Speaker Robert Rivas Appoints Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President Tahra Goraya to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs

 

(May 8, 2024 — Marina, CA)  — Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya has been appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs by the Honorable Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly.

Established in 2002, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is charged with elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) in the state.

“As the daughter of Pakistani Punjabi Muslim immigrant parents and an advocate for shared economic growth and prosperity for all, I am deeply honored to accept this important role,” said Goraya. “I look forward to uplifting the voices and needs of our diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across California and the Monterey Bay region specifically.” 

“Ms. Tahra Goraya’s life experiences and accomplishments in public service, civic engagement and public policy make her a perfect addition to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs,” said Speaker Robert Rivas. “As the former national director of the country's largest Muslim civil rights organization, the daughter of immigrants, and a member of the Muslim community, Goraya has been and will continue to be a strong voice and advocate for the South Asian communities throughout California. I look forward to her continued leadership in this new role.” 

University of California at Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive praised the appointment, calling it  “well-deserved recognition of Tahra’s skills and talents and great news for the commission. In my role as chair of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, I’ve greatly valued Tahra’s leadership and perspective. She has a wide range of experience in multiple sectors that will serve the commission well as its members seek to advance issues of importance to the APIA community.”

"We welcome Ms. Goraya's historic appointment to the Commission as we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. She brings to the Commission a wealth of knowledge and expertise shaped by regional insights and her own lived experiences, promising to play a pivotal role in representing 6 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Desi communities, the fastest-growing ethnic group in California. I look forward to working together with Ms. Goraya on behalf of our marginalized communities to foster inclusive environments where the needs and aspirations of all community members are addressed with the dignity they deserve," said Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs.

The Commission advises the Governor and the Legislature on how to best respond to views, needs, and concerns of the state’s diverse and complex APIA communities. Additionally, the commission provides assistance to policymakers, state agencies, departments, and commissions to develop appropriate responses and programs that meet the needs of APIA communities, including focus on cultural language sensitivity, and hate incident and hate crime prevention measures.

A native Californian, Tahra brings strong skills in leadership, management, policy advocacy, and public affairs. She is experienced in diverse issue areas across multiple sectors including nonprofit management, business, and government. President & CEO of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership since January 2022, Tahra is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine with a degree in Biology, Masters in Organizational Management, and a Masters in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. 

About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):  Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region. 

About the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA):

The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) is a state agency dedicated to elevating the political, economic, and social issues of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. CAPIAA advises the Governor and Legislature on effective responses to the needs and concerns of the state’s diverse Asian and Pacific Islander American communities and works to foster understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration across the state.