AAPI heritage luncheon empowers Los Angeles against Asian hate

by Yugel Losorata
Ethnic Media Services

A Los Angeles luncheon held to close out AAPI Heritage Month paid homage to the efforts of AAPI community leaders in Los Angeles to counter historic spikes in Asian hate since the pandemic.

The luncheon

The event, held in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of LA, was organized by the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), a 48 year old non-profit community development organization providing employment and entrepreneurship resources for not just Asian communities but also the underserved populations in general — particularly refugees and immigrants — in Los Angeles.

The three years since March 2020 were the worst of this century for anti-Asian hate, California Congress member Judy Chu (D-28) noted at the Friday, May 31 event.

Chu, the first Chinese American woman elected to US Congress, led the attendees who included successful business leaders, corporate executives, and other community members helping PACE economically empower low-income AAPI residents in the Los Angeles region.

“People don’t know enough about us. They don’t know our history and sufferings (and efforts that we did) so that American society can be as strong as it is today,” said PACE president and CEO Kerry Doi, emphasizing the importance of celebrating different cultures and the legacy of all those who came before that paved the way for the current generation to live better.

“Some in the Asian American communities don’t have English speaking ability or marketing skills to get a good paying job. But they do have the entrepreneurial skills and that if developed can put food on the table. It’s a step to creating generational wealth to pass on to children,” Doi added.

PACE is a grantee of Stop The Hate, a program funded by the California Department of Social Services to mitigate this history of hate by providing services, support and prevention measures to survivors of hate incidents and crimes.

The growing organization of over 300 staff annually provides over 40,000 low-income individuals, families and small businesses with necessary tools and opportunities for economic growth.

Alongside its own efforts to provide caregiving services and job placement through PACE Care, PACE has also partnered with the Korean American Law Enforcement Organization (KALEO) to train AAPI community members in hate resolution and prevention.

Per its annual report for 2022-23, PACE’s efforts to combat hate involved over 30 community safety training sessions for about a thousand total attendees.

Jobs and housing for AAPI community members

“It’s valuable to stress the contribution of people trying to make our society a better place. The more people learn about what we do and how we make a difference in the lives of people, the better. It’s combating racism through service,” said Doi.

Through its Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program, highlighted at the luncheon, PACE has provided AAPI community members in Los Angeles with valuable paid work experience and on-the-job training, while its in-house and referral-based supportive services helping individuals speaking English as a second language are crucial to breaking employment barriers.

PACE has also collaborated with over 40 partners for job fairs and job assistance services and launched a program called PACE Readiness in Medical Employment (PRIME), helping AAPI community members struggling to find jobs gain positions in the healthcare field.

Efforts by PACE to advance equity for disadvantaged people which were discussed at the luncheon also include managing a thousand housing units throughout Los Angeles County. Additionally, the organization has rehabbed nearly 70 houses through its Handyworker Program that delivers free repairs and property improvements to low-income people with disabilities.

PACE housing recipients also benefit through supportive services like utility bill payment assistance, financial literacy training, among others.

Recognizing entrepreneurs

That afternoon at the luncheon, PACE recognized three small businesses that reflected the organization’s goal to empower the entrepreneurialism of Los Angeles residents — within and beyond the AAPI community — who have been disempowered by prejudice and bigotry.

The awardee for business growth, Jackelyn Enriquez, who emigrated to the US from Colombia, led Indeed Construction Cleanup, which cleans high-rise buildings, hospitals and stadiums. Notably, her company emphasizes the training of women to perform this job, normally associated with men.

At the event, Enriquez credited PACE for being “a good part of my growth” through the mentorship she received. She noted that, having begun with just a hundred dollars, she turned her business into a multi-million dollar company in less than seven years.

“I have dedicated myself to a role making sure that women get trained and that they’re not scared of anything they put their mind to,” Enriquez said. “They can go forward, even if it’s a man’s world.”

She added, “More and more women are getting into construction. We’re all trying to get ahead of life. And no matter what color you are, or what your identity is, we all deserve respect from each other.”

Doi, a member of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, commented “The challenges we face may evolve, but our resolve to combat racism through service remains unshaken.”

Representative Chu said the resiliency and creativity of the recognized entrepreneurs showed what could be achieved through support from organizations like PACE, adding “I want to recognize these outstanding achievements that reflect dedication and serve as a beacon of inspiration. They tried hard despite the pandemic, and all kinds of challenges. They have persevered and they are resilient.”

A former psychology professor in the Los Angeles Community College District presented PACE with a certificate of Congressional Recognition for helping small businesses thrive through economic growth opportunities, telling attendees that PACE has been at the forefront of “addressing issues by providing resources to those who have been affected by discrimination and hate” and ensuring that “every individual can feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

Chu, who is also the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), emphasized the power of creating jobs for disempowered community members, adding: “Let’s carry the spirit of this month as we strive for equality, justice and unity for all. Let’s build a future where every individual regardless of background or heritage can thrive and succeed.”

Christina Ching, the senior vice president and corporate banking manager of LA-based Preferred Bank and part of PACE’s advisory board, said “PACE is a great organization and what they do is extremely relevant, providing employment opportunities for a lot of people. We have come a long way as Asian communities are getting recognized for the good they do.”

“Working together and understanding one another are the keys to progress,” she added.

Lynna Ochoa, procurement manager for PACE, said “It is our responsibility that we get positive messages out, in particular to promote not hating anyone, and promote unity, and business growth. It’s a role we do with honor and take seriously. It’s important for PACE to have a legislator in our midst so as we can reach a wider audience.”

Mimi Cheung, chief strategy officer and interim director of development at PACE, added “We support AAPI and other demographics in the community. We put up galas and diversity events for our communities. It’s what you do to empower sustainability, resilience and growth.” n