The Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs was established to:

1. Serve as the central permanent state agency to ADVOCATE for Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.

2. Coordinate and cooperate with the efforts of state departments and agencies to SERVE the needs of Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage in participating fully in the economic, social, and cultural life of the state, and provide direct assistance to individuals who request it.

3. Develop, coordinate, and ASSIST other public or private organizations which serve Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.

4. Serve as an INFORMATION clearinghouse on programs and agencies operating to assist Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.

The Commission is a group of seven volunteer citizens who are appointed by the Governor of Iowa. The Commission has the following powers and duties:

1. STUDY the opportunities for and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state.

2. SERVE as liaison between the office and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.

3. RECOMMEND to the board for adoption rules pursuant to chapter 17A as it deems necessary for the commission and office.

4. RECOMMEND legislative and executive action to the governor and general assembly.

5. Establish advisory committees, work groups, or other coalitions as appropriate.

Brief History:

March, 2004 - the Commission on the Status of Iowans of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage was created within the Department of Human Rights.

October, 2004 – The commission was originally comprised of nine citizen-commissioners who were appointed by the Governor, and who serve as volunteer leaders for the Iowan Asian and Pacific Islander Community.

August, 2006 – Cyndi Chen, the first division administrator was appointed to run the state office within the Department of Human Rights, and to serve as a liason between the Government, Commissioners and larger API community.

March 10, 2010 - The Department of Human Rights completed a substantial reorganization. The Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs was also reorganized with Henny Ohr now acting as Executive Officer.