(Listed Alphabetically by Last Name)
Jason Agpaoa
Board Member for Asian Cultural Experience (ACE), Board Member for Filipino Community of Salinas Valley (FCSV)
Background
Guest Experience Representative at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, Ca)
Special Events Supervisor at The Tech Interactive (San Jose, Ca)
B.A. in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University
M.A in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University (in progress)
Jason Galinato Agpaoa is a museum enthusiast and board member for Asian Cultural Experience (ACE), general member for Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Monterey Bay Chapter, and advisor for the Filipino American Youth Club of the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley. Inspired by his experiences as an Asian American Studies student at San Francisco State University and a decade of museum experience in the Bay Area and Central Coast, his dream is to practice and implement an Ethnic Studies Museum Education program at the future site of the Salinas Chinatown Museum and Cultural Center.
Topics Covered
Board Member for Asian Cultural Experience (ACE), Board Member for Filipino Community of Salinas Valley (FCSV)
Background
Guest Experience Representative at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, Ca)
Special Events Supervisor at The Tech Interactive (San Jose, Ca)
B.A. in Kinesiology at San Francisco State University
M.A in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University (in progress)
Jason Galinato Agpaoa is a museum enthusiast and board member for Asian Cultural Experience (ACE), general member for Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Monterey Bay Chapter, and advisor for the Filipino American Youth Club of the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley. Inspired by his experiences as an Asian American Studies student at San Francisco State University and a decade of museum experience in the Bay Area and Central Coast, his dream is to practice and implement an Ethnic Studies Museum Education program at the future site of the Salinas Chinatown Museum and Cultural Center.
Topics Covered
- Intro to Ethnic Studies
- Intro to Filipino American Studies (history, migration, pedagogy)
- Community/Coalition Building
- Intro to Museum Studies
Kathy Biala
City Councilmember, City of Marina
Background
Kathy Biala is a third-generation Japanese American, retired Master’s degree-prepared nurse with a career in clinical, healthcare administration, teaching at public and private universities, national consulting, small business CEO in healthcare and a university Ombuds. She is a long-standing member of the Japanese American Citizens League (helped coordinate testimonies for the federal Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Citizens in Chicago, Il), a member of the Coalition for Asian Justice (spoke out to end cultural misappropriation of an Asian ethnic group), founding member of Asian Communities of Marina (promoting minorities in local government and advocating for diversity/equity and inclusion in city policies, committees, and projects), co-founder of Citizens for Just Water (key grassroots activist group to stop environmental injustice related to potable water resources to a disadvantaged community of color).
Topics Covered
City Councilmember, City of Marina
Background
Kathy Biala is a third-generation Japanese American, retired Master’s degree-prepared nurse with a career in clinical, healthcare administration, teaching at public and private universities, national consulting, small business CEO in healthcare and a university Ombuds. She is a long-standing member of the Japanese American Citizens League (helped coordinate testimonies for the federal Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Citizens in Chicago, Il), a member of the Coalition for Asian Justice (spoke out to end cultural misappropriation of an Asian ethnic group), founding member of Asian Communities of Marina (promoting minorities in local government and advocating for diversity/equity and inclusion in city policies, committees, and projects), co-founder of Citizens for Just Water (key grassroots activist group to stop environmental injustice related to potable water resources to a disadvantaged community of color).
Topics Covered
- Personal Reflections on the Impacts of the Japanese American Internment Camps and lessons learned
- What is “cultural appropriation”: What it is and what it is not.
- What is “environmental injustice” and does it still happen?
- Starting with ourselves, making positive contributions against racism: Prevention, Protection and Presence.
