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 Operations and Development 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.

Ruoping Chen (she/her/hers) is the Strategic Communications Director at APIAVote.

Julie Wu (she/her/hers) is the Youth Programs Manager & Creative Design Lead at APIAVote.

Kasey Buecheler (she/her/hers) is APIAVote's Development Associate.

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. 

Mike (he/him/his) is the Field and Research Associate at APIAVote. He’s responsible for supporting the growth of the organization and its many programs.