Day: March 4, 2024

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NAPABA Supports the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act


For Immediate Release: 
Date: March 4, 2024 		Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy 

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the United States Senate’s reintroduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill that would restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act. Especially in a critical election year, Congress must ensure that everyone can fully participate in our democracy. This month, we commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when, on March 7, 1965, in Selma, Alabama, State Troopers attacked hundreds of unarmed protestors, including the civil rights leader John Lewis, who opposed the systematic oppression of Black voters. It led to the ultimate passage of the Voting Rights Act. As those activists knew then, and as we are reminded today, the right to vote is foundational, and as an organization advancing the interests of the AANHPI community, NAPABA realizes the critical importance for our community to have equal access to the ballot.  

“The endeavor to secure equal voting rights requires constant vigilance,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “The life and legacy of John Lewis are a powerful reminder of it. NAPABA is grateful to Senators Durbin, Warnock, Schumer, and the sponsors for reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. As the Asian American community is the fastest-growing community in the nation, coupled with recent court decisions that have limited the reach of the Voting Rights Act, this bill will go a long way to ensure that our community – and all communities of color – have a fair opportunity to make their voice heard at the ballot box.”

On top of our advocacy, if you wish to learn about ways that you can get involved in your community, connect with our partner APIAVote: https://apiavote.org/get-involved/volunteer/

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

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NAPABA Applauds the Nomination of Captain Lia Mitoko Reynolds, United States Navy, to Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy


For Immediate Release: 
Date: March 1, 2024 		Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy 

President Joe Biden nominated Captain Lia Mitoko Reynolds, United States Navy, to Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy (DJAG) with the rank of Rear Admiral (two stars). If confirmed, she would be the first AANHPI Flag Officer to serve in the United States Navy JAG Corps.

“NAPABA congratulates Captain Reynolds on her nomination. She is widely recognized as one of the top officers in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. In 2019, she was presented with the Burton Award for Public Service in the Military. NAPABA also awarded her the Military & Veteran Service Award in 2019,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “An active member of NAPABA, Captain Reynolds has served as a Navy JAG officer for 26 years. She is well qualified to serve as the Navy’s DJAG, and we urge the United States Senate to confirm her quickly.”

Captain Reynolds serves as the Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Operations & Management). Her past assignments include serving as Senior Military Assistant to the General Counsel of the Department of Defense; Senior Detailer, Judge Advocate General’s Corps in Tennessee; Commanding Officer, Region Legal Services Office Hawaii; Deputy Fleet/Force Judge Advocate in Bahrain; Special Assistant for Legal and Legislative Matters to the Secretary of the Navy in Washington, DC.; Commanding Officer of Naval Legal Service Office, Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia headquarters in Naples, Italy; Deputy Executive Assistant to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy in Washington, DC; Assistant Officer in Charge of the Trial Service Office Pacific Detachment in Yokosuka, Japan; Staff Judge Advocate for the Joint Interagency Task Force West; and trial and command services attorney for the Trial Service Office West, Branch office Lemoore, California.

“Captain Reynolds serves as a role model and inspiration to AANHPI attorneys,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “AANHPIs have been underrepresented in our military’s General and Flag Officers ranks. We are proud of Captain Reynolds’s service to our Nation, and we congratulate her on the nomination.”

Captain Reynolds is a Hawaiʻi native and received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, JD from the University of Hawaiʻi William S. Richardson School, and LLM with distinction from Georgetown University Law Center. 

NAPABA thanks President Biden for nominating Captain Lia Mitoko Reynolds.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

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Gauging Interest for an Asian Women’s Peer Support Circle

Anise Health, one of our 2023 Wellness Day sponsors, is gauging interest for a peer support circle for Asian women. 

Anise Health is a culturally-responsive mental health platform built by and for the Asian community providing integrated therapy and coaching. Submit the short intake form to be matched to a therapist within 2 business days.


Anise Health is offering a 4-week support circle that meets for 1 hour a week. The next cohort starts in Q2 2024 and will be led by clinician Sandra Kim for Wednesdays at 6-7pm EST. Please complete the interest form here and register for Wednesday’s time slot. If that time does not work for you, please make a note of other times you’d prefer. Anise Health will coordinate times based on everyone’s availability.

What are Peer Support Circles?

These are clinician-led small discussion groups, which research shows can increase quality of life by reducing feelings of stress and burnout. This recurring group is well-suited for women of Asian descent who are looking to connect with peers to discuss culturally specific topics

Who is the clinician facilitator?

Sandra Kim is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), an educator, a pastor, and a fitness coach. She incorporates multi-cultural, sensitive and mindfulness-based approaches building from her experience as a second generation Korean American who has lived in Asia, Europe and Africa. She incorporates various modalities in her practice including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy and biblio-therapy. She is passionate about helping professionals and women of color find their path to personal growth and fulfillment.

How will the sessions be structured?

Sandra will utilize techniques including radical acceptance, psychosomatic intelligence tips (eg Chi Ball exercises, mind-body scan), and open discussions around tensions that Asian women often face (eg caregiving at home, microaggressions at work). The sessions will be $40 per week for 4-weeks. Email [email protected] for questions.

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Asian Men’s Mental Health Discussion Group

Anise Health, one of our 2023 Wellness Day sponsors, offers the following mental health discussion group for Asian men. 

Anise Health is a culturally-responsive mental health platform built by and for the Asian community providing integrated therapy and coaching. Submit the short intake form to be matched to a therapist within 2 business days.

Anise Health is offering a 4-week support circle that meets for 1 hour a week. The next cohort starts in Q2 2024 (April) and will be led by clinician Samuel Shin. Please complete the interest form here and Anise Health will coordinate times based on everyone’s availability.

What are Peer Support Circles?

These are clinician-led small discussion groups, which research shows can increase quality of life by reducing feelings of stress and burnout. This recurring group is well-suited for men of Asian descent who are looking to connect with peers to discuss culturally-specific topics

How will the sessions be structured?

Samuel is a licensed therapist and certified men’s work facilitator, and will help participants explore healthy masculinity to improve mental health, dating, relationships, career and life purpose. Samuel will utilize a framework for masculinity that comes from psychology adapted for Asian men.  The sessions will be $40 per week for 4-weeks. Email [email protected] for questions.