounds (both visible and invisible) and others face the daunting task of finding a job in today’s economy. 

The DoD is focused on the care for our wounded warriors, transitioning service members, and their 

families and caregivers. There are many programs and resources available to assist our heroes and their 

families and caregivers. The DoD Agency Plan seeks to increase awareness and understanding of these 

resources to better assist AAPI warriors and their families and caregivers as they successfully recover, 

rehabilitate, and reintegrate back into society. 

Goal 2. Provide maximum practicable opportunity for AAPI small business participation in DoD acquisitions. 

The Department of Defense frequently accounts for a large portion of the entire federal government's 

procurement budget. The government-wide goal for participation by small businesses is at least 23 

percent of the total value of all prime contract awards for each fiscal year. As a part of that goal, the DoD 

Agency Plan seeks to increase participation of AAPI small businesses in DoD acquisitions.

Goal 3. Foster the recruitment, career development, and advancement of AAPIs at the Department of Defense.

One of the Initiative’s key cross-cutting objectives is to foster the recruitment, career development, and 

advancement of AAPIs in the Federal Government. The DoD Agency Plan seeks to ensure that the 

Department of Defense meets that objective by increasing the number of AAPI applicants to entry-level, 

mission critical, and senior positions as well as by increasing AAPI applicants for Senior Executive Service 

positions.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Mission. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) seeks to promote student achievement and preparation for global 

competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

President Obama's vision is that by 2020, America will again have the best-educated, most competitive workforce 

in the world with the highest proportion of college graduates of any country. To do this, the United States must 

also close the achievement gap, so that all youth — regardless of their backgrounds — graduate from high school 

ready to succeed in college and careers.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, ED has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These goals 

will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Identify and promote three models of disaggregated data systems that increase attainment for AAPI 

students and have the potential for national replication.

A lack of disaggregated data for AAPI students leads to hidden achievement gaps that are barriers to 

raising student achievement. While educational attainment among East Asian and South Asian groups is 

generally high, educational attainment among Pacific Islanders and Southeast Asian groups is relatively 

low. 

Goal 2. Improve access and increase technical assistance and outreach to institutions that qualify for ED’s Asian 

American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) program.

ED’s AANAPISI program supports eligible higher education institutions to increase self-sufficiency by 

improving academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability. AANAPISIs seek to increase 

participation and academic attainment of low income, high-need students, and serve communities with 

high poverty and high rates of limited English proficiency.

Goal 3. Identify and promote three successful anti-bullying programs in schools, and disseminate anti-bullying 

information to AAPI community.

Bullying is widespread in American schools, with more than 32 percent of U.S. school children saying they 

had been bullied by other students during the current term, according to a survey funded by the National 

Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This issue has particularly affected AAPI communities 

in recent years with high-profile school harassment incidents in several cities.

Goal 4. Improve delivery of services to AAPI English learners (EL).

Studies indicate that EL students are much less likely than other students to score at or above proficient 

levels in both mathematics and reading/language arts. Furthermore, EL students tend to go to public 

schools that have low standardized test scores. This goal aims to provide the support EL students need to 

be equally successful as non-EL students.

Goal 5. Increase recruitment of AAPI teachers.

While AAPIs comprise 3.9% of the total enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools, they 

represent only 1.5% of teachers. The gaps are greater in certain states. In California for example, 11.3% 

of students in elementary and secondary schools are AAPIs, yet only 4.9% of the teachers are AAPIs. This 

goal aims to recruit more teachers who are more representative of the national student population and 

who are trained to manage diverse student populations.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Mission. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advances the national, economic, and energy security of the United 

States; promotes scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and ensures the environmental 

cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, the Department of Energy (DOE) has identified two high-priority goals that will span 

the next two years. These goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s 

programs. 

Goal 1. Increase outreach efforts to Asian American and Native Pacific Islander academic institutions to 

promote entry-level employment opportunities.

As of September 30, 2010, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represented five percent of the total DOE 

workforce, .02 percent above the Relevant Civilian Labor Force, whose representation of Asian Americans 

is 4.8 percent. Asian men and women are equally represented at six percent of the employees in 

GS13/14/15 levels. Asian Americans represent 3.7 percent of the Senior Executive Service, of which 2.2 

percent are women and 1.5 percent are men. 

When analyzing diversity data of DOE Federal interns, Asians Americans/Pacific Islanders are well

represented. They comprise 6.5 percent of the Federal interns hired from FY05–FY10. However, of the 

Asian American interns hired at the GS-11 pay scale, 80 percent were male, and of those hired at the GS12, 100 percent were male. 

Targeted recruitment efforts are needed to increase representation of all women minority groups, 

including Asian American women who qualify at the journeyman levels.

Goal 2. Increase outreach and small business opportunities.

The Federal Data Procurement System and the DOE’s “Information Data Warehouse” capture small 

business awards to Asian Pacific American business ($36.2 million in Recovery Awards) and Sub-Continent 

Asian American ($11.9 million in Recovery Awards). While this data is comparable to other socioeconomic business categories, more effort is needed to ensure that Asian American businesses are able to 

maximize opportunities available to small businesses. 
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Mission. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) enhances the health and well-being of 

Americans by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the 

sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders often receive inadequate care or suffer from poor health compared to white 

Americans. Tackling health disparities is a top priority for the Administration. To do this, root causes of health 

disparities must be addressed by examining the social determinants of health and the differences in access to 

health care while promoting prevention and public health.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, HHS has identified four high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Prevent, treat and control Hepatitis B Viral (HBV) infections in AAPI communities.

An estimated 3.5-5.3 million persons are living with viral hepatitis in the United States. Most that are 

infected remain unaware of their infection and therefore, do not receive care and treatment. About 1.25 

million Americans are chronically infected with HBV, and AAPIs represent nearly half of these chronic 

HBV-infected persons in the U.S. If not treated, 15%-40% of persons living with viral hepatitis will develop 

liver cirrhosis or experience other conditions that affect the liver, including liver cancer. HHS convened a 

Viral Hepatitis Interagency Working Group that developed “Hepatitis and Liver Cancer: HHS Action Plan 

for Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis, 2011.” The action plan will improve national coordination 

and collaboration for treatment, prevention and control of viral hepatitis, particularly HBV infections. 

Goal 2. Improve data collection in AAPI communities.

