Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, released the following statement:
“Our community has really struggled in the past several years, due to the pandemic and anti-Asian scapegoating and hate, compounded by the lack of government attention and resources. Despite our communities’ high needs and significant populations in all City Council and supervisorial districts, we remain underrepresented in elected office and in key staff positions within those offices.
“Personnel is policy. Right now is a great opportunity for elected officials, particularly newly elected members, to commit to engaging AAPI communities and our policy priorities by hiring staff who reflect the diversity of Los Angeles County and establishing senior advisor positions dedicated to issues impacting AAPI communities.
“To help in this process, AAPI Equity Alliance is proud to unveil our AAPI Resume Bank, which is a crucial tool to build the pipeline of highly qualified candidates seeking government employment and/or commission appointments. We hope elected officials will govern with the values of equity and justice, and ensure the voices of underserved communities are heard.”
