About
The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) was formed to create a national voice to advocate for the unique and diverse health needs of AA and NH/PI communities and the community health providers that serve their needs.
Vision
To be a national leader and critical voice for Asian American (AA), Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) community health centers (CHCs) and consumers, ensuring that our communities have better access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Mission
AAPCHO is dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of AAs and NH/PIs within the United States, its territories, and freely associated states, primarily through our member CHCs.
Our Story
About AAPCHO Info Sheet (PDF)
The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) was formed in 1987 by CHCs primarily serving medically underserved AAs and NH/PIs. The goal of these organizations was to create a national voice to advocate for the unique and diverse health needs of AA and NH/PI communities and the community health providers that served those needs.
Since that time, we have advocated for policies and programs that improve the provision of health care services that are community-driven, financially affordable, linguistically accessible, and culturally appropriate.
Advocacy Work »
Among other things, we develop, test, and evaluate health education and promotion programs with national significance. We also offer technical assistance and training to promote the establishment and expansion of services for medically underserved AA and NH/PI communities. And lastly, as a unified voice of our membership, we share our collective knowledge and experience with policymakers at the national, state, and local levels. For more on our story, read about our Guiding Principles and Values.
Learn About Our Programs »
Board of Directors
AAPCHO’s Board of Directors has a governing role over the organization’s policies and priorities. The Board is comprised of the Executive Director (unless otherwise appointed) of each member organization that holds full membership status with AAPCHO, and a Consumer Advocate At-large. Many of AAPCHO’S Board Members are nationally recognized leaders and have decades of experience delivering primary care services to medically underserved AAs and NH/PIs. To learn more about each Board Member, click on their name below.
Board Member
CEO, Bay Clinic, Inc.
Christian Kimo Alameda
Christian Kimo Alameda is CEO of Bay Clinic, Inc.
Board President
COO, Kalihi-Palama Health Center
Darrin Sato
Darrin Sato is COO of Kalihi-Palama Health Center.
Board Secretary
President & CEO, North East Medical Services
Eddie Chan
Dr. Eddie Chan is the President & CEO of North East Medical Services (NEMS). Prior to joining NEMS, Dr. Chan served as the Clinical Operations Manager for Kaiser Permanente in South San Francisco, CA. In this role, he directed the design, implementation and management of a variety of clinical programs, including Kaiser’s innovative Specialty Pharmacy Initiative, which controlled the handling of high-cost biotechnology medications in all Kaiser regions. Dr. Chan also played a significant role in Kaiser’s Drug Utilization Management program, which saved the organization a combined $120 million in the State of California alone. Most recently, Dr. Chan was selected as one of 15 leaders for Kaiser’s prestigious Leadership Program at UCSF. Dr. Chan received his undergraduate degree from the UC Berkeley, and his Pharmacy Doctorate from UCSF.
Board Member
CEO, ASIA-International Community Health Center
Elaine Tso
Elaine Tso is CEO of ASIA-International Community Health Center.
Board Member
CEO/Executive Director, South Cove Community Health Center
Eugene Welch
Mr. Welch arrived at South Cove Community Health Center in 1998 with a background in finance manufacturing/administration, and had no background in the medical/healthcare field. Before coming to South Cove, he owned a manufacturing company for 15 years. He first arrived at South Cove as a consultant to do a special project for 6 months working directly for the Board of Directors. After spending several months at South Cove, he was offered the position of COO, working on re-organizing the health center’s facilities and systems. At the present time, Mr. Welch is the Executive Director/CFO. His mission is to mentor young people in the organization to assume the responsibility of someday managing South Cove, which now serves over 17,000 patients and does 100,000 visits a year and is true to its mission of serving the underserved Asian community in Massachusetts.
Board Consumer Advocate At-Large
Board Chair, International Community Health Services
Gildas Cheung
Gildas Cheung is Board Chair of International Community Health Services.
Board Member
Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Kaushal Challa
Kaushal Challa is Chief Executive Officer of Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC) in New York. CBWCHC serves 60,000 New Yorkers, with focus on lower-income, medically vulnerable, and non-English speaking patients. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics and his Master’s in Statistics from Harvard University, and an MBA from MIT.
Board Member
CEO, Waimanalo Health Center
Mary Oneha
Mary Frances Oneha is the Chief Executive Officer of the Waimanalo Health Center, in Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Waimanalo Health Center serves 4,083 patients through 22,275 medical, dental, behavioral and enabling visits a year, 44% are Native Hawaiian and 53% have Medicaid. Dr. Oneha is a member of AAPCHO’s National Research Advisory Council, the Office of Hawaiian Affair’s Na Limahana o Lonopuha Native Hawaiian Health Consortium, and the Advisory Board of Chaminade University Nursing Program. She received her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Hawaii, her Master’s from the University of Washington, and her doctorate from the University of Colorado.
