With over a decade of experience in political strategy, policy development, digital organizing, and advocacy, Kaliko Castille has built a reputation for his leadership, expertise in crafting impactful digital organizing strategies and track record of driving community engagement. Before joining APANO, Kaliko co-founded ThndrStrm Strategies, a digital strategy firm that helped political campaigns and organizations enhance their digital presence.

Kaliko has been a prominent figure in the cannabis industry, recognized for his leadership and advocacy. His work has been featured in major media outlets such as MSNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, Cheddar, The Hill, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, and more. He was also named to MJ Venture’s "40 under 40" list for his contributions to the cannabis sector.

His extensive experience includes serving as the Director of Marketing and Head of Growth for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) and as the President of the Board of Directors for the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA). In these roles, Kaliko helped lead significant policy initiatives, including the creation and implementation of MCBA’s National Cannabis Equity Report, the development of model cannabis legalization policies for state legislatures and lobbying for equitable cannabis policies at the federal level.

Notably, he ran for State Representative in Oregon in 2022, applying his expertise in digital strategy and community organizing to his own campaign. Additionally, he has worked on statewide political campaigns including for State Treasurer Tobias Read, providing strategic direction and digital strategy to drive voter engagement.

Kaliko's diverse background in policy, advocacy, and digital strategy makes him a valuable asset in the ongoing fight for equity and representation in the halls of power here in Oregon.

My name is Dayzha Kaleikini, I am one of the Field Organizers on the Political, Policy, Advocacy, Civic Engagement  (PPACE) Team at APANO. I use She/Her pronouns. I am a Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Irish who was born and raised in Hawaii on the westside of Oahu.

With my previous experience as a compassionate professional in the funeral industry, I've found myself at the crossroads of life and death, guiding families through some of their most profound moments of loss. My journey in this solemn realm has taught me invaluable lessons about the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

Every day, I walk the delicate tightrope between grief and solace, offering a steady hand and a compassionate heart to those in mourning. In the quiet stillness of funeral homes, I've witnessed the raw emotions that accompany loss and the profound impact that a genuine connection can have on healing. Yet, amidst the somber melodies of sorrow, I've also discovered an unexpected harmony – the interconnectedness between mental health and the grieving process. In a world where the stigma surrounding mental illness often shrouds it in silence, the funeral industry serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing our emotional well-being.

Drawing parallels between the delicate intricacies of grief and the complexities of mental health, I strive to foster a greater understanding and acceptance of both. Whether comforting a bereaved family or advocating for mental health awareness, my mission remains the same – to provide support, empathy, and a beacon of hope in life's darkest moments. Beyond the confines of funeral homes, I am a dedicated to advocate for mental health not just to break down barriers and foster a more compassionate society and also to heal that part of me from my father committing Suicide. I hope to shine a light on the profound connections that unite us all – in life, in death, and in the fragile spaces in between.

10 facts about me!

1. Moved to Portland, Oregon in December of 2022
2. Im a Scorpio
3. Im a Gamer
4. My Favorite Netflix Shows to Binge is Bridgerton
5. Another Favorite Show to Watch is Rupauls Drag Race
6. Im a Quite Observer and an Introvert
7. Im an Audiobooks listener
8. I Drive a 2014 Dodge Challenger Shaker  ( Not Really a Car person but I’m told by many car enthusiast that its a special Model
9. With Sustainable living in mind An hobby I enjoy is Aquaponic, I like the symbiotic relationship between Water, Fish, Fish Waste, and Plants.
10. I like Hello Kitty

Kaiya is a second-generation Uchinānchu and Afro-Cuban student born on the lands of the Multnomah, Cowlitz and Kalapuya peoples (North Portland). She started with APANO as one of the first members of ALLY, leading the campaign for Ethnic Studies implementation in Portland schools.

As an organizer with ties to Oceania, Kaiya grew up hearing stories of her ancestral homelands and developed a deep love for storytelling. She later brought this passion to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where she studied Journalism. Kaiya strives to use multimedia production to spread stories of resilience and create empowering spaces for community engagement.

Kim brings over 12 years of experience working alongside diverse partners in a collaborative manner across complex systems. She has leadership experience in nonprofit organizations and large health systems. Kim is passionate about fostering staff engagement and wellbeing, trauma informed practices, creating equitable and inclusive cultures and systems, and building authentic relationships with community and partner organizations. Kim is committed to her learning and growth to being antiracist, centering equity, and lifting the voices of others. Kim is biracial, a lifelong Oregonian, an avid reader, hiker, and Portland Thorns fan, and loves animals. She currently is working towards her PhD in Health Systems & Policy with her research centering on occupational stress, workforce psychological well being, Asian Community Health Workers, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amy (she/her) brings leadership experience in programs, advocacy, community engagement, food justice, and youth & family services.  Amy is passionate about building teams and supporting staff, advancing racial justice, and cultivating programs with love, trust, and care.  She is committed to shared leadership and fostering a workplace culture that centers equity & community-based priorities.