Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives
For over 40 years, Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI) has been a pillar of support for Sacramento’s most vulnerable populations. Our commitment to empowering individuals through outreach, education, employment, essential services, and advocacy has transformed lives and strengthened communities.
Discover our story, meet the people behind our mission, and learn how you can make a difference.
Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI) is a nonprofit community-based organization established in 1980 dedicated to providing multiple social services needed in our community and empowering everyone we serve to become a vital part of our changing, diverse society.
Rooted From The Community
In the late 1970s, community activists within Sacramento’s Asian community noticed an influx of Asian newcomers settling in after the area following the Fall of Saigon. Reminded of their own experience as immigrants and children of immigrants, these activists started supporting the newcomers with short term settlement assistance.
However, they quickly recognized that temporary relief wasn’t enough to help these newcomers thrive in their new home. Determined to make a lasting impact, activists conducted surveys, interviews, and community meetings to identify the most urgent needs to successfully settle down in a new country. They discovered a profound demand for job assistance, English classes, youth and senior programs, and health education.
In response, the community activists launched a youth employment project and a health clinic at the Asian Community Center (now ACC Senior Services). As their efforts grew, it became clear that the community needed a long-term solution—an organization dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency and addressing systemic inequities. In 1980, this vision became a reality with the founding of Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI).
Where Opportunities Come Full Circle
For over 40 years, ARI has been a shining beacon of hope for Sacramento’s limited-English proficient population, refugee, immigrant, and low-income families. Guided by a Board of Directors that reflects the community we serve, ARI remains deeply committed to uplifting individuals and families through culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, family-centered, and trauma-informed services.
Rooted in the mission that motivated its founding, ARI connects community members to opportunities, paving the way for self-sufficiency, and breaking cycles of poverty, homelessness, and violence. Every day, ARI provide a wide range of services including:
- Individually tailored employment support services, such as on-the-job training, employment placement & retention.
- Vocational English classes and language support through our in-language services.
- Digital and financial literacy programs.
- Direct services, including but not limited to assistance with CoveredCA, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Citizenship applications, low-income utility programs, and housing resources.
At ARI, our connection with the community goes beyond service delivery. We strive to provide community-based and community-centered services and programs that empower our community. Many of our team members are hired directly from the communities we serve, creating a strong bond built on shared experiences and cultural understanding. This approach ensures that our services are both effective and deeply rooted in compassion.
Continuing Community's Legacy
The story of ARI is a true testament of community resilience, partnership, and transformation, creating ripple effects of hope and empowerment. Once a beneficiary of community organizational support, ARI has grown into a “mother organization” addressing the pressing needs of Sacramento’s underserved populations.
Today, ARI is a trusted messenger within Sacramento’s diverse communities, serving as a bridge between underserved populations and essential resources. We help countless individuals and families overcome challenges, achieve independence, and sustain the legacy of community activism. Through our policy advocacy, we continue to fight on the frontlines the health, safety, and wellness of our communities.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by both federal and the state of California, ARI’s programs and services are funded by a diverse variety of sources including Federal, State, Local government and foundation grants, private companies, fundraising events, and individual contributions. For more information on ARI’s financial information, please visit our Financial Statements page.
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Meet the leaders who guide ARI in fulfilling its mission. Our Board of Directors brings together passionate community members who are dedicated to making a positive impact. Each director represents the diverse communities we serve and plays an active role in shaping our future.
Thi Do
President
Attorney Thi Do is the President of ARI Board of Directors. Thi and his family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1980 as a “boatperson”. Based in Sacramento, California, for over twenty-five years, Thi has been an attorney specializing in all aspects of immigration law. Thi is passionate about helping uplift immigrant communities and promoting causes having direct effects on the AAPIs. As a husband and father of four with a diverse and busy professional law practice, when he has time, he enjoys tennis, traveling, and spending time with his wife. Thi will always greet you with “hello, what can I do for you?”
Thi Do
President
Attorney Thi Do is the President of ARI Board of Directors. Thi and his family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1980 as a “boatperson”. Based in Sacramento, California, for over twenty-five years, Thi has been an attorney specializing in all aspects of immigration law. Thi is passionate about...
Richard “Rick” Uno
Vice President
Richard “Rick” Uno is retired from his role as Counsel III for the California Department of Real Estate, where he represented the Department in administrative hearings to deny, suspend, or revoke real estate licenses for criminal convictions or violations of Real Estate Law related to transactions, loan modifications, property management, or private money loans. Before joining the Department, he served as Managing Attorney for the Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission and, prior to that, owned his own law firm.
Uno takes great pride in his extensive community involvement, particularly with Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI). His dedication to ARI spans two decades, including his impactful terms as President of the Board of Directors from 2003 to 2005 and again from 2017 to 2019. Uno also served for six years on the Hemophilia Council of California and currently serves as Legal Counsel for CAPITAL of Sacramento, Inc. He has held leadership roles as President of both the Asian Bar Association of Sacramento and the Florin Japanese American Citizens’ League.
