Dear API Chaya Friends and Supporters,

On behalf of API Chaya's Board, I'm writing to share an exciting leadership update: beginning July 13, 2026, API Chaya's new Executive Director will be Mary Le Nguyen.

Mary may already be familiar to many of you. In 2012, she joined API Chaya as a participant in our Survivors' Art Therapy Program, an experience she has described as “a turning point in finding her voice.” Since then, she has spent over a decade in nonprofit and movement leadership, most recently as Executive Director of Washington Community Action Network (Washington CAN) where she led a 35-person team, managed a $3.3 million budget, and secured over $1.1 million in general operating grants and organized community members to pass meaningful policies that have created lasting improvements in our communities. Mary pairs deep, local community organizing experience with a steady hand in stewarding organizational health. 

Throughout the search process, Mary consistently impressed the committee with her people-centered leadership, her organizing roots, and her fundraising track record. Equally compelling, those who've worked alongside her describe a warmth, joy, and energy that we believe will unite and invigorate API Chaya’s organizational culture. Having walked the path from client to incoming Executive Director, Mary is uniquely positioned to ensure our programs remain survivor-led, rooted in community, and grounded in dignity. We're thrilled that this is, in many ways, a homecoming for her.

"API Chaya has served our communities for over 30 years and I am honored to join this legacy organization," Mary shared. "As a former client, I am humbled to be returning to the very community that held me during my most trying times. By centering the voices of survivors and the strength of our communities, API Chaya will continue to envision and build a world where everyone can live free from violence."

Thank you for your continued support of API Chaya and our shared commitment to survivors in our community. Please join us in welcoming Mary!

Sincerely,

Srilata Remala Board Chair, API Chaya