Cayan
Topacio is a consultant for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, a
national organization based in Washington, D.C. of Asian Pacific American union
members. She previously worked in local, state and the federal government
involved in areas as diverse as energy conservation, juvenile justice, budgets
and policy work.Cayan, one of Pista’s founders, has been an important part of Pista since its launch. As chair of the organizing committee during the year of Pista’s debut, Cayan’s efforts to create a successful event were important to ensuring its continuance. After the success of the first year, Cayan became vice-chair of the organizing committee and continues to exhibit leadership that has been described as “simple, yet exemplary.” With every year of her involvement with Pista, Cayan’s enthusiasm for the event increases. In the years ahead, Cayan still expects to see Pista bringing families and friends together to share Filipino culture and togetherness.