The 2009 IOM report, “Race, Ethnicity, and Language Data: Standardization for Health Care Quality 

Improvement,” recommends that in addition to the standard OMB classifications on race and ethnicity, 

more granular race/ethnicity information be collected to distinguish variations in health outcomes among 

different racial and ethnic subpopulation groups. Detailed data is a fundamental step in identifying which 

populations are most at risk and what specific interventions are most effective in attaining improved 

health care quality for specific populations. 

Goal 3. Increase AAPI health care workforce.

The 2004 IOM report titled “In the Nation’s Compelling Interest: Ensuring Diversity in the Health Care 

Workforce,” recommends the need to increase diversity in the health professions in the U.S. because of 

the rapid demographic changes with increase in non-white populations and those with limited English 

proficiency. The IOM reports that the new underrepresented minorities in the health professions include 

subpopulations of AAPIs. The 2010 Association of American Medical Colleges Diversity in Physician 

Workforce report indicates that 12.8% are Asian Americans and only 0.5% are American Indians/Alaskan 

Natives. NHPI physicians are included in the AI/NA category. Data from various studies document that 

AAPI patients confront cultural and linguistic barriers in health care, resulting in worsening clinical 

outcomes. HHS will support increasing the pipeline of AANHPI health professionals.

Goal 4. Improve health conditions and access to health care services by Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. 

The NHPI health insurance coverage rate is lower than most other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. In 

2008, one in four NHPIs under 65 years of age was uninsured. Diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases 

hypertension and infant mortality are major health issues among NHPIs. NHPI adults and adolescents 

have disproportionately high levels of mental health problems. According to the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior 

Survey, about a quarter of NHPI adolescents had attempted suicide. These health problems are 

compounded by obesity, lack of healthy lifestyles, lack of extended family support systems, and lack of 

culturally competent health professionals. The Plan addresses the main health issues that impact NHPIs.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Mission. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leads the United States efforts to ensure a homeland 

that is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards where American interests, aspirations, and 

way of life can thrive. 

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, DHS has identified three high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. If these 

projects are successful, they will serve as pilot projects to reach other communities within the population that DHS 

serves.

Goal 1. Ensure resilience from disasters by reducing cultural and language barriers that hinder AAPI and other 

immigrant communities during disaster response and the post-disaster recovery phase. 

DHS, through our component FEMA, takes a lead federal role in preparing for, responding to and assisting 

communities to recover from natural and manmade disasters. With the support of both FEMA and the 

DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, we strive to overcome hurdles that make it harder for 

segments of the community to respond in an emergency. Language and culture can become barriers to 

AAPI and other immigrant communities in emergency response (like evacuation orders) and access to 

recovery programs. By studying a few key geographic locations where there is a high concentration of 

AAPI immigrants and recurring natural disasters, DHS plans to develop and report on best practices that 

bridge language and cultural barriers. 

Goal 2. Strengthen the homeland security enterprise by reducing language barriers to AAPI access to DHS 

programs and agencies generally. 

DHS plans to implement Limited English Proficiency programs throughout DHS, particularly with reference 

to major AAPIs languages.

Goal 3. Administer our immigration laws better by increasing communication between U.S. Citizenship and 

Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices and AAPI-serving organizations to better inform the AAPI 

community about the immigration process and opportunities to engage with USCIS, and to better 

inform USCIS about specific needs in the AAPI community. 

Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants constitute a large number of the new citizens processed by USCIS 

every year. By increasing opportunities for AAPI-serving organizations and USCIS headquarters and field 

offices to learn from each other and work together, DHS will better administer our immigration laws with 

greater understanding of the specific needs of the AAPI community. As part of this increased outreach, 

USCIS will continue to inform AAPI-serving organizations about opportunities to compete for the 2011 

Citizenship and Integration Grants.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Mission. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) creates strong, sustainable, inclusive 

communities and quality affordable homes for all. 

HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need 

for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and 

sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, HUD has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase the AAPI community’s access to federal funding.

HUD plans to create a streamlined process to ensure that appropriate funding opportunities reach the 

AAPI community by 2012. This can be accomplished by, among other actions, partnering with Asian 

American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and incorporating 

language into funding competitions to encourage the inclusion of minority communities.

Goal 2. Increase the number of AAPIs with access to linguistically appropriate resources.

HUD will seek to increase the number of programs that provide linguistically appropriate resources to the 

AAPI community. Thus far, HUD has translated over 100 vital documents into 16 different languages, 

including Khmer (official language of Cambodia), Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. In addition, 

HUD’s Open Government Plan includes a language line that provides translation into over 100 languages. 

HUD will continue to identify agency materials that reach an AAPI audience and monitor to ensure that 

materials are culturally and linguistically appropriate. HUD will also seek to ensure that key HUD 

documents are translated into appropriate AAPI languages and distributed to the AAPI community. 

Goal 3. Foster the recruitment, career development and advancement of AAPIs in the Federal Government.

HUD plans to accomplish this goal by increasing the number of AAPI applicants to the federal government; 

increasing the awareness of AAPIs about and applications from AAPI’s to innovative internship, fellowship, 

and work-study programs; increasing recruitment and leadership opportunities for AAPIs; and 

strengthening its diversity and affirmative employment measures.

Goal 4. Improve federal civil rights protections for the AAPI community.

HUD will rigorously enforce civil rights statutes/laws that require equal access and non-discrimination in 

federal programs that involve grants, loans, contracts, financial aid and other benefits. HUD will 

accomplish this goal by evaluating trends and patterns of compliance and enforcement activity (e.g., fair 

housing, contract compliance, environmental justice, etc.) for AAPI populations and subpopulations. HUD 

will also conduct expanded outreach with and develop partnerships with AA/NHPI community serving 

organizations to publicize enforcement processes and programs.

Goal 5. Improve the data collected on AAPIs in each program.

Depending on the availability of funds, HUD plans to conduct an evaluation of the impact of foreclosures 

on the AAPI community. HUD is working to disaggregate data by the categories laid out in OMB Directive 

15, for all major programs, including: home ownership, tenant based rental assistance, and public 

housing. 
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

Mission. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) protects America's natural resources and heritage, honors our 

cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future. Our mission is as simple as it is 

profound. Interior protects America's natural resources and cultural heritage. Interior's land and community-based 

programs touch the lives of most Americans, including 1.7 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. 

