ANAHEIM, CA––Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California hosted “Understanding Orange County: Trends Shaping Our Communities,” a cross-sector research convening during AAPI Heritage Month focused on the demographic, civic, and community trends shaping Orange County’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
The convening sponsored by Cal State Fullerton, brought together civic leaders, researchers, community organizations, academic partners, and institutional stakeholders for a timely and urgent conversation on how data can drive policy, direct funding, and power community-based strategies across the region.
Held at AJSOCAL’s Orange County office in Anaheim, the event featured presentations and discussion on demographic trends, disparities within AAPI communities, civic engagement, health access, and the critical importance of disaggregated data in understanding the full scope of needs of Orange County’s richly diverse communities.
Speakers included: Dean Jon Gould, Ph.D., J.D., UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, Dean Natalie Tran, Ph.D., California State University, Fullerton College of Education, Dahni Tsuboi, J.D., CEO, AJSOCAL, Priscilla Huang, J.D., Center for Asian Americans in Action, June Lim, Ph.D., AJSOCAL Demographic Research Project and Ash Alvandi, Vice President of Orange County, AJSOCAL.
“Orange County is home to some of the most diverse, dynamic and fast-growing AAPI communities in the country, and they deserve to be seen, counted, and centered in the decisions that shape this region’s future,” said Dahni Tsuboi, CEO of AJSOCAL. “But too often, their needs are flattened or overlooked in broader policy conversations. This convening reflects AJSOCAL’s commitment to ensuring that data, research, and community experience are brought together to advance equity, access, and justice.”
The discussion highlighted the need for stronger data infrastructure, deeper cross-sector collaboration, and greater attention to the disparities that can be hidden when AAPI communities are treated as a monolith. Speakers also emphasized the importance of translating research into practical strategies that can support public agencies, community organizations, funders, and policymakers.
In reference to registered voters, Dean Jon Gould, Ph.D., J.D., UC Irvine School of Social Ecology stated, “Orange is the new purple. Orange County, CA is 1/3 Republican, 1/3 Democratic, 1/3 Third-Party. There is a story to be told about the transition of Orange County and AANHPIs are central to that.”
The event also underscored the importance of preparing for future civic milestones, including the 2030 Census and redistricting process, and ensuring that AAPI communities are fully counted, engaged, and represented in decisions that shape public resources and political power.
“As Orange County continues to change, it is critical that our institutions, policymakers, and community leaders have access to data that reflects the lived experiences of our communities,” said Ash Alvandi, Vice President of Orange County at AJSOCAL. “This convening was about translating research into action — and building the partnerships needed to ensure communities are seen, resourced, and represented.”
AJSOCAL’s Demographic Research Project remains a vital resource for community leaders, advocates, policymakers, and institutions committed to better understand the full diversity, needs, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across Southern California. As the region evolves, AJSOCAL will continue to lead – turning data into action, and action into justice.
Special thanks to Cal State Fullerton for their support.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest civil rights and legal services organization that advocates for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities. Through direct legal services, advocacy, education, and coalition-building, AJSOCAL aims to create a more just and inclusive society. AJSOCAL serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year and is based in Los Angeles, Orange County and Sacramento. It is part of a network of affiliated organizations in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, DC. www.AJSOCAL.org
