APIDA + Center Events
If you need accommodations or have any questions for any of the events listed below, please contact Dr. Nina Ha at nha@vt.edu.
FALL 2024
November 2024
Learning Lunch featuring Dr. Marcus Johnson
DATE: Friday, November 1, 2024
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center and Zoom
Register today for this webinar.
Dr. Marcus Johnson is a Professor in the Educational Psychology and Educational Research & Evaluation programs in the School of Education at Virginia Tech. With a rich multi-racial background as the son of an African American father and a Chinese American mother, Dr. Johnson brings a unique and inclusive perspective to his work. Dr. Johnson’s research explores the motivations of both traditional and nontraditional college students, the impact of motivational strategies on learning, and addressing misconceptions in science and social studies education. Dr. Johnson earned his doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a teaching credential from UC Irvine, and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from UC Davis. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
Self-Care Circuit
DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center, ICC, El Centro, and Pride Center
Feeling all tapped out? Spend some time on yourself to replenish your internal battery with a different self-care activity at each of the following Cultural and Community Centers on November 6:
- APIDA + Center (Squires 140) – Fiber Arts Crafts
- Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center (Squires 122) – Journaling and coloring pages
- El Centro – Spa Masks and Music/Dance
- Pride Center – Nail Salon
Participants can and are encouraged to attend as many Centers as they wish. The VT Therapy Dogs will also be present! All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
College of Science Community Night
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2024
TIME: 6:00 - 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center
The College of Science will host Community Night at the APIDA + Center with dinner and lively conversation. This event provides students with the opportunity to be together and share their current experiences with each other. Registration encouraged.
**EVENT CANCELED**
Roots to Wellness (Decolonizing Wellness)
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Roots to Wellness is a new monthly Wellness series that brings together folks from the APIDA and Indigenous communities to discuss various themes that center around well-being and holistic wellness. Join us for a workshop to explore the intersection of indigenous wisdom and modern wellness practices. Thosh Collins, co-author of "The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well," will share their insights on decolonizing wellness and reclaiming holistic approaches to healing and well-being.
Refreshments will be served. Registration is required. This is a collaborative event with the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, the Graduate School, Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center, APIDA + Center, and the AANAPISI Initiative.
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
TIME: 12:30 - 1:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center
Join us for the Mandarin Chinese Lunch Table at the APIDA + Center! Open to all, this informal gathering is for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and community members interested in chatting in Mandarin Chinese during lunch time. Boost your communication skills, connect with others, and bring your own lunch for a friendly language experience. These sessions are led by Dr. Helen Schneider from the History Department.
Salary Gap Workshop
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
The Women’s Center and the Cultural and Community Centers will host a workshop focused on the salary gap that exists for marginalized groups. Facilitators will share ways to manage salary negotiations and how to self-advocate for equal pay. Light refreshments provided.
**EVENT CANCELED**
Roots to Wellness: Indigenous Pathways to Holistic Health - Faculty/Staff Edition
DATE: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Roots to Wellness is a new monthly Wellness series that brings together folks from the APIDA and Indigenous communities to discuss various themes that center around community and holistic wellness.
Join us for a faculty focused workshop on decolonizing wellness led by Thosh Collins, co-author of "The Seven Circles: Indigenous Teachings for Living Well," who will share their insights on decolonizing wellness and reclaiming holistic approaches to healing and well-being. Refreshment to be served.
This is a collaborative event with the Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate School, Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center, APIDA + Center, and the AANAPISI Initiative.
APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group. This support group focuses on the experiences of students with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for November centers around culture and decolonizing wellness. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
Night-time Guided Meditation with Vivek Rajan
Date: Monday, November 14, 2024
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual only on Zoom
Register for guided meditation.
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual night-time guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
International Education Week - Hokie Culture Crawl
Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Come celebrate International Education Week and stop by APIDA + Center, a Hokie Crawl participating organization, for some self-care and snacks! Crawl participants will be able to get glammed up through nail care and learn about its significance in the Asian American experience. Additionally, there will be a henna artist sharing their talents. Please note that there is limited availability for the henna art. Snacks from various Asian ethnicities provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
DATE: Monday, November 18, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: Will be provided upon registration.
Register for APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
Being a student with intersecting identities brings a unique set of stressors and concerns. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group will discuss ideas around culture and how to view wellness from a decolonizing lens. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual. Additional details will be provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group
DATE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
TIME: 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore ideas and issues around decolonizing wellness. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
APIDA and Indigenous Women Identifying Support Group
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) or Zoom
Register for APIDA and Indigenous Women Identifying Support Group.
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore ideas and issues around decolonizing wellness. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required.
Mask On Mask Off Series: Karaoke and Trivia Night
DATE: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
TIME: 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center
The Mask On/Mask Off series promotes self-care within the APIDA community and develops connection and encourages engagement. The APIDA + Center will offer Korean spa masks and provide tips to promote self-care. To develop connections and educate students about the APIDA experience, we will be hosting APIDA trivia as well as bonding through performing karaoke songs from APIDA artists and songwriters.
December 2024
Nail Salon: Painting Healthy Relationships Edition
DATE: Friday, December 6, 2024
TIME: 3:00 – 5:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
In collaboration with the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative office, the APIDA + Center will host a Nail Salon event to discuss the topic of healthy relationships. Participants will have the opportunity for self-care through nail design while learning about characteristics of healthy relationships. Nail supplies and light refreshments provided. Join us while we paint what positive relationships look like!
Ramen for Reading Day
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
Get fueled up for finals at the APIDA + Center along with the other Cultural and Community Centers with Ramen! This reading day tradition offers participants a wide variety of ramen along with delicious toppings to sustain them through final exam preparations. Toppings and ramen are available on a first come first serve basis. Hot water provided by Dining Services. Join us for community and mouthwatering noodles!
Fall Achievement Ceremony
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) and Zoom
Co-Sponsor: AASU
Register for APIDA Achievement Ceremony
The APIDA + Center and the Asian American Student Union celebrate the achievements of December graduates at this event. Come and join the community to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Fall graduates, whether they are undergraduate and graduate students, along with professional students. Virtual participation is also encouraged! Let us wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Graduates wishing to participate, and who would like a cord and/or certificate, should register in advance. Instructions to participate online are contained in the registration form linked above. Light refreshments provided.
October 2024
Why Latinos and Filipinos are Primos?
DATE: October 1, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Newman Library Goodall Room (Multipurpose Room) and Zoom Webinar
Register today for this webinar.
In this collaborative event between El Centro and the APIDA + Center, learn how Latinos and Filipinos are Primos (cousins). Hear from faculty/staff and students about their experiences and find commonality between these two populations. This event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and the intersectional nature of the Latinx and APIDA communities. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
College of Science: Graduate School Resume Review
DATE: October 2, 2024
TIME: 2:30 – 4:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (140 Squires)
Looking to apply to a graduate program? Need some help polishing your resume to upload to the application sites? The College of Science representatives will be in the APIDA + Center to review resumes/curriculum vitae on a drop-in basis. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
The First Asians in the Americas with Dr. Diego Javier Luis
DATE: October 2, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: El Centro (309 Squires) and Zoom
From 1565 to 1815, Spanish treasure ships called the Manila galleons crossed the Pacific between the Philippines and Mexico. Disembarking these ships at the port of Acapulco were thousands of free and enslaved Asians originating from Gujarat, Nagasaki, and everywhere between. In Mexico, these newly arrived people became known as "chinos" (or Chinese) regardless of origin. This racializing label—and its attendant social and legal ramifications— would be the first in a long and continuing trajectory of racialization that conflates Asian peoples into essentializing labels. Having acquired a minoritized subject position, however, many "chinos" forged new intra-Asian, Afro-Asian, and Asian-Indigenous intersections that came to define their new colonial identities. This talk examines the earliest histories of Asian people in the Americas and considers why it is important to consider their stories in today's political and cultural climate. Dr. Diego Javier Luis is the Rohrbaugh Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Johns Hopkins University. He specializes in colonial Latin American and Spanish Pacific history. He is the author of The First Asians in the Americas: A Transpacific History, which Harvard University Press published this year. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
Therapy 101: Debunking Myths with Julie Chandler from Cook Counseling
DATE: October 3, 2024
TIME: 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (140 Squires) and Zoom
Join us for an informative session with Julie Chandler from Cook Counseling as she dispels common misconceptions about therapy. Discover the benefits, process, and how therapy can help you navigate life's challenges. This event is a great opportunity to meet Julie and learn more about how to navigate the valuable services offered by the Cook Counseling Center.
