WASHINGTON–Another historic chapter in the annals of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) was made January 14 with the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new OCA National Center for Asian Pacific American Leadership.

            OCA National President Ginny Gong formally dedicated the building that will also become OCA’s permanent headquarters in the nation’s capital. Over 300  dignitaries and guests came, led by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, Congressman David Wu, newly-elected Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Congressman Albert Wynn, U.S. Department of Labor Chief Financial Officer Sam Mok, representing U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, OCA Founders Kung-Lee Wang and Alex Mark, corporate partners, colleagues, community friends, OCA leaders and members from across the nation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception at the new Center located in Dupont Circle followed the formal dedication held at the National Broadcasters Association.

            “For over three decades, OCA has continually demonstrated its leadership at the local and national levels,” said Gong. “We have been a passionate voice for Asian Americans throughout the nation and visionary in our efforts to facilitate the gathering of hearts and minds. Once again, we had set our sights on a new horizon and have succeeded.”

OCA National Center Campaign Chair and OCA Past National President Claudine Cheng remarked: "With the establishment of the OCA National Center for Asian Pacific American Leadership, OCA is reaffirming to Asian Pacific Americans nationwide, our commitment to advancing the interests of the community at the national level. On behalf of the fundraising campaign committee, I thank the OCA chapters and all the contributors from around the country whose support has made it possible for OCA to acquire a permanent presence in Washington, DC.  This has truly been a grassroots campaign in the spirit of leaving a legacy for future generations and for the betterment of the entire community.”

During the dedication, a special announcement was made by Leslie Moe-Kaiser, State Farm Corporate Relations Manager for Asian and Pacific Islander American Communities. State Farm announced its decision to award OCA with a half a million-dollar grant for education programs in the areas of financial literacy for families and business development for entrepreneurs hosted at the OCA National Center. Special guest Norman Mineta thanked OCA founders Kung-Lee Wang and Alex Mark for leading the way. He commended OCA as an organization that has historically served as a convener for the community for more than three decades. “Thirty-three years ago, no one had an idea that OCA would have their own headquarters in Washington, DC ,” he said. “The center of gravity has now changed to 1332 18th Street.”