NAPABA Archives - Page 12 of 79

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

Beatrice Leong Honored with NAPABA’s Best Under 40 Award

In recognition of her legal prowess, dedication to service, and entrepreneurial spirit, Beatrice Leong, a prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) woman solo practitioner, has been honored with the Best Under 40 award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). Beatrice will receive the award on November 11th at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis, during the Gala on Saturday evening. The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) is thrilled to celebrate this outstanding achievement and applauds Beatrice’s unwavering commitment to the legal profession and her community.

Empathy Born from Experience

Beatrice was set on becoming a prosecutor since she was in Junior High school. She was married to her high school sweetheart, she had finished law school, and she had an offer to intern with the Queens District Attorney’s office.

The discovery of her then-husband’s infidelity threw a wrench in her plans and forced Beatrice on a different path. Her consultations with divorce attorneys were disheartening. She failed the bar exam. “I felt like I was dying,” she said, looking back on that time. Nevertheless, she took matters into her own hands. The same drive and passion for justice that made her want to prosecute wrongdoers pushed her to become a divorce lawyer, the kind that she wanted for herself, and one that her future clients could safely rely on.

From personal experience, Beatrice understands the emotional and often heart-wrenching aspects of divorce and family conflicts. This has equipped her with a profound empathy that she channels into her legal practice. She is a compassionate advocate who walks alongside her clients through the tumultuous process of divorce, offering pragmatic guidance with a deep understanding of the emotions that accompany such challenges.

Redefining Success as a Solo Practitioner and Entrepreneur

Beatrice started her career in divorce and family law at matrimonial and family law firms in both Queens and Manhattan, first at Plaine & Katz LLP and later at Parmet & Zhou LLC and Kleyman Law Firm. She started her own practice, the Law Office of Beatrice Leong, in 2021. As the only solo practitioner among this year’s Best Under 40 honorees, Beatrice’s remarkable journey is an inspiration to young lawyers. Reflecting on her career, Beatrice emphasized the importance, especially for young AAPI lawyers, to recognize the value of their work and not be afraid to carve their own path.

Leadership in the Legal Community

Beyond her exceptional legal practice, Beatrice is dedicated to serving the AAPI community by playing an active role in both AABANY and NAPABA. She currently serves as a Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations at AABANY and a Co-Chair of NAPABA’s Solo & Small Firm Network.

Through AABANY, Beatrice met other AAPI lawyers, rare in her field, and people who could relate to being mistaken by court officers as an interpreter, intern or a litigant, because they do not fit the traditional image of a lawyer. She says that she found “her community” through AABANY: the pro bono clients she advised through AABANY, fellow AAPI lawyers, and AAPI law students.

Beatrice recalls being described as a “natural leader” by her peers at AABANY after she joined. More and more, she dedicated her free time to fostering connections between the organization’s members, drawing from a deeply held conviction that strength comes from unity. Later, she joined NAPABA to promote AAPI representation on a national level.

Beatrice Leong’s journey is a testament to her unyielding dedication to her clients, her community, and the legal profession. Her personal understanding, professional excellence, and commitment to service make her a beacon of hope for those navigating the difficult waters of divorce and family law. Beatrice’s passion and expertise continue to inspire and make a profound impact, both in the legal world and the lives of those she serves.

Congratulations to Beatrice Leong on this well-deserved award and recognition! You can click here to learn more about the Best Under 40 award and read about other awardees.

Please join AABANY in congratulating all of the honorees at the 2023 NAPABA Convention.

November 6, 2023November 8, 2023

Brian Song Honored with NAPABA’s Military and Veteran Service Award

In recognition of his unwavering dedication to his military service, his career and his community, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) presented the 2023 Military and Veteran Service Award to Brian Song. The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) is honored to join in celebrating this outstanding achievement and recognizing Brian’s profound commitment to the legal profession and his extraordinary service to his community. Brian will receive the award on November 11th at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.

A Unique Journey of Service and Ambition

Raised by first-generation Korean immigrant parents who instilled in him a strong sense of duty and the value of service, Brian found his calling early in life. Like most immigrant parents, there were only three “acceptable” career paths in his parents’ eyes: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. From an early age, Brian wanted to be two things- a lawyer and a soldier.