Board Member
Executive Director, Kosrae Community Health Center
Nena Tolenoa
Nena Tolenoa is the Executive Director of Kosrae Community Health Center
Board Treasurer
CEO, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Richard Bettini
Richard Bettini, MPH, MA, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Hawaii’s largest federally qualified health center. The health center serves 24,000 annual users, more than half of which are Medicaid patients. Mr. Bettini is immediate past president of AlohaCare, Hawaii’s third largest HMO and is Vice President of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations. Mr. Bettini has served on the AAPCHO Executive Committee for the last 10 years. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health.
Board Member
CEO, International Community Health Services
Teresita Batayola
Teresita Batayola, Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services (ICHS) in Seattle, Washington, leads the state’s largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit organization providing primary health care services including medical, dental, behavioral health, acupuncture and health education services. Batayola came into health care from her work in planning and leading major public initiatives and projects at the international, state and local levels. With a background in economic development, community development and strategic planning, she has headed comprehensive planning for the City of Seattle and was the Strategic Development Advisor for a World Bank project in Surabaya, Indonesia. She holds a BA from Seattle University and an MS in urban administration from Bucknell University. Batayola is currently the Board President of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Board Vice President for the Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers, and an Advisory Committee member for the State Insurance Commissioner’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. In March 2010, Batayola was named by Seattle Business Magazine as an outstanding leader in healthcare.
Board Member
President, Asian Health Services
Thu Quach
Thu Quach is a board member of AAPCHO and is currently the president of Asian Health Services (AHS), based in Oakland, CA.
Staff
AAPCHO staff brings a diverse range of knowledge, experience, expertise, and language and cultural competence to the organization. To learn more about a member of our team, click on their name below.
Executive Director
(510) 272-9536
jeffc@aapcho.org
Jeffrey Caballero
Jeffrey B. Caballero, MPH is the Executive Director of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians (NHs) and Pacific Islanders (PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NHs, PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
As Executive Director, Jeff oversees AAPCHO’s overall strategic direction and execution of its mission and vision.
Jeff has been with AAPCHO since 1993. In this role, he advocates for programs and policies that increase access to high-quality, comprehensive health care services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate; and reduce health inequities. Jeff is currently founding Co-Chair of Hep B United, Advocacy Committee member of the American Diabetes Association, founding member of the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition, and founding member of the TB United community engagement network. Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry/Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and his Masters in Public Health from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Jen Lee
Jen Lee, MPH is the Deputy Director of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians (NHs) and Pacific Islanders (PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NHs, PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this newly defined role, Jen oversees AAPCHO’s infrastructure and strategic response to the increasing demand for the organization’s programs, services and advocacy, primarily responsible for improving internal alignment and external community-based partnership capacity.
Jen has worked within and on behalf of community health centers and in public health for more than 20 years. Her experience spans programming design and delivery in HIV/AIDS prevention and care services, diabetes prevention, outreach work in rural communities, reproductive health access, health care workforce development, and health advocacy. Prior to joining AAPCHO, she served at Asian Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Oakland, Calif. for 14 years, first as a community health worker to then providing oversight of the health center’s prevention education programs, school-based health expansion, community outreach, translation and medical interpreter certification, and advocacy initiatives including the health center’s Patient Leadership Council program. Jen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Anthropology from Georgia State University, and her Masters in Public Health from San Francisco State University, and completed the Blue Shield of California and UCSF Center for the Health Professions Clinic Leadership Institute program in 2009.
Director of Policy and Advocacy
(202) 372-7158
acarbullido@aapcho.org
Adam P. Carbullido
Adam P. Carbullido is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Adam is responsible for developing and implementing the AAPCHO’s legislative and regulatory strategy and leads the organization’s engagement with Members of Congress, administration officials, national partners, and community stakeholders to advance policies that improve health access and outcomes of AAs, NHs, PIs, and the community health providers that serve them.
Adam received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. A native Chamoru from Guam, he resides in Washington, D.C. with his partner Bobby.
Adam has extensive experience in the federal legislative process. Prior to joining AAPCHO, Adam worked for nearly a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives advocating for the rights and priorities of his home island of Guam and other U.S. territories. He served as chief of staff to Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo of Guam and held other senior roles in her office including as communications director and senior policy advisor for health, immigration, and tax issues.
