In 2010, a group of local, state, and federal Asian Pacific Islander (API) prosecutors from the San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley Area met for dinner. We discussed our common experiences, triumphs, and struggles. It was apparent that we all shared a deep passion for our profession and the pursuit of justice. We also discussed the importance of our shared heritage and belief in contributing to our respective communities.
To more fully realize this ideal, we discussed establishing a professional organization of API prosecutors that would: (1) assist API prosecutors through training, mentorship, and positive encouragement and support; (2) provide opportunities for API prosecutors to meet and discuss issues of shared significance; and (3) provide outreach and education to our communities about the criminal justice system and the vital role that prosecutors play in that system.
California API prosecutors reached out to our brethren across the country. We found that a group with similar ideals and goals already existed in New York. Since then, a group of prosecutors from across the country have devoted considerable time, energy, and creativity to found the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA), a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to benefiting all current and future API prosecutors, and their communities.
We hope that you will join us in our goal to become the best prosecutors we can be in order to best serve our communities and the justice system.
Best wishes,
