Julie Su started as one of OCA’s first interns ever—to becoming the only Asian American cabinet member in a presidential administration.

Former intern Michelle Sugihara believes representation in media is one of the most powerful tools to enact change.

2020 intern Christian Phomsouvanh hopes to make spaces they’re in more inclusive for future generations.

2018 intern Lena Pham believes in the power of research and data to uplift the AANHPI community.

2001 intern Matthew Noerper learned about Asian America—things he wasn’t able to learn in school.

2020 intern Andrew Peng returned to OCA as a communications associate before serving at the White House Initiative for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and later for a historic presidential campaign.

2018 intern Jaclyn Marmol is passionate about representation in government—and contributes to this as the regional director for Senator Mark Warner.

2016 intern Samantha Ng has spent her entire career working in politics—from campaigns, to political parties, to the federal government.

2018 intern Jaslin Kaur was so inspired by her OCA internship experience, it helped fuel her run for public office just a few years later.

2011 intern Maria Manalac gained more than she expected from the OCA internship program—hard skills, a community, even love.

1998 intern Steve Lin is helping to shape the next generation of young men—one that is hopefully more healthy and emotionally vulnerable.

2005 intern Ricky Ly combines his interests in civc engineering and civic engagement in his day job and volunteer work. At the end of the day, he just wants to help people.

2007 intern Shawn Jain started his career in communications before pivoting to his first love—acting.

Cindy Dinh was a 2009 intern who went on to study law to understand rules and regulations, and studied public policy so she’d have the skills to actually change them.

2014 intern Daniel Hoddinott is a transracial and transnational adoptee who’s dedicating his professional career to empowering students.

2018 intern Meloddy Gao thought she’d work in traditional politics, but found herself drawn to filmmaking.

Crystal Chiu was a 2004 intern who started her career in political communications before making a switch to the culinary arts.

Dr. Grace Chen was a 1997 intern now employed as a licensed psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area who promotes the value of radical self-care.

Christine Chen interned for OCA in 1993 before joining as a staff member and rising up to become executive director.

Muttika Chaturabul was a 2010 intern now working for a nonprofit health plan and operating her own consulting business.