APAICS | Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies

Staff

S. Floyd Mori
President & CEO

Shiro Floyd Mori is the President and CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). Previously, Mori served for six years as the National Executive Director/CEO of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), and was chair of the National Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). He served four years as National President of the JACL and four years as a National Vice President. 

He served as Director of the Office of International Trade in California and worked extensively with Japanese companies both in the United States and Japan as well as with various Asian American groups and organizations. He has been an International business consultant and president of Mori-Silva International for many years. Mori has been a consultant in government relations and served as the Utah Trade Representative to Japan. He has been part owner of a golf business and is an avid golfer, having served as president of the board of Alpine Country Club in Utah. He served on the Utah Governor’s Asian Advisory Board and Small Business Administration Advisory Committee as well as several municipal and regional boards. He has volunteered with youth sports, inner city projects, and church work. 

Laila Mohib
Program and Policy Director

Over the last decade, Laila has worked with elected officials, candidates, and organizations to develop skills in training, messaging, polling and outreach.

Most recently, Laila worked with the Communication Workers of America’s campaign supporting the proposed 39 billion dollar acquisition of T-Mobile USA by AT&T.  Laila spent four years or two cycles with EMILY’s List, as the Political Coordinator for Campaign Services and Trainings, and as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff.  She also worked in the legislative office of Congressman Jim Davis, the candidate recruitment department of Progressive Majority, with the Democratic National Committee’s Office of Independent Expenditures, and interned with the Public Affairs department of MTV and the White House Office of Women’s Initiatives and Outreach.

Laila received her undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology and Art History from Sarah Lawrence College. She has studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts and the Aegean Center for Fine Arts and has a Masters in Arts in Art History, Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market from Christie’s Education.

Laila is a devoted fan of the Mets, the Jets and pie.

Helen M. Ruggiero
Administrator, Finance and Development

Helen Ruggiero has over 20 years of experience in office administration and finance. In her current position, she is in charge of financial responsibility, fundraising, grant writing and event planning.  She is also liaison for APAICS Board and Advisory Council.

Helen also served as Office Manager/Finance Manager for The Interface Group, Ltd. in Washington, DC, an executive recruiting firm that placed presidents, CEOs and vice presidents with Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations.

Previously, she was Office Manager for the North American Marketing Office of HD International, Inc. in New York City, a London based investment firm.  Prior to her affiliation with HD International, Helen was Office Manager for Kortright Market Systems, Inc. in New York City and Assistant Controller/Office Manager at the Harvard Club of New York City.  

Helen is a graduate of Katherine Gibbs School of Business.