Julie serves as the liaison for the APIDA + Center and the Cook Counseling Center. Following her presentation, we'll have some fun with board games and enjoy light refreshments.
DATE: Saturday, October 5, 2024
TIME: 6:00 – 10:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Commonwealth Ballroom
Join us for a LEGENDARY night at the Hokie Expression Ball. In partnership with Ronaoke's House of Expression, the Hokie Expression Ball will feature a panel discussion on the importance, influence, and legacy of ballroom with THREE Ballroom Pioneers, John Moschino, Junior Labeija, and Duchess La Wong. Following the panel, Commonwealth Ballroom will be transformed into Virginia Tech's first ever (students only) exhibition ball. Participants will have a chance to partake in a decades old tradition of "walking" in designated categories.
The categories are:
Designer's Delight
Vogue Performance
Runway as a College
Face
Student Realness
Best Dressed
Category Descriptions will be shared on the Pride Center Instagram
Sponsored by: Pride Center, Pride Council, APIDA + Center, Black Cultural Center, Diverse Voices and Perspectives Lecture Series, College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences, and Moss Arts Center
Roots to Wellness (Part 2: Balancing Life and Your Budget)
DATE: Monday, October 7, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center, Squires 122
Roots to Wellness is a new monthly Wellness series that brings together folks from the APIDA and Indigenous communities to discuss various themes that center around well-being and holistic wellness. Join us for a practical workshop on managing your finances and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Megan Darmanin from Hokie Wellness will share valuable tips and strategies to help you
- Explore your personal values and achieve balance in your schedule: Find practical ways to balance your academic and personal commitments.
- Prioritize your financial goals: Learn how to set realistic budgets and track your spending.
- Reduce stress: Discover effective techniques to manage stress and maintain overall well-being.
Refreshment to be served.
Mandarin Language Lunch Table
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Join us for the Mandarin Chinese Lunch Table at the APIDA + Center! Open to all, this informal gathering is for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and community members interested in chatting in Mandarin Chinese during lunch time. Boost your communication skills, connect with others, and bring your own lunch for a friendly language experience. These sessions will be led by Dr. Helen Schneider from the History Department.
Next Steps: Leveraging Your Networking Skills
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center (140 Squires) and Zoom
Register to learn about leveraging your networking skills.
Have you ever wondered what your next steps are after speaking with a recruiter? Are you nervous about following up on an opportunity? During this workshop you will learn tips on strengthening your networking skills. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, strengthen your current connections, or enhance your personal brand, this session offers actionable insights for the next steps in your networking experience. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group. This support group focuses on the experiences of students with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for October centers around maintaining balance in life. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
Nail Salon: World Mental Health Day Celebration
DATE: Thursday, October 10, 2024
TIME: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the APIDA + Center will host a Nail Salon event to increase mental health awareness. This collaborative event with Hokie Wellness provides an opportunity for the campus community to take part in self-care and build community. Nail supplies provided. Take some time out to join us at this celebration.
Alternatives to Academia: Career Options for Graduate Students
DATE: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Zoom only
Looking for jobs outside of the academy? There are a wealth of opportunities and careers beyond higher education for those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees. This virtual event geared mainly to graduate students at all levels features Virginia Tech graduate alumni who will share their experiences and career pathways outside of academia. Register to learn about the alternatives to tenure track and research positions and how you can find career satisfaction outside of the academy.
Learning Lunch Series featuring Dr. Kee Jeong Kim
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 –12:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Dr. Kee Jeong Kim holds both a Master's and doctoral degrees from Iowa State University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship program at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Kim has published extensively in top academic journals such as Child Development and Developmental Psychology. Dr. Kim is passionate about combining social sciences with information technology to provide innovative learning opportunities for students while deepening their understanding of global interconnectedness. She is currently on the editorial board for several academic journals including The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Civic and Political Studies and The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social and Community Studies.
Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
DATE: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: Will be provided upon registration.
Being a student with intersecting identities brings a unique set of stressors and concerns. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group will discuss the balance between life and nutritional wellness and how these are interconnected. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual. Additional details will be provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
Nighttime Guided Meditation with Vivek Rajan
DATE: Thursday, October 17, 2024
TIME: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Virtual only on Zoom
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
AASU Culture Show
DATE: Saturday, October 19, 2024
TIME: 6:30 – 8:30 PM EST
LOCATION: Burruss Auditorium
AASU and the APIDA+ Center presents the Annual AASU 2024 Culture Show! Come watch AASU and APIDA organizations dance and perform everything from traditional dances to a fashion show. AASU will be holding raffles throughout the event. Doors open at 6 PM EST. Registration encouraged.
APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group
DATE: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
TIME: 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore ideas and issues around maintaining life and nutritional wellness. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
APIDA and Indigenous Women Identifying Support Group
DATE: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
TIME: 4:00 - 5:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) or Zoom
Wellbeing is influenced by our physical and emotional needs. Our moods can dictate our food choices and vice versa. October’s Wellness events will focus on the theme of balancing life and nutritional wellness. Join the APIDA and Indigenous Women Identifying Support Group to discuss how the role of communication plays in our lives. Light refreshments will be provided.
Homecoming TEAser
Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Sip and spill the “tea” with APIDAS during Homecoming Weekend! Students and alums are invited to gather in the APIDA+ Center to be in communi-tea while enjoying boba, chai, hot tea, and a variety of tea-time refreshments. Light refreshments will be provided, and registration encouraged.
Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
Location: GLC Multipurpose Room and via Webinar
Time: 5:30 PM – 7 PM EST
Are you considering protesting or advocating for your rights? Learn more about university policies and understand the possible outcomes for promoting civic engagement on campus. Students of all levels and backgrounds, including international students, are encouraged to attend. There will be VT leaders from Student Affairs, Student Conduct, VT Police, and a local defense attorney.
Healing through Storytelling for Nurses in the Filipino Diaspora
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register to attend
Amidst COVID-19 and anti-Asian violence, Filipino nurses across the United States survived a dual public health crisis. To celebrate Filipino American History Month, please join Dr. Aprilfaye Manalang, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Norfolk State University and Hans Carlo Rivera, Mental Health Specialist at Hokie Wellness, as they uplift the stories of Filipino nurses graciously shared with their research team, Healing Heritage. This conversation will humbly offer an approach on how we can collectively heal from often-forgotten scars: the legacy of colonialism in the Philippines, the weaponization of indigenous Filipino cultural values, and the phenomenon that has led many to ask, "Why are there so many Filipino nurses?" Light refreshments served and registration encouraged.
September 2024
Drop-In Resume Review with Career and Professional Development
DATE: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
TIME: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
The Cultural Community Centers, in collaboration with Career and Professional Development, will offer free resume reviews for students. Polish your resume with help from Krystal Johnson and Dr. Suzanne Shelburne, Assistant Directors for Career Development and College Relations at Virgina Tech. Stop by the APIDA + Center to prepare for the upcoming Fall career fairs. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Women Identifying Support Group
DATE: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) or Zoom
How we communicate to others and receive communication from those in our lives is unique. It is important to recognize how communication in all its forms influences our wellbeing. September’s Wellness events will focus on the theme of communication and how we can assert our boundaries. Join the APIDA and Indigenous Women Identifying Support Group to discuss how the role of communication plays in our lives. Light refreshments will be provided.