Phuong Nguyen
Associate Professor, School of Humanities and Communication at CSUMB
Background
Dr. Phuong Nguyen was born in Vietnam, and grew up in the Monterey Peninsula, graduating from Monterey High School in 1994. He is a member of Coalition for Asian Justice, and Asian Communities of Marina and teaches Asian American History; California History; and Histories of Democracy at Cal State, Monterey Bay. Dr. Nguyen is the author of “Becoming Refugee American: The Politics of Rescue in Little Saigon” (2017)
Topics Covered
Associate Professor, School of Humanities and Communication at CSUMB
Background
Dr. Phuong Nguyen was born in Vietnam, and grew up in the Monterey Peninsula, graduating from Monterey High School in 1994. He is a member of Coalition for Asian Justice, and Asian Communities of Marina and teaches Asian American History; California History; and Histories of Democracy at Cal State, Monterey Bay. Dr. Nguyen is the author of “Becoming Refugee American: The Politics of Rescue in Little Saigon” (2017)
Topics Covered
- Why Asian American history matters to all people
- What is the “Model Minority Myth” and why it is a problem
- The history and contributions of the Asian American farmworkers
- Close to home: A history of Asians in the Monterey County
- America as the Country of Immigrants: A Brief History of Immigration Law
Larry Oda
National President, Japanese American Citizen’s League
Background
Larry Oda is a third-generation Japanese American resident in Monterey. His family has lived on the Monterey Peninsula for over a hundred years; his grandfather came to Monterey to work in the fishing industry and he opened the first Japanese-owned cannery on Cannery Row. Larry’s father came to the U.S. in 1917 to work on Fisherman’s Wharf where he became the General Manager of the abalone processing co-op until the outbreak of World War II.
Topics Covered
National President, Japanese American Citizen’s League
Background
Larry Oda is a third-generation Japanese American resident in Monterey. His family has lived on the Monterey Peninsula for over a hundred years; his grandfather came to Monterey to work in the fishing industry and he opened the first Japanese-owned cannery on Cannery Row. Larry’s father came to the U.S. in 1917 to work on Fisherman’s Wharf where he became the General Manager of the abalone processing co-op until the outbreak of World War II.
Topics Covered
- The Missing Story of Multiculturalism in the U.S.
- How early Chinese immigrants forged a regional economy
- The Violation of Democracy: The Japanese American Experience
- How Racism contributed to lost economic opportunities: Untold Stories
Randy Sabado
Retired Social Worker
Background
Randy Sabado is a retired 40 year public employee - Social Worker- Asian Community Mental Health Services (Oakland) & Alameda County Social Services; Public Real Estate -Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority Real Estate Manager; City of Fremont Real Estate Manager; Formerly appointed to City of Fremont Redevelopment Agency Successor Board; Past President & Scholarship Chairperson South Bay Chinese Club (Fremont); Advisory Board Member Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (Santa Clara County); Founder and 1st President of the Pilipinx American Students Association Cal State University East Bay 1972. Randy Sabado was born and raised in Salinas and Soledad. He is a second generation Pilipino American who worked in the fields of Monterey County during the weekends, holidays and summer months from age 12 to 18. Randy witnessed firsthand the UFWA organizing efforts in Soledad, Greenfield, Gonzales, and King City 1965-1971. His father was one of the thousands of Manong’s who immigrated to the US in the late 30’s and was a farm worker/carpenter, and a decorated WWII veteran who served in the 1st Filipino Regiment which trained in Monterey County. Randy was the commencement speaker at PASA’s graduation (Pilgrad); was a Pilipino Community Worker/Social Worker at Asian Mental Health Services in Oakland (1974-1978) Alameda County Social Services Adult and Family Social Worker (1978-1980) and assisted his wife, Gerry Low-Sabado, in making presentations about Chinese American history on the Monterey Peninsula. Randy continues advocating for The Walk of Remembrance and changes to the Pacific Grove Feast of Lanterns celebration which ended in 2022 with an Apology Resolution to the Chinese Community from the City of PG.
Topics Covered
Retired Social Worker
Background
Randy Sabado is a retired 40 year public employee - Social Worker- Asian Community Mental Health Services (Oakland) & Alameda County Social Services; Public Real Estate -Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority Real Estate Manager; City of Fremont Real Estate Manager; Formerly appointed to City of Fremont Redevelopment Agency Successor Board; Past President & Scholarship Chairperson South Bay Chinese Club (Fremont); Advisory Board Member Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (Santa Clara County); Founder and 1st President of the Pilipinx American Students Association Cal State University East Bay 1972. Randy Sabado was born and raised in Salinas and Soledad. He is a second generation Pilipino American who worked in the fields of Monterey County during the weekends, holidays and summer months from age 12 to 18. Randy witnessed firsthand the UFWA organizing efforts in Soledad, Greenfield, Gonzales, and King City 1965-1971. His father was one of the thousands of Manong’s who immigrated to the US in the late 30’s and was a farm worker/carpenter, and a decorated WWII veteran who served in the 1st Filipino Regiment which trained in Monterey County. Randy was the commencement speaker at PASA’s graduation (Pilgrad); was a Pilipino Community Worker/Social Worker at Asian Mental Health Services in Oakland (1974-1978) Alameda County Social Services Adult and Family Social Worker (1978-1980) and assisted his wife, Gerry Low-Sabado, in making presentations about Chinese American history on the Monterey Peninsula. Randy continues advocating for The Walk of Remembrance and changes to the Pacific Grove Feast of Lanterns celebration which ended in 2022 with an Apology Resolution to the Chinese Community from the City of PG.
