Pat Fong Kushida’s Story of Courage and Growth: Navigating Nonprofit Leadership Without a Map

In this episode of Layers of Leadership, host Dr. Michael Marion Jr. sits down with Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO of the Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce. Pat shares her journey from first-generation Chinese American and retail buyer to nonprofit leader, discussing how she grew the chamber into California's largest AAPI business organization. She reflects on key leadership lessons, including the importance of partnership, fearlessness, and integrity. The conversation also covers her advocacy work, including AB 2019, combating Asian hate, and addressing mental health in immigrant communities, as she prepares for an eventual leadership transition.