Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL)

Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) is a "nonprofit, nonpartisan educational and professional organization dedicated to building leadership and public policy knowledge within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community." In 1989, Lin Liu, Sandra Yamane, Sharon Yanagi, Melinda Yee, Paul Igasaki, Rod Hsiao, and Chantale Wong, founded CAPAL in Washington D.C. in order to address the lack of Asian American Pacific Islander representation in public service. In almost 30 years, the organization has grown from an all-volunteer nonprofit organization to one with a Board of Directors, Staff, and Advisory Council.

CAPAL aims to promote AAPI interests and success in public service careers, to provide information and education on policy issues affecting the AAPI community, and to serve the AAPI community at large through its various programs offered throughout the year. Most notable of the programs and events are the Washington Leadership Program, Public Service Scholarship Program, Federal Internship Program, and Professional Development Program.

CAPAL’s board consists of 17 early to mid-career professionals with diverse backgrounds who volunteer their time to guide the organization. They are overseen by an Executive Team led by an elected Chair. The Executive Team consists of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Vice Chairs who in turn oversee each of the board's three committees.

Board members serve on one of three board committees: the Programs Committee, Operations Committee, and Development Committee. While each board member is assigned to one of these three committees, all board members are expected to have a role in program oversight, organizational governance, and fundraising. Board members may also opt to participate in additional subcommittees. These subcommittees currently include the HR Committee, WLP Planning Committee, Communications Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Scholar and Intern Application Review Committee, and Board Recruitment Committee. These subcommittees consist of board members, members of our Advisory Council, and external stakeholders, including CAPAL Board alumni.

The Board of Directors is also assisted by CAPAL's general counsel, who is charged with assessing and ensuring the organization's legal compliance in the areas such as employment, contracts, and tax.

Current CAPAL staff consists of the Managing Director as well as the Programs and Operations Associate. The Managing Director and Programs and Operations Associate manage the organization's day-to-day operations. They act in support of the Board and their respective committees but also strive to expand on their own projects and goals for the organization. Board members are expected to work alongside staff by providing guidance and support in order to make sure that all organizational activities are proceeding as intended.

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