Liani Jean Heh Reeves, President
Ms. Reeves is a founding member and current President of the Korean American Citizens League. She is an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant to the Chief Trial Counsel for the Oregon Department of Justice Trial Division. She litigates employment, torts and constitutional cases on behalf of the State of Oregon in state and federal court. She previously served as a Staff Attorney for the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, advancing and enforcing crime victims' rights. In her position as NCVLI Staff Attorney, she analyzed, litigated and provided technical assistance on crime victim law and violence against women issues. She also co-taught Lewis & Clark Law School's Crime Victim Litigation Clinic. She received her J.D. and B.A. degrees from Willamette University.
Ms. Reeves has been active in promoting civil, human and women's rights issues in a variety of different contexts. In addition to her position as KACL President, she serves as an appointed Commissioner and Chair of the Oregon Commission on Asian Affairs and as a member of the Oregon Judicial Department's Access to Justice for All Committee. She served as the Co-Chair of the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association from 2001-2009. She is also a founding member of Thymos, an organization committed to the intellectual freedom of Asian Americans.
Ms. Reeves is also active in the Oregon State Bar (OSB), serving as an elected member of the House of Delegates, a fellow in the OSB Leadership College and the past Communications Chair of the OSB Diversity Section.
Ms. Reeves has spoken on a variety of topics including diversity in the legal profession, affirmative action, human trafficking and violence against women, and the status of Asian women in society today. In 2004, she received the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the Willamette University College of Law Multicultural Law Students Association honoring work and dedication toward the ideals of equal civil and human rights.
Ms. Reeves has been active in promoting civil, human and women's rights issues in a variety of different contexts. In addition to her position as KACL President, she serves as an appointed Commissioner and Chair of the Oregon Commission on Asian Affairs and as a member of the Oregon Judicial Department's Access to Justice for All Committee. She served as the Co-Chair of the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association from 2001-2009. She is also a founding member of Thymos, an organization committed to the intellectual freedom of Asian Americans.
Ms. Reeves is also active in the Oregon State Bar (OSB), serving as an elected member of the House of Delegates, a fellow in the OSB Leadership College and the past Communications Chair of the OSB Diversity Section.
Ms. Reeves has spoken on a variety of topics including diversity in the legal profession, affirmative action, human trafficking and violence against women, and the status of Asian women in society today. In 2004, she received the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the Willamette University College of Law Multicultural Law Students Association honoring work and dedication toward the ideals of equal civil and human rights.
Todd Kwapisz, Board of Directors
Mr. Kwapisz has worked for Holt International Children's Services for over 10 years. He was adopted from Korea in 1973 and raised in Michigan. Since 1990, he has advocated for the rights of adoptees and appropriate adoption policies and standards. He is also the former President of the Northwest Korean Culture Society.
Todd's Statement: Since my years in college and in my profession, it is clear that the Asian American community needs to continue to advocate for rights and privileges. Race still continues to be one of the most divisive issues in the United States; often times with the Asian American community being ignored or silent. Race dynamics in the United States are "Black-White." Policies continue to be developed by lawmakers that affect adversely the ethnic communities. If the Asian American community wants to be recognized and accounted for and make a difference, education, outreach, and grass-roots activism are vital to the process. KACL provides these components to make change in society.
Todd's Statement: Since my years in college and in my profession, it is clear that the Asian American community needs to continue to advocate for rights and privileges. Race still continues to be one of the most divisive issues in the United States; often times with the Asian American community being ignored or silent. Race dynamics in the United States are "Black-White." Policies continue to be developed by lawmakers that affect adversely the ethnic communities. If the Asian American community wants to be recognized and accounted for and make a difference, education, outreach, and grass-roots activism are vital to the process. KACL provides these components to make change in society.