His dedication to the Sacramento region, particularly the AAPI community, has been widely recognized. Uno received a Community Service Award from the Asian Bar Association of Sacramento and a Human Rights Award from Sacramento County. Additionally, he served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, where he advocated for legislative proposals on tax reform, technology, and independent contractor status.
Uno earned his Juris Doctor from UC Hastings College of Law and his B.A. from the University of California, Davis.
Richard “Rick” Uno
Vice President
Richard “Rick” Uno is retired from his role as Counsel III for the California Department of Real Estate, where he represented the Department in administrative hearings to deny, suspend, or revoke real estate licenses for criminal convictions or violations of Real Estate Law related to transactions, loan modifications, property management, or...
Irfan Mehmood, MBA
Secretary/Treasurer
Irfan, a resident of Elk Grove for nearly 9 years, hails originally from New Orleans. He holds a degree in Economics from Tulane University and has pursued further studies in London (UK), Cambridge (UK), and Florida, obtaining additional degrees in law, accounting, and an MBA. With a diverse professional background, Irfan has worked in investment banking and has been actively involved with several nonprofit organizations, serving as a volunteer, board member, and fellow. Notably, he was a fellow at the Louisiana Justice Institute and interned at the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York.
Currently, Irfan serves on the Elk Grove Police Department’s Chief’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Al-Misbaah locally. Alongside his professional endeavors, he finds fulfillment in family life with his wife and three boys. As an investor, he leverages his skills to create meaningful opportunities in the community. In his leisure time, Irfan enjoys working on his house, traveling, and passionately following his beloved New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, as well as supporting the local team, the Kings. Additionally, he is actively involved in his local Muslim community, further exemplifying his dedication to service and connection within the community.
Irfan Mehmood, MBA
Secretary/Treasurer
Irfan, a resident of Elk Grove for nearly 9 years, hails originally from New Orleans. He holds a degree in Economics from Tulane University and has pursued further studies in London (UK), Cambridge (UK), and Florida, obtaining additional degrees in law, accounting, and an MBA. With a diverse professional background, Irfan...
Thuong Le, MBA
Director-at-Large
Thuong Le currently works as a consultant for SolutionsWest Consulting. Prior to her current position, she was working at CalSAWS for 14 years in project management.
Ms. Le’s career aspiration was not in the IT field. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Le started her career in social services field and worked for 9 years. During her time, she learned to understand the true meaning of being compassionate and giving back to the community.
Ms. Le incorporates three principles in both program management and in her personal life, which is structures, timelines, and measurable achievements. She believes that life is full of unexpected events and while we won’t be able to predict what will happen in the future, we will at least have a better idea when we know where we’re heading.
Ms. Le received her MBA in International/Global Business & Project Management from the University of North Alabama, and B.A in Psychology from Sacramento State University. Outside of her work and her time as a director at ARI, Ms. Le likes to explore new places and visit various National Parks and countries. When she’s not fulfilling her wanderlust, she spends her time with her family and friends who are core of her happiness.
Thuong Le, MBA
Director-at-Large
Thuong Le currently works as a consultant for SolutionsWest Consulting. Prior to her current position, she was working at CalSAWS for 14 years in project management. Ms. Le’s career aspiration was not in the IT field. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Le started her career in social services field and worked...
Oanh Meyer, Ph.D., M.A.S
Director-at-Large
Dr. Oanh Meyer is an Associate Professor in Neurology. She directs the Research Education Component at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and co-directs the integration of Special Populations into Research at the Clinical and Translational Science Center at UC Davis Health. She received her Ph.D. in Social Psychology and her M.A. in Advanced Study in Clinical Research from UC Davis. Dr. Meyer studies cognitive and mental health disparities in racial/ethnic minorities and older adults at both the population and individual levels. Her current research interests include dementia caregiving and mental health, social determinants of cognitive decline associated with dementia, and geographic disparities in cognitive and mental health among older adults.
Dr. Meyer is currently the Principal Investigator for the Vietnamese Insights into Aging Program (VIP) at UC Davis. The program’s main goal is to understand cognitive health disparities in the Vietnamese American community. Despite being the fourth-largest Asian American subgroup, there is very little research information available about this community, particularly regarding their risk of dementia. Through her research, Dr. Meyer and her team aim to identify factors that impact thinking and memory in the Vietnamese American community.
Dr. Meyer has been a leader in advocating for better health for vulnerable and marginalized members of Sacramento’s Asian community for years. She was recognized as one of the AAPI Change Makers by the Sacramento Bee in partnership with the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program.
