Washington, D.C.—The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) has announced new appointments to its Board of Directors and National Advisory Council. CAPAC Chairwoman Grace Meng, California State Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, and Alisa La have joined the Board of Directors, while former Guam Senator Régine Biscoe Lee has been appointed to the National Advisory Council. Earlier in the year, Jean Lee and Susan Moon were elected to the Board of Directors, with Moon assuming the role of Finance Committee Chair and Pearl Kim stepping into the role of Governance Committee Chair.
Founded in 1994 by Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), APAICS is a national non-partisan nonprofit organization committed to fostering Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) leadership in public service and elected office.
“Congratulations to CAPAC Chairwoman Grace Meng, Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Jean Lee, Susan Moon, and Alisa La for joining the Board of Directors,” said Jason Chan, APAICS Board Chair. “I am also thrilled to welcome Régine Biscoe Lee to the National Advisory Council. These leaders bring invaluable experience that will propel APAICS forward in its mission to strengthen AA & NH/PI representation in government.”
The new appointees are distinguished leaders in politics, law, and advocacy:
- Grace Meng: New York Congresswoman, CAPAC Chairwoman, and senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.
- Stephanie Nguyen: California Assemblymember and former Elk Grove City Councilwoman, known for her work in community development.
- Jean Lee: A&O Shearman partner specializing in international project finance.
- Susan Moon: Former legal counsel for Disney and advocate for DEI and AAPI representation.
- Pearl Kim: Former special victims prosecutor and gubernatorial appointee to Asian American advisory commissions.
- Alisa La: Public policy expert and former special assistant to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
- Régine Biscoe Lee: Communications professional and former Guam senator.
APAICS also recognized departing board members Scott Nishimoto, June Jee, Tariq Khan, and Jimmie Williams for their service and contributions.
“APAICS is dedicated to fostering a strong political pipeline for the AA & NH/PI community,” said Madalene Mielke, APAICS President and CEO. “With these new leaders, we are excited to expand our reach and impact in 2025.”
