A group of Cal State LA students convened in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo on Thursday, March 27, with a singular purpose: to prepare for a future of leadership and impact.

The meeting, organized through CAUSE on Campus at Cal State LA, is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world by teaching the students leadership, civic engagement, and professional readiness through a lens rooted in ethnic studies.

CAUSE on Campus is a leadership program developed by Juily Phun, associate professor of Asian and Asian American Studies in the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA, and Nancy Yap, executive director of the Center for Asian Americans Unified for Self Empowerment, also known as CAUSE. Based in Los Angeles, the CAUSE nonprofit organization is committed to advancing the political and civic engagement of leaders in the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

The convening was part of a semester-long civic leadership training and internship that will culminate on California AANHPI Advocacy Day on Monday, April 28, where students will travel to Sacramento to engage with lawmakers and community leaders on issues that impact the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

The March 27 event began with an invaluable opportunity to meet California State Appointments Secretary Morgan Carvajal and Deputy Director Vishesh Anand from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.

“This dialogue provided Cal State LA students with insights into the inner workings of state government and the pathways for professionals in public service like becoming commissioners,” Phun explained. “The discussions served not just as a window into the political process, but as a reminder of the powerful role these students can play in shaping their communities, now and in the future.”

Following the talk, students participated in mock interviews with a group of community volunteers who themselves are industry leaders. These volunteers hailed from a range of fields, including nonprofits, STEM, politics, as well as institutions like Ernst & Young and East West Bank.

“This work with CAUSE was divided into two parts: civic engagement and mock interviews with a diverse group of professionals. These are essential skills that go beyond textbooks, providing practical experience in navigating the real working world,” said Phun.

The students who participate in CAUSE on Campus come from a broad array of academic disciplines—engineering, ethnic studies, music, political science, history, and business—demonstrating that leadership is needed in all sectors of society.

By offering a blend of learning opportunities, such as mock interviews, networking with industry leaders, and participating in advocacy day, the program ensures that students are prepared for the workforce while also fostering a deeper understanding of their roles as engaged citizens. Additionally, ethnic studies provide a means to remain informed and involved by promoting social justice.

As CAUSE on Campus continues to grow, it is clear that it offers far more than just a professional development program. It is a community-centered initiative that combines mentorship, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to preparing students for the future.

The culmination of the program, California AANHPI Advocacy Day and their final internship project (voter participation and registration), will be pivotal for students to put everything they have learned into practice. But, more importantly, these will serve as a reminder that their voices matter and that they have the power to influence change.

“Through CAUSE on Campus at Cal State LA, the next generation of leaders is being shaped, not just to succeed in their careers, but to engage, advocate, and empower their communities within their chosen professions,” said Phun. 

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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 24,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.