SUSHI SHOWDOWN
APICA’S ANNUAL SUSHI SHOWDOWN
Sushi Showdown is an annual fundraising event hosted by the Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association (APICA)
Sushi Showdown provides the financial support for APICA to continue building and strengthening the AANHPI and SWANA Capitol staff community through programs, such as our annual Summer Fellowship Program, which brings paid interns to the Capitol each year to provide young professionals the opportunity to develop work experience in Sacramento and expands our pipeline of AANHPI and SWANA staff.
Sushi Showdown is an opportunity to build community, recognize champions, and compete in a sushi eating contest!
2023 APICA COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
ASSEMBLYMEMBER EVAN LOW
As the Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, Mr. Low has made immense strides in bringing our large and diverse AANHPI community together.
Mr. Low convened AANHPI stakeholders from different industries to collaborate with the Caucus to build up our communities. Under Mr. Low’s leadership, the Caucus has hosted many events such as the Lunar New Year Celebration, and recognizing AANHPI leaders statewide during API Heritage Month. From APICA, we thank him for his thoughtfulness and intention of moving us forward together. Assemblymember Low has also made an intentional effort to directly work with APICA in 2023, such as collaborating with us for our Women’s History Month mixer, Brown Bag series, and uplifting our internship program. Thank you Assemblymember Low for your support of APICA!
ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE FONG
During the time of the devastating Monterey Park shooting in AD 49, Mr. Fong worked quickly to mobilize community members and the Caucus to provide relief and resources.
It was an important time to stand in solidarity and denounce gun violence- and Mr. Fong did exactly that and more. Not only has Mr. Fong been a leader in AD 49 and in the Caucus as Vice Chair, but has also been a major supporter of all things APICA. From participating in last year’s Sushi Showdown, being one of our participants in our Brown Bag series, and also hosting one of our interns this year- we are so grateful for Assemblymember Fong’s steadfast support for APICA!
2023 APICA ALUMNI CHAMPIONS
Andrew Medina currently serves as a Policy Consultant for Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins.
He has nearly 20 years of experience of working in and around the Capitol community space, also working in Assemblymember Petrie-Norris’ office, Assemblymember Doss Williams, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and for the API Legislative Caucus.
Notably- during his time with the API Legislative Caucus, he has helped build their foundation and grow the Caucus as we know it today: providing member management, building up their bylaws, and leading their work towards policy priorities.
Andrew has also dedicated time to APICA in our early years as one of the founders, serving as Secretary and President.
Congratulations Andrew!
Jessica Duong currently serves as Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Phil Ting.
Alongside her dedication to the legislature, she has been a tremendous advocate for APICA both as a board member and alumni.
Jessica served as President in 2019 and 2020, Vice President in 2018, and Treasurer in 2017. During her tenure, she has brought in more API staff into the Capitol community and focused on professional development.
She planned and fundraised for two Sushi Showdowns, successfully received grants from the API Legislative Caucus for our summer internship program, and executed various events and workshops for our Capitol community and beyond.
We are so thankful for her dedication for APICA, and excited to honor her!
2023 SUSHI SHOWDOWN CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to Assemblymember Issac Bryan and Dubrea Sanders for winning 2023’s iconic Sushi Showdown!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