After attending college on an Army ROTC scholarship, Brian faced the choice of starting his service obligation to the Army immediately upon graduating or seeking an educational delay in order to attend law school. Since a delay would allow him to realize his childhood dream of becoming a soldier and his career goal of becoming a lawyer, he chose to compete for the delay and ultimately for selection in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). His journey was influenced by his strong desire to give back to his country. It was an unconventional path but one that has led to remarkable accomplishments.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Throughout his military career, Brian often found himself taking the road less traveled. As an Asian American officer, he was acutely aware of the scarcity of Asian American faces, especially in more senior ranks. He frequently found himself to be the only Asian American in the room during important discussions, a reality that further fueled his commitment to breaking barriers and opening doors for others.

One of the moments that resonated with Brian was the tragedy of Danny Chen, a young soldier who faced harassment and abuse in the military. Experiences like these strengthened his resolve to advocate for inclusivity and equity within the military. (You can read about AABANY’s participation in the 12th Annual Commemoration of Private Danny Chen here.)

While he acknowledges that progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to shatter the so-called “bamboo ceiling” that restricts Asian Americans’ representation in the higher ranks of the military. The lack of representation in flag officer roles, i.e., generals and admirals, is a concern that remains.

Service and Leadership in the Legal Profession

After law school, Brian’s legal career began in the JAG Corps, serving with distinction for four years on active duty from 2003 to 2007. At the end of his original military commitment, Brian volunteered to continue his service in the U.S. Army Reserve. Despite balancing a civilian career as an associate, and now as a partner, with several major law firms, Brian devoted the time and energy necessary for success in his military career. The Reserves are supposed to be one weekend a month and two weeks a year, but it is often more than that especially at the senior ranks. It is not possible to overstate the sacrifices that our military reservists make in order to continue to serve by balancing two careers along with family and other obligations.

Notably, he was part of a pro bono legal team that filed a suit on behalf of Sikh American recruits who were denied religious accommodations to both practice their faith and join the United States Marine Corps. After an initial defeat in District Court, the case — Toor et al. v. Berger et al.— continues into the next phase as the plaintiffs seek meaningful religious accommodations throughout their respective careers in the Marine Corps. Brian and his co-counsels hope that the Marine Corps will conform to the policies adopted by the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force.

Bar Association Work: A Calling and a Community

Brian’s involvement with NAPABA and AABANY showcases his commitment to service not only in the military but also within the legal profession. Joining bar associations was a piece of advice from mentors who emphasized its importance for career development. Although he initially felt too busy, Brian realized the tremendous value in getting involved as soon as he joined AABANY.

Brian’s contributions to the Asian American legal community have been profound. He established the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee at AABANY and later led the Military & Veterans Network at NAPABA. He hoped to bridge the gap from those transitioning from the military to civilian life, foster greater understanding among the legal community and veterans, and create a platform to discuss legal issues in which veterans have special expertise. From 2019 to 2020, Brian served as AABANY’s President.

Brian’s service, his legal accomplishments, and his deep involvement in bar associations make him a true trailblazer and an inspiration. We extend our warmest congratulations to Brian Song for receiving the 2023 Military and Veteran Service Award from NAPABA. Brian’s dedication to both his country and the legal profession is truly remarkable, and we are proud to celebrate Brian’s achievements. Click here to learn more about the Military & Veteran Service Award.

Please join AABANY in congratulating all the honorees at the 2023 NAPABA Convention.

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

2023 NAPABA Convention | Gala Lineup

November 9-12, 2023 | Indianapolis, IN

The NAPABA Convention promises to be an unforgettable convening—one of the largest legal conferences in the nation. We are thrilled to welcome you and nearly 2,000 of your friends and colleagues to Indiana next week!

Our capstone event, the NAPABA 35th Anniversary Gala, will not only be a celebration of the accomplishments of our community, but also a recognition of the challenges that remain. We will highlight the diverse voices of our community, including the LGBTQ+ community. To that end, our Gala emcee Maulik Pancholy, a celebrated actor and author, and renowned activist will guide us through the evening. We are grateful to our featured speaker, Mia Yamamoto, a pioneering leader, attorney, and transgender activist who has devoted her life in service of others and will share her unique perspectives with us. It’s a Convention you won’t want to miss!

About Our Emcee | Maulik Pancholy

Recognizable from his roles on shows such as 30 Rock, Weeds, Whitney, Phineas and Ferb, and Sanjay and Craig, Maulik Pancholy is an award-winning actor, author and activist whose career has spanned hit television shows, animated series, the Broadway stage, and films.