Drop-In Resume Review with Career and Professional Development
DATE: Friday, September 6, 2024
TIME: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
The Cultural Community Centers in collaboration with Career and Professional Development will offer free resume reviews for students. Polish your resume with help from Krystal Johnson and Dr. Suzanne Shelburne, Assistant Directors for Career Development and College Relations at Virgina Tech. Stop by the APIDA + Center to prepare for the upcoming Spring career fairs. Light refreshments will be provided.
LaTeX Resume Workshop
DATE: Friday, September 6, 2024
TIME: 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
Build up your LaTex skills and polish up your resume with this interactive workshop led by one of our amazing academic tutors, Ishana Garuda. He will share formatting tips and tricks using Overleaf to help your resume stand out! Stop by the APIDA + Center to prepare for the upcoming Fall career fairs. Light refreshments will be served.
Roots to Wellness (Part 1: Communication)
DATE: Monday, September 9, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center, Squires 122
Roots to Wellness is a new monthly wellness series that brings together folks from the APIDA and Indigenous communities to discuss various themes that center around well-being and holistic wellness. September will focus on communication. Refreshment to be served.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Gia Ha at giaha@vt.edu or 540-231-3399 during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Mandarin Language Lunch Table
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Join us for the first Mandarin Chinese Lunch Table at the APIDA + Center this year! Open to all, this informal gathering is for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and community members interested in chatting in Mandarin Chinese during lunch time. Boost your communication skills, connect with others, and bring your own lunch for a friendly language experience. These sessions will be led by Dr. Helen Schneider from the History Department.
APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group. This support group focuses on the experiences of students with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for September centers around communication. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA + Center Welcome To/Welcome Back
DATE: Friday, September 13, 2024
TIME: 5:00 – 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Old Dominion Lawn between Squires and Henderson Hall / APIDA + Center (Rain Location)
Build community and connect with new and not so new folks at the APIDA + Center’s Welcome To/Welcome Back event. There will be lawn games, karaoke, and refreshments! Learn more about the Center and affiliated organizations. Come for the food but stay for the community. All are welcome.
APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group
DATE: Monday, September 16, 2024
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men Identifying Support Group. This month, participants will explore effectively communicate with others about needs and boundaries. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
DATE: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: Will be provided upon registration.
Being a student with intersecting identities brings a unique set of stressors and concerns. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group will discuss how queer people of color can improve wellbeing by learning how to effectively communicate personal needs and boundaries. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual. Additional details will be provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
Behavioral and Case Interview Workshop with Deloitte
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024
TIME: 6:30 – 7:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (140 Squires) and Virtual on Zoom
In collaboration with Deloitte and Career and Professional Development, the APIDA + Center presents an interactive workshop centered on behavioral interviews and case interviews. Deloitte practitioners will go over the standards of Behavioral Interviews and Case Interviews and provide firsthand advice on navigating them. Learn how to tell your story, typical etiquette, practice questions, and general tips in a behavioral interview. Discover the different types of case interviews, how to work through a case, and how to prepare, approach, and deliver your best. Practitioners will provide a real-life example case and will work through the process live with students. Participants will have a chance to ask questions and network with professionals. Light refreshments provided.
Nighttime Guided Meditation with Vivek Rajan
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2024
TIME: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Virtual on Zoom
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
Chinese Restaurants: Brazil North
Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: El Centro (309 Squires)
Chinese restaurants are found throughout Latin America and integrate local flavors and customs into traditional dishes creating new fusion. To celebrate LatinX Heritage Month, the APIDA + Center in collaboration with El Centro will feature the documentary series Chinese Restaurants and with the focus on Brazil North this month. Light refreshments will be provided.
Learning Lunch Series: MAC Collaboration – Sonny and Sid of Riyaaz Qawwali
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
In collaboration with Moss Arts Center, the APIDA + Center invites the campus community to learn about the creative force behind Riyaaz Qawwali. Participants will discover the journey and artistic influences of Sonny and Sid and their unique collaboration with the Harlem Gospel Travelers. Learn more about Riyaaz Qawwali at the Moss Arts Center website. Light refreshments will be provided.
Learning Lunch with Dr. Qin Zhu
DATE: Friday, September 27, 2023
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center/Zoom
The Learning Lunch Series highlights APIDA faculty and staff at the university through informal conversations about their experiences and journeys to Tech. Dr. Qin Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education and Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Science, Technology & Society, the Department of Philosophy, the Center for Human-Computer Interaction, and the Center for Future Work Places and Practices. Dr. Zhu’s research interests include engineering ethics, global and international engineering education, engineering cultures, and the ethics of human-robot interaction and artificial intelligence. Join us to learn more about his personal and professional journey. Light refreshments will be provided, and registration encouraged.
August 2024
Nail Salon: Welcome Edition
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
TIME: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140)
Start the new academic year off feeling cute and making friends. Join us and take some time to get creative through nail design and build community with others. This collaborative event with New Student Family Programs aims to welcome students to Blacksburg and all that Virginia Tech has to offer! Meet up with old friends, make new ones, and learn more about what the Center offers. Light refreshments will be served.
Weeks of Welcome: CCC Fashion Show
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 2024
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Commonwealth Ballroom – Squires Student Center
Check out the catwalk where students and other campus community members will strut their stuff in cultural clothing, streetwear and other fashion. Students will also have time to learn about various student organizations affiliated with the Cultural and Community Centers. Come on by cheer on these amazing folks and discover what the Cultural and Community Centers are all about. Light refreshments will be served.
April - APIDA History & Heritage Month
April 3 | 12pm Angry Out Loud, The Bodily Autonomy Edition - Undergraduate Students
Dr. LaTasha Sarpy is a Professor of Sociology at Bunker Hill Community College. In addition to teaching, Dr. Sarpy works on multiple initiatives inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Sarpy served as the Faculty Liaison for the Museum of African American History and is a founding member of the Center for Equity and Cultural Wealth. Dr. Sarpy is a founding board member of the JAR, with a mission to transform how the community engages in culture.
Dr. Sarpy will provide strategies for managing issues related to anger using the perspectives of undergraduate student experiences. However, ALL community members are welcome.
Location: Black Cultural Center, 126 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 3 | 4pm APIDA Mental Health Support Group
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 3 | 5:30pm Angry Out Loud, The Bodily Autonomy Edition - Graduate Students
Dr. LaTasha Sarpy is a Professor of Sociology at Bunker Hill Community College. In addition to teaching, Dr. Sarpy works on multiple initiatives inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Sarpy served as the Faculty Liaison for the Museum of African American History and is a founding member of the Center for Equity and Cultural Wealth. Dr. Sarpy is a founding board member of the JAR, with a mission to transform how the community engages in culture.
Dr. Sarpy will provide strategies for managing issues related to anger using the perspectives of graduate student experiences. However, ALL community members are welcome.
Location: Black Cultural Center, 126 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 3 | 12pm Angry Out Loud, The Bodily Autonomy Edition - Faculty & Staff
Dr. LaTasha Sarpy is a Professor of Sociology at Bunker Hill Community College. In addition to teaching, Dr. Sarpy works on multiple initiatives inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Sarpy served as the Faculty Liaison for the Museum of African American History and is a founding member of the Center for Equity and Cultural Wealth. Dr. Sarpy is a founding board member of the JAR, with a mission to transform how the community engages in culture.
Dr. Sarpy will provide strategies for managing issues related to anger using the perspectives of faculty and staff experiences. However, ALL community members are welcome.
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 3 | 5:30pm Angry Out Loud, The Bodily Autonomy Edition - Minoritized, Underrepresented, and/or Underserved Communities
Dr. LaTasha Sarpy is a Professor of Sociology at Bunker Hill Community College. In addition to teaching, Dr. Sarpy works on multiple initiatives inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Sarpy served as the Faculty Liaison for the Museum of African American History and is a founding member of the Center for Equity and Cultural Wealth. Dr. Sarpy is a founding board member of the JAR, with a mission to transform how the community engages in culture.
Dr. Sarpy will provide strategies for managing issues related to anger using the perspectives of minoritized, underrepresented, and/or underserved community experiences. However, ALL community members are welcome.
