WELCOME TO THE
PHOENIX ASIAN LEAGUE
The Phoenix Asian League (PAL) is committed to delivering opportunities for professional and leadership development, to expanding networks and connections, and celebrating the diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures and traditions. Our goal is to raise awareness of the AAPI experience by providing a forum for healthy discussions about our current challenges and successes in our communities.
About Us
PAL is an inclusive Employee Resource Group in the city of Phoenix focused on providing career and professional development opportunities for all city employees. We are committed to delivering programming and events that feature professionals in various fields, willing to share their expertise and experiences to help guide employees' career paths. More importantly, PAL is all about sharing the richness of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures with City of Phoenix's diverse workforce.Interested to know what our board has done to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture? Click on the "Mid-year Review" button below.
Events and News
We are quite proud of what our small but mighty group has accomplished for FY 2022-23. PAL has delivered quality and informative programming as well as attended high-profile events to represent the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the City of Phoenix. Please don't forget to click on the button below to view a recap of our mid-year accomplishments for 2022-23.For the upcoming FY, we are excited to bring more fun, informative and social events that showcase the AAPI culture and heritage for all our City of Phoenix colleagues! If you don't want to miss out, join PAL now by clicking the "Join PAL" button below.
Membership
Membership has its privileges and being a member of PAL ensures you will have first knowledge of our speaker and networking events. You will receive a discounted rate whenever registration fees are involved. We know our members appreciate little surprises, so they get those, too.Your first step to becoming a PAL is to fill out the Membership Form and the Employee Development Fund (EDF) reimbursement form. We have made it pretty easy for you by pre-filling the EDF form. When both forms are completed (no EDF approvals needed from supervisors), please email both to [email protected].Click on the button below to get started.
2023 Board Members
Marie Rabusa, Chair
Public WorksMarie is a second generation Filipino American, born in Hawaii after her parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines. Marie has lived in Phoenix for more than 20 years, earning her Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. She began her career with the City of Phoenix in 2017 in the Public Transit Department and is currently a Management Assistant II in the Budget and Research Department where she provides direct support to the director and oversees the nationally recognized City of Phoenix Management Intern Program. After hours, Marie loves reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors with her two pups, Joey and Charlie.
James Ho, Vice Chair
Budget and ResearchJames is a native Phoenician whose family first arrived in the U.S. as refugees from the Vietnam War. As a first-generation college graduate (and proud Sun Devil), James was fortunate enough to start his career with the Maricopa Association of Governments where he held various roles in procurement, accounting, and grants management. He first joined the City of Phoenix in 2019 as a Contracts Specialist II in the Water Services Department and is currently a Management Assistant II in the Budget & Research Department. As the new Vice Chair, James is committed to providing PAL members with engaging professional development opportunities that will enhance employee productivity and develop leadership skills.
Yvette Roeder, Communications Chair
Neighborhood ServicesYvette has served the city of Phoenix for 15+ years, mostly in a PR/communications capacity. She has assisted and led various successful PR and engagement efforts for several city departments. More recently, she has had the opportunity to work alongside District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien as chief of staff and as Special Projects Administrator for Street Transportation. Yvette is currently the Deputy Neighborhood Services Director over the Engagement division. Born and raised in Manila, Guam and California, she considers herself part-Fighting Banana Slug and part-Sun Devil, with bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from ASU.
Mark Schweikert, Membership Chair
Police DepartmentMark Schweikert graduated from the Phoenix Police Academy in 1998, and was promoted to sergeant in 2005. In 2017, he was again promoted to lieutenant and is currently assigned to oversee the Phoenix Public Transit Unit. Mark is also active in the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (PPSLA) and is the one of the founders of Superhero Saturday, an annual event with games, cosplay, entertainment and prizes benefitting Childhelp.
Grant Harrison, Events & Programming Chair
Office of Homeless SolutionsBorn and raised in Arizona, Grant graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in public administration. Before coming to work for the City of Phoenix, Grant worked for the Arizona House of Representatives as a Page and Lead Page for four and a half years. Grant started his career with the City as a Management Fellow where he worked in Budget and Research, Information Technology Services, and the City Manager’s Office. After the Fellowship, Grant worked for the Neighborhood Services Department as a Project Management Assistant, assisting with the Rental Rehabilitation and ADA Home Modification programs. Currently, he works in the Office of Homeless Solutions as a Project Management Assistant where he oversees fleet management and assists with the tracking of Council items and special projects.