Oanh Meyer, Ph.D., M.A.S
Director-at-Large
Dr. Oanh Meyer is an Associate Professor in Neurology. She directs the Research Education Component at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and co-directs the integration of Special Populations into Research at the Clinical and Translational Science Center at UC Davis Health. She received her Ph.D. in Social Psychology and her M.A....
Daniel Washington
Director-at-Large
An Elk Grove native and graduate of Pepperdine University, Daniel is a seasoned professional in politics and campaigns. Daniel is a committed public servant with prioir experience as District Director and Legislative Aide for Assemblymember Jim Cooper, as well as working for Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., in numerous roles. Beyond official duties, he actively participates in numerous nonprofit boards in the Sacramento area. Daniel loves traveling throughout California and is a lifelong Kings fan!
Daniel Washington
Director-at-Large
An Elk Grove native and graduate of Pepperdine University, Daniel is a seasoned professional in politics and campaigns. Daniel is a committed public servant with prioir experience as District Director and Legislative Aide for Assemblymember Jim Cooper, as well as working for Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., in numerous roles. Beyond official...
Carolyn Hashimoto
Director-at-Large
Carolyn Hashimoto was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and is a fourth-generation Chinese American. She has a deep understanding of the long history and many challenges endured by Asian and Pacific Islander American communities. Carolyn brings extensive community service experience to Asian Resources, Inc. As a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, she assisted with packaging food for countless clients. Her work with CAPITAL (Council of Asian Pacific Islander Together for Advocacy and Leadership) as Secretary for over seven years provided valuable opportunities to deepen her understanding of the organization’s mission, actively raise civic awareness, and support member organizations in achieving their goals. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and worked as a phlebotomist for over 40 years at UC Davis Medical Center. Carolyn is married, has two daughters, and five grandchildren.
Carolyn Hashimoto
Director-at-Large
Carolyn Hashimoto was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and is a fourth-generation Chinese American. She has a deep understanding of the long history and many challenges endured by Asian and Pacific Islander American communities. Carolyn brings extensive community service experience to Asian Resources, Inc. As a volunteer for Meals on...
Management Team
Rejie Marie Baloyos, MA
Executive Director
Rejie Marie Baloyos is a dedicated Filipino immigrant who has made significant contributions to advancing the welfare of people of color, low-income groups, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other underserved communities. Prior to joining Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI), Rejie worked with My Sister’s House, a nonprofit organization that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Her deep commitment to advocacy led her to become a recognized Department of Justice Accredited Representative, where she represents humanitarian immigration cases before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the Advocate of the Year Award by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV) in 2015.
Within ARI, Rejie has served in critical roles, including Job Center Site Director and Program Director of multiple initiatives. She is a proud CORO Fellow through the Human Trafficking Leadership Academy and a Leadership Education & Advancement Professional (LEAP) Fellow through VALORUS. Rejie has been recognized as one of the Top 20 AAPI Change Makers by The Sacramento Bee’s Equity Lab and the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program. She currently serves on the board of the OCA-Sacramento Chapter and is a member of the Sacramento County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission.
She holds an M.A. in International and Multicultural Education with a focus on Human Rights from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from the Philippines.
Rejie Marie Baloyos, MA
Executive Director
MaiBao Yang
Director of Personnel and Operations
MaiBao is a dedicated community advocate with over 15 years of experience supporting survivors of gender-based violence and mobilizing marginalized communities through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered approaches. In 2013, she co-founded the California Hmong Advocates Network (CHAN) to strengthen leadership among Hmong advocates and develop culturally responsive approaches to address gender-based violence. CHAN later partnered with Building Our Future (BOF) in California to become CHAN-BOF for Peace Collaborative, a grassroots organization led by Hmong women and survivors to forge bold vision and new practices against gender-based violence in Hmong communities across Sacramento, Merced, and Fresno counties. MaiBao continues to serve as a Steering Committee member, guiding CHAN-BOF’s programs and goals.
Currently, MaiBao is the Director of Personnel and Operations at Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI), where she brings her expertise in grant writing, program management, and staff development to advance ARI’s mission of empowering communities through social services, education, and advocacy. She is passionate about cultivating equitable workplace practices and enhancing organizational capacity to deliver meaningful, community-centered services. Recognized for her leadership potential, MaiBao was proudly selected as a Leadership Education and Advancement Professional (LEAP) Fellow by VALORUS in 2021.
In her free time, MaiBao enjoys reading fantasy adventure novels, hiking California’s scenic trails, and exploring new restaurants. Her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, empowerment, and cultural transformation.
MaiBao Yang
Director of Personnel and Operations
Doreena Wong, Esq.
Policy Director
Doreena Wong, Esq., is the Policy Director at Asian Resources, Inc, (ARI) focusing on advocacy to increase access to health care programs, to advance policy changes, including improving data disaggregation practices and cultural and linguistic competency in health care, and to transform the current health care system to be more responsive to the health needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, communities of color, immigrants and limited-English proficient populations.
