From the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA) press release:
NAAPPPA established this list to highlight the growing number of AAPIs who are beginning to dominate the professional unelected side of politics. These honorees represent groundbreaking AAPI campaign strategists, lobbyists, legislative staff, and corporate public affairs professionals that work behind the scenes to elect and advance AAPI electeds and the AAPI community. These elite individuals are breaking the meek Asian model minority stereotype by excelling in the rough and tumble, rule-bending, bare knuckle world of American politics.
NAAPPPA is a non-partisan non-profit national organization dedicated to promote and develop Asian American and Pacific Islander career advancement and excellence in political consulting, public affairs, and legislative advocacy through networking, innovative training, and professional development programs. NAAPPPA’s members include legislative staff and professionals specializing in political campaigns, direct mail, polling, communications, opposition research, political compliance, fundraising, public and government affairs, media relations, and legislative advocacy.
Catherine Elaine Whiteford is the Chair of the North Carolina Federation of Young Republicans, the Chair of the Club Development Committee for the Young
Republican National Federation, and a former candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives. Catherine is the daughter of an Orthodox Priest Father John Whiteford
and Chinese immigrant Wendy Whiteford who immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. Catherine has led the Young Republicans in her state to 300% growth in
membership over the last 18 months and had increased club chapters in her state also by over 300%. As a candidate in 2018, she was one of only two Republican House
candidates in North Carolina to increase their share of the vote over the previous election.
Congrats Catherine!