We are the Department of America. We work for the people of this country from sea to shining sea, from the 

Everglades to Yosemite, from Glacier National Park in Montana to the islands of Samoa and Guam and the Virgin 

Islands. And as the Department of America, our ranks must begin to reflect the face of the American public we 

serve. 

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, DOI has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These goals 

will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase participation of AAPIs in DOI’s mission-critical occupations. 

The Department will work to increase the number AAPI applicants for employment by advertising its job 

announcements in AAPI communities and newspapers, sharing employment opportunities with AAPI 

organizations, and providing training for managers on flexible hiring authorities that increase 

opportunities to employ college graduates. 

Goal 2. Increase DOI’s capacity to disseminate information and share ideas with AAPI communities and 

organizations.

Interior will implement customer engagement software and utilize it to engage AAPI serving institutions 

and organizations to ensure that information regarding opportunities to participate in Interior programs 

reach AAPI communities. This software will also provide a pathway for ideas from AAPI communities to 

reach Interior. 

Goal 3. Improve Federal civil rights protections for the AAPI community.

Interior will rigorously enforce civil rights laws that require equal access and non-discrimination in federal 

programs that involve grants, loans, contracts, financial aid and other benefits. The Department will 

evaluate trends and patterns of compliance and enforcement activity for AAPI population and 

subpopulations; generate a report of findings and recommendations; and develop an action plan. 

Goal 4. Prepare Senior Executives to lead efforts to create a strong culture of diversity and inclusion at DOI.

Interior will hold a leadership summit for all Senior Executives to educate Senior Executives about 

diversity and inclusion and to communicate leadership expectations; teach them how to use multiple 

cultural backgrounds as competitive tools; and prepare them for emerging workforce trends such as 

growing competition for America's best talent. 

Goal 5. Support indigenous renewable energy strategy in the insular areas.

Interior will conduct Renewable and Energy Efficiency Summits with insular area leaders to encourage the 

leadership to make renewable energy a priority, and to connect leaders with federal opportunities to 

grow renewable energy initiatives in the insular areas.
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 14

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Mission. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United 

States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal 

leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and 

to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. 

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, DOJ has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These goals 

will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Reduce Language Barriers to AAPI Access of Federal Programs/Agencies.

Pursuant to Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English 

Proficiency," DOJ coordinates federal agency implementation plans to ensure that limited English 

proficiency (LEP) individuals can access the agencies’ federally conducted programs. The Attorney 

General has created a working group to have each component create its own language access plan, to 

identify LEP needs and gaps in service, and to create component language access plans. 

Goal 2. Ensure that the Federal Government is Properly Assessing and Addressing Hate Crimes and Other Crimes 

in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (“AAPI”) Community.

DOJ will continue to build on a 2009 Bureau of Justice Statistics report devoted to the study of 

victimization amongst AAPIs by distributing the report widely to inform the public about crime in AAPI 

communities and identifying the number of AAPI victims served by Office on Violence Against Women 

grantees. DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services will highlight the needs of underserved 

communities, including AAPIs, in its discretionary grant program and solicit grant proposals from these 

communities. The Civil Rights Division will work to identify and prosecute hate crimes against AAPIs where 

the facts warrant.

Goal 3. Protect AAPI Women from Domestic Violence.

DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is responsible for implementing the Violence Against 

Women Act’s (VAWA) “Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services Program” and will support the 

development of innovative culturally and linguistically specific strategies and projects to enhance access 

to services and resources for victims of violence against women. In FY 2011, OVW will highlight the needs 

of immigrant and LEP communities, including the AAPI community, in its grant programs and its outreach 

and will assess various programs’ support levels of AAPI-focused organizations.

Goal 4. Enhance Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking.

DOJ will expand upon its coordination efforts within DOJ and with other federal agencies to enhance 

federal investigations and prosecutions of human trafficking. DOJ seeks to ensure that efforts to fight 

human trafficking are comprehensive and culturally competent by, among other things, accepting 

referrals from 24-hour human trafficking hotlines and funding culturally competent, comprehensive 

services to victims of human trafficking.

Goal 5. Enhance the Protection of Civil Rights of Vulnerable AAPI Immigrant Populations.

For FY 2011, “Reinvigorate Federal Civil Rights Enforcement” has been identified by the Attorney General 

as a high priority performance goal for DOJ. DOJ’s Civil Rights Division will continue to engage in outreach 

to immigrant communities and underserved groups, including AAPIs, to ensure that they know their rights 

and the government services available to them. DOJ’s Civil Rights Division also will continue to revitalize 

the National Origin Working Group to facilitate the delivery of services to underserved immigrant 

populations. In addition, DOJ will enhance the language and legal orientation services it offers to 

immigrant populations, including AAPIs, such as the provision of language interpreters at all immigration 

court proceedings to parties who need an interpreter. 
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 15

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mission. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) fosters, promotes, and develops the welfare of the wage earners, job 

seekers, and retirees of the United States; improves working conditions; advances opportunities for profitable 

employment; and assures work-related benefits and rights.

DOL is committed to assisting all communities, including Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), through the 

Secretary’s simple and straightforward vision of Good Jobs for Everyone. Agencies within the Department of Labor 

are individually and collectively directing resources and efforts to reach out to the most vulnerable and hard-toreach workers across the country, including members of the AAPI community.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, DOL has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These goals 

will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Prepare workers for good jobs and ensure fair compensation.

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will conduct a baseline assessment of AAPI 

participation in its job training and employment-related services in order to identify areas for increased 

participation of AAPIs. Also, in order to narrow “wage income inequality,” the Civil Rights Center (CRC) 

will increase efforts necessary to identify systemic discrimination against protected groups, including 

AAPIs, in the workforce development system.

Goal 2. Ensure workplaces are safe and healthful.

In an effort to educate the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach workers, including AAPIs, the Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will foster local partnerships and working relationships with 

employers, workers, and organizations that represent AAPI workers in high hazard industries. In addition, 

OSHA will coordinate regional summits and meetings targeting AAPI workers and employers.

Goal 3. Assure fair and high quality work-life environments.

In order to ensure fair and diverse workplaces, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) will 

increase awareness of the laws that prohibit employment discrimination by federal contractors system 

among AAPIs and all workers through an education campaign, including the production of worker’s rights 

materials, outreach at community events, and engaging AAPI leaders as stakeholders in OFCCP’s 

enforcement and regulatory efforts.

Goal 4. Secure health benefits, and for those not working, provide income security. 

