By Andrea Hyde and Monica Tong
On Thursday, July 21st, San Jose JACL hosted the Bay Area Asian Pacific American Legislative Staffers’ (BAAPALS) 8th Annual Summer Intern Mixer at the Issei Memorial Building.
BAAPALS (pronounced Bay-Pals) is a network of current and former legislative staffers from all levels of government in the Bay Area. BAAPALS has two distinct missions: to promote staff recruitment/development of Asian Pacific American Legislative Staffers and to increase knowledge of Asian Pacific Islander communities and issues. To reach these goals, BAAPALS is a volunteer-based organization that plans events for its members to expand personal interests, promote community service, and encourage professional development.
BAAPALS hosts a successful Summer Intern Series each year. For 2016, the Intern Series included panels titled “Internships 101: Maximizing Your Experience,” “Life as a Staffer,” and “Career Speed Dating” where interns had the opportunity to get to know professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in a fun and fast-paced environment. Our Summer Intern Series concludes with the Summer Intern Mixer at the Issei Memorial Building. The event supports the personal and professional development of young people by encouraging their involvement in the political pipeline.
This year’s mixer was attended by over 75 people. Guests were able to meet new people, network, and enjoy appetizers. The mixer was a great success! BAAPALS would like to thank our generous sponsors and San Jose JACL for their continued partnership.