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 11 | 5pm DACA Experiences from APIDA backgrounds with El Centro and JMU/VT Honors Colleges
Location: Honors College Studio, Squires Student Center (on Old Dominion Lawn side); Virtual
April 13 | 12pm APIDAs in Public Service
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 17 | 12pm APIDA Men's Support Group
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 18 | 1:00pm APIDAs and Adoption Panel
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 18 | 5:30pm APIDAs Queer, Questioning, & Allies Support Group
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 19 | 6:30pm Screening with the LGBTQ+ Resouce Center and University Libraries: Everything, Everywhere, all at Once
Location: TBD
April 20 | 8:00pm Nighttime Guided Meditation
Location: Virtual
April 21 | 12pm APIDAs in Public Health
Location: Virtual
April 25 | 5pm Undergraduate InspirASIAN Series
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center; Virtual
April 28 | All Day APIDAHM Collaboration with Owens Dining
Location: Owens Dining Hall
April 28 | 7pm AASU Guest Speaker
Location: ACEC, 140 Squires Student Center
March
March 13 | 4pm APIDA Mental Health Support Group
The theme of this session is "strength spotting". Please complete the VIA Character Strengths Survey before attending.
Location: ACEC - 140 Squires; Virtual
March 15 | 6pm College of Science Community Night
Join other Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) science students at the Asian Cultural Engagement Center and be in Community. Dinner Provided!
Location: ACEC - 140 Squires; Virtual
March 16 | 12pm Viet Thanh Nguyen Learning Lunch
Join us for a meal and discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nugyen. This event is co-hosted by the Asian Cultural Engagement Center, Moss Arts Center, and Mozaiko Living and Learning Community.
Location: The cube in Moss Arts Center; Virtual
March 16 | 7:30pm An Evening with Viet Thanh Nguyen
Viet Thanh Nguyen’s writing is bold, elegant, and fiercely honest. Globally reimagining what we thought we knew about the Vietnam War, his remarkable debut novel, The Sympathizer, is a New York Times best seller and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Nguyen’s voice is refreshing and powerful as he urges readers to examine the legacy of that tumultuous time and its aftermath from a new perspective.
Co-sponsored by the Department of English Visiting Writer Series, with additional support from the Asian Cultural Engagement Center and Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies. Nguyen will hold a booksigning in the Grand Lobby following the talk. His books will be available for purchase.
Location: Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre in the Street and Davis Performance Hall, Moss Arts Center
March 20 | 5:30pm Violence in Schools
A virtual listening session with the Asian Cultural Engagement Center, the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, and the Virginia Latino Advisory Board. Dr. Siming Xie will provide a 20-30 minute presentation about healing from racial trauma and violence. He will share mental health tools and techniques. Following this presentation will be time for comments from the community.
Location: Virtual
March 21 | 1:30pm Queer, Questioning, & Allies Support Group
What does it mean to come out to your peers and how do we deal with the pressure to label ourselves? How do we come out safely? This event is co-sponsored by Hokie Wellness and Cook Counseling Center. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please register for the event.
March 22 | 12pm Book of Mountains and Sea Learning Lunch
Location: ACEC - 140 Squires; Virtual
March 23 | 8pm Nighttime Guided Meditation with Vivek Rajan
Location: Virtual
March 27 | 12pm APIDA Men's Support Group
Please join us for the APIDA Men's Support Group and discuss about "Emotions" among APIDA men. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
Location: ACEC - 140 Squires
March 28 | 3pm InspirASIAN Series: Graduate Student Experiences & Perspectives
After a successful event last semester, we’re bringing back the InspirASIAN Series!
Join us for an inspiring event with our graduate student panel, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from their experiences, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. This panel will feature:
- Sydney Dayyani, master's student in the School of Education, Curriculum and Instruction and president of the Middle Eastern Dance Association; Minhyuk Ko, Ph.D. student and graduate teaching assistant in Computer Science (CS); Hesam Mahmoudi, Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant, Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE); Diksha Pilania, master's student in Architecture and graduate assistant in the Graduate Life Center; Lily Seah, Ph.D. student and graduate teaching assistant in Psychology; Prithivrajan Thiyagarajan, master's student and research assistant in ISE; Farooq Zahid, master's student in Aerospace Engineering and graduate research assistant with the National Security Institute.
Location: ACEC - 140 Squires; Virtual
March 30 | 5:00pm Scholar in Residence - Dr. Banu Subramaniam Lecture
Dr. Subramaniam will deliver a talk titled, "Alien Becomes Exotic: Race, Gender, and the Practice of Science". Areception will follow at 6:00pm in the Newman Library Multipurpose Room.
This engagement, in honor of both Women’s History Month and preceding Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month (APIDAHM), is a collaboration among the Women’s Center at VT, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the Provost’s Women and Minority Artists and Scholars Lecture Series, the Graduate School, College of Science, Department of Religion and Culture, Department of Science, Technology, and Society, Women’s and Gender Studies, College of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Asian Cultural Engagement Center (ACEC).
Location: Newman Library Multipurpose Room; Virtual
March 31 | 12pm Learning Lunch featuring Dr. Banu Subramaniam
Dr. Banu Subramaniam is Professor of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Trained as a plant evolutionary biologist, Banu engages the feminist studies of science in the practices of experimental biology. Author of Holy Science: The Biopolitics of Hindu Nationalism (University of Washington Press, 2019), Ghost Stories for Darwin: The Science of Variation, and the Politics of Diversity (University of Illinois Press, 2014), Dr. Subramaniam’s current work focuses on decolonizing botany and the relationship of science and religious nationalism in India.
Location: ACEC - 140 Squires; Virtual
Monday, September 11, 2023
TIME: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) or Zoom
Registration Link: bit.ly/45IVISP
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group. This month’s theme centers around coping with new semester anxiety. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) or Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/44xzmCZ
APIDA + Center will host its inaugural APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group this month. College is a mix of excitement and challenges that shape us, including finding our unique sense of belonging. Join the APIDA and Indigenous Women‘s Support Group to discover authentic connections amidst the overwhelming college experience. Light refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center (Squires 140) or Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/44xzmCZ
APIDA + Center will host its inaugural APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group this month. College is a mix of excitement and challenges that shape us, including finding our unique sense of belonging. Join the APIDA and Indigenous Women‘s Support Group to discover authentic connections amidst the overwhelming college experience. Light refreshments will be provided.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
TIME: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Virtual on Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/45vGQrs
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
Friday, September 15, 2023
APIDA + Center Welcome To/Welcome Back
TIME: 5:00 – 7:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Old Dominion Lawn between Squires and Henderson Hall / APIDA + Center (Rain Location)
Registration Link: rb.gy/6y0mfi
Build community and connect with new and not so new folks at the APIDA + Center’s Welcome To/Welcome Back event. There will be lawn games, karaoke, and refreshments! Learn more about the Center and affiliated organizations. Come for the food but stay for the community. All are welcome. Registration is encouraged.
Monday, September 18, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3EgWo6h
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore various expressions of masculinity and how cultural expectations and stereotypes shape and inform current views. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Do You Bend or Break?
TIME: 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST
LOCATION: Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center (122 Squires)
This collaborative event with the APIDA + Center, the Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center and Hokie Wellness explores the topic of resilience. Participants will discuss how to adapt to life’s challenges. Refreshments will be provided.
Monday, September 25, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: Will be provided upon registration
Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/7HMcF7kYaS
Being a student with intersecting identities brings a unique set of stressors and concerns. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group will discuss how to manage stress as queer people of color. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual details provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Why Latinos and Filipinos are Primos
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
LOCATION: El Centro (Squires 309) and virtual
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/3Rc4ZPx
In this collaborative event between El Centro and the APIDA + Center, learn how Latinos and Filipinos are primos (cousins). This event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and the intersectional nature of the Latinx and APIDA communities. All are welcome and light refreshments will be served.
