About Us
The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) was formed to create a national voice to advocate for the health needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 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.
The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) was formed in 1987 by community health centers to be a national voice for advocating for the health needs of AA and NH/PI communities and the community health providers that served their needs.
Since that time, we have supported policies and programs that improve the provision of health care services that are community-driven, financially affordable, linguistically accessible, and culturally appropriate.
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 with extensive experience delivering primary care services to AAs and NH/PIs.
Board President
President, Asian Health Services
Thu Quach
Thu Quach is the President of Asian Health Services (AHS).
Board Vice President
CEO, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Kaushal Challa
Kaushal Challa was appointed in 2020 as CEO of the Charles B. Wang
Community Health Center (CBWCHC), a nonprofit health center that provides care to 60,000 New Yorkers, with focus on lower-income, medically vulnerable, and non-English speaking patients. Prior to joining the CBWCHC, Kaushal served as the COO for Ambulatory Care services at NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health system in the country, where he helped lead a re-organization and operational turnaround of outpatient services. He also previously advised government agencies, health care systems, and Fortune 500 companies on topics such as operational redesign, productivity improvement, and workforce capability building.
Kaushal has a BA in Economics and an MA in Statistics from Harvard University, and an MBA from MIT.
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 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.
Immediate Past Board President
COO, Kalihi-Palama Health Center
Darrin Sato
Darrin Sato is the COO of Kalihi-Palama Health Center.
Consumer Board Member
Board Director, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Denice Keliikoa
Denice Keliikoa is a long time resident of Waianae Valley and has many years of experience with nonprofits, board governance, grant administration, volunteer management and event planning. Denice is currently employed as the Grant Manager with the Honolulu Police Department and is Executive Director with Making Dreams Come True, Valley of Rainbows. She is extremely proud of the work and the major developments accomplished by WCCHC staff over the years to serve the Wai’anae community and looks forward to supporting future progress as a dedicated board member.
Board Member
CEO, NOELA Community Health Center
Diem Nguyen
Diem Nguyen is the CEO at NOELA Community Health Center.
Board Member
Executive Director/CEO, South Cove Community Health Center
Eric Tiberi
Eric Tiberi is the Executive Director/CEO of South Cove Community Health Center.
Consumer Board Member
Board Chair, International Community Health Services
Gildas Cheung
Gildas Cheung is the Board Chair of International Community Health Services.
Board Alternate
CEO, Asian Health Services
Julia Liou
Julia Liou is the CEO of Asian Health Services.
Board Member
CEO, International Community Health Services
Kelli Nomura
Kelli Nomura is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Community Health Services. Prior to her appointment in 2022, she served as an ICHS board member for over ten years in multiple roles. Prior to joining King County in 2016, Nomura worked for over 30 years in clinical and leadership roles within the behavioral health provider network. Kelli holds a Masters in Business Administration and a B.S. in Psychology, both from the University of Washington.
Board Member
Director of Health Equity, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center
Lee-Ann Heely
Dr. Lee-Ann Noelani Heely lives and works on Hawaiʻi Island. As a Native Hawaiian leader, she is passionate about serving Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and other indigenous groups living in Hawaiʻi County. Lee-Ann is the Director of Health Equity at Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center (HICHC). Lee-Ann holds a Master of Education in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership. The Health Equity department supports the spectrum of community health providing upstream and midstream preventive education, community outreach, WIC services, Reproductive Health programs and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) support through a diverse team. The Health Equity team consists of Enrollment Counselors, Community Health Workers, Community Health Educators, and Patient Navigators. The goal is to work with marginalized and vulnerable populations to reduce health disparities, increase health literacy, increase access to healthcare, and link patients or community members with community-based organizations that support the social determinants of health. In addition, the HICHC Health Equity department exists to ensure that all members of Hawaiʻi Island have advocates for healthcare access to high quality services and community resources that mitigate barriers to living a thriving life.
Board Member
Executive Director, Waimānalo Health Center
Mary Oneha
Mary Frances Oneha is the Executive Director of Waimānalo Health Center, in Waimānalo, Hawai‘i. The Waimānalo 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 Hawai‘i, 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 Alternate
Board Director, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Renee Rego
Renee Rego was born in Waianae and moved back to Waianae 10 years ago after living in Honolulu. Currently retired and very busy with her grandchildren, Renee is on the Board of Directors so she can help make a contribution to improving the health of the people of the Waianae Coast. Renee held the position of President and CEO of Teamster’s Local 681 for 7 years. While president, she was very involved and served on their Health & Welfare Committee. Over the years, Renee has contributed many hours of volunteer work for the Hawaiʻi Food Bank as well as the Events Committee for Unity House.