Topics Covered
- Candid Reflections: How being Asian American shaped me as an Individual
- Regional histories to exemplify and support ethnic studies curriculums (Filipino and Chinese)
- Intergenerational impacts of racism: Example of Rectifying the Past and Ensuring the Future
- An Asian American Experience of finding one’s collective identity
Eric Tao
Professor of Innovation and Computer Science at CSUMB ([email protected])
Background
Dr. Eric Tao is one of the founding members of CAJ. Joined CSUMB in 1998, Dr. Tao founded the Computer Science program, Master of Instructional Technology program, and the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED). Eric is born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan before he came to the US and complete his Ph.D. at the University of California, Irvine. He is fluent in Chinese and interested in the US-China relationship. He is also passionate about social justice, innovation, and technology. Dr. Tao often gives speeches in the US and at international conferences on technology, education, and economic development.
Topics Covered
Professor of Innovation and Computer Science at CSUMB ([email protected])
Background
Dr. Eric Tao is one of the founding members of CAJ. Joined CSUMB in 1998, Dr. Tao founded the Computer Science program, Master of Instructional Technology program, and the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED). Eric is born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan before he came to the US and complete his Ph.D. at the University of California, Irvine. He is fluent in Chinese and interested in the US-China relationship. He is also passionate about social justice, innovation, and technology. Dr. Tao often gives speeches in the US and at international conferences on technology, education, and economic development.
Topics Covered
- The Bamboo Ceiling: Asian Facing Challenges in Silicon Valley
- How US-China Conflicts Impact Asian Communities
- Digital Divide in a World Pushed by Artificial Intelligence
- Innovation, Government, and Social Justice
Angie Ngọc Trần
Professor of Political Economy, Global Studies, CSUMB
Background
Dr. Angie Ngọc Trần was born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, from where she escaped by boat at seventeen, settling in southern California. She obtained a master’s degree in developmental economics and then a doctorate in political economy at the University of Southern California. She joined the CSU Monterey Bay faculty in 1996. She has published on transnational labor migration and resistance in Vietnam, Malaysia, the US and Mexico, aiming toward comparative studies on global labor migration patterns. During Covid-19, she published articles that exposed the vulnerabilities and the recruitment system that exploited Vietnamese female domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Her 2022 book, “Ethnic Dissent and Empowerment: Economic Migration between Vietnam and Malaysia”, champions the rights and empowerment of five ethnic groups, working in Malaysia and returning to Vietnam. She is active in Monterey County’s Coalition for Asian Justice, participating in the Black Lives Matter movement, the Seaside Village Project, the California Faculty Association, and contributing to Diverse Perspectives, a publication of CSUMB-Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability.
Topics Covered
Professor of Political Economy, Global Studies, CSUMB
Background
Dr. Angie Ngọc Trần was born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, from where she escaped by boat at seventeen, settling in southern California. She obtained a master’s degree in developmental economics and then a doctorate in political economy at the University of Southern California. She joined the CSU Monterey Bay faculty in 1996. She has published on transnational labor migration and resistance in Vietnam, Malaysia, the US and Mexico, aiming toward comparative studies on global labor migration patterns. During Covid-19, she published articles that exposed the vulnerabilities and the recruitment system that exploited Vietnamese female domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Her 2022 book, “Ethnic Dissent and Empowerment: Economic Migration between Vietnam and Malaysia”, champions the rights and empowerment of five ethnic groups, working in Malaysia and returning to Vietnam. She is active in Monterey County’s Coalition for Asian Justice, participating in the Black Lives Matter movement, the Seaside Village Project, the California Faculty Association, and contributing to Diverse Perspectives, a publication of CSUMB-Office of Inclusive Excellence and Sustainability.
Topics Covered
- The Vietnamese Communities in Monterey County: Historical Context, Trauma, Contributions, Strategies to Move Forward
- Affirming the Asian-American Communities by Building Solidarity and Making Connections: a Vietnamese American perspective
- Global Patterns and Empowerment of Ethnic Minorities: Labor Migration between Vietnam and Malaysia
- Transnational Migrant Labor Justice: Vietnamese Women Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia During Covid-19 and Beyond