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Posted November 28, 2006


Contact: Anne Katahira-Sims, MAVIN Foundation Executive Director


MAVIN FOUNDATION ELECTS NEW BOARD PRESIDENT

(Seattle) MAVIN Foundation Board of Directors has elected Joseph A. G. Sakay, Esq. as its new Board President. Joe has served as Vice President of MAVIN’s Board since 2005 and is thrilled to move into this new role.

“I am honored to help lead such a dynamic organization as MAVIN Foundation,” Joe said. “As a mixed raced person it is a special opportunity for me to give back to an organization whose programs have had a profound impact on my life. I look forward to working with MAVIN's Board and stakeholders strengthen MAVIN’s impact in reducing the physical and mental health disparities that exist for the mixed heritage community.”

Joe is a principal with the law firm of Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson, P.S. in Seattle. His practice focuses on the litigation and trial of complex civil matters in state and federal courts. Joe is a former law clerk to the Hon. Richard P. Match, a federal judge in Colorado. Joe has been recognized for his pro bono and mentoring work.

“Joe is the ideal person to lead MAVIN’s Board of Directors at this time,” Anne Katahira-Sims, MAVIN’s Executive Director said. “His passion for the organization and commitment to the issues faced by the mixed heritage community are unmatched. I am proud to have him as MAVIN’s President and energized by the leadership he brings to the organization.”

Joe is published on topics including Filipino Amerasians and the struggle for Black equality in Seattle. A mixed heritage person and the father of three young mixed raced children and guardian to his Korean-American nephew, Joe became acquainted with MAVIN when he registered as a bone marrow donor at a 2002 MatchMaker drive. Over the years Joe has volunteer countless hours to support MAVIN programs such as production of Chasing Daybreak, the Mixed Heritage Center and the Campus Awareness + Compliance Initiative. Joe lives with his wife Lisa and their mixed heritage family in Seattle.

MAVIN Foundation builds healthy communities that celebrate and empower mixed heritage people and families. Since 1998, MAVIN has created innovative and award-winning projects focused on mixed heritage people, transracial adoptees and multiracial families.

For more information, contact Anne Katahira-Sims at (206) 622-7101.