Friday, September 29, 2023
Month of April | Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
Learning Lunch with Dr. Kanitta Charoensiri, D.O., MBA
TIME: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
LOCATION: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/45PcTm2
The Learning Lunch Series highlights APIDA faculty and staff at the university through informal conversations about their experiences and journeys to Tech. Dr. Kanitta Charoensiri, director of Schiffert Health Center will join us this month to discuss her journey to medical school and now managing the operations for a university health center. Light refreshments will be provided, and registration encouraged.
Monday, October 2, 2023
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group. This month’s theme centers around positive psychology. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Mental Health Support Group
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/456zE49
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group. This month’s theme centers around positive psychology. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
October Learning Lunch Series: MAC Collaboration - Love in Exile with Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/love-in-exile
In collaboration with Moss Arts Center, the APIDA + Center invites the campus community to learn about the creative force behind Love in Exile. Participants will discover the journey and artistic influences of Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily. Learn more about Love in Exile at the Moss Arts Center website. Light refreshments will be served.
In collaboration with Moss Arts Center, the APIDA + Center invites the campus community to learn about the creative force behind Love in Exile. Participants will discover the journey and artistic influences of Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily. Learn more about Love in Exile at the Moss Arts Center website. Light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Chinese restaurants are found throughout Latin America and integrate local flavors and customs into traditional dishes creating new fusion. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the APIDA + Center in collaboration with El Centro will feature the documentary series Chinese Restaurants and with the focus on Argentina this month. Light refreshments will be served.
Chinese Restaurants: Argentina
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Chinese restaurants are found throughout Latin America and integrate local flavors and customs into traditional dishes creating new fusion. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the APIDA + Center in collaboration with El Centro will feature the documentary series Chinese Restaurants and with the focus on Argentina this month. Light refreshments will be served.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Nighttime Guided Meditation
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/45RKHi2
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
Friday, October 13, 2023
Alumni and current students will have the opportunity to mingle with one another at the APIDA + Center during Homecoming Weekend. This casual networking event will allow alumni to visit the center and see all the updates to the center as well as be in community with fellow alum, staff, faculty, and current students. Come join us in homecoming festivities! Light refreshments provided.
APIDA Alumni Reception
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 PM EST/ 6:30 –8:30 EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/48rrYft
Alumni and current students will have the opportunity to mingle with one another at the APIDA + Center during Homecoming Weekend. This casual networking event will allow alumni to visit the center and see all the updates to the center as well as be in community with fellow alum, staff, faculty, and current students. Come join us in homecoming festivities! Light refreshments provided.
Monday, October 16, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3PBZZSQ
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore self-care and its importance to general wellbeing. Self-care techniques and activities will be shared. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided.[HN1] Registration required for virtual participants.
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore self-care and its importance to general wellbeing. Self-care techniques and activities will be shared. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
In celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month, the APIDA + Center along with the Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center and University Libraries will screen Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust. This documentary focuses on the collaboration between local ranchers, indigenous tribes, and Japanese Americans in their fight for water rights. Learn more about the movie here: https://www.pbs.org/pov/films/manzanardiverted/. Light refreshments provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3PBZZSQ
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore self-care and its importance to general wellbeing. Self-care techniques and activities will be shared. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided.[HN1] Registration required for virtual participants.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
College of Science Community Night at the APIDA + Center
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/mTfpeUtahbcBaVUN6
The College of Science will host Community Night at the APIDA + Center with dinner and lively conversation. This event provides students with the opportunity to be together and share their current experiences with each other. Registration encouraged.
The College of Science will host Community Night at the APIDA + Center with dinner and lively conversation. This event provides students with the opportunity to be together and share their current experiences with each other. Registration encouraged.
Sunday, October 22, 2023
The VAAB Town Hall is an informational event for individuals, communities, and businesses to meet members of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, learn about our advocacy for the Asian American Pacific Islander communities, and have conversations about the needs and concerns of APIDAS throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Light refreshments will be provided.
Virginia Asian Advisory Board Town Hall
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM EST
Location: Newman Library Multipurpose Room and Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3ZecPKr
The VAAB Town Hall is an informational event for individuals, communities, and businesses to meet members of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, learn about our advocacy for the Asian American Pacific Islander communities, and have conversations about the needs and concerns of APIDAS throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3PuzTQw
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. Imposter syndrome robs people of the opportunity to feel like they fully belong and can negatively affect their self-esteem. Microaggression creates a hostile and toxic environment. Learn how you can cope with these forces and discuss their impact on your life. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. Imposter syndrome robs people of the opportunity to feel like they fully belong and can negatively affect their self-esteem. Microaggression creates a hostile and toxic environment. Learn how you can cope with these forces and discuss their impact on your life. Light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Dr. Vincent Wang is an associate professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (BEAM) at Virginia Tech and former APIDA + Center Faculty Fellow. His research centers on tendon healing and repair, skeletal tissue mechanobiology, medical imaging and machine learning, and orthopedic biomechanics. Dr. Wang will share his journey through growing up in Blacksburg, his undergraduate and graduate career at Columbia University, and how his work at Virginia Tech goes beyond the classroom. Light refreshments will be served.
October Learning Lunch: Dr. Vincent Wang
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom [HN1]
Registration Link: https://bitly.ws/UyVF
Dr. Vincent Wang is an associate professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (BEAM) at Virginia Tech and former APIDA + Center Faculty Fellow. His research centers on tendon healing and repair, skeletal tissue mechanobiology, medical imaging and machine learning, and orthopedic biomechanics. Dr. Wang will share his journey through growing up in Blacksburg, his undergraduate and graduate career at Columbia University, and how his work at Virginia Tech goes beyond the classroom. Light refreshments will be served.
Monday, October 30, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Location: TBA
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3PMGDdV
This month’s theme revolves around difficult conversation in the queer community. The group will discuss this topic along with providing skills and strategies to facilitate these types of conversations. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group provides a space where students can explore topics and understand how the intersectionality of various identities plays into their lives. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual details provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
November 1, 2023
Fall 2023 InspirASIAN Series: APIDA Leadership in Higher Education
Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3EXNzP3
The APIDA + Center will host a panel discussion featuring Dean Katherine Fogelberg, Virginia Maryland Veterinary Medical School, Dean Tsai Liu, College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, and Dean Saonee Sarker, Pamplin College of Business. Facilitated by Dr. Vincent Wang, the panelists will address their journeys into higher education leadership, provide insights on the importance of leadership to reflect the populations they serve, and offer advice on navigating through college and beyond. Light refreshments will be provided.
November 2, 2023
Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center and APIDA + Wellness Event: Yoga
Date: Thursday, November 2, 2023
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: Brush Mountain A
Paola Ixcuinan Monseratt will lead a yoga session for the campus community. This collaborative event between the APIDA + Center and the Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month and offers students a way to promote their well-being. Come and join us at this special event.
November 6, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group
Date: Monday, November 6, 2023
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3rpNPn4
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group. This month’s theme centers around positive psychology and gratitude journals. Participants will create their own gratitude journals and learn how this practice can help to change their lens on everyday stressors. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
November 6, 2023
November Learning Lunch Series: MAC Collaboration – Seongbukdong Beedoolkee Theatre: Medea on Media
Date: Monday, November 6, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/register-medea-learning-lunch
In collaboration with Moss Arts Center, the APIDA + Center invites the campus community to learn about the creative force behind the production of Medea on Media. Participants will discover the journey and artistic influences of the Seongbukdong Beedoolkee Theater group. Learn more about Seongbukdong Beedoolkee at the Moss Arts Center website. Light refreshments will be served.
November 13, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Location: TBA
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/499LDAT
This month’s theme focuses on supporting students as they head home for the break. Participants can share their concerns about going to an environment that might not be supportive or understanding. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group provides a space where students can explore topics and understand how the intersectionality of various identities plays into their lives. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual details provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
November 14, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/46gpfnS
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. Feeling like you belong is critical to growing and coping with life’s ups and downs. What does a sense of belonging mean? Learn how you can create a positive sense of belonging that will benefit you. Light refreshments will be provided.
