As we celebrate AAPIP’s 25th anniversary next month, we are thrilled to welcome our new executive director and president, Cora Mirikitani—a visionary, philanthropic leader with more than 30 years of experience bringing people and organizations together to serve their communities.
Having worked in both the foundation and nonprofit fields, Cora has served as a grant maker and a grant seeker. This experience gives her a unique understanding about how to bring both sides together in strategic partnerships.
For the past 10 years, she served as president and CEO of the Center for Cultural Innovation in Los Angeles, where she grew the organizational budget by three-fold and served more than 20,000 artists. Using a collaborative approach, she launched several creative and effective program initiatives, including the “Next Generation Arts Leadership Initiative,” which received special multi-year funding from The James Irvine Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
A strong believer and supporter of leadership development across the philanthropic sector, Cora will now bring her passion and skills to AAPIP.
Prior to the Center for Cultural Innovation, Cora held leadership positions at several other organizations, including the Japan Society in New York, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and The James Irvine Foundation. At Irvine, she led the Arts Program and helped to launch the Innovation Fund—a venture philanthropy initiative supporting cross-program and technology-based solutions to community problems. And while at Pew, she partnered with the Ford Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts to support artists who were representing America abroad.
“I am delighted that Cora Mirikitani will serve as AAPIP’s next president and executive director,” says Beadsie Woo, Board Chair of AAPIP. “Cora has a track record of nonprofit leadership built on her effectiveness as a grant maker, executive director, board member, manager, mentor, and colleague. Her analytical and thoughtful approach to building programs and organizations will help keep AAPIP at the forefront of social justice work, and her commitment to professional development will shape the next generation of AAPI leaders. I look forward to supporting Cora as she expands on AAPIP’s pioneering and innovative work to lay the foundation for our next 25 years.”
“I’m excited to be able to build on AAPIP’s strong organizational foundation,” added Cora. “I look forward to expanding the membership base nationally and working with a wide range of strategic partners to advance the organization’s mission.”
Cora Mirikitani will take the reins from outgoing executive director Peggy Saika starting in May, but members will get the chance to meet her at our 25th anniversary celebration on April 25th. Don’t miss your chance to meet Cora, and to help us honor Peggy for her years of service.
Register for AAPIP’s 25th Anniversary celebration now.