With the goal of inspiring students to take an active role in their communities, the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association announces its 6th Annual Leadership Conference, which is to be held in the Diamond Bar High School Performing Arts Theater on Saturday.

The conference, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., is open to the public; admission is free and the event also includes a complimentary dinner for all attendees. Invited speakers and panelists include Diamond Bar Mayor Jack Tanaka, California State Senator Jed Lieu, and US Congresswoman Judy Chu.

The main purpose of the conference is to give the younger generation an opportunity to meet and listen to different public officials about the roles they perform in the government and what motivated them to follow a career in public service. “As role models, they can inspire and motivate young people to get involved in their own communities and make a positive impact in our society,” APAPA Vice President Administrative Mary Ng said in an email.

The event will also present two panels: One will introduce community leaders and the work they do, the other will feature students who participated in the APAPA Summer Internship Program.

The main mission of APAPA is to support Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in public affairs. The organization offers various services to the community, including health and senior services, the opportunity stand up for civil rights, and support for youth leadership groups.

“As the assistant manager of the Annual Youth Leadership Conference, I hope to inspire my peers to get involved with civic and public affairs through education, active participation, and leadership development. That’s what [the conference] is all about,” senior Brian Lui comments.