Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Seema Agnani (she/hers) serves as CEO of National CAPACD (pronounced “capacity”), a coalition that advances equity and creates vibrant, healthy neighborhoods by mobilizing and strengthening a powerful coalition of more than 100 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community-based organizations working in low-income communities. She has over 25 years of experience in community development, capacity building, and immigrant rights. She was a founder and Executive Director of Chhaya CDC, working in the South Asian community of New York City, leading the organization during the great recession and the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11. She began her community development career as a planner and project manager with Asian Americans for Equality in New York’s Chinatown. Later, she served as lead coordinator of the Fund for New Citizens at The New York Community Trust, a donor collaborative focused on immigrant rights in New York City. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) and the board of directors of Adhikaar for Human Rights. In 2023, she was appointed to the US Department of Treasury’s CDFI Fund Community Development Advisory Board and previously served on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Community Advisory Board. Seema is originally from the Chicago metro area, where her parents emigrated from India and where she developed her love for swimming in beautiful lakes.
Development Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Mari Ah Nee joins National CAPACD with a passion for nonprofit development and community empowerment. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now resides on the windward side of Oʻahu, HI. Mari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, with a focus on grant writing and community-based projects. Her experience in local and national nonprofit spaces underscores her commitment to fostering meaningful and collaborative relationships. Mari strives to honor and uplift her communities through her work and beyond.
Housing Program Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Savitri’s 20 years of combined experience includes working in affordable housing, financial empowerment, and the nonprofit, real estate, and mortgage financing sectors. During her career, she has managed New York City’s largest public employee union housing program, as well as financial empowerment and housing counseling programs. Throughout her career, she has provided financial coaching and housing counseling to thousands of individuals. She is a HUD certified housing counselor, an NCHEC certified financial coach, and is NCHEC certified in all housing counseling services, including pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention, post-purchase, and rental. Savitri holds an AS degree in Nonprofit Administration from Borough of Manhattan Community College and a BS in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Small Business Program Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Sim grew up in East Side San Jose, CA. She has a passion for financial wellness and economic vitality. Before joining National CAPACD, Sim worked through the AmeriCorps Vista Program as a program associate at Pursuit, a community development financial institution (CDFI) in Buffalo, NY. In her role, she worked with small businesses, many of which were minority- and women-owned, educating small business owners on the loan application process and assessing their individual consulting needs. Additionally, Sim is passionate about affordable housing development and housing access. During her undergraduate schooling, she researched infill development and modular housing in Barcelona, Spain, to gauge its effectiveness in providing affordable housing with values of sustainability, equity, and accessibility. Sim has a BS in Community and Regional Development with a minor in African American and African Studies from UC Davis. She completed her Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Born in San Francisco Chinatown and raised in Oakland, Roy brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience to National CAPACD. Most recently, he was the Community Planning Manager at Chinatown Community Development Center in San Francisco, and before that, he was the Co-Executive Director at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. He has also worked in community development organizations in both New York and Los Angeles. Roy holds a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Urban Planning from UCLA. Currently, he serves on the Cultural Affairs Commission for the City of Oakland.
Grants & Network Specialist
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Thomas joins National CAPACD as the Grants & Network Specialist with a passion for equitable grantmaking. His prior work includes nonprofit administration and operations at Arabella Advisors and research and communications with the Town of Chapel Hill’s Affordable Housing and Community Connections department. He also has experience in grants and contracts administration and management as well as community engagement. Thomas holds a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Director of Policy
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Anju joins National CAPACD from Prosperity Now, where she researched, developed, and advocated for policies to improve the financial health of low- and moderate-income Americans and narrow the racial wealth divide. She was a practicing attorney for several years before returning to school to earn a graduate degree in public policy. During her studies, she interned at the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP), where she focused on issues related to economic development and tax policy. Before joining Prosperity Now, she was a Fellow at NeighborWorks America, where she worked on the Stable Communities Initiative, a program that helps community development organizations across the country revitalize and reinvest in financially and socially distressed communities. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from George Washington University, a JD from the University of North Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.