Before coming to ARI, Doreena was the Director of the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) – Southern California, where she worked on promoting access to affordable, culturally and linguistically competent health care for vulnerable populations through outreach, education, and advocacy. She has over 30 years of experience as a civil rights attorney, with expertise in health care programs, language access and voting rights while working at: 1) the National Health Law Program, 2) a Los Angeles civil rights firm specializing in race discrimination cases, 3) Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus, 4) the ACLU of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, and 5) the National Women’s Law Center in Washington, D.C. She graduated from New York University School of Law in 1987 as a second career after having worked as a health care professional for nine years.
Doreena is also a well-known social justice advocate who has helped to found several Asian American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer rights group, including API Equality-LA and the Asian Pacific Islander Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Network.
Doreena Wong, Esq.
Policy Director
Eddie Hu, MPH, MSW
Associate Policy Director
Eddie Hu is the Associate Policy Director at Asian Resources, Inc., based in Los Angeles. With nine years of public health and social services experience, Eddie leads multiple public health-related projects and a network of community-based organizations and clinics serving Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. He advocates for equitable health care access, culturally and linguistically appropriate care, and social determinants of health at local, state, and national levels. As a first-generation immigrant, Eddie is passionate about advancing equity and participates in coalitions focused on health care access, data equity, oral health, and mental health. Eddie serves as an advisory member of the Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee at the California Department of Public Health. He is a member of the California Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Health Equity Coalition. Eddie was a Policy Accelerator participant with the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum Policy Accelerator Program 2023-2024. He also served as a Grassroots representative with the national Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN). Eddie holds dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work from the University of Southern California and is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. In his free time, he likes to play with his dogs, Brownie and Berry, and work on his singing and ceramic skills.
Eddie Hu, MPH, MSW
Associate Policy Director
Farhad Noorzada
Site Director, ARI Refugee Center
Farhad Noorzada’s extraordinary journey from Afghanistan to the United States has shaped his dedication to supporting and empowering refugees, asylees, parolees, and foreign victims of human trafficking. With an MBA from Kardan University and personal experience as a displaced individual living in Pakistan, Farhad brings deep insight into the challenges faced by displaced populations. He began his career as a Refugee Employment Service Specialist and now serves as the Site Director of the Refugee Support Center.
Farhad’s extensive international experience underscores his commitment to community development and education. As a Project Implementation Management Senior Officer with the World Bank-funded Citizens’ Charter National Priority Program/MRRD Projects, he led critical initiatives to improve local communities. He also advanced educational programs in Afghanistan as a Training Implementation Officer for the JICA-Japan-funded Project Strengthening Teacher Education Program (STEP). Fluent in English, Dari, Pashto, and Urdu, Farhad bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, ensuring meaningful connections in his work with diverse communities.
Farhad Noorzada
Site Director, ARI Refugee Center
Akenese "Agnes" Luluga
Site Director, ARI Job Center
Akenese “Agnes” Luluga is a compassionate and dynamic leader dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change within her community. Having overcome significant barriers, including experiences with homelessness and domestic violence, she now serves as the Site Director of the ARI Job Center, where she leads her team with purpose, vision, and a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Akenese is widely recognized for her exceptional ability to foster collaboration, create opportunities, and inspire transformative change through her leadership. She served as PTA President at Woodlake Elementary for two years, contributing to the enhancement of educational experiences for students and providing support to families. At the state level, she advances public health and equity initiatives as a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). She also lends her expertise to the Advisory Board for the UC Davis Greater Sacramento Women’s Brain Health Program (GROW) and the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for SETA Head Start.
Committed to further developing her leadership skills, Akenese is currently a participant in the Catalyst Leadership Program hosted by the CalAsian Foundation. Her professional journey exemplifies resilience, service, and an unwavering dedication to creating opportunities for underserved populations.
Akenese "Agnes" Luluga
Site Director, ARI Job Center
Pana Lee
Community Development & Outreach Director, ARI Headquarters
Pana Lee
Community Development & Outreach Director, ARI Headquarters
Partners & Collaboratives
We are proud to collaborate with a variety of partners who share our commitment to creating opportunities and building a stronger community. Through these partnerships, ARI is able to expand its reach and deliver impactful programs and services.
Collaborative/Community Partners
Program Funders
Volunteer with ARI
Volunteering at ARI is more than just giving your time—it’s about making a real difference in the lives of others. Our volunteers play a critical role in delivering services that empower individuals and families in need. By joining us as a volunteer, you’ll help build stronger communities, offer support to those facing challenges, and contribute to positive social change.
Whether you have a few hours a week or want to get involved on a regular basis, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that match your skills and passions. Together, we can create lasting impact and uplift the Sacramento community.
Get Involved
Your support is crucial to our mission. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or simply get in touch, there are many ways to make a difference.