Maulik’s debut middle-grade novel, The Best at It, is a Stonewall Honor Award winner, a Junior Library Guild Selection, included in Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books of 2019, listed as one of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids, and is in development for television at HBO Max.

It has received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist. Drawn from his own experience, The Best at It, is about a twelve-year-old, gay, Indian American boy coming into his own. It has been called, at once, “exuberant and heart-wrenching.” Released in 2022, his second novel, Nikhil Out Loud, has been named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and received a starred review from Kirkus.

Maulik was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2014 to serve on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). As a Commissioner, he co-founded the anti-bullying campaign, acttochange.org, which he continues to chair today.

For his advocacy on behalf of the AANPHI and LGBTQIA+ communities, he has received an Asian American Arts Alliance Award, the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award, and was named to Out Magazine’s Top 100 list. He delivers keynote addresses on the topics of diversity and inclusion — and the importance of telling our own stories — in corporate settings as well as at universities and schools across the country.

About Our Keynote Speaker | Mia F. Yamamoto

Born in 1943 while her parents were incarcerated at the Poston Concentration Camp in Arizona, Mia Yamamoto’s life was shaped by the experiences in the camp as well as the politics and racial divide of the country before, during and after internment. She went on to serve in the U.S. Army, 4th Infantry Division, and was awarded a number of commendations and medals recognizing her service to the country during the Vietnam War.

She attended the UCLA School of Law, where she co-founded the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Organization. She went on to serve her community as a lawyer with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles and as a public defender. Since 1985, she’s been in private practice.

Proudly and openly out as transgender, Mia has brought her personal experiences to build and guide organizations such as the Multi-Cultural Bar Alliance, a coalition of women’s, minority, and LGBT bar associations of Los Angeles that she co-founded; the Japanese American Bar Association as past president; and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Southern California, which she also co-founded. Mia also served on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Commission of the American Bar Association and is a founding Board member for International Bridges to Justice, a human rights nonprofit providing due process and rule of law education, along with advocacy against investigative torture.

She is a frequent media commentator on issues relating to criminal law and a variety of related issues and brings a unique perspective that we’re honored to bring to our Gala.

Get Your Tickets for the Gala

The 35th Anniversary Gala tickets are available for purchase a la carte when you register for the 2023 NAPABA Convention. If you would like to attend, simply add the Gala to your registration for an additional fee when you register.

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

NAPABA Honors the Legacy of David L. Kim with President’s Award

For Immediate Release:
Date: October 26, 2023

WASHINGTON – During the 2023 Convention of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), Sandra Leung, the President of NAPABA, will bestow this year’s President’s Award posthumously upon David L. Kim, a pioneer within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAHNPI) community. Every year, the NAPABA President pays tribute to a remarkable entity or individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Nation’s AANHPI population. NAPABA is proud to honor David Kim’s incredible legacy. NAPABA, along with so many others, mourns with the Kim family for their loss of David, who passed away in June 2023.

“David Kim not only was a game-changer for corporate philanthropy to benefit the AANHPI community, but he created the model,” said Sandra Leung, President of NAPABA. “His impact will be felt for generations to come. For our NAPABA family, David’s commitment and generosity have been invaluable in ensuring that NAPABA and the NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) thrive—especially in the early years following our founding. He will be greatly missed.”

During his long career — which included serving as President and CEO of the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, President of the Iambic Group, LLC; Vice President of Multicultural Markets at AARP, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Mint, and Global Director of Asian Marketing and Community Relations at Anheuser Busch — David blazed the trail for so many. He harnessed corporate resources to invest in long-overlooked AANHPI populations. He shared wisdom, generosity, and counsel with so many in our community with a degree of selflessness and kindness that left an indelible mark on a generation.

David’s contributions were integral to the growth and development of NAPABA and NLF. For over three decades, he delivered opportunities for generations of AANHPI law students who now stand as leaders in the legal profession. Programs like the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, a training ground for law students, have flourished because of his generosity. Beyond his professional achievements, David is remembered fondly for his warmth, incredible sense of humor, and enduring friendship.

“On behalf of NAPABA, I am truly grateful to David’s family for allowing us to honor his legacy during NAPABA’s 35th Annual Convention in Indianapolis,” said Sandra Leung. “This award is a testament to the lasting impact of his life’s work within the AANHPI community and the legal profession as a whole.”