November 15, 2023
Mask On Mask Off Series: Karaoke and Trivia Night
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Song Request Link: https://bit.ly/49aCQyE
The Mask On/Mask Off series promotes self care within the APIDA community and develop connection and encourage engagement. The APIDA + Center will offer Korean spa masks and provide tips to promote self-care. To develop connections and educate students about the APIDA experience, we will be hosting an APIDA trivia competition as well as bonding through performing karaoke songs from APIDA artists and songwriters.
November 16, 2023
Nighttime Guided Meditation
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/45QHHTf
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
November 27, 2023
APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
Date: Monday, November 27, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center & Zoom
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3t8fXeF
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. This month, participants will explore how to express your feelings and discover better ways to share these emotions. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
December 7, 2023
Ramen for Reading Day
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Get fueled up for finals at the APIDA + Center along with the other Cultural and Community Centers with Ramen! This reading day tradition offers participants a wide variety of ramen along with delicious toppings to sustain them through final exam preparations. Toppings and ramen are available on a first come first serve basis. Hot water provided by Au Bon Pain. Join us for community and mouthwatering noodles!
December 7, 2023
Fall Achievement Ceremony
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center and Zoom
Register in advance: https://bit.ly/45Enwaz
The APIDA + Center celebrates the achievements of December graduates at this event. Come and join us to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Fall graduates. Let us wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Graduates wishing to participate should register in advance. Instructions to participate online are contained in the registration form linked above. Light refreshments provided.
January 23, 2024
Nail Salon: Welcome Edition with New Student and Family Programs
Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Kick off the semester and the new year by establishing self-care routines. Join us and take some time to do your nails and build connections with others. This collaborative event with New Student Family Programs aims to nourish participants’ minds, hearts, and bodies through this fun event! Meet up with old friends, make new ones, and learn more about what the Center offers. Light refreshments will be served.
For questions and/or accommodations, contact Dr. Nina Ha at nha@vt.edu
January 30, 2024
Drop In Resume Review with Career Professional Development
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Polish up your resume with the help from Krystal Johnson Assistant Director for Career Development and College Relations at Virgina Tech. The Cultural Community Centers in collaboration with Career and Professional Development will offer free resume reviews for students. Stop by the APIDA + Center to prepare for the upcoming Spring career fairs. Light refreshments will be served.
January 31, 2024
Learning Lunch featuring the No-No Boy Project
Date: January 31, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Registration Link:
https://bit.ly/zoom-no-no-boy-lunch
The APIDA + Center hosts a Learning Lunch Series every month often featuring an APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) faculty member, administrator, and/or community member who discusses his/her/their personal and professional journey into higher education. January’s event features renown APIDA artists from the No-No Boy Project who will be performing at the Moss Arts Center for the Artists in Residency Program co-sponsored through the AANAPISI grant funded by the Department of Education and in collaboration with the Moss Arts Center and the Ati: Wa:Oki Indigenous Community Center. Details about the artist performance can be found here.
February 5, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group
Date: Monday, February 5, 2024
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group. This month’s theme centers around healthy relationships. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
February 6, 2024
Drop In Resume Review with Career Professional Development
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Polish up your resume with the help from Krystal Johnson Assistant Director for Career Development and College Relations at Virgina Tech. The Cultural Community Centers in collaboration with Career and Professional Development will offer free resume reviews for students. Stop by the APIDA + Center to prepare for the upcoming Spring career fairs. Light refreshments will be served
College of Science Community Night at the APIDA + Center
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Join other APIDA + Science students for dinner and community!
The College of Science will host Community Night at the APIDA + Center with dinner and lively conversation. This event provides students with the opportunity to be together and share their current experiences with each other. Registration encouraged.
February 7, 2024
Mask On Mask Off Series: A Discussion on Caste with Dr. Bonnie Zare - “Competing Narratives about Caste: Reflections on the Understanding Privilege Workshops in the US”
Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Click Here to Register for the Mask on Mask Off Series
Last year California nearly passed a bill (HB 403) banning caste discrimination in the state. In Maryland, the tallest statue of B. R. Ambedkar, the champion of anti-casteism, was unveiled. Yet still stories persist that caste does not travel beyond the borders of India. How might caste power dynamics operate on a US University campus? Come hear findings from the "What is Caste?" focus groups and interviews conducted on our campus as well as personal reflections on confronting competing stories about caste. The Mask On/Mask Off series promotes self-care within the APIDA community and develops connection as well as encourages engagement through difficult conversations. The APIDA + Center will offer Korean spa masks and provide tips to promote self-care while discussing challenging or sensitive topics related to the APIDA experience. Light refreshments will be served.
February 13, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group.
This newly formed support group focuses on experiences of campus community members with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for February centers around integrating intersectional identities in relationships. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
February 14, 2024
Nail Salon: Pal-N-Tine Edition
Date: February 14, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Show yourself some love and care through nail care! This event will feature the documentary, Nailed It! that tells the story of the nail salon industry within the APIDA community. Learn more about the rise of APIDA immigrants in this multimillion-dollar industry with friends new and old! Light refreshments will be served.
February 16, 2024
Lunar New Year with Dining Services
Date: February 16, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM EST
Location: Owens Food Court
Virginia Tech Dining Services in collaboration with the APIDA + Center will celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a curated dining experience for the campus community. Enjoy delicacies from various cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year. Take some time to try new dishes or have a taste of home on campus.
Learning Lunch featuring Professor Hina Illahe and Dr. Maaz Gardezi
Date: Friday, February 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Join us in learning more about their journeys to Virginia Tech and higher education
Professor Hina Illahe is a faculty member with Virginia Tech’s Residential Design within the Department of Apparel, Housing & Resource Management. With a background in design in sustainable environments, she focuses on developing more conscious designs by incorporating an empathetic understanding of diverse cultural perspectives. Illahe's teaching philosophy emphasizes practical applications, inspiring students to create solutions that not only meet design criteria but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. Dr. Maaz Gardezi, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Virginia Tech, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of climate change and the social and political implications of emerging digital technologies in food and agriculture systems. His interdisciplinary research and teaching focus on building sustainable and socially just regional, national, and international food and agricultural systems. In South Asia, he is pursuing multiple research projects focused on climate change adaptation, where he examines power structures and outlines policy-relevant paths to empower marginalized communities to meet their goals. Join us in learning more about their journeys to Virginia Tech and higher education during this event. Light refreshments served.
February 17, 2024
Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM EST
Location: Owens Ballroom
The APIDA + Center in collaboration with the Asian American Student Union (AASU), Chinese American Society (CAS), Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), and Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) will host a Lunar New Year celebration in Owens Ballroom. Come to learn more about the holiday and how various cultures celebrate one of the biggest holidays in the world. Games and activities will be available along with samplings of new year delicacies. Light refreshments will be served.
February 19, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
Date: Monday, February 19, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join us for our APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group.
This month, participants will explore dating relationships. Discussions will center around supportive partnerships and positive ways to demonstrate emotions. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences on this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
February 21, 2024
Mandarin Language Lunch Table
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Join us for the inaugural Mandarin Chinese Lunch Table at the APIDA + Center this spring! Open to all, this informal gathering is for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and community members interested in chatting in Mandarin Chinese during lunch time. Boost your communication skills, connect with others, and bring your own lunch for a friendly language experience. These sessions will be led by Dr. Helen Schneider from the History Department.
Networking Strategies with Deloitte
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for this Networking Strategies Event
In collaboration with Deloitte and Career and Professional Development, this networking strategies event aims to equip students with essential skills and insights to navigate and advance their professional career. Students will learn about crafting an elevator pitch, building a strong LinkedIn profile, etiquette, and in-person networking techniques to make meaningful connections. Engage, learn, and connect with industry professionals. Light refreshments will be provided.
February 26, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group
Date: Monday, February 26, 2024
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Click Here to Register and Learn More About Self-Love and Compassion in Relationships
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. How do we maintain love and care for ourselves in relationships? For February, participants will explore ways to self-love and compassion with relationships – both romantic and platonic. Light refreshments will be provided.