In an effort to improve health benefits and retirement security, the Employee Benefits Security 

Administration (EBSA) will educate AAPIs, and the general public, on employment-based retirement 

security and health plan benefits. To do so, EBSA will conduct briefings with organizations that serve 

AAPIs, including local community centers and business organizations.

Goal 5. Produce timely and accurate data on the economic conditions of workers and their families.

Through its regular release of statistics from the Current Population Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics 

(BLS) will advance relevant, evidence-based research on labor market activity, working conditions, and 

price changes in the economy for the workplace as a whole, including AAPIs.
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 16

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Mission. The U.S. Department of State advances freedom for the benefit of the American people and the 

international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world 

composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act 

responsibly within the international system.

The Secretary of State is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity in the Department. The Secretary has 

delegated this authority to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR), who also serves as the Department’s 

Chief Diversity Officer. Operational responsibility for compliance with Department policies and programs lies with 

the Department’s line managers.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, the Department has identified two high-priority goals that will span the next two years. 

These goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Foster the recruitment, career development and advancement of AAPIs in the Department of State.

The Department engages in an aggressive recruitment and outreach program to achieve a diverse workforce; 

however, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are underrepresented in the senior ranks of the Civil and Foreign 

Service. The steps below will address this challenge.

 Continue to increase AAPI applicants to the DOS.

 Continue to promote participation of AAPIs in innovative internship, fellowship, and work-study 

programs.

 Address lack of AAPIs in Senior Executive Service (SES) and Senior Foreign Service (SFS).

 Address retention of AAPI employees.

 Develop and include diversity measures as critical elements in executive and management 

performance plans.

Goal 2. Increase the number of AAPIs with access to linguistically appropriate resources.

This goal addresses Executive Order 13166, which requires all agencies to ensure that people with limited English 

proficiency have meaningful access to an agency’s information and resources. Below are the Department’s goals 

and major steps necessary to them.

 Confer with Department of Justice Coordination and Review Section to evaluate status of agency plan 

related to Executive Order 13166 Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English 

Proficiency. 

 Identify agency materials that reach an AAPI audience and monitor to ensure that materials are 

culturally and linguistically appropriate.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Mission. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) serves the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, 

accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality 

of life of the American people, today and into the future, and promote more livable communities through 

sustainable surface transportation programs. The American public and state departments of transportation are 

the Agency’s primary customers. 

PRIORITY GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, DOT has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase participation from the AAPI community on key areas related to Department of Transportation 

policies and programs. 

DOT is improving the livability of our Nation’s communities by making transportation a more integral part 

of our communities. A strategic communication plan will ensure that that these goals will be 

communicated to AAPI communities nationwide.

Goal 2. Increase the AAPI community’s access to DOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise opportunities.

A strategic marketing plan will ensure that funding opportunities reach the appropriate AAPI 

communities. 

Goal 3. Promote messages to the AAPI communities about DOT’s Safety Campaigns. 

Improving safety and promoting livable communities are top priorities for DOT. One of DOT’s high-priority 

goals is to reduce the rate of highway fatalities. DOT is championing a safety culture in our Nation and 

encouraging our partners, stakeholders, and the public to redouble their efforts to reduce transportationrelated fatalities and injuries and make our Nation’s transportation system the safest in the world. 

Goal 4. Foster the recruitment, career development, and advancement of AAPIs in the Federal Government.

To maximize its effectiveness, DOT seeks to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce. DOT is committed 

to analyzing its workplace policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal employment opportunities 

for applicants and employees. 

Goal 5. Partner with Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanders Serving Institutions (AANAPISI)

The AANAPISI program supports eligible higher education institutions to increase self-sufficiency by 

improving academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability. DOT seeks to increase 

participation in internship programs by recruiting students attending the AANAPISI program.
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY

Mission. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) serves the American people by strengthening the U.S. 

economy, supporting job creation, and restoring confidence in the financial system.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, Treasury has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Maintain and enhance level of participation of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in mission 

critical positions at Treasury.

Goal 2. Increase awareness of career development, leadership, and advancement opportunities among 

Treasury employees.

Goal 3. Increase number of limited English proficient individuals, including AAPIs, with access to information 

about Treasury programs.

Goal 4. Ensure departmental outreach plans focusing on Small and Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) include 

components targeting SDBs owned by or servicing AAPI communities. 

Goal 5. Enhance outreach efforts to underserved communities, including AAPIs, regarding relevant Treasury 

programs.
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 19

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Mission. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for a timeless mission: “To care for him who shall 

have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan”— by serving and honoring the men and women who are 

America’s Veterans.

President Obama has repeatedly shown his support for military Veterans through initiatives such as the Veterans 

Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act as well as showing his support for military members and 

Veterans.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, the VA has identified four high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. In conjunction with HUD, reduce the homeless veteran population to 59,000 by June 2012 on the way to 

eliminating veteran homelessness.

In recent decades, the number of homeless Veterans has steadily increased. Today, there are an 

estimated 107,000 homeless Veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking decisive action 

to end Veteran homelessness in five years. All Veterans at risk for homelessness or attempting to exit 

homelessness must have easy access to programs and services. VA offers a variety of resources, 

programs, and benefits such as prevention services, housing support services, treatment, job training, and 

other services to address this challenge.

Goal 2. Improve the quality, access, and value of health care, including mental health care, provided to AAPI 

Veterans. 

The VA’s primary mission is to care for and provide benefits and services to military Veterans. As such, VA 

provides medical benefits packages to eligible military Veterans. VA continually seeks to improve services 

and increase Veteran awareness of such services and benefits. VA maintains highly qualified health and 

mental health care professionals to provide these services. These services and benefits are increasingly in 

more demand as many Veterans are recent returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan, with many of them 

belonging to AAPI communities. Therefore, it is pertinent for the VA to reach out to those Veterans to 

educate them on available services and benefits. 

Goal 3. Foster the recruitment, career development and advancement of AAPIs in the VA.

VA is constantly seeking highly qualified professionals and employees to develop into those positions. As 

part of this mission, VA seeks to increase AAPI applicants to VA career opportunities; internally increase 

participation rate of AAPIs in innovative internship, fellowship, and work-study programs; increase 

applicants for Senior Executive Service positions; develop and include diversity and affirmative 

employment measures as critical elements in executive and management performance plans; and 

implement training to educate AAPI employees on the available leadership, career development, and 

educational programs. 