Director of Economic Empowerment
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Rosalyn Epstein previously managed a Bay Area county level asset-building network with nearly 50 member organizations. In leading the network, she built member advocacy capability while supporting peer learning and skill development among the member organizations. She also served as a Community in the Capital Fellow with National CAPACD in 2015. During her career, Rosalyn has developed and managed asset-building programs for youth and adults which include financial education, financial coaching, tax preparation, and managing a VITA tax preparation site. Previously, Rosalyn worked in the youth development and sexual and reproductive health education sectors. She has a B.A. in Women’s Studies from Smith College and an MSW from the University of California, Berkeley.
Associate Director of People Operations
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Vangie started her career in a small healthcare office and cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies of human resources and people operations. Her journey then led to significant roles in a larger organization, where she honed her skills in talent development, strategic HR initiatives, and improving employee experience. Driven by a commitment to equity and advocacy, Vangie is focused on further developing and strengthening an environment that fosters personal growth and professional development, and leveraging her expertise to support and empower employees and AA and NHPI communities. Vangie has a BS in Exercise and Sport Science, with a minor in Sociology. Vangie is an active member of SHRM and holds a PHR with additional certificates in project management and DEIB through Cornell University.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Erika brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience as an educator, community planner, and cultural worker to National CAPACD. She leads the AA and NHPI Creative Placemaking program and contributes to the comprehensive community development efforts of the Neighborhood and Place-based Strategies team. Previously, she held positions at Chinatown Community Development Center, The San Francisco Foundation, and museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Erika holds a BA in History/Art History from UCLA and an MSEd in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education.
Executive Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Shruti joins National CAPACD as the Executive Specialist. She has gained work experience in operations in the finance industry, where she has provided administrative, financial, communications, and business support to executives and teams. Shruti previously served as Social Justice Coordinator at a firm that bridges finance and social justice to drive systemic change. This helped her further her passion for social justice and develop a distinct perspective on issues of intersectional justice. Shruti is originally from the Bay Area and holds a BS in Management and Finance from Purdue University.
Housing Program Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kara joins National CAPACD with a passion for social justice and community-based programs. Previously, she worked at the Iris Cantor – UCLA Women’s Health Education and Research Center where she supported the women’s health and financial literacy programs. Kara also supported the LA County Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women’s Health Collaborative as the Training Coordinator for workshops addressing health disparities and inclusive care. Kara is originally from San Diego, CA, and holds a BA in Human Biology and Society from UCLA with a minor in Asian American Studies.
Brian began his career with National CAPACD as a Program Assistant in 2016 supporting the Economic Empowerment department’s grantmaking, research and program evaluation activities. Prior to joining National CAPACD, Brian interned for AAPI advocacy and community based organizations, federal and congressional offices and think tanks. As the son of Korean immigrants raised in Southern California, Brian draws inspiration for social justice work from his cultural heritage and background. Brian earned his BA in International Relations & Asian Studies from American University.
Convention Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Caroline brings decades of dynamic experience in the nonprofit events industry to the National CAPACD family. With a specialized focus on the healthcare sector, she has passionately championed health equity for underserved communities. Caroline’s impressive portfolio includes orchestrating diverse events such as polo cups, block parties, galas, fashion shows, and conferences. Originally from Michigan, Caroline holds a Master’s degree in Advertising from Michigan State University.
Communications Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Melissa is deeply committed to advancing social and racial justice. She joined National CAPACD in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit marketing and communications. Before this, Melissa was part of the Communications team for the Rainforest Alliance’s Accountability Framework initiative, a coalition-driven effort focused on creating sustainable supply chains that protect the environment and human rights. She has also worked in communications at nonprofits focused on supporting underserved communities in their pursuit of education and opportunity. Melissa holds an MSc in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and a BA in International Conflict and International Development from George Mason University.
An Lee joins National CAPACD as the Finance Specialist. He possesses four years of experience working with diverse not-for-profit organizations in the areas of education, youth development, health, and community welfare initiatives. In addition, An is currently pursuing his Masters in Finance at Marymount University. In his spare time, he collaborates with members of a local investment club, and he enjoys riding and hiking along local trails.