Director of Strategy and Impact
(510) 500-5944
bquintana@aapcho.org
Beverly Quintana
Beverly Quintana is the Director of Strategy and Impact at AAPCHO, aan organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Beverly oversees AAPCHO’s resource development, marketing and communications strategies and initiatives, and is responsible for comprehensive and coordinated development and communications plans to advance AAPCHO’s brand recognition, engage its stakeholders, and generate resources in support of its mission and social impact goals.
Prior to becoming Director of Strategy and Impact, Beverly served the organization in multiple development and strategic communications roles, most recently as Director of Development and Public Affairs. Since joining AAPCHO in 2010, she has overseen the organization’s development, fundraising, marketing, and communications, working with staff, member community health centers, and other partners across the country. In her past capacities at AAPCHO, she played leadership roles in major initiatives including high-impact and community-led civic engagement and Affordable Care Act outreach and education campaigns, in the development of major institutional and cause-marketing partnerships, as well as the establishment of the organization’s development department. Beverly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. An immigrant from Luzon, Philippines, Beverly recently moved from Oakland, California back to her home city of San Diego.
Executive Coordinator
bpascua@aapcho.org
Brianna Pascua
Brianna (Bri) Pascua is the Executive Coordinator at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this newly defined role, Bri is responsible for providing the Executive Director with overall support and engaging with our members and Board by coordinating communications and meetings, and assisting in travel arrangements and other projects to support the overall goals of AAPCHO and its programs. She also works closely with our senior leadership and finding ways to administratively support our operations.
Bri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands and is currently a candidate to receive a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco.
Prior to working at AAPCHO, Bri gained extensive experience in the nonprofit, health care, and education fields working to implement new platforms and efficiency practices. She is passionate about lifting up voices of underserved communities and advocating for access, equity, and representation and hopes to utilize her knowledge gained from the MNA program to enhance AAPCHO’s efforts.
Program Manager, Training and Technical Assistance
cskillingstead@aapcho.org
Cara Skillingstead
Cara Skillingstead is the Program Manager, Training and Technical Assistance at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Cara works closely with the Associate Director of Health Equity and Associate Director of T/TA in the development, coordination, and implementation of AAPCHO’s training and technical assistance activities that strengthen the capacity of community health centers and, in particular AA- and NH/PI-serving health centers and community-based organizations
Cara holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health at Western Washington University.
Prior to working at AAPCHO, Cara worked as the Correctional Health Program Coordinator at the Hepatitis Education Project serving people at the intersection of substance use, houselessness, and incarceration. She taught classes on harm reduction, infectious diseases, and peer education for people experiencing incarceration throughout Washington State and provided training and technical assistance among national partners and stakeholders through the National Hepatitis Corrections Network.
Program Manager, Infectious Diseases
cshinagawa@aapcho.org
Chibo Shinagawa
Chibo Shinagawa is the Program Manager, Infectious Diseases at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Chibo is principally responsible for managing programs related to maintaining and strengthening current tuberculosis (TB) control, COVID, and Hepatitis B priorities.
Chibo holds a Master of Science degree in Global Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Mills College.
Prior to working at AAPCHO, Chibo worked as a Program Systems Coordinator, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Data Lead at Asian Women’s Shelter in San Francisco managing data collection, data management, research, program evaluation, and program reporting for government and foundation grants. In addition to her professional experiences, she also worked cross-culturally in Rwanda with the Peace Corps and Global Health Corps on GBV prevention and Maternal and Child Health. She also volunteers as Board Co-Chair of ACCESS Reproductive Justice and provides leadership to reproductive justice spaces centering on BIPOC communities state-wide and regionally in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, Chibo volunteers on the Board of the Northern California Peace Corps Association.
Dionne Nguyen
Dionne Nguyen is the Communications and Member Services Assistant at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Dionne works closely with the communications and membership services staff to leverage best practices in public health communications and community-based outreach to widely promote, drive engagement with, and broaden the reach and impact of the organization’s programs and services.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Dionne was a marketing intern at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), where she worked with their communications team to manage stakeholder communications. Dionne was also a part of the Asian American Pacific Islander Health Research Group, Volunteers for Medical Outreach, and Partners in Health Engage at her alma mater. Dionne received a Bachelor of Art in Global Studies – Global Development in Asia and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Accounting Associate
ecanete@aapcho.org
Eshjel Escano Cañete
Eshjel Escano Cañete is the Accounting Associate at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Eshjel is principally responsible to assist in the smooth operations of the organization including but not limited to bookkeeping, payroll, and other finance and accounting duties.
Eshjel received a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Development Studies, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from UCLA.