Board Member
Program Coordinator IV, Guam Community Health Centers
Zita Pangelinan
Zita Pangelinan is the Program Coordinator IV of Guam Community Health Centers.
Asian Services in Action
Board Representative - TBD
Board Representative – TBD
Staff
AAPCHO staff brings a diverse range of knowledge, experience, expertise, and language and cultural competence to the organization.
Executive Director
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
Adam P. Carbullido
Adam 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.
In this role, Adam develops and implements AAPCHO’s legislative and regulatory strategies and leads the association’s engagement with Members of Congress, federal administration officials, national partners, and community stakeholders to advance policies that uplift AAs, NHs, PIs, and the community health providers that serve them. He also co-chairs the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans’ Health Committee and serves on Protecting Immigrant Families’ steering committee and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ Health Care Task Force.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Adam served for nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently as chief of staff to Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam’s Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. His primary legislative responsibilities were on policy issues pertaining to the U.S. territories and Freely Associated States, federal appropriations, healthcare, immigration, and taxes. He also served on the executive board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association where he helped mentor and elevate AA and NH/PI staffers working in Congress.
Adam is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. A native CHamoru from Guam, he currently resides in Washington, D.C. with his husband Bobby.
Director of Strategy and Impact
Beverly Quintana
Beverly Quintana is the Director of Strategy and Impact 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.
Beverly oversees AAPCHO’s development, communications, and membership strategies, driving initiatives that foster engagement with the association’s stakeholders. She is responsible for developing and implementing integrated plans to mobilize resources to advance the organization’s mission and support its 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.
Manager, Executive and Administrative Affairs
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.
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.
Bri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, Channel Islands and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco.
Associate Director, Health Care Transformation
Cara Skillingstead
Cara Skillingstead is the Associate Director, Health Care Transformation at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (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 provides leadership support and guidance for AAPCHO’s efforts related to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAP) grant including: team supervision, training, and technical assistance, capacity building, partnership development, resource sharing, and network facilitation.
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.
Cara holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health at Western Washington University.
Associate Director, Infectious Diseases
Chibo Shinagawa
Chibo Shinagawa is the Associate Director of Infectious Diseases at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (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.
As the Project Director of the TB Elimination Alliance (TEA), Chibo is committed to advancing AAPCHO’s leadership in tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts. She oversees the development, planning, operations, and evaluation of programs aimed at addressing TB, Hepatitis B, and other infectious disease priorities in at-risk communities. Chibo is actively involved with TB Centers of Excellence and collaborates with state and national TB coalitions, working at the intersection of public health departments, FQHCs, and community-based organizations. In addition, she manages AAPCHO’s cooperative agreement with the CDC’s Division of Tuberculosis Elimination within the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention. Chibo also represents TEA and AAPCHO on several advisory boards, including the Stop TB USA Coordinating Board and the California TB Elimination Advisory Committee.
With nearly 10 years of experience in the non-profit and health equity sectors, as well as almost 4 years abroad in sustainable international development, Chibo brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Prior to joining AAPCHO, she managed data and grant reporting at Asian Women’s Shelter, supporting A/AAs, NH/PIs survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. She then worked as a Global Health Corps Fellow at the Rwanda Ministry of Health, focusing on health systems strengthening and quality improvement. Chibo also served as a Maternal and Child Health Specialist with the U.S. Peace Corps in rural Rwanda, where she helped CHWs improve maternal and child health outcomes through community-based programs.
Chibo volunteers as a Doula for ACCESS RJ and Co-Chairs the Grants Committee for the Northern California Peace Corps Association. She holds a PMP® certification, an M.S. in Global Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Mills College. Chibo lives in the SF Bay Area with her partner and twin girls.
Associate Director, Research
Christine Ko
Christine Ko is the Research Manager at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (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, Christine manages the development, implementation, and sustainability of AAPCHO’s research, evaluation, and data programs, particularly data disaggregation (e.g. UDS+) and Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) programs (e.g., SDOH Closing the Loop).
Christine Ko, PhD (she/her/hers) is a human-centered design researcher and educator with 10+ years of experience developing and leading culturally sensitive, equity-centered projects. Her work in higher education, non-profit, and government sectors has led to impactful changes in the areas of tech, healthcare, workforce/education equity, and curriculum development for non-traditional language learners. Christine has a passion for cross-cultural learning, and she recognizes that the human experience influences valuable cultural narratives to better understand the world around us. Her background in teaching and mentorship, coupled with developing community-centered initiatives supports creative solutions for historically underserved communities. Christine is an immigrant from Seoul, South Korea, and she lives in Houston, TX with her husband, son, and a very senior dog. She is a true crime fan, a matcha connoisseur, and a kpop fan, particularly BTS.