February 28, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Location: TBA
Registrater to Join Us In Discussing Queer Relationships and Dating
This month’s theme focuses on supporting students as they navigate themes around romantic relationships. Participants can share their thoughts and feelings around dating norms in queer relationships. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group provides a space where students can explore topics and understand how the intersectionality of various identities plays into their lives. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual; details provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
February 29, 2024
Nighttime Guided Meditation
Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual
Register for This Guided Meditation Session
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for your wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
Monday, March 11, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
Date: Monday, March 11, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join the APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group for this discussion. This month, participants will explore how to set boundaries with family members. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from the Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences about this topic.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration required for virtual participants.
APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group
Date: Monday, March 11, 2024
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group for this discussion. To celebrate Women’s History Month, this session’s theme focuses on centering APIDA and Indigenous women during their daily lives. Participants will explore the roles these women play in their lives and how they shape meaning making. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Please join the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group for this discussion. This newly formed support group focuses on experiences of campus community members with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for March explores the relationship dynamics of conservative White fathers and APIDA mothers. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
The APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. Register today to be a part of the conversation. How do women maintain love and care for themselves in relationships? For March, participants will explore the theme, “The roots of strength and resilience” and will engage in empowering discussions that examine the deep roots of strength and resilience for APIDA and Indigenous women.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, March 15, 2024
Learning Lunch featuring Dr. Neeti Aryal Khanal
Date: March 15, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for this learning lunch series featuring Dr. Neeti Aryal Khanal.
Dr. Neeti Aryal Khanal, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Tribhuvan University in Nepal is a passionate educator, feminist researcher-activist. She started her educator’s journey from 1996 as a kindergarten teacher. Her two-decades long experience of higher education comprises a unique blend of activism, research, teaching, supervision, and curriculum development informed by higher education pedagogy. Her diverse research experiences connect to the
common theme of social justice and encompasses areas of gender and disability, gender and armed conflict, motherhood experiences, violence against women, marginalization. and reproductive health. Her research on gender-based violence and reproductive health of women with disability have helped to inform advocacy for policy interventions in Nepal. All are welcome to participate and learn more about Dr. Khanal’s work.
Light refreshments provided.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Mandarin Language Lunch Table
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center (in-person only)
Join the Mandarin Chinese Lunch Table at the APIDA + Center this spring! Open to all, this informal gathering is for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in chatting in Mandarin Chinese during lunch time. Boost communication skills, connect with others, and bring your own lunch for a friendly language experience. These sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Helen Schneider from the History Department.
Nail Salon: Beauty Standards Edition with the BCC and the Center for Inclusion and Diversity at Radford University
Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: Black Cultural Center (BCC)/Zoom
Register now to show yourself and others some love and appreciation through nail care! In collaboration with the Black Cultural Center and Center for Inclusion and Diversity at Radford University, this event will celebrate Women’s History Month. Participants will discuss beauty standards and how they can see their own beauty. Nail supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Social Media Presence and its Effects on Career Opportunities
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Time: 5:00 –6:00 PM EST[HN1] [WA2]
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register to learn about the potential effects and impacts of social media presence on career opportunities.
Most people share much of their lives on social media, but how can this impact their careers, starting with the job search? Career and Professional Development in collaboration with the APIDA + Center will host a workshop on social media and career development. Krystal Johnson, Assistant Director with CPD, will share tips and best practices on establishing a social media presence in today’s job market. Light refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Location: TBA
Register to join the discussion about Queerness Across Languages.
This month’s theme focuses on supporting students as they consider issues related to belonging while navigating whether or not they speak one or multiple languages. Participants can share their thoughts and feelings around queerness across different languages. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group provides a space where students can explore topics and understand how the intersectionality of various identities plays into their lives. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual; details provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Nighttime Guided Meditation
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Location: Virtual Only
Register to join the nighttime guided meditation with Vivek Rajan.
Looking for a way to increase mindfulness and practice self-care? Certified meditation teacher, Vivek Rajan, will facilitate a virtual nighttime guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to care for one’s wellbeing. This event is open to all but requires prior registration.
Friday, March 29, 2024
Learning Lunch featuring Dr. Sweta Baniya
Date: Friday, March 29, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Register for this learning lunch series featuring Dr. Sweta Baniya.
Dr. Sweta Baniya, originally from Nepal, is an assistant professor of rhetoric and professional and technical writing at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Through a transnational and non-Western perspective, her research focuses on transnational coalitions in disaster response, crisis communication, and non-Western rhetoric. Her forthcoming book entitled, Transnational Assemblages: Social Justice Oriented Technical Communication in Global Disaster Management, explores transnational activism in the April 2015 Nepal Earthquake and 2017 Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Come to learn more about Dr. Baniya’s work and journey into higher education. Light refreshments will be served. y have helped to inform advocacy for policy interventions in Nepal. All are welcome to participate and learn more about Dr. Khanal’s work.
Light refreshments provided.
APIDAHM Presents: Nail Salon: Pride Edition in Collaboration with the Pride Center
Date: Monday, April 1, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM EST
Location: Pride Center
To celebrate Pride Week and APIDA Heritage Month, the APIDA + Center and the Pride Center collaborates to host this month’s Nail Salon event. Use this creative medium to express your pride or allyship with the amazing Queer and Trans communities. Nail supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group
Date: Monday, April 1, 2024
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for this Discussion Today
Good leadership often requires the support of others. Please join us for the APIDA and Indigenous Mental Health Support Group to discuss the strength and importance of asking for help. Participants will learn how vulnerability can enhance leadership skills. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Learning Lunch featuring Connie Chang (A Collaboration with University Libraries)
Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Game master and performer Connie Chang speaks on storytelling, identity, and online fandom. Followed by Q&A.
Register to watch online or join us for an in-person watch party at the APIDA + Center (Squires 140).
Connie Chang (they/he/she) is a queer and trans Chinese-American actual play Game Master who blends black-hearted apocalyptica with queer drama. They are the GM and Creative Director for Transplanar RPG, an all-transgender, people of color-led dark fantasy TTRPG show set in an original noncolonial, anti-orientalist multiverse. She is the designer behind GODKILLER, a holypunk duet game for one player, the Godkiller, and one GM, god. His work has been featured in Polygon, The New York Times, and NPR, and he regularly makes TTRPG content for over 170,000 TikTok followers. When they're not running and designing games, you can find them hanging out with their angel boy cat, Baobao, and their hellion frog, Clementine.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact digilit-g@vt.edu as soon as possible. Light refreshments provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Mixed Race Panel
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for the Mixed Race APIDAs Panel
An increasing demographic within the U.S. are individuals who identify as being of two or more races, with an increasing number being among the APIDA population. This specific population faces unique challenges and provides a distinct perspective that adds to the richness of the APIDA experience. This event will provide a space to discuss identity and its role in shaping the lives of panelists and educate others. This roundtable continues the conversation around the question, "Am I APIDA Enough?" Additionally, the panelists will also be multigenerational, exploring different experiences of those from various age ranges. Come to hear the stories from this amazing and unique population. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Learning Lunch featuring Rowena Finn
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for the APIDA Heritage Month Learning Lunch featuring Rowena Finn
APIDA Heritage Month Artist in Residence Rowena Federico Finn is an award-winning Filipino-American multidisciplinary artist, actively engaged in the Hampton Roads arts community and serving as an instructor for several arts institutions including the Governor's School for the Arts, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. As a vocal activist for underrepresented communities, Finn’s involvement with organizations such as the Virginia Asian Advisory Board and the Virginia Art Education Association’s DEIA Committee heavily influence her artwork to foster conversations about how deeply identity and values are intertwined, and how our own identities and the ways we see one another actively shape the world we live in. Come to learn more about Finn’s work and journey into an amazing art career. Light refreshments will be served.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Rowena Finn’s “7000 Pieces of Me: Visual Essays on Identity and Belonging”
Date: March 12 - May 11, 2024
Location: Perspectives Gallery
Rowena Federico Finn is an award-winning artist living in Virginia whose artwork has been shown in regional, statewide, and national juried exhibitions. Rowena is a passionate and outspoken activist for the rights and needs of underrepresented and underserved communities and has served on multiple advisory boards. Rowena also shares her talents by teaching painting and drawing. This exhibition has been created in collaboration with the VT Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) + Center, which will host Rowena as a visiting artist April 3 – 5, 2024. The exhibition employs the tactile language of textiles, shells, beads, wood, paper, and more to convey the nuanced struggle of grafting Filipino/FilipinX cultures onto pre-existing American cultural norms.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Rowena Finn – Reception and Artist’s Talk in collaboration with Perspectives Gallery
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM EST with Artist Talk at 5:30 PM
Location: Perspectives Gallery
Free and open to the public
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group
Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register to Learn Strategies to Ask for Help
Please join the APIDA and Indigenous Men’s Support Group. For APIDA Heritage Month, participants will learn strategies to ask for help. Facilitated by a licensed counselor from the Cook Counseling Center, attendees will share their thoughts and experiences about this topic. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration required for virtual participants.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDA Book Fair with University Libraries
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
Location: Goodall Room/Newman Multipurpose Room
To celebrate APIDA Heritage Month, the APIDA + Center in collaboration with University Libraries will host a book fair highlighting voices of APIDA creators. Harkening back to the times of elementary school book fairs, attendees are welcome to discover new rich stories from APIDA authors and filmmakers. University Libraries will present a curated collection of written poetry and prose centering on APIDA experiences and characters. Additionally, participants will find manga, anime, and movies from APIDA artists. All media and materials are available for check out to campus community members. Come on by and pick up APIDA + Center swag and other giveaways!
