Ashley Inaugurated As NAPABA President

Sacramento attorney Ruthe Catolico Ashley was inaugurated as the 2002-2003 National Asian Pacific America Bar Association President at the 14th Annual NAPABA Convention that was held in November in Atlanta.

Rick Sueyoshi, 2002-2003 NAPABA President Ruthe Ashley, and Judge Russell Hom attended the NAPABA convention

Ashley, a career advisory at the McGeorge School of Law, stated that during her tenure she will focus on restructuring the organization to better promote diversity in the judiciary, at all levels; continuing a vigilant stand on protecting civil rights of all Americans, but especially those in communities of color and the underserved; and providing direct member services. Ashley said she hopes to raise the level of APA political participation and encourage a new generation of APAs to serve in public office through elected office and the appointments process.

"Our time has come and we must be ready to be counted and have our voices heard," Ashley said. "We have qualified professionals in all sectors of our communities who would make significant contributions in a political landscape."

At the conference, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Russell Hom was also recognized as a one of the NAPABA 2002 Trailblazer awardees.