Partners in Diversity is proud to spotlight one of our community partners, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A). Read about them below!
Founded in 1921 during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Portland Lodge (C.A.C.A.) began as a civil rights and community anchor at a time when Chinese Americans were excluded from full participation in public life. Today, as one of 20 lodges under the national Chinese American Citizens Alliance, C.A.C.A. Portland continues its 105-year legacy of advancing civil rights, civic engagement, and community leadership — work that directly strengthens pathways for professionals of color across generations.
As an all-volunteer nonprofit, C.A.C.A. Portland invests in workforce development through its annual scholarship program for college-bound seniors and its stewardship of the Asian American Youth Leadership Conference. By cultivating leadership skills early and providing access to educational opportunity, the organization helps build a stronger pipeline of Asian American professionals prepared to contribute, lead, and thrive in Oregon’s workforce.
C.A.C.A.’s civic engagement efforts, from voter education and translation services to Know Your Rights programming, ensure that communities of color are informed, empowered, and equipped to advocate for themselves. Through partnerships with organizations such as Asian Health and Service Center, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and Portland Chinatown Museum, C.A.C.A. also works collaboratively to preserve cultural heritage while strengthening cross-sector relationships that support economic mobility and belonging.
Board member Gloria Lee, who has served for more than a decade, reflects that the greatest reward is seeing community members grow into leadership — from scholarship recipients who return to serve Portland as professionals to elders who feel seen and valued through community programs.
C.A.C.A. Portland’s 105-year history reminds us that sustained civic leadership and intergenerational investment are essential to building inclusive workplaces and communities where people of color can truly thrive.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
– Gloria Lee
