Dear APALA Members:
I am writing to share information on a transition in our Executive Board leadership. Cynthia M. Orozco, current Vice President and incoming President for FY 2024-2025, will resign from the APALA Executive Board effective June 30, 2024. Due to new professional and personal obligations, she has decided to step back from Board duties to devote more time to other pressing commitments. She will wrap up her responsibilities by the end of the month.
Cynthia has been an integral part of our organization for many years, and we deeply appreciate her contributions, passion, and commitment to social justice in our many varied communities. We wish her well and are heartened that she plans to stay involved in our organization through committee work and as an active member.
Per APALA’s official documents, a President must be appointed before the new Executive Board term starts, or the incoming Vice President automatically becomes President by default. With less than three weeks left in this fiscal year, our current President, Jaena Rae Cabrera, generously offered to continue as President for another year, and the Executive Board voted on Monday to approve this motion. We are grateful to President Cabrera for volunteering to continue her service, as this ensures a smooth transition and a fully staffed Board for our organization. Annie Pho will continue as the Immediate Past President (IPP) until a co-IPP can be identified. Incoming Executive Board members Anna Coats (Vice-President), Saira Raza (Treasurer), Nicky Andrews (Member-at-Large), and Azeem M. Khan (Member-at-Large) will join continuing members Jenay Dougherty (Secretary), Neil Ordinario (Member-at-Large) and Amy Kyung-eun Breslin (Member-at-Large).
We realize many members are also eagerly awaiting news of APALA Committee appointments. These will be finalized next month, and we thank you for your patience.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and take care.
Warmly,
Alanna Aiko Moore
APALA Executive Director
exec-director [at] apalaweb.org