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDA and Indigenous Queer, Questioning, and Allies Support Group
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm EST
Location: TBA
Registrater for this event discussing Intersectionality of Queerness and Faith
In keeping with APIDA Heritage Month’s theme of “Building APIDA Leaders,” April’s support group focuses on the intersectionality of queerness and faith, especially in the expression of spirituality as APIDA leaders. The APIDA and Indigenous Queer Questioning and Allies Support Group provides a space where students can explore a wide range of topics and understand how the intersectionality of various identities play into their lives. Registration is required. This program will be both in-person and virtual; details provided upon registration. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Pamplin’s APIDA + Lunch and Learn
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Pamplin Hall 1028 and via Zoom
Register for this Lunch and Learn Event
The Pamplin College of Business with the APIDA + Center will host a special lunch and learn event to celebrate APIDA Heritage Month. Dean Saonee Sarker will share her journey towards leadership in higher education. Participants will discover helpful advice and hopefully be inspired to seek out leadership roles in their college and professional careers. This event uplifts the APIDA Heritage Month theme of “Building APIDA Leaders.” Registration is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Learning Lunch featuring Small Island, Big Song
Date: Monday, April 15, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for this Learning Lunch Series
In collaboration with Moss Arts Center, APIDA + Center will host the amazing Pacific Islander artists behind Small Island Big Song for lunch prior to their evening performance on April 17th, 2024. This coalition of artists from all over the Pacific and Indian Oceans confront effects of climate change and other environmental and political issues through song, dance, and film that highlight native instruments, language, and culture. Come to learn more about this work and the rich cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands. Light refreshments will be served.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: DEI Strategies with Deloitte
Date: Monday, April 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST
Location: Zoom ONLY
Register for the Deloitte DEI Strategies Zoom Session Here
Learn about Deloitte's core functions of consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, and tax & legal services. Members from Deloitte will discuss their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), showcasing their recent achievements and future goals in this area. This is a great opportunity to understand what working at Deloitte entails and how they are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for students and practitioners!
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for the April 16 Support Group Session
Please join the APIDA and Indigenous Mixed Race Support Group. This newly formed support group focuses on experiences of campus community members with multiple racial identities but is open to all students. The theme for April is recognizing the need for help and how to ask for assistance. This meeting will provide an opportunity for attendees to share their experiences, provide support, and learn from one another. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: A Casual Discussion About Caste
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center or via Zoom
Register to attend A Casual Discussion about Caste
Last year California nearly passed a bill (HB 403) banning caste discrimination in the state. In Maryland, the tallest statue of B. R. Ambedkar, the champion of anti-casteism, was unveiled. Yet still stories persist that caste does not travel beyond the borders of India. How might caste power dynamics operate on a university campus in the U.S.? As part of APIDA Heritage Month and in continuing the conversation started in February around the subject of caste, this event will highlight student voices. Student panelists will share their experiences around this topic to educate the campus community. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for the APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group
The APIDA and Indigenous Women’s Support Group offers a supportive space for similarly identifying individuals. Join this community to explore how to show up and to show off. Learn how to be present in leadership roles and advocate for oneself and others by highlighting each other’s accomplishments. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: Mandarin Language Lunch Table
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center (in-person only)
Join the Mandarin Chinese Lunch Table at the APIDA + Center this spring! Open to all, this informal gathering is for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in chatting in Mandarin Chinese during lunch time. Boost communication skills, connect with others, and bring your own lunch for a friendly language experience. These sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Helen Schneider from the History Department.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDAs in Public Service and Nonprofits
Date: Monday, April 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center/Zoom
Register for APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APIDAs in Public Service and Nonprofits
This event aims to encourage the audience and participants to consider working in public service, whether that is through volunteering, choosing a career path in the non-profit sector, or part of a political affiliation. APIDAs currently working in non-profit organizations or in public service will provide participants with critical information and perspectives on how to build leadership skills in these particular vocations. Panelists will also share their experiences within the realm of public service sector or non-profits and offer ways for students and other campus community members to affect change. This event will provide a space to discuss how APIDAs can be encouraged to work and become leaders in fields other than STEM or industry. Light refreshments will be served.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: The InspirASIAN Series – Undergraduate Edition
Date: Monday, April 29, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center and via Zoom
Click here to register in advance for the InspirASIAN Series
For APIDA Heritage Month, the InspirASIAN panel will highlights research and experiences of APIDA undergraduate students at Virginia Tech. This program series allows APIDA students to interact with APIDA role models and learn about one another’s accomplishments, whether they are students, staff, or faculty. Therefore, this event provides a wonderful opportunity for APIDA undergraduate students to showcase the significance of their research and experiences. Since these APIDA undergraduate students come from diverse ethnic backgrounds and disciplines, they create a space to explore intersections and to encourage dialogue. Following the panel, there will be time for questions and answers and discussion. Light refreshments will be provided.
APIDA Heritage Month Presents: APID Alumni Society Panel
Date: Monday, April 29, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM EST
Location: Zoom
Registration Link:
Register for the APID Alumni Society Panel
In the spirit of Ut Prosim, the APID Alumni Society will give back to current students by sharing their post graduate experiences and offer advice during this panel discussion. The panel focuses on how to build leadership skills in the workplace and beyond. This event will provide a space to discuss how the experiences at Virginia Tech aided in their career paths and inspire current students to see themselves leading in their chosen industries or futures. Light refreshments will be served.
Mask On Mask Off Series: Karaoke and Trivia Night
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
The Mask On/Mask Off series promotes self-care within the APIDA community through the encouragement of engagement. The APIDA + Center will offer Korean spa masks and provide tips to promote self-care. To develop connections and educate students about the APIDA experience, we will be hosting an APIDA trivia competition as well as bonding through performing karaoke songs from APIDA artists and songwriters.
Ramen for Reading Day
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Get fueled up for finals at the APIDA + Center along with the other Cultural and Community Centers with Ramen! This reading day tradition offers participants a wide variety of ramen along with delicious toppings to sustain them through final exam preparations. Toppings and ramen are available on a first come first serve basis. Hot water provided by Au Bon Pain. Join us for community and mouthwatering noodles!
Spring Achievement Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM EST
Location: APIDA + Center
Click here to register in advance
The APIDA + Center celebrates the achievements of May graduates at this event. Come and join us to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Spring graduates. Let us wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Graduates wishing to participate should register in advance. Instructions to participate online are contained in the registration form linked above. Light refreshments provided.