Director of Coalition Building & Engagement
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kelley has over 15 years of experience working in the AA and NHPI nonprofit space. Originally from Houston, TX, Kelley worked in her hometown for over five years at the Chinese Community Center, promoting important issues that impacted the Asian community there. As a 3.5 generation Chinese-American, she was first exposed to AA and NHPI issues while studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Texas. Kelley completed her Master of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She currently serves on the board of Training for Change, a training and capacity building organization for activists and organizers, and is a certified StrengthsFinder coach.
Director of Data & Evaluation
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Shahirah is passionate about devising creative methods to measure programmatic impact that can inform organizational learning, change, and strategy. She has over 10 years of experience in research, evaluation, and data management. Shahirah was formerly the Director of Data Management, Measurement, and Outcomes at Easterseals DC MD VA. She led the strategic development, implementation, and alignment of data collection, reporting, and analysis for Easterseals’ programs spanning from early childhood and early intervention to workforce development and behavioral health services. Shahirah aspires to bridge theory with practice incorporating systems analysis, participatory research methodology, and equitable evaluation to foreground the voices and lived experiences of individuals closest to the programs’ intended impact. Prior to her role at Easterseals, Shahirah was an independent evaluator and researcher. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she specialized in comparative politics and research methodology, with a minor in gender and politics. Shahirah also sits on the advisory council for Measure4Change – an initiative of the World Bank Group and the Urban Institute. She provides strategic content development and training to foster peer learning amongst non-profits in the DC area.
Dim serves as National CAPACD’s Coalition Specialist, working with our member organizations and the broader coalition. They are a first-generation Tedim Chin/Zomi from Myanmar (Burma), and they immigrated with their family to Oklahoma in 2005. Their passion for community organizing stems from their working-class background and a belief in collective liberation. They were previously a Community Organizer based out of Southeast Michigan, and are currently a Board Member of Mingalar Myanmar Alliance, an organization dedicated to assisting displaced people of Myanmar descent affected by the ongoing civil conflict in the homeland. They call many places home but are rooted on occupied Anishinaabe lands, also known as Detroit, MI, with their partner and their three cats.
Financial Empowerment Program Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Camille Mendaros is a first-generation Filipino immigrant and draws her dedication to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) empowerment from her family’s lived experience as working-class immigrants. As an undergrad student at UC Santa Cruz, she was involved in AA and NHPI organizing to help improve AA and NHPI student retention at the campus. Early in her career, Camille worked for progressive political consulting firms in the Bay Area. In 2014, she worked on San Francisco’s first sugar-sweetened-beverage tax, eventually leading her to work in public health. Before joining National CAPACD, she managed a CDC-funded network of AA and NHPI organizations that worked to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity in tobacco control and cancer prevention through policy and advocacy.
Executive Project Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Shijirtuya brings a wealth of experience advocating for youth development, civic engagement, and human rights to her role at National CAPACD. She is passionate about using data and analytics to inform decisions and drive positive social change. Her prior experience includes serving as a research assistant at Indiana Nonprofits Project and as a legal program manager at the LGBT Centre Mongolia. Shijirtuya immigrated to the United States as a first-generation Mongolian in 2018. She currently resides in Bloomington, Indiana, with her partner and their beloved pet cat, Prince Avey. During her free time, she loves hiking through the woods, relishing her partner’s cooking, and chatting with her mom. Shijirtuya holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from Mongolian National University.
Chief Strategy & Impact Officer (CSIO)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Joyce Pisnanont serves as the Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at National CAPACD, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s programs and key initiatives to close the racial wealth gap and foster healthy, vibrant communities. In her position, Joyce leads efforts to ensure that National CAPACD’s work effectively and impactfully addresses community needs, aligns with the organization’s mission and vision, and meets contractual and funding requirements. She brings over 20 years of experience in the community development sector, including working with several National CAPACD members in New York, California, and Washington. Before joining National CAPACD, Joyce founded and managed an economic development resource and design center in Seattle’s historic International District, a neighborhood that remains near and dear to her heart. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where she enjoys morning runs with her dog, beautiful hikes with family and friends, and cheering on her kid at sporting events. Joyce is a graduate with a Master’s in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently serves on the board of the Our Neighborhoods Capital Fund, an emerging CDFI established in 2023 as a subsidiary of National CAPACD.
