May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the cultures and contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. Originally established as a week-long celebration in 1978, it was then expanded to a month-long observance in 1990. AAPI Heritage Month serves as a time to recognize and acknowledge the diverse experiences and achievements of AAPI individuals, while also addressing the challenges of their past and present. 

This year, the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville shines the spotlight on a local inspiration- Berkeley Mayor, Adena Ishii. Mayor Ishii made history in 2024 when she was elected as the first Asian American and woman of color to serve as mayor. Of Chinese, Japanese and Indian descent, Mayor Ishii’s identity and leadership reflect the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month. She was born in Los Angeles and attended Agoura High School there. In 2009, she enrolled in Berkeley City College before transferring to UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. After graduating college, Ishii worked for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and later went on to get her Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. From 2017 to 2019, she also served as the first woman of color and the youngest president of the League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville.

Ishii ran in the 2024 Berkeley mayoral race against Sophie Hahn and Kate Harrison. Her campaign focused on affordable housing and expanding mental health resources, two issues that are key to Berkeley’s future. She utilized Berkeley’s public financing program to run a grassroots campaign powered by community support. Her relentless pursuit of justice serves as an inspiration for Asian American communities all over the country. 

As AAPI Heritage Month comes to an end, Mayor Ishii’s journey is a powerful reminder of why representation matters. Her leadership breaks barriers and paves the way for future generations wanting to get involved in government. AAPI Heritage Month is not only a celebration of culture and legacy, it’s an opportunity to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background. 

–Tasya Xiao