Arizona AAPI Leadership Cohort Application
Thank you for your interest in the Arizona Asian Chamber AAPI Leadership Cohort!
The Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) AAPI Leadership Cohort is a six-month leadership development program designed to empower emerging Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders through mentorship, professional development, and meaningful community engagement.
Selected participants will:
• Participate in six (6) monthly leadership development sessions
• Be paired with an experienced mentor
• Learn from leaders across business, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship
• Build lasting relationships with fellow emerging leaders
• Complete a collaborative capstone project
• Receive a Certificate of Completion from the Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce
Program Dates: September 2026 - February 2027
Location: Phoenix, Arizona (combination of in-person and virtual sessions)
Program Cost: Scholarships are available through the generous support of Phoenix IDA.
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
Meet Your Mentors
Arlene Chin
Vice Mayor Tempe
Arlene Chin is the Senior Director of Scholarship Advancement at the ASU Foundation, where she has built a distinguished career supporting student success, higher education, and community engagement. With decades of experience in financial aid, admissions, student services, and international education, she is recognized for her collaborative leadership and dedication to helping others achieve their goals. A lifelong advocate for civic involvement, Arlene has served the Tempe community for more than 40 years through leadership roles on numerous city commissions and boards.
Jeff Lim
Senior IT Consultant at Banner Health
Jeff Lim is a Senior IT Consultant at Banner Health, Founder of The AZ Fitness Guy and RiseFit Fest, and a leadership speaker known for teaching “leadership through movement.” As Founder of The AZ Fitness Guy, RiseFit Fest and as an Executive Sponsor of Banner’s RISE AAPI TMRG, Jeff champions cultural representation, belonging, and movement‑based leadership. His work blends project management, fitness, and community impact, empowering teams and communities to lead with purpose and energy.
Junelle Cavero
AZ State Representative
Junelle Cavero is a mother, small business owner, and national political consultant. A public servant by trade, Cavero was appointed in April 2024 to fill a vacancy. Cavero was elected in November 2024 to the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 11 - Guadalupe, Laveen and South Mountain (South Phoenix). Cavero was raised in a union, veteran, and immigrant household. Cavero brings more than 25 years of experience in government affairs, nonprofit management, political outreach and strategic business development.
Corey Yasuto Gaines
Head Coach of the Japan Women's National Team
Corey Yasuto Gaines is an accomplished basketball coach and former professional athlete with nearly four decades of experience competing and coaching at the highest levels of the sport. He currently serves as Head Coach of the Japan Women's National Team and Associate Head Coach of the Japan Men's National Team, following coaching roles with the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, where he helped lead the team to two championship titles.
More Mentors Coming Soon!