Prior to working at AAPCHO, Eshjel was living overseas in Japan, serving as the President of a non-profit animal rescue, PAWS Yokosuka, and the Event Coordinator for JAS, a social military-affiliated organization focused on multi-cultural exchange between American and Japanese military families. Prior to her time in Japan, Eshjel spent nine years working as a legal secretary and paralegal, her most recent legal position being with one of San Diego’s top-tier Labor & Employment law firms, PPSC. She brings 12 combined years of experience in the legal and non-profit sector.
Associate Director, Chronic and Infectious Diseases
emoua@aapcho.org
Evelyn Moua
Evelyn Moua is the Associate Director, Chronic and Infectious Diseases at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Evelyn manages efforts related to maintaining and strengthening current TB control priorities, principally responsible for outreaching to AA, and NH/PI communities at risk for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease, and the health care agencies that serve these populations.
Evelyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Prior to working at AAPCHO, Evelyn served at LifeLong Medical Care for 6.5 years, where she also served in AmeriCorps—Community HealthCorps, as a direct service provider providing case management and department coordination services. Evelyn supported and empowered patients with high risk needs and addressed social determinants of health to improve health outcomes. In total, Evelyn has over 7 years of experience with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) at the local level.
Program Manager, Training and Technical Assistance
gpenaranda@aapcho.org
Gabrielle Peñaranda
Gabrielle Peñaranda is the Program Manager, Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Gabrielle manages AAPCHO’s innovative T/TA portfolio for health centers and their cross-sector partners. She curates training programs and designing curricula focused on diabetes prevention, social determinants of health, and improving population health for underserved AAs and NH/PIs, under AAPCHO’s National Health Center Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAP) Cooperative Agreement.
Gabrielle is currently pursuing of a Doctoral degree in Politics at the University of California Santa Cruz. She holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Cal Poly Pomona.
Prior to working at AAPCHO, Gabrielle held positions in marketing, graphic design, and customer service. Her research interests include equality, equity, and justice in the field of education, with particular attention to issues concerning race, gender, and class.
Ivy Yuson
Ivy Yuson is the Program Coordinator, Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce Collaborative of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Ivy is principally responsible for supporting the coordination of programs related to the CHW Workforce Collaborative.
Ivy is currently a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Global Health program at the UC San Diego. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Global Disease Biology with minors in Education and Public Health Sciences from the UC Davis.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Ivy was a graduate teaching assistant at University of California (UC) San Diego, working at the California Department of Public Health’s Chronic Disease Control Branch, Sutter Health, and UC Davis College of Biological Sciences.
John Nguyen-Yap
John Nguyen-Yap, MSW is the Associate Director of Health Equity at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
John oversees programs that promote health equity, specifically in the areas of addressing stigma related to COVID-19, increasing access to care, adopting infection protection control, promoting culturally responsive care, and facilitating worker safety for underserved AAs, NHs and PIs.
Julia Liu
Julia Liu is the Research Assistant of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Julia is principally responsible for project management, data collection, data analysis, implementation methodology, and cross-program collaboration to maximize the impact of AAPCHO’s initiatives.
Justin Santos
Justin Santos is the Data Specialist of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Justin supports the data structure of the COVID-19 Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce Collaborative.
Justin received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Justin worked as a Math and English tutor at an elementary school in the Southeast San Diego area.
Kristine Cecile Alarcon
Kristine Cecile Alarcon, MPH is the Associate Manager, Communications and Engagement of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Kristine manages AAPCHO’s external communications, responsible for creating and delivering impact-driven communications campaigns to drive engagement with the organization’s stakeholders.
Kristine received a Master of Public Health degree from Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of San Francisco.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Kristine was the Public Health Coordinator at the Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United, responsible for managing the organizations’ hepatitis B testing and social media outreach.
Mukta Deia
Mukta Deia is the Program Coordinator, Infectious Diseases at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Deia is principally responsible for providing assistance in coordinating programs related to maintaining and strengthening current tuberculosis (TB) control, COVID-19, and Hepatitis B priorities.
Mililani Leui
Mililani Leui is the Program Manager, Pacific Islander Diabetes Prevention Program (PI-DPP) at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Mililani works closely with the Associate Director, Chronic and Infectious Disease. She is responsible for managing and coordinating the PI-DPP program, as well as developing and strengthening activities that improve the health and wellness of Pacific Islander communities through lifestyle change programs.
Prior to becoming the Program Manager, PI-DPP, Mililani worked as a canvasser at the Community Coalition, collecting data on residents who are vaccinated for COVID-19 and providing resources. Mililani comes to AAPCHO with experiences in health education, health equity promotion, project management, teamwork, and data collection/analysis/input. Mililani earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Health Service and Policy from the University of Southern California.