Goal 4. Increase awareness and access to health services for AAPI Veterans in rural areas. 

About 3 million Veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System live in rural or highly rural areas of the 

country. Men and women Veterans from geographically rural areas make up a disproportionate share of 

service members and comprise about 39% of the enrolled Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan; 

many of who are returning to their rural communities. In order to better serve rural Veterans, the VA 

created the Office of Rural Health in 2006. VA seeks to increase outreach, health and mental health 

services, and increase awareness of other benefits and services to ensure Veterans in rural areas receive 

proper services and benefits. 
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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Mission. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment. The 

Agency ensures that all Americans are protected from significant risks due to environmental factors, such as air 

and water pollution, toxic chemicals, and hazardous waste where they live, learn, and work.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, EPA has identified four high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Build Effective Partnership with AAPI Organizations to Improve the Environment and Economic 

Development for AAPIs Communities.

The Agency is working with AAPI organizations to improve the environment and public health for these 

communities while encouraging economic opportunities through those efforts. EPA efforts include 

increased information on funding opportunities and providing technical assistance in the Brownfield 

programs, conducting outreach efforts on chemical exposure to nail salon workers, engaging dry cleaners 

in best management practices and safer alternatives in relevant regions, educating the AAPI communities 

about contaminated fish, and providing infrastructure support for wastewater and drinking water facilities 

in Hawaii and Pacific Island Territories.

Goal 2. Increase Environmental Outreach and Information to AAPIs.

The Agency recognizes the need to increase environmental awareness in the AAPI community through 

appropriate outreach including information written in the appropriate AAPI language. As part of this 

effort the EPA website includes portals with environmental information in Chinese, Vietnamese and 

Korean. To help community members better understand the cleanup process, appropriate Superfund and 

Brownfield outreach materials will be translated into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Laotian.

The EPA’s guide to “Protecting the Health of Nail Salon Workers” has been translated into Vietnamese and 

Korean. In 2011, EPA will be conducting a series of Train-the-Trainer workshops to educate nail salon 

workers on chemical safety and greening their business.

We will reach out to the communities to increase AAPI participation via the annual national 

environmental justice conference where we will raise awareness on AAPI environmental challenges to all 

participants. To ensure full participation, EPA advocates will conduct environmental justice listening 

sessions in the AAPI communities and engage communities in decision-making processes.

Goal 3. Improve Employment Opportunities and Career Advancement for AAPIs in the EPA Workforce.

EPA has made significant progress in attracting AAPI professionals to the Agency and is committed to 

increasing the information on career opportunities to AAPIs. This effort includes programs to both 

encourage the participation of AAPIs in EPA’s workforce as well as in career development opportunities. 

Further outreach initiatives geared specifically to AAPI are also being developed. 

Goal 4. Create a partnership and promote awareness of resources available for Asian American and Native 

American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) in order to promote environmental education 

and create an education pipeline.

AANAPISIs seek to increase the participation and academic attainment of low income, high-need students, 

and serve communities with high poverty and high rates of limited English proficiency. EPA will endeavor 

to strategically partner with AANAPISIs, to increase both environmental awareness as well as highlighting 

the myriad of EPA’s mission critical occupations that they can strive for. The AANAPISIs partnership can 

be a vital contributor in promoting economic opportunities while strongly touting the necessary 

environmental protections which positively impact communities throughout the country. This will 

reinforce America’s competitiveness in the global arena. 
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U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Mission. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) promotes equality of opportunity in the 

workplace and enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. 

The Commission receives, investigates, and resolves charges of employment discrimination filed against private 

sector employers, employment agencies, labor unions, and state and local governments. The Commission may 

also file employment discrimination suits in court. The EEOC also leads and coordinates equal employment 

opportunity efforts across the federal government, and conducts administrative hearings and issues appellate 

decisions on complaints of discrimination filed by federal employees and applicants for federal employment. 

Finally, the Commission engages in extensive communication and outreach, provides technical assistance, and 

promulgates regulations and written enforcement guidance to help employers, employees, and potential 

employees better understand their rights and responsibilities under the laws the EEOC enforces.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, the EEOC has identified five high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Improve data collection and analysis regarding AAPIs and other underserved populations. 

To better understand the populations the EEOC serves, the EEOC will assess whether new AAPI national 

origin categories should be added in current data collections, improve its analysis of the AAPI workforce 

and charge data, and improve its dissemination of these types of data to the public. Lack of disaggregated 

data obscures the differences and needs between individual AAPI communities. 

Goal 2. Increase and improve the EEOC’s communication with various AAPI communities to ensure that AAPIs 

and other underserved populations can fully utilize the services of the EEOC. 

In fiscal year 2010, AAPIs filed 3% of the almost 100,000 charges of employment discrimination filed with 

the EEOC against private employers. Through conducting additional outreach activities, forming 

partnerships and relationships with AAPI organizations and media, and increasing access to linguistically 

appropriate resources and staff, the EEOC will help eliminate barriers to AAPIs reporting employment 

discrimination, such as a lack of awareness of their rights, limited English ability, fear or discomfort of 

dealing with a government agency, and cultural differences. 

Goal 3. Increase litigation and enforcement efforts of employment discrimination statutes enforced by the EEOC 

related to issues that significantly impact AAPIs such as race and national origin discrimination. 

For the last decade, the EEOC, on average, filed 370 employment discrimination cases a year. These cases 

arise in large part through the charges received from the general public. To ensure that the EEOC brings 

litigation involving issues that impact the AAPI community, the EEOC will ensure that it generates charges 

from the AAPI community, coordinates with other agencies, conducts training, and raises awareness 

about the importance of these issues with EEOC offices. 

Goal 4. Ensure that the EEOC is an inclusive workplace for all AAPIs to reach their full potential. 

The EEOC strives to be a model workplace. Increasing the applicant pool of qualified AAPIs, particularly 

for supervisory and Senior Executive Service positions, and focusing on recruitment, retention, and 

training will ensure that AAPIs have equal opportunity to compete for vacancies at the agency. 

Goal 5. Help ensure that the federal government is an inclusive workplace for all AAPIs to reach their full 

potential. 

While AAPIs comprise 5.8% of the federal workforce, they still face barriers to equal employment. The 

EEOC will continue to provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to federal agencies on all 

aspects of the federal government’s equal employment opportunity program, including identifying the 

specific barriers AAPIs face and best practices for removing those barriers. 
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 22

U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

Mission. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recruits, retains, and honors a world-class workforce to 

serve the American people. 