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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.

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

NAPABA and SABA North America Statement in Response to SABA Chicago’s Leadership Change

WASHINGTON – [On October 19,] the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), an affiliate of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), announced that it learned about abhorrent, antisemitic comments, which were made on a social media account owned by the then-SABA Chicago president. She is no longer president, and the president-elect of SABA Chicago has now assumed the presidency.

The legal profession is held to a high standard when it comes to our conduct, and our leaders are held to an even higher one. Words that are infused with violence and antisemitism have no place in our public discourse. SABA North America and NAPABA, in no uncertain terms, unequivocally condemn such abhorrent statements. We stand against hate, no matter the form, and we are focused on building a community where respect, compassion, and dignity prevail.

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.

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023

2023 NAPABA Awards: Announcing the Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award Honorees

The Trailblazer Award honors outstanding attorneys and organizations that make an impact in the legal profession and within the AANHPI community. This lifetime achievement award is NAPABA’s highest honor and recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of lawyers who have paved the way for the advancement of other AANHPI attorneys.

Trailblazers have demonstrated vision, courage, and tenacity in their practice. They have also made substantial and lasting contributions to the AANHPI legal profession, as well as the broader AANHPI community.

We’re proud to recognize these deserving honorees of the 2023 NAPABA Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2023 NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.

2023 Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award Recipients

October 20, 2023October 20, 2023

NAPABA, the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago, the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago, and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago Statement in Response to the Act of Hate in Plainfield, Illinois

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2023 Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy

WASHINGTON – On Sunday, an unimaginable nightmare visited a Palestinian American family in Plainfield, Illinois, a suburban region outside of Chicago. Local law enforcement officials have accused the family’s landlord of murdering a six-year-old child and attempted murder of the child’s mother in their home. The Will County Sheriff’s Office concluded that the perpetrator targeted the family because of their Islamic faith.

No words can capture the anguish and devastation that this vile act of hate has brought. We send our deep, heartfelt condolences to the family, and we stand with the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities throughout the United States.

Acts of hate must have no quarter anywhere. As the nation responds to the current conflict in the Middle East, we must not overlook our common humanity. Hate, whether in the form of anti-Asian hate, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, or any other act of bigotry must be condemned across the board.

On Monday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released its national crime statistics for 2022, reminding us that our work to eradicate hate must continue. With unrelenting focus, NAPABA, the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago, the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago, and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago are committed to do so.

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October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

NAPABA In-House Counsel Mentoring Program – Why Join?

Applications Due October 17, 2023

The NAPABA In-House Counsel Mentoring Program has operated for nearly two decades and is responsible for hundreds of professional relationships that have resulted in the development of in-house counsel leaders who have shined in their career.

This program provides mentee attorneys the opportunity to expand their professional network and find meaningful support and connection with other diverse attorneys who understand the challenges of the practice and can foster new ideas that inspires career growth. Mentors will harness their leadership skills and expertise to pass along perspective, wisdom, and practical skills gained throughout their career.

Interested in Applying?

The deadline to apply is October 17, 2023. For questions, please contact Sumbal Abid, Operations Manager.

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023

Welcome New NAPABA Leadership

NAPABA is proud to announce the 2023-24 Board of Governors—comprised of officers, directors, regional governors, and at-large board members—who will be sworn in during the 2023 NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.

NAPABA’s strength comes from the many volunteers who hold leadership positions across our diverse membership. From our national Board of Governors to our local affiliate leaders. From our substantive committee and affinity network chairs to the chairs of our professional development programs. NAPABA is driven by the expertise, energy, and commitment of our membership.

Congratulations to our newly elected and appointed Board members! And thank you to the countless volunteers for their leadership, service, and dedication to building a stronger AANHPI legal community.

NAPABA is committed to providing opportunities for our members to serve. If you are interested in learning more about how you can make a difference within NAPABA and the larger AANHPI community, please contact Priya Purandare.

2023-24 NAPABA Board of Governors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Anna Mercado Clark Phillips Lytle LLP President-Elect Thy Bui Constangy, Brooks, Smith, & Prophete, LLP Secretary James Lee Littler Mendelson P.C. Executive Director Priya Purandare, Ex officio NAPABA	Immediate Past President Sandra Leung Bristol Myers Squibb Treasurer Annette Kwok Beyond Meat, Inc. Special Advisor Dr. Karen Korematsu, Ex officio Fred T. Korematsu Institute

DIRECTORS
Angela Lim Viz.ai, Inc.	Zarra Elias H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.