Managing Director of Coalition Moblization
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Vimala Phongsavanh is the Managing Director of Coalition Mobilization at National CAPACD. She began her career organizing in Boston’s Chinatown and Rhode Island’s Southeast Asian community. With over 15 years of experience in organizing and policy advocacy, Vimala has championed winning campaigns on reproductive freedom, voting rights, data equity, and ballot initiatives. She also served as Organizing Director at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center, promoting cross-movement solidarity to build a more just and resilient country. Vimala was an elected school committee member and chairwoman in Woonsocket, RI, and currently chairs the Laotian American National Alliance (LANA). She holds a BA in Political Science from Providence College and an MPA from the University of Rhode Island.
Chief Finance & Operations Officer (CFOO)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Jennet is originally from Rhode Island. She worked at the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) in Washington DC, first as the Women’s Leadership Advocate before transitioning to Director of Operations and Resource Development. As Director of Operations and Resource Development, Jennet directed financial operations, coordinated fundraising activities, and created internal organizational infrastructure. During graduate school, she interned with PATH, an international health nonprofit, in Cambodia. She was also a graduate extern with the Office of Leadership and Organization Development at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She has a BA from Brown University and an MBA from the Yale School of Management.
Managing Director of Strategic Development
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Neel joins National CAPACD from Fair Chance in Washington, DC. As the Chief Advancement Officer, he successfully developed virtual and hybrid fundraising programs supporting capacity building for small, community-based nonprofits. Before Fair Chance, he served as Executive Director for Asian American LEAD (AALEAD) – under his leadership, he increased the grant portfolio, the number of youth supported, and reputation and standing in the DC area. Before AALEAD, he spent 11 years in the DC government, creating a language access program for DC Agencies and managing a community grant program. Neel has a BA from the University of Maryland and an MPP from American University.
Director of People & Culture
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kylie joins National CAPACD as the Director of People & Culture, based out of Washington, DC. Kylie grew up in a multiracial family, born to her mother who immigrated from the province of Masbate in the Philippines and her father from Tacoma, Washington. Having built her career in higher education and the non-profit sector, Kylie is passionate about facilitating inclusive, equitable, and just spaces and cultivating community. She has extensive experience in racial justice advocacy and diversity, equity, and inclusion education. Throughout her career, Kylie directly served the AA and NHPI community with education access, leadership development, and coalition building. Kylie is also passionate about supporting her local Asian American community and proudly serves as Board Chair for the Hamkae Center in Virginia. As a first-generation college student, she earned a Bachelors in Psychology from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and a Masters in College Student Development at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
Van brings a passion for digital engagement and storytelling to National CAPACD. Her dedication to the organization’s mission is deeply personal, influenced by her experiences as a first-generation Vietnamese American. Born and raised in Florida, she holds a BSc in Horticultural Sciences from the University of Florida and has several years of experience in strategic communications, nonprofit management, and community outreach. Van has previously served as a Digital Engagement Specialist for a nonprofit environmental reporting outlet, a Digital Marketing Strategist for a community credit union, and an Education & Outreach Manager for two national trail conservancies. Through her work, Van strives to uplift communities and inspire meaningful action toward equity and inclusion.
Director of Narrative & Communications
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Nahida is originally from NYC, where she worked for several years as a Community Organizer at Chhaya CDC. Chhaya CDC is a member of National CAPACD that works with New Yorkers of South Asian origin to advocate for and build economically stable, sustainable, and thriving communities. Nahida’s commitment to serve AA and NHPI communities stems from her own experiences growing up in a working class Bangladeshi Muslim community in Brooklyn. She has a BA in History & International Studies from Fordham University and an MA in South Asian Studies from Columbia University.
Naomi joins National CAPACD with a background in politics, social policy research and analysis, research dissemination, and communications. Before National CAPACD, Naomi focused on qualitative and quantitative research regarding racial equity, systemic barriers to communities of color, and racial and ethnic wealth disparities in the United States. Naomi previously worked at the Massachusetts State Senate and Institute on Assets and Social Policy (now Institute for Economic and Racial Equity). She holds a BA in Political Science with a Concentration in Public Policy from Boston University and an MPP with a Concentration in Poverty Alleviation from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.