Our goal is to assist agencies as they hire the best, respect the workforce, expect the best, and honor service by 

leading the way in making the Federal government the model employer. Moreover, as the principal government 

agency charged with overseeing the merit-based civil service, OPM is working with other agencies to establish the 

Federal workforce as a government of the people, by the people and for the people that fully embraces the 

diversity of our people. 

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, OPM has identified two high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase the recruitment, career development and advancement of AAPIs in the Federal Government. 

Currently, AAPIs represent 6.29% of the Federal workforce, with the majority on AAPIs in GS-14 and GS-15 

positions. However, AAPIs represent 2.84% of the Senior Executive Services (SES), 3.27% of First-level 

managers, 3.28% of Mid-level managers, and 4.47% in the Senior-level managers. This goal aims to 

increase the number of AAPIs in SES, supervisory and management selection pools, as well as increase 

agencies’ use of succession planning. 

Goal 2. Increase the recruitment, career development and advancement of AAPIs in the U.S. Office of 

Personnel Management. 

OPM must lead by example. AAPIs represent 6.29% of the Federal workforce; however, they represent 

3.08% of OPM’s workforce. Similarly, AAPI representation in the OPM workforce is lower than expected 

at the SES, supervisory and management level based upon their participation in the overall workforce. 

For OPM to lead, we must effectively implement our own initiatives and identify areas in which we can 

fully engage our employees. 
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U.S. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Mission. The U.S. Social Security Administrations (SSA) delivers Social Security services that meet the changing 

needs of the public.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, the Social Security Administration has identified four high-priority goals that will span 

the next two years. These goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s 

programs. 

Goal 1. Increase Understanding of Social Security Programs among AAPIs

When applying for and receiving benefits, AAPIs may have trouble because of a lack of understanding of 

program benefits due to language and cultural barriers. We will enhance our national outreach efforts to 

the AAPI community to promote our programs and services.

Goal 2. Foster the Recruitment, Career Development, and Advancement of AAPIs within the Agency

AAPIs make up over 5% of our total workforce. We will continue to offer career development training and 

resources. We will participate in national/regional job fairs designed to recruit AAPI candidates at all 

levels. We will collaborate with our agency’s Pacific Asian American Advisory Council to establish/increase 

participation of AAPIs in national career development programs.

Goal 3. Increase Employees’ Cultural and Linguistic Awareness about AAPIs

We will improve our employees’ awareness of AAPI culture and languages in order to enhance our 

services to the AAPI community.

Goal 4. Enhance the services we currently provide the AAPIs community.

We are committed to providing excellent service through a variety of channels, including telephone, field 

and hearing offices, and online. Our network of 1,300 field offices, interpreter services in over 150 

languages and dialects (through the National Telephone Interpreter Service), and expansion of online 

services will contribute to the overall enhancement of service to AAPIs.
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Mission. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) drives advances in science, technology, and 

exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth.

The President's vision is that by 2020, America will again have the best-educated, most competitive workforce in 

the world with the highest proportion of college graduates of any country. To do this, the United States must also 

close the achievement gap, so that all youth — regardless of their backgrounds — graduate from high school ready 

to succeed in college and careers.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, NASA has identified four high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase AAPI Diversity/Representation in the NASA workforce.

NASA found that it has not effectively developed its recruitment strategies, succession management 

pipelines, leadership development initiatives, or mentoring programs to fully include AAPIs. One result 

has been a lower than expected representation of AAPIs in aerospace technology (AST) positions, both in 

entry-level and higher grade levels. Therefore, NASA will increase the participation of AAPIs in the NASA 

workforce, both in entry-level and high level positions. 

Goal 2. Increase the participation of AAPIs in NASA’s education and research opportunities.

Based on a host of research literature in the diversity and inclusion field that indicates heterogeneous 

work groups are more successful than homogenous ones, NASA believes that a more demographically 

diverse workforce, as well as a more inclusive work environment, one that encourages diverse inputs in 

arriving at the best technical solutions, will serve the NASA mission and help the agency to maintain its 

preeminence in the world economy. For these reasons, NASA seeks to expand the diversity of its 

workforce by increasing the participation of AAPIs in Science and Engineering occupations at the Agency 

and national level. 

Goal 3. Improve Outreach on NASA Business Opportunities with AAPI within the Small Business Community.

NASA found a low participation of AAPIs in NASA Business Opportunities. Therefore, the agency will 

increase Small Business and Small and Disadvantaged Business conference participation of the AAPI 

business community, and will advise AAPI-owned small businesses on business opportunities and events. 

Goal 4. Better ensure meaningful access for AAPIs to programs and activities receiving NASA financial 

assistance.

NASA’s regulations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on 

race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency, or LEP), require NASA to conduct civil 

rights compliance reviews of its grant recipient institutions to ensure that grantees are not discriminating 

on these bases and are providing equal opportunities for the beneficiaries of such grants. NASA grantees 

include universities and colleges, museums, science centers, and research institutes. These grantees are 

spread across the country, some of them in geographical areas with high AAPI populations. Consistent 

with NASA Title VI implementing regulations and LEP requirements and guidance, NASA conducts a fullyrealized program of Title VI-LEP compliance reviews to ensure that national origin minorities, including 

AAPIs are not discriminated against in NASA funded programs, especially those serving the general public. 

Therefore, by the end of FY 2012, NASA will conduct at least one civil rights compliance review under Title 

VI-LEP at a NASA grant recipient institution located in an area with a large AAPI population, with 

appropriate findings and recommendations to ensure meaningful access to LEP AAPI populations.
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CORPORATION FOR COMMUNITY AND NATIONAL SERVICE

Mission. The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency, is to 

improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Through 

AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and Senior Corps and our other programs and activities, five million 

Americans serve with nearly 70,000 organizations in the national service network. 

Our primary role is to provide critical resources and leadership to support local initiatives that tackle community 

challenges in six focus areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, 

healthy futures, and veterans and military families. CNCS adds further value through our focus on the quality of the 

service participant’s experience and continued engagement.

PRIORITY PROGRAM GOALS FOR THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

Per Executive Order 13515, CNCS has identified four high-priority goals that will span the next two years. These 

goals will help increase the AAPI community’s participation in and access to the agency’s programs. 

