With over a decade of experience in political strategy, policy development, digital organizing, and advocacy, Kaliko 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.

Michelle is a second-generation Chinese American and fourth-generation Japanese American raised in Portland. She is passionate about connecting marginalized communities with culturally responsive resources and social services. Michelle received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological and Brain Studies with a minor in Japanese Language and Literature from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She has supported her community through roles at organizations like the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project, Playtime Project, and Dr. Christina Gee’s Diverse Family Relationships Lab. 

Outside of APANO, she can be found cafe-hopping, cooking and baking, rock climbing, taking dance classes, and playing with her cat, Kumo.

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.