Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Cleveland
About Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Cleveland
Founded in 1983 as the Organization of Chinese Americans Northeast Ohio chapter, OCA Greater Cleveland has deep roots in serving the Asian Pacific American community of Northeast Ohio. The organization's local history reflects the region's growing diversity—in 1995, the chapter merged with the Chinese Association of Greater Cleveland to form the Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Cleveland (OCAGC), strengthening its capacity to serve an expanding membership base.
As part of a nationwide rebranding in 2013, the organization became OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, Greater Cleveland chapter, signaling its evolution beyond its original Chinese American focus to embrace the broader Asian Pacific American community. This transformation reflects the organization's core values of diversity, inclusion, and coalition-building that have guided its work since its inception.
OCA Greater Cleveland is more than an advocacy organization—it is a community institution that values relationships and shared purpose. The chapter engages members through civic participation initiatives, cultural heritage celebrations, educational programs, and community service projects that strengthen neighborhoods throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. By bringing together community advocates and partnering with local organizations, OCA Greater Cleveland creates spaces where Asian Pacific Americans can build leadership skills, connect with one another, and work collectively toward justice and equal opportunity. The organization's commitment to its members and the broader Northeast Ohio community remains the foundation of everything it does.