REGIONAL GOVERNORS
Central Regional Governor Kristy Gonowon Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Central California Regional Governor Nina Hong Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP Eastern California/Nevada Regional Governor Patrice De Guzman Huber State of California Northeast Regional Governor Dan Brody Robinson & Cole LLP Northeast Regional Governor Andrew Sarrol NJ Office of the Attorney General	Northern California Regional Governor Mari Bandoma Callado San Francisco City Attorney’s Office Northwest Regional Governor Elisa Dozono CLEAResult Southeast Regional Governor M. Tae Phillips Ogletree Deakins Southern California Regional Governor Arlene Yang Center for Employment Opportunities Southwest Regional Governor Anthony “Tony” King Snell & Wilmer

AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Eugene Kim Vail Resorts Management Company Gene Kim Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Kenjiro LeCroix General Motors Company	Steven Ngo Rivian Automotive Avani Patel Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts Qiaojing Ella Zheng Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023

NAPABA Applauds the Nomination of Judge Edward S. Kiel to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

For Immediate Release:
October 4, 2023

Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy

WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Edward S. Kiel to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Judge Kiel would be the first Korean American to serve in the district if confirmed.

“NAPABA congratulates Judge Edward S. Kiel on his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey,” said Sandra Leung, President of NAPABA. “A 2010 NAPABA Trailblazer awardee, Judge Kiel is an active member of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey and is well qualified to serve on the bench. We urge the Senate to confirm him quickly.”

Judge Edward S. Kiel has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey since 2019. Previously, Judge Kiel was a partner at Cole Schotz, P.C., from 2001 to 2019. Before that, he was an associate at Cole Schotz from 1998 to 2001, at Beattie Padovano from 1994 to 1998, and at Jamieson Moore Peskin & Spicer from 1992 to 1994. Judge Kiel served as a law clerk for Presiding Criminal Judge Michael R. Imbriani of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset County, from 1991 to 1992. He received his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1991 and his B.A. and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University in 1988.

“We applaud President Biden for nominating his 32nd Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander to the Federal judiciary,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We thank the New Jersey Senators for recommending and supporting his nomination.”

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Director Kiran A. Ahuja U.S. Office of Personnel Management	Kiran A. Ahuja serves as the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). After more than two decades in public service and executive nonprofit work, she was nominated by President Joe Biden for her current role before being confirmed by the United States Senate on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Director Ahuja is the first South Asian American and first Asian American woman to lead OPM. Learn more about Kiran.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta U.S. Department of Justice	Vanita Gupta is the 19th United States Associate Attorney General and has served as the third-ranking official at the Department of Justice since her confirmation by the Senate on April 21, 2021. Associate Attorney General Gupta supervises the Department of Justice’s civil litigating divisions. She also oversees the grantmaking components of the Department. Learn more about Vanita.
Lisa Loo Senior Vice President and General Counsel	Lisa S. Loo, as Vice President for Legal Affairs and Deputy General Counsel at Arizona State University, focuses on special projects and initiatives, commercial transactions, procurement, real estate and immigration matters. Lisa is a founding board member of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association. Learn more about Lisa.
Florence T. Nakakuni Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii	Florence T. Nakakuni is the former United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. She was appointed in 2009 by President Barack Obama, replacing Edward H. Kubo Jr. who left to become a Judge on the Hawaii First Circuit Court. She is the first female United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. Learn more about Florence.
Ambassador Katherine C. Tai U.S. Trade Representative	Ambassador Katherine C. Tai was sworn in as the 19th United States Trade Representative on March 18, 2021. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai is the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy. Prior to her unanimous Senate confirmation, Ambassador Tai spent most of her career in public service focusing on international economic diplomacy, monitoring, and enforcement. Learn more about Katherine.
Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission	Mark T. Uyeda was sworn into office on June 30, 2022, after being nominated by President Joseph Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Commissioner Uyeda has served on the staff of the SEC since 2006. He most recently served on detail from the SEC to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs as a securities counsel to the committee’s minority staff. He is the first Asian Pacific American to serve as a Commissioner at the SEC. Learn more about Mark.