Empowering the next generation of AAPI leaders in Sonoma County

AAPIC’s NextGen program is a vibrant community of high school and college students in Sonoma County. Since 2024, they’ve connected through monthly meetups, shared meals, leadership projects, and programs that inspire and empower the AAPI community.

Where youth voices meet community stories

Launched in June 2024, the podcast aims to:

• Spotlight influential AAPI leaders in Sonoma County
• Discuss issues facing AAPI youth — letting listeners know you’re not alone
• Release monthly episodes (30–60 minutes each)

Episodes so far: (click on link to listen)

• Episode 1 – AAPI Teaching in Sonoma County with Stephanie Hsu
  Hosts Prasen and Nathan talk with Montgomery High’s Stephanie Hsu about representation in education.

• Episode 2 – AAPI Mental Health with Rita Phetmixay
  Hosts Rizka Sela Thomas and Tyler Tao discuss intergenerational trauma and healing with therapist Rita Phetmixay.

• Episode 3 -  Exploring power, beauty, identity and stereotypes of AAPI women with Kaila Yu.  
  Hosts Zoe Cirineo talk with Kaila Yu about colonialism, Hollywood, and pop culture fueled the hypersexualization of Asian Women - and how she reclaimed her voice and identity.

Helping youth answer: “What do you want to be when you grow up — and how do you get there?”

This free, online mentorship series connects AAPI high school and college students with professionals from a variety of industries. Participants:

• Explore diverse career paths
• Learn directly from working professionals
• Build skills and confidence to reach goals

Upcoming Workshops: (click on link to register)

• Paths to Professions: BUSINESS – Sept 2, 2025
• Paths to Professions: COLLEGE Workshop 1 - Want to Head to an Ivy?– Sept 3, 2025
• Paths to Professions: COLLEGE Workshop 2 – Need Help Choosing a College? Sept 17, 2025

If you are interested, please sign up to be a mentor on this form.

(Click each event to view the photo gallery/event)

• Lion Dance Workshop – 3/31/25
• Asian Noodle Potluck – 2/22/25
• NextGen Halloween Party – 10/26/24
• Threads of Our Culture Festival – 11/23/24
• September Monthly Meeting – 9/23/24
• NextGen Potluck – 8/24/24

• Commemorating the Fall of Saigon - 4/30/25
• Author Susan Lieu’s Talk – 4/15/25
• AAPIC/JACL Connect – Sushi Palooza – 10/13/24
• AAPIC Connect – Korean Thanksgiving – 9/21/24