Goal 1. Increase the impact of national service on community needs in communities served by CNCS-supported 

programs.

Our belief is that Americans can effectively respond to challenges by getting involved in their local 

communities through service, and that citizen-centered action can drive community solutions. CNCS 

provides funding to address the needs of underserved communities, including AAPIs, with a priority for 

education, veterans, and military families.

Goal 2. Strengthen national service so that participants engaged in CNCS-supported programs consistently find 

satisfaction, meaning, and opportunity.

The national service experience offers a unique combination of professional, educational and life benefits 

to service participants. CNCS will continue to expand our reach to include more Americans of diverse 

backgrounds – including AAPIs – so that they may take full advantage of the distinct benefits of service 

and develop a sustained commitment to civic engagement and national service. 

Goal 3. Maximize the value we add to grantees, partners, and participants. 

CNCS seeks to strengthen the collective capacity of the agency and the national service network to 

measure performance and conduct rigorous evaluations of programs, many of which serve and engage 

AAPI communities. This knowledge base of best practices will provide organizations in our network with 

tools to better achieve desired results and measure their performance. CNCS also serves as a catalyst for 

leveraging federal resources with private funding and local collaboration with philanthropies, 

organizations, and institutions of higher education familiar with the AAPI community.

Goal 4. Fortify management operations and sustain a capable, responsive, and accountable organization.

CNCS is optimally positioned to meet the strategic goals and objectives listed above by building on our 

current infrastructure, especially through human capital efforts. As such, CNCS seeks to increase the 

application rate of AAPIs applying to volunteer at the agency, and develop and promote diversity and 

affirmative employment measures that protect the rights of a diverse staff.
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 26

APPENDIX A: Executive Order 13515

EXECUTIVE ORDER

--------------------------------------

INCREASING PARTICIPATION OF ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is 

hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. The more than 16 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) across our country have 

helped build a strong and vibrant America. The AAPI communities represent many ethnicities and languages that 

span generations, and their shared achievements are an important part of the American experience. They have 

started businesses and generated jobs, including founding some of our Nation's most successful and innovative 

enterprises. The AAPI communities have made important contributions to science and technology, culture and the 

arts, and the professions, including business, law, medicine, education, and politics.

While we acknowledge the many contributions of the AAPI communities to our Nation, we also recognize the 

challenges still faced by many AAPIs. Of the more than a million AAPI-owned businesses, many firms are small soleproprietorships that continue to need assistance to access available resources such as business development 

counseling and small business loans. The AAPI community also continues to face barriers to employment and 

workplace advancement. Specific challenges experienced by AAPI subgroups include lower college-enrollment 

rates by Pacific Islanders than other ethnic groups and high poverty rates among Hmong Americans, Cambodian 

Americans, Malaysian Americans, and other individual AAPI communities. Additionally, one in five non-elderly 

AAPIs lacks health insurance.

The purpose of this order is to establish a President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific 

Islanders and a White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Each will work to improve the 

quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased access to, and 

participation in, Federal programs in which they may be underserved. In addition, each will work to advance 

relevant evidence-based research, data collection, and analysis for AAPI populations and subpopulations.

Sec. 2. President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. There is established in the 

Department of Education the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 

(Commission).

a. Mission and Function of the Commission. The Commission shall provide advice to the President, through 

the Secretaries of Education and Commerce, as Co-Chairs of the Initiative described in section 3 of this 

order, on: (i) the development, monitoring, and coordination of executive branch efforts to improve the 

quality of life of AAPIs through increased participation in Federal programs in which such persons may be 

underserved; (ii) the compilation of research and data related to AAPI populations and subpopulations; 

(iii) the development, monitoring, and coordination of Federal efforts to improve the economic and 

community development of AAPI businesses; and (iv) strategies to increase public and private-sector 

collaboration, and community involvement in improving the health, education, environment, and wellbeing of AAPIs.

b. Membership of the Commission. The Commission shall consist of not more than 20 members appointed 

by the President. The Commission shall include members who: (i) have a history of involvement with the 

AAPI communities; (ii) are from the fields of education, commerce, business, health, human services, 

housing, environment, arts, agriculture, labor and employment, transportation, justice, veterans affairs, 

and economic and community development; (iii) are from civic associations representing one or more of 

the diverse AAPI communities; or (iv) have such other experience as the President deems appropriate. 

The President shall designate one member of the Commission to serve as Chair, who shall convene 

regular meetings of the Commission, determine its agenda, and direct its work.

c. Administration of the Commission. The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of 

Commerce, shall designate an Executive Director for the Commission. The Department of Education shall 

provide funding and administrative support for the Commission to the extent permitted by law and within 
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 27

existing appropriations. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be 

allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons 

serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701-5707). Insofar as the Federal Advisory 

Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (the "Act"),may apply to the administration of the 

Commission, any functions of the President under the Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall 

be performed by the Secretary of Education, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the 

Administrator of General Services.

d. Termination Date. The Commission shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order, unless renewed by 

the President.

Sec. 3. White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. There is established the White House 

Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (Initiative), a Federal interagency working group whose 

members shall be selected by their respective agencies. The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of 

Education shall serve as the Co-Chairs of the Initiative. The Executive Director of the Commission established in 

section 2 of this order shall also serve as the Executive Director of the Initiative and shall report to the Secretaries 

on Initiative matters.

a. Mission and Function of the Initiative. The Initiative shall work to improve the quality of life of AAPIs 

through increased participation in Federal programs in which AAPIs may be underserved. The Initiative 

shall advise the Co-Chairs on the implementation and coordination of Federal programs as they relate to 

AAPIs across executive departments and agencies.

b. Membership of the Initiative. In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Initiative shall consist of senior officials 

from the following executive branch departments, agencies, and offices:

i. the Department of State; 

ii. the Department of the Treasury; 

iii. the Department of Defense; 

iv. the Department of Justice; 

v. the Department of the Interior; 

vi. the Department of Agriculture; 

vii. the Department of Labor; 

viii. the Department of Housing and Urban Development; 

ix. the Department of Transportation; 

x. the Department of Energy; 

xi. the Department of Health and Human Services; 

xii. the Department of Veterans Affairs; 

xiii. the Department of Homeland Security; 

xiv. the Office of Management and Budget; 

xv. the Environmental Protection Agency; 

xvi. the Small Business Administration; 

xvii. the Office of Personnel Management; 

xviii. the Social Security Administration; 

xix. the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs; 

xx. the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement; 

xxi. the National Economic Council; 

xxii. the Domestic Policy Council; 

xxiii. the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and 

xxiv. other executive branch departments, agencies, and offices as the President may, from time to 

time, designate. 

