Asian American Women's Political Initiative

The Asian American Women's Political Initiative (AAWPI) is the nation's only national-level political leadership organization dedicated to empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander women in politics and government. Based in Boston, MA, AAWPI operates a groundbreaking political leadership program specifically designed for low-income and immigrant AAPI women seeking to develop their voices and influence in civic life. Over the past decade, AAWPI has built a comprehensive infrastructure that addresses the unique barriers AAPI women face when entering political spaces, providing mentorship, training, and community support to aspiring leaders, organizers, and candidates. The organization's proven model has successfully launched over 100 alumni into meaningful political engagement, with more than 90% going on to work on campaigns, become professional organizers and advocates, or run for elected office themselves. Recognizing the critical underrepresentation of Asian Americans in government—where only 0.9% of elected officials nationwide are AAPI—AAWPI is now scaling its transformative approach nationally. The organization is expanding its operations to Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California, states where Asian American and Pacific Islander populations are among the fastest growing in the country. AAWPI's comprehensive services span the entire political pipeline, from inspiring first-time voters to developing seasoned political leaders. The organization combines deep community engagement with strategic political education, ensuring that AAPI women not only participate in democracy but shape the policies and decisions that directly affect their communities and families.