The idea of PAAWBAC was born among a group of women gathered around a kitchen table, spurred into action by the implementation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally-funded education. While the goal of Title IX was to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls in education, API women were not enjoying the benefits of increased access, especially in the professional fields, due to the lack of ethnic voices advocating for the rights of women in their communities. Title IX did little to remedy the social injustices and inequality affecting API women and their households. More personalized resources were critical to effectively assist API women, increasing their confidence and ability to work to support each other. PAAWBAC has strived to incorporate this approach in its work by focusing on, and raising the public’s awareness of, the unique values and needs of the Bay Area’s diverse API communities, especially the women who lead their households and communities.

We would like to recognize our Founders: Alice Bulos, Caryl Ito, Adrianne Chang Kwong, Carole Jan Lee, Pearl Louie, Shirley Wong, and Kathy Yen.