December 9, 2021 IN: National, Press Room

SEARAC Applauds the Launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)

For Immediate Release:
December 9, 2021

Media contact:
Elaine Sanchez Wilson
Director of Communications and Development
elaine@searac.org
202-601-2970

 

Washington, DC – Today, the Biden Administration announced the launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). This is an important opportunity for AANHPI communities to have a voice in the White House and influence policy that will impact our lives. 

The Initiative will be housed within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) where it will be led by Executive Director Krystal Ka’ai and Co-Chairs Secretary Xavier Becerra and US Trade Rep Katherine Tai. These tireless advocates for the Southeast Asian American community will ensure that AANHPI voices are heard as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to fight for humane immigration policies, education equity, and health justice for our families. 

“We applaud the Biden Administration for re-launching this vital initiative,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director of SEARAC. “At a time when many Southeast Asian Americans are grappling with the physical, mental, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing systemic injustices, this is an important opportunity for our voices to be included in the decisions that impact our lives. We appreciate the Administration for working with members of the National Council on Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), including SEARAC, and are excited to be a part of the work ahead.”

For more information on the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) visit NCAPA’s website.