Greater Seattle wins OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Chapter of the Year
For immediate release:
July 30, 2025
Media Contact:
Doug Chin, Co-President, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Seattle
dougchin3@gmail.com
Seattle – The Greater Seattle chapter was selected the Chapter of the Year by OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates, a social justice organization, at its national convention held in Seattle from July 23 to 26. The chapter was also awarded 1st place in the Advocacy and Membership categories.
Over 400 attendees from all over the country attended the national convention, which was held at the University of Washington campus, and included a variety of workshops, performances, and award ceremonies.
“We wanted to return to OCA’s roots in community and intergenerational organizing, so it was only natural that we bring the National Convention to the University of Washington in partnership with OCA-Greater Seattle,” said Thu Nguyen, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates National Executive Director. “OCA members from across the country were able to learn about the rich history of solidarity, change-making, and storytelling of the greater Seattle community, and be inspired in their own organizing work back home.”
The theme of the convention was Passage to Seattle: From AYPE (Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition) 1909 to AANHPI Rising 2025 in reference to the world’s fair held at the University of Washington campus. “While the AYPE,” said Greater Seattle Co-President Dylan Hartono, “is infamous for its Asian exhibits, it also put Seattle on the map…” It was the first time the convention was held at a university campus, and holding the convention at the UW campus was historically significant.
The closing ceremony, the Awards Gala Dinner, honored Gary Locke (Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award), Bettie Luke (Pioneer Award), Chia-Chi Li (Community Builder Award), and Doug Chin (Lifetime Achievement Award).
Additional photos from OCA National Convention photographer Studio Momo: https://studiomomo.pixieset.com/ocanationalconventionseattle2025/