Nashia Choudhury
Nashia Choudhury, MPH is the Associate Director of Workforce Development of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs and NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Nashia serves as the project director of AAPCHO’s Community Health Worker Workforce Collaborative, where she will oversee program development, planning, monitoring, reporting, operations, and evaluation.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Nashia served as the Data and Evaluation Manager at the National Association of Community Health Workers; Director of Operations at MyCare Health Center in Michigan; and Associate Director of Operations and Enabling Services at Michigan Primary Care Association. Nashia has expertise in the health center programming, federal grants management, training and technical assistance, network growth and partnerships, resource development, policy advocacy, and workforce sustainability. Nashia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Oakland University and a Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
Palmira Santos
Palmira Santos, PhD is the Senior Research Manager at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Palmira plays a major role in multi-project management, data collection and analysis, and strategy in the design, development, and maintenance of database systems that support research and cross-program collaboration to maximize the alignment and impact of AAPCHO’s initiatives.
Palmira has specialized expertise in using mixed methods approaches to access, gather, and synthesize data from multiple sources. She has over 40 years’ experience as a research and evaluation scientist dedicated to the investigation of inequities and social and economic determinants of health (SEDOH). Palmira assesses and evaluates health, economic, and social factors on the national, regional, state, and community levels to identify SEDOH and their impact on health care utilization, access, quality, cost, and patient outcomes. Palmira also brings expertise in sustainable care transformation and lived experience as a member of a marginalized population experiencing racism and systemic inequities. She is considered the founding mother of an Alaska Native Health Corporation. Palmira received her Bachelors of Science and Masters in Arts at Lesley University and her PhD at Brandeis University.
Paulo Dela Cruz
Paulo Dela Cruz is the Development and Special Projects Assistant at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Paulo supports the organization’s development and sustainability initiatives.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Paulo was an 8th Grade Science Teacher at Ed Von Tobel Middle School. Paulo also held civic engagement, community outreach, and research assistant positions at the University of Southern California. He brings his passion for community service and organizing, advocacy, and health equity to AAPCHO. Paulo received a Bachelor of Science in Global Health from the University of Southern California.
Peter Ho
Peter Ho is the Director of Operations at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Peter oversees AAPCHO’s financial systems, information technology, and administrative operations.
Peter received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University.
Director of Research
(510) 272-9536
rcweir@aapcho.org
Rosy Chang Weir
Rosy Chang Weir, PhD is the Director of Research at AAPCHO, aan organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
Rosy oversees AAPCHO’s research programs, focusing on racial/ethnic disparities in health, social determinants of health, enabling services or social interventions, and community-based participatory research.
As Director of Research, Rosy aims to increase access to quality health care services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for AAs, NHs, PIs and other underserved populations. She serves as co-PI of the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE), primarily leading the program’s research, evaluation, and most recently the development of the national stakeholder-vetted PRAPARE risk stratification model that incorporates social data. She has also led national projects focusing on hepatitis B, diabetes, and tuberculosis interventions, evaluation and impact of enabling services, and has served as expert advisor on multiple national initiatives. An immigrant from Laos, Rosy received her bachelor’s degree and PhD in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego and Santa Cruz, respectively.
Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez is the Pacific Islander Diabetes Prevention Program (PI-DPP) Data Evaluator at AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Sean oversees PI-DPP data collection and technical support and training, while developing software designed to increase health information research surrounding Pacific Islander health issues.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Sean worked at as an electrician and information technology (IT) specialist for Sause Bros. Ocean Towing Co., Inc.
Associate Director of Operations
soudommahavanh@aapcho.org
Susan Oudommahavanh
Susan Oudommahavanh is the Associate Director of Operations of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Susan coordinates the day-to-day operations of the organization’s accounting activities and supports the quality assurance and improvement of the organization’s and financial management systems and procedures.
Vanessa Wan
Vanessa Wan is the Program Coordinator of AAPCHO, an organization dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration, and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). AAPCHO envisions a world in which AAs, NH/PIs, and all communities have equitable access to affordable, high quality, and culturally and linguistically proficient health care.
In this role, Vanessa is principally responsible for providing coordinating AAPCHO’s HRSA-funded CHW workforce program, which entails project management, technical assistance, and cross-program collaboration with 25 program partners across 15 continental U.S. states and Hawai’i.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, she served as a Researcher with the Asian American Pacific Islander Health Research Group, Co-Facilitator for the Asian American Studies 190 (A/AA and NH/PI Community Health) course, and Editor in Chief & President of Caliber Magazine. Vanessa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California Berkeley.