At the direction of the Co-Chairs, the Initiative may establish subgroups consisting exclusively of Initiative 

members or their designees under this section, as appropriate.

c. Administration of the Initiative. The Department of Education shall provide funding and administrative 

support for the Initiative to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. The Co-Chairs 

shall convene regular meetings of the Initiative, determine its agenda, and direct its work.

d. Federal Agency Plans and Interagency Plan. Each executive department and agency designated by the 

Initiative shall prepare a plan (agency plan) for, and shall document, its efforts to improve the quality of 
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 28

life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through increased participation in Federal programs in which 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders may be underserved. Where appropriate, this agency plan shall 

address, among other things, the agency's efforts to:

i. identify Federal programs in which AAPIs may be underserved and improve the quality of life for 

AAPIs through increased participation in these programs; 

ii. identify ways to foster the recruitment, career development, and advancement of AAPIs in the 

Federal Government; 

iii. identify high-priority action items for which measurable progress may be achieved within 2 years 

to improve the health, environment, opportunity, and well-being of AAPIs, and implement those 

action items; 

iv. increase public-sector, private-sector, and community involvement in improving the health, 

environment, opportunity, and well-being of AAPIs; 

v. foster evidence-based research, data-collection, and analysis on AAPI populations and 

subpopulations, including research and data on public health, environment, education, housing, 

employment, and other economic indicators of AAPI community wellbeing; and 

vi. solicit public input from AAPI communities on ways to increase and improve opportunities for 

public participation in Federal programs considering a number of factors, including language 

barriers. 

Each agency, in its plan, shall provide appropriate measurable objectives and, after the first year, shall 

provide for the assessment of that agency's performance on the goals set in the previous year's plan. Each 

agency plan shall be submitted to the Co-Chairs by a date to be established by the Co-Chairs. The CoChairs shall review the agency plans and develop for submission to the President a Federal interagency 

plan to improve the quality of life of AAPIs through increased participation in Federal programs in which 

such persons may be underserved. Actions described in the Federal interagency plan shall address 

improving access by AAPIs to Federal programs and fostering advances in relevant research and data.

Sec. 4. General Provisions.

a. This order supersedes Executive Order 13125 of June 7,1999, and Executive Order 13339 of May 13, 2004.

b. The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide information to the Commission, 

consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Commission. Each 

executive department and agency shall bear its own expenses of participating in the Commission.

c. Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: 

i. authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or 

ii. functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, 

administrative, or legislative proposals. 

d. This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of 

appropriations.

e. For purposes of this order, the term "Asian American and Pacific Islander" includes persons within the 

jurisdiction of the United States having ancestry of any of the original peoples of East Asia, Southeast Asia, 

or South Asia, or any of the aboriginal, indigenous, or native peoples of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

f. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, 

enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or 

entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama

The White House,

October 14, 2009
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 29

APPENDIX B: Interagency Working Group Members

Co-chairs

U.S. Department of Commerce Gary Locke, Secretary

U.S. Department of Education Arne Duncan, Secretary

Executive Office of the President

National Economic Council Ginger Lew, Senior Advisor and SBA Administrator

Office of Cabinet Affairs Chris Lu, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary

Office of the First Lady Tina Tchen, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff 

Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Nicholas Rathod, Associate Director 

Office of Management and Budget Preeta Bansal, General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor 

Office of Public Engagement Bryan Jung, Director of Special Projects 

Office of Science and Technology Policy Kei Koizumi, Asst. Dir. for Fed. Research and Developmt.

Office of Social Innovation and Participation Sonal Shah, Director 

Federal Agencies

Corporation for National and Community Service Patrick Corvington, CEO

Federal Communications Commission --in transition--

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Jaiwon Shin, Associate Administrator

U.S. Department of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary

U.S. Department of Defense Teri Takai, Chief Information Officer

U.S. Department of Energy Bill Valdez, Director of Economic Impact and Diversity

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ivan Fong, General Counsel

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary

U.S. Department of Interior Anthony Babauta, Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of Justice Marisa Chun, Deputy Associate Attorney General

Neal Katyal, Acting Solicitor General

U.S. Department of Labor Patricia Shiu, Director of Federal Contract Compliance

U.S. Department of State John Robinson, Chief Diversity Officer

U.S. Department of Transportation David Kim, Deputy Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of Treasury Sharon Yuan, Deputy Assistant Secretary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Stuart Ishimaru, Commissioner

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Christine Griffin, Deputy Director

U.S. Small Business Administration Ana Ma, Chief of Staff

U.S. Social Security Administration Aviva Sufian, Associate Commissioner
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 30

APPENDIX C: President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Daphne Kwok, Chair

Executive Director of Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California

San Francisco, CA

Sefa Aina, Vice Chair

Director of the Asian American Resource Center at Pomona College

Claremont, CA

Debra T. Cabrera

Faculty at St. John’s School 

Tumon, Guam 

Kamuela J. N. Enos

Director of Community Resource Development at MA`O Organic Farms

Wai`anae, HI

Frances Eneski Francis

Partner at Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP

Washington, DC

Farooq Kathwari

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ethan Allen Interiors

Danbury, CT

Hyeok Kim

Executive Director of InterIm Community Development Association

Seattle, WA

Ramey Ko

Associate Judge of the City of Austin Municipal Court

Austin, TX

Rozita Villanueva Lee

National Vice Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations 

Las Vegas, NV

Sunil Puri

President and Owner of First Rockford Group, Inc.

Chicago, IL

Amardeep Singh

Co-founder and Director of Programs at the Sikh Coalition

New York, NY

Unmi Song

Executive Director of the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

Chicago, IL

Dilawar A. Syed

President and CEO of Yonja Media Group

San Francisco, CA
Winning the Future: A Road Map for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Page 31

Dr. Khampha Thephavong

Primary Care Physician at the Veterans Affairs Hospital

Fresno, CA 

Doua Thor

Executive Director of Southeast Asia Resource Action Center 

Washington, DC

Hector L. Vargas, Jr.

Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association

Washington, DC

Hines Ward

Professional Football Player for the Pittsburgh Steelers 

Pittsburgh, PA