Staff & Fellows

Christine Chen, the founding executive director from 2006-2008 returned to APIAVote in January 2011 to serve as its current Executive Director.

Kevin Hirano (he/him/his) is the Director of Development and Communications at APIAVote, bringing over a decade of resource development and organizational strategy experience.

Raymond Partolan (he/him/his) is the National Field Director at APIA Vote. For almost a decade, he has been an advocate for immigrant and refugee communities.

Bob Sakaniwa (he/him/his) is the Senior Policy Advisor at APIAVote having worked in Washington, DC for more years than he cares to remember. Bob does bring a wealth of experience, having worked both on the Hill for members of Congress as well as several civil rights and immigrant rights organizations. Through his various stints on and off the Hill, Bob has gained deep insight into the workings of the House and Senate and brings that knowledge to his efforts as an advocate for civil rights and immigrant rights.

Julie Wu is the Programs Associate at APIAVote and works with the Youth Ambassador program and as a graphic designer. Julie is a 2018 graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.A.

Robin is the Administrative and Development Associate at APIAVote.  While handling the day to day financial responsibilities, she works to operationalize fundraising efforts in order to build and sustain APIAVote's relationships with ongoing and new donors.

Kyle Van Fleet (he/him/his) is the Communications Associate at APIAVote. In his day to day work, Kyle manages APIAVote’s social media and press inquiries, crafts communications strategy, and monitors online disinformation impacting AAPI communities.