Meeting Congresswoman Jill Tokuda: A Moment of Connection, Community, and Purpose

Today I had the privilege of meeting with Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, a democratic leader from Hawaii and a strong voice for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The event was hosted by Alameda County Assessor Phong La, who brought together community leaders and partners from across the region—including representatives from Southwest Airlines, BART, Skydeck, and other local organizations.

What struck me most was how quickly the conversation moved beyond introductions and into the deeper work that so many of us care about. I shared my passion for building inclusive opportunities through BTR TMRW and the need to elevate the experiences of students and adults with intellectual disabilities within the broader AAPI narrative. The Congresswoman listened with genuine interest, and our exchange made it clear that this mission resonates far beyond the circles we usually move in.

We talked about the changing landscape of education, workforce development, and the unique challenges families face when navigating systems that were never built with everyone in mind. There was a shared sense of responsibility in the room. A shared belief that we can only strengthen our community when we widen the table and ensure that everyone has a seat.

I left the conversation encouraged. Inspired. Hopeful. And with a commitment from Congresswoman Tokuda’s office to connect further as this work expands. For BTR TMRW, this kind of partnership matters. It means our mission is being heard at the federal level, and it opens the door to new forms of collaboration and visibility.

Moments like this remind me why we do what we do. When we share our stories with the right people, the right doors begin to open.