2025-2026 API Council 30th Anniversary Recap

Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence and Service

Written by: Nancy Lim-Yee, LCSW

On September 6, 2025, approximately 80 social workers, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Grand Palace Seafood Restaurant to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council’s (APISWC) 30th anniversary. This momentous occasion brought together three decades of dedicated advocates, practitioners, and community leaders who have championed social justice and cultural competence within Asian Pacific Islander communities.

The celebration featured keynote speaker Mr. Janlee Wong, former Executive Director of NASW-CA, whose instrumental role in the Council’s formation in Fall 1995 and unwavering support over the past 30 years has been invaluable to APISWC’s success. The event also provided an opportunity to honor the Council’s three co-founding members: Nancy Lim-Yee, Dr. Susan Sung, and Janice Wong, whose visionary leadership established the foundation for three decades of impactful service.

The significance of this milestone was further recognized through Certificates of Honor presented by local and state political leaders, including San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, along with representatives from the offices of State Senator Scott Wiener and State Assemblymember Catherine Stefani. These proclamations underscore the widespread recognition of APISWC’s vital contributions to the community.

Since its founding, APISWC has distinguished itself as a champion for Asian Pacific Islander communities through unwavering dedication to advocacy, education, and empowerment. The Council has transformed lives by advancing social justice, promoting equity and inclusion, and strengthening behavioral health initiatives while fostering cultural competence across diverse AAPI communities.

Throughout its 30-year journey, APISWC has achieved its mission through innovative workshops and events addressing social justice, mental health, cultural competence, and advocacy. The Council has mentored countless social work students and emerging practitioners, advocated tirelessly for culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and chronicled the invaluable contributions of Asian Pacific Islander social workers—creating a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.

As APISWC embarks on its fourth decade of service, the Council remains committed to its founding principles of advocacy, consciousness building, education, and political action. The organization continues to build bridges of understanding and opportunity while strengthening the voices and visibility of Asian Pacific Islander social workers nationwide.

For more information about APISWC and to join their mailing list, visit www.apiswc.org.

Photos from the celebration, including the presentation of Certificates of Honor from political leaders, will accompany this article.

Events

Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council North – Monthly Steering Committee Meeting

The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Social Work Council North invites you to join our monthly Steering Committee Meeting, held every third Sunday of the month. These meetings provide a space for members and allies to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the planning of upcoming activities and events.

Whether you are a longtime member or new to the Council, all are welcome to attend, share ideas, and help strengthen our collective impact. Together, we will discuss initiatives, upcoming programming, and opportunities to get more involved in advancing the voices and leadership of API social workers across California.
Date: Every 3rd Sunday
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/C9zuM3YCQq-b0CcQIHsIjA 

The 6 Voices Dinner is a unique opportunity for social workers to connect, reflect, and empower one another through storytelling. In small breakout groups of six, participants will share their professional journeys, challenges, and inspirations in an intimate and supportive setting.

This virtual gathering creates space for authentic dialogue, peer learning, and community-building among social workers across California. Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, this event is designed to foster meaningful connections and highlight the diverse experiences that shape our profession.

Registration is free, but space is limited to ensure small group discussions.

Event Details
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 5:45 PM – 8:00 PM PT
Location: via Zoom
Register Today: https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1994003&group=

Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM PT
Location: Hillsdale Shopping Center, Food Court (2nd Floor)
Address: 60 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Parking: Free parking available at Hillsdale Shopping Center
Cost: Free | Registration required (max 24 participants) | Registration Closes October 1
Register Today: https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1994109&group=

Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
Location: San Pedro Square Market, 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose, CA 95110
Parking: Downtown parking fee
Cost: Free | Registration required (max 24 participants) | Registration Closes October 8
Register Today: https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1994432&group=

Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Leadership Pathways for API Social Workers

Presented by Deborah Son, MSW and Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto, MSW, this 1-hour CEU workshop explores the barriers and opportunities for Asian Pacific Islander (API) social workers striving for leadership in the profession. While API social workers are strongly represented in the field, they remain underrepresented in supervisory and executive roles—a phenomenon known as the “Bamboo Ceiling.”

Through personal narratives, evidence-based insights, and practical strategies, this panel will provide participants with tools to:

• Identify systemic barriers contributing to leadership gaps.
• Apply strategies for career advancement, mentorship, and equity-centered leadership.
• Build networks that foster representation and professional growth.

This event is open to social workers at all career stages and offers actionable guidance to support leadership development while strengthening the pipeline of API leaders in social work.

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM PT
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Students: Free
• Early Bird (by Oct. 9): NASW Members $25 | Non-Members $35
• Late Registration: NASW Members $30 | Non-Members $40.
CEUs: 1.0
Register Today: https://www.naswca.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1994002&group=