Session Speaker: Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA)
Session Overview: We are excited to kick off our FY 25/26 Career Development Program workshop series by introducing the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), which is charged with elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, in the state. CAPIAA serves as a vital advisory body to the Governor, Legislature, and other state agencies on matters impacting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. CAPIAA builds bridges between communities and state systems, advancing policy solutions rooted in equity, cultural understanding, and community input. The Commission leads public engagement efforts, such as listening sessions, summits, roundtables, and advisory meetings, which inform its recommendations and promote inclusive state policymaking.
Hear from Khydeeja Alam, CAPIAA’s Executive Director, as she shares her journey into public service and the importance of intentional investment in AANHPI and underserved communities for a more inclusive California. Learn more at www.capiaa.ca.gov.
About the Speaker: Khydeeja Alam is the first South Asian woman to serve as Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). With over 18 years of experience in California public policy and public relations, Khydeeja has driven transformative change, advanced legislation, and secured billions in state budget investments. Her work has advanced equity and opportunity across the state. Before joining the Commission, Khydeeja served as Director of External and Legislative Affairs at California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, appointed by Governor Newsom. There, she led initiatives that expanded two major service programs, securing California the Innovation in Policy Making Award and increasing statewide service opportunities for thousands of youth and young adults.
Earlier, Khydeeja spent over a decade as Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Catalyst California, where her organizing and advocacy work drove systemic changes, improved equity in education, economic opportunities, and representation on behalf of marginalized communities, and created a new grade level in the state of California.
Named as one of the 2024-25 AAPI Change Makers of the Year by the Sacramento Bee, Khydeeja is proud to represent and serve her community. She was also recognized among the top 40 Under 40 AAPI political professionals by NAAPPPA. Khydeeja serves on the advisory boards of the University of California Center Sacramento (UCCS) and California State University Student Achievement Program (CSU SAP). Previously, she held leadership roles at CAIR CA as Board President of CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central CA. She served on the Governor’s Statewide Childhood Policy Council and the Educare California Silicon Valley Board.
Khydeeja’s journey as an immigrant to driving impactful policies reflects her resilience, vision, and commitment to public service. A proud graduate of UC Berkeley, she is dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable California while inspiring others to lead with purpose and passion.