The Los Angeles Post

One in Ten: A Call to Invest in AANHPI’s Future in the Inland Empire

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Riverside, CA and Sacramento, CA – Recently released by the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) and AAPI Data, One in Ten: The State of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the Inland Empire highlights a powerful case for investment in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The #OneInTen report was made possible with support from the James Irvine Foundation, and its community launch was additionally supported by the California Endowment and the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF). The launch convening brought together nonprofit leaders, researchers, and funders to amplify findings and shape the region’s priorities. Building on this momentum, IECF announced the launch of its AANHPI Fund. This is an early, pivotal step and a call towards investing in the region’s growing AANHPI community.
This report is the first comprehensive and disaggregated study of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations in the Inland Empire, one of California’s fastest-growing and most demographically diverse regions.

“This is not just about a report, it is about convening regional leaders, spotlighting lived experiences from those in the Inland Empire, and planting the seeds for transformation that begins at the local level,” said Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of CAPIAA. “What you see in the report is a testament to our rising communities, putting real stories and faces behind data.”

At its core, the report calls for visibility, investment, and recognition of AANHPI communities as essential to the future of the Inland Empire and across the state.

“AANHPIs remain underrepresented in critical discussions about economic opportunity, political leadership, and equitable access to resources,” said Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan, Executive Director and Founder of AAPI Data. “This milestone report ensures our communities are no longer overlooked. It puts research and disaggregated data behind the demand for meaningful inclusion.”

Local leaders echoed the urgency of these findings, emphasizing the contributions of the AANHPI communities and the need for long-term investment that the report calls for.
“As the first Asian American Mayor in both the City of San Bernardino and San Bernardino County, I’m proud to represent a region that reflects the growing diversity of our state,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “The Inland Empire’s AANHPI communities have long contributed to our region’s cultural, civic, and economic life. This report is an important step in recognizing those contributions and investing in our future.”

The report shares how fast the AANHPI community is growing and what challenges they face:

  • Demographic Growth: AANHPI populations have more than doubled over the past two decades. Filipino Americans are the largest subgroup, followed by Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Korean, and Pacific Islander communities.
  • Public Health Disparities: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents in San Bernardino County experienced the highest COVID-19 death rates in California, more than double the statewide average.
  • Economic Contributions: AANHPIs play vital roles in healthcare, logistics, and small business sectors that keep the Inland Empire running.
  • Resource Gaps: AANHPI-serving organizations operate with limited capacity due to persistent underinvestment, despite growing demand for culturally relevant services.
Community leaders and advocates shared powerful testimonials that brought these issues to life by sharing how the report’s themes connect to their own lives and work and demanding representation and investment.

“As a new resident, it’s inspiring to see this kind of visibility and momentum,” said Abigail Pidazo from Perris Valley. “It expands Filipino representation beyond established circles and brings in voices across generations.”

“We don’t just want to be represented by flags,” said Lolofi Soakai of MALO. “We want to be in powerful spaces, part of the conversation. We have more to offer and we deserve a seat at the table.”

“People often overlook the Inland Empire,” said Malek Bendelhoum of Sahaba Initiative. “But for those of us who live and work here, we know the truth: the work never stops. We show up, we get the work done, no matter what. That’s what defines the IE. Just imagine what’s possible when real investment meets that commitment.”

That commitment is now being met with action. The announcement of the AANHPI Fund comes when the Inland Empire’s AANHPI communities need it the most. The AANHPI Fund is a philanthropic initiative led by the Inland Empire Community Foundation designed to drive strategic investment in local communities.
“The launch of the new AANHPI Fund marks a turning point,” said Benjamin Naté of the Inland Empire Community Foundation. “By combining data, community vision, and advisory leadership, we’re setting the tone for the Inland Empire’s future.”