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Media Contact: Vincent Wang
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AACO Holds Sixth Public Service Internship Graduation Ceremony in Cincinnati
Federal, State and Local Officials, community leaders, parents and youths to attend
Cincinnati, July 28, 2023 - Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is holding its sixth public service internship graduation ceremony in Cincinnati, where six interns are expected to graduate. Seven interns from Columbus and Cleveland areas are also on track to complete their internship requirements.
AACO’s public service interns were selected from among high school and college students who have strong interest in public service and civic affairs, went through AACO’s public service internship training program, and were placed at state and local public offices to support legislative agenda, constituent service, research and administrative work. Each intern is committed to serving in their office for 120 hours or more, and volunteering in civic engagement and community services for 20 hours or more. Through the public service internship program, AACO aims to grow next-generation leaders who aspire to run for public offices and make a difference in their community.
The 2023 cohort of public service interns from the Cincinnati area are:
Katie Wang, Warren County Public Health Department
Avril Kong, Warren County Auditor office
Alex Tran, City of Cincinnati Dept. of Transportation & Engineering
Audrey Kong, Warren County Engineering Department
Owen Liu, Ohio State Rep. Denson Office
Sophia Li, Ohio State Rep. Denson Office
The following public officials and community leaders are expected to speak at the ceremony to celebrate the interns’ achievements:
Greg Landsman, U.S. Representative (OH-1)
Jean Schmidt, Ohio State Representative (HD-62)
Cedrick Denson, Ohio State Representative (HD-26)
Judge Zayas, Ohio First District Court of Appeals
Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Hamilton County Commissioner
Rhonda Holyfield-Mangieri, Incoming President of The Cincinnatus Association
“Public Service Internship is one of our signature programs that we leverage to educate, engage and empower Asian Pacific American youths. “ said Hao Cong, President of AACO’s Cincinnati Office. “We strive to develop the interns’ leadership skills, provide an immersive experience for them to learn how American democracy works, and nurture future leaders of our society.”
“At a time of great AAPI bigotry, AACO leaders including myself dreamed of a world for Asian American and Pacific Islander kids where they would truly belong and could have the opportunity to serve our great nation, and someday even serve in the highest office.” said Michele Young, AACO’s Advisory Chair.
“We are fortunate to have trailblazing and legendary leaders who broke through many barriers including bigotry coming to speak to this year’s graduating class. It will greatly enrich our interns’ experience and everyone from the audience alike.” said Ling Qi, AACO’s Vice President and Amy Song, AACO’s youth program advisor.
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About Asian American Coalition of Ohio
The Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is a nonprofit, grassroots organization with the mission to educate, engage and empower Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in Ohio to participate in all aspects of American society. As a volunteer run organization, AACO recognizes the unique opportunities and challenges the AANHPI community faces, and is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, community service, leadership development, civil rights and social justice. AACO’s vision is to be a trusted partner in developing informed citizens and compassionate leaders, and building a diverse, just and thriving society.
AACO’s website is www.aacohio.org.
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Event Information:
AACO Public Service Internship Graduation Ceremony
July 30, 2023, 1 - 3 pm
Mason Municipal Center, Room 1029
6000 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040
Event website: https://bit.ly/InternCeremonyCincy