Policy Maker Khydeeja Alam – New Chief Of California’s APIA Commission

India-West Staff Reporter

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) has appointed Pakistani American Khydeeja Alam as its new Executive Director. She was sworn into office by Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly at the State Capitol here, surrounded by family and friends.

“California’s diverse AAPI communities enrich and strengthen our state in countless ways and have a pivotal role in driving our state and nation forward,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Director Alam brings more than a decade of experience working on a variety of priority issues for the state, and deep ties to nonprofit and philanthropic partners that will help further the Commission’s important work.”

The only ethnic commission established by California State Law, CAPIAA’s mission is to address the diverse and complex needs, issues, and concerns of Asian American and Pacific Islander American communities. The commission plays a crucial role in advising the Governor and Legislature on the views, needs, and concerns of the state’s population of over six million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

Alam’s appointment has been welcomed across the board with bureaucrats, officials and politicians extending their congratulations and support.

One of the key focus areas for CAPIAA under Alam’s leadership will be to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for the rights and safety of AAPI communities.

As Executive Director, Alam will spearhead efforts to maximize outreach efforts with Asian and Pacific Islander American communities, including informational campaigns about public and private programs that benefit community interests, and addressing issues of access and cultural language sensitivity within state agencies, departments, and other commissions. Most importantly, Alam will bring visibility around the work the commission continues to do on behalf of California’s AAPI communities.

Alam will also play a pivotal role in aiding policymakers and state agencies by identifying the needs and issues of AAPI communities, developing appropriate responses, and implementing programs to address these concerns effectively.

Alam, in a statement, said, “I believe the stronger the footprint of the commission, the stronger and more resilient the API communities will be. As a first Pakistani American in this role, I wear my identity with pride. This position allows me to pay it forward, uplift, and empower the community and the next generation of AAPI leaders.”