About Us

Who We Are

The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce operates the Sacramento Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center under a cooperative agreement with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S Department of Commerce. The Sacramento MBDA Business Center provides minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) and other small entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. 

Our Mission

The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) mission is to foster the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises. MBDA accomplishes its mission by facilitating transactions through referrals, business consulting, contract bid/proposal preparation, loan packaging, and/or matching contract opportunities and capital sources (i.e. loans, equity, bonding, etc.). In addition, MBDA helps clients to achieve their growth objectives by connecting them with prospective strategic partners through business-to-business matching, teaming arrangements, joint ventures, or other strategic advisory services.

Meet Our Team

Corporate photos captured at Downtown Sacramento , Sacramento by Samantha May Photography

Karen Nelson

VP for Global & Domestic Programs - CA Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
Karen is the VP for Global & Domestic Programs under the CalAsian Chamber. Karen provides oversight, strategic planning and direction for the Sacramento MBDA Business Center and CalAsian Chamber programs. Her role as a VP also includes developing partnerships, business development & strategy and overseeing operations, program quality & compliance and international trade.
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Stacey Tate

Project Director - Sacramento MBDA Business Center
Stacey is the Director for the Sacramento MBDA Business Center. Her role includes providing oversight, strategic planning and direction, and management of all projects implemented by the business center including domestic and international trade activities, and developing strategic partnerships and alliance with various organizations, community partners and subject-matter experts.
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Anette Smith

Project Director - Capital Readiness Program [Electrify CA]
Anette is the Project Director of the MBDA Capital Readiness Program - Electrify California Project. The Electrify California Program is a state-wide fully integrated finance and technical assistance program providing early-stage incubator and emerging company accelerator services to socially and economically disadvantaged individual entrepreneurs.
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Sherri Reusche

Project Director - Rural Development Project
Sherri is the Project Director for the MBDA Rural Development Project. The MBDA Rural Development Project will be co-located with the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce Office in partnership with CalAsian Chamber. Her focus area will be serving minority businesses in the rural counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras and San Joaquin.
Corporate Headshots photos captured at Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce Office, Sacramento by Samantha May Photography

Christina Thomas

Program Manager - Capital Readiness Program [Electrify CA]
As the Program Manager for the Capital Readiness Program, Christina works closely with the Program Director to design and deliver technical assistance for the small business community and ensures the execution of program goals and deliverables for the MBDA Business Center grant. She provides leadership and oversight for program activities and initiatives designed to attract new minority and disadvantaged enterprises and support existing ones.
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Frank Fernandez

Program Manager
As the Program Manager for the Sacramento MBDA Business Center, Frank manages the day-to-day operations and programs, plans, coordinates and executes events, educational training and workshops, and promotes procurement and business opportunities and resources for MBEs. Frank works with our subject-matter experts to effectively deliver technical assistance to business communities.
Corporate Headshots photos captured at Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce Office, Sacramento by Samantha May Photography

Janine Nguyen

Intake Coordinator
In her/their role as an Intake Coordinator, Janine helps conduct client intake through our Introductory Meetings to assess our client's business needs. Janine also assists with program and project management support, client engagement, marketing, outreach, and event planning. 
Corporate Headshots photos captured at Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce Office, Sacramento by Samantha May Photography

Romi Sunga

Business Development Specialist
In his role as a Business Development Specialist for the Sacramento MBDA Business Center, Romi provides one-on-one technical assistance for MBEs, program and project management support, client engagement and works closely with subject-matter experts to effectively deliver technical assistance.

Careers

We are looking for hard-working, community and business-minded people to help achieve our vision and mission.

Position is open until filled. Please email CV with Cover Letter to:
Bianka Melecio at: bmelecio@calasiancc.org

Below is our current job openings:

Business Development Specialist

Job Description
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