AAPI Cultural Celebration & Luncheon - May 15, 2025

MISSION

The purpose of the Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group (API ERG) is to promote employee engagement, networking, and a place of belonging for City API employees.

ABOUT API ERG

For 15 years, from 2004 through 2018, City employees from different departments came together and formed a committee to plan, organize, and deliver an annual cultural food luncheon featuring Asian and Pacific Islander food and entertainment for all City employees to enjoy. The annual Asian Pacific American (APA) Cultural Luncheon hosted upwards of 400+ City employees annually, sharing teriyaki chicken (barbecued on‐site) along with cuisine from local restaurants including chow mein, fried rice, sushi, lotus root salad, roasted pork, samosas, chapchae, babingka, and more. Luncheon guests were treated to the sights and sounds of taiko drums, hula dance, a fashion show, martial arts demonstrations, and musical performances, among the featured entertainment over the years. The organizing committee, along with many of the volunteers who helped provide these annual events, committed their time and effort, year after year, working together for the common goal of sharing food, culture, and fun. What grew out of this annual activity was essentially a community group of employees with common interests and culture, employee engagement, increased cultural awareness, and networking.

In the years following the last API luncheon in 2018, interest emerged to form a group to rekindle the sense of community, resource, and support. With support from the City Manager’s Office, the Office of Diversity and Equity, and the office of Councilmember Mai Vang, city staff formed the Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group (API ERG) in April 2021.