B.A., Journalism and Public Relations, Baylor University
M.A., Literature, University of Houston-Clear Lake
PhD, Adult, Professional, and Community Education, Texas State University
Dionne Nguyen
Dionne Nguyen is the Communications and Member Services 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 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 worked in marketing where she focused on stakeholder communications and community outreach. 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 is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health degree in Health Education and Health Communication at Johns Hopkins University. Dionne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a specification in Global Development in Asia and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Accounting Associate
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.
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.
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.
Program Manager, Training and Technical Assistance
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.
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.
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.
Ivy Yuson
Ivy Yuson is the Program Manager, Training and Technical Assistance 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 development, coordination, and implementation of AAPCHO’s training and technical assistance activities to strengthen the capacity of community health centers through activities related to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAP) grant.
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.
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.
John Nguyen-Yap
John Nguyen-Yap is the Director of Programs, Community Initiatives at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (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 co-directs and oversees AAPCHO’s Programs and Services, focused on enhancing application of AAPCHO’s equitable practices in programs and community-based initiatives. John supports community-based partnerships with the Pacific Islander Center of Primary Care Excellence, Tuberculosis Elimination Alliance, COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases Health Equity Response Network, and the Pacific Islander Diabetes Prevention Program.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, John served as an Outreach and Advocacy Manager at California Humanities to increase access to resources for diverse humanities and cultural programming entities. John was also a Community Services Manager at AAPCHO Member, Asian Health Services.
John earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Sociology from the University of California Davis and a Master of Social Work from San Jose State University.
Ken Liang
Ken Liang is the Director of Finance and HR 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, Ken is responsible for ensuring the Accounting/Finance and HR departments are properly reporting and adhering to the organization’s needs, working with AAPCHO Leadership to maintain sustainability and ensure oversight of grants management.
Prior to joining AAPCHO, Ken has spent the last 16+ years in the Accounting/Finance arena, beginning as an Accounting Clerk to becoming a Director of Finance at a nonprofit organization. Ken has a Degree from California State University- East Bay and is a Certified Nonprofit Financial Professional.
Mililani Leui
Mililani Leui is the Senior Program Manager, Pasifika Wellness Hub 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.
Mukta Deia
Mukta Deia is the Program Manager, Health Partnerships 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 managing training and technical assistance activities associated with a partnership with the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence and aimed to increase linkages between Community Health Centers and community-based organizations.
Deia previously served as AAPCHO’s Program Coordinator of Infectious Diseases, where she provided assistance in coordinating programs related to maintaining and strengthening current tuberculosis and hepatitis B priorities. Prior to joining AAPCHO, Deia served as COVID-19 Response Program Manager at the American College of Medical Toxicology, where she oversaw the assessment of the COVID-19 Response Task Force and the delivery of dynamic activities to meet their needs.
Deia is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in Health Behavior and Promotion at the University of Missouri. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from The Ohio State University.
Nashia Choudhury
Nashia Choudhury is the Director of Programs, Health Care Transformation at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (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.
Nashia co-directs and oversees AAPCHO’s Programs and Services, supports training and technical assistance, disaggregated data advocacy, workforce development, and health center partnerships. She oversees the Community Health Worker Workforce Collaborative, National Training and Technical Assistance Partnerships, and partnerships focused on enabling services, data collection and social needs interventions.
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 the Michigan Primary Care Association. Nashia has expertise in 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 from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
Paulo Dela Cruz
Paulo Dela Cruz is the Development and Special Projects 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 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.
Raenilynn Timbol
Raenilynn Timbol is the Research Project 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.
Riana Tadeo
Riana Tadeo is the Program 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.
Director of Research
Rosy Chang Weir
Rosy Chang Weir, PhD is the Director of Research 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.
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 Pasifika Wellness Hub 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 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.
Shama Farhad
Shama Farhad is the Research Project 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.
Shama previously served as a training and technical assistance intern at AAPCHO, where she provided support in project coordination of the Bureau Primary Health Care (BPHC) National Training and Technical Assistance Partnership (NTTAP) activity, highlighting the “SDOH Screening Workforce Skill-Building” Listening Sessions highlighting AA & NH/PI communities.
Additionally, Shama also works on various research projects that address health disparities within underserved South Asian communities, including her own Indo-Fijian community. Shama received her Bachelor of Science degree in public health at California State University, East Bay.
Associate Director, Operations
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.