Over the past years, the number of anti-Asian crimes has continued to increase, leaving many Asian communities challenged by ongoing issues. To address this, the Asian Faculty and Staff Association (AFSA) is pleased to host a series of upcoming AAPI Community Dialogues this semester, featuring the unique stories and perspectives of those in the AAPI community.

This first session includes a panel of six local AAPI leaders, advocates and activists who will share their experiences in relation to COVID-19 and/or anti-Asian hate. The panel will explore how each of their local agencies, organizations or institutions are addressing these challenges and highlight community programs or resources. Panelists include:

• Pao Yang, president and CEO of The Fresno Center
• Monika Joshi, president and CEO of Studentnest INC
• May Gnia Her, executive director of Stone Soup Fresno
• John Cho, instructor of Asian American Studies at Fresno City College
• Misty Her, deputy superintendent of Fresno Unified School District
• Brandon Vang, president of the Sanger Unified School District Board of Trustees

Date: Wednesday, March 30
Time: 3:30 - 5 p.m.
RSVP: Here

For information or accommodations, contact Dr. Ahran Koo at akoo@csufresno.edu.

A second session on April 5 (part two of the series) will feature five Fresno State faculty, staff and administrators who will share their personal experiences, as well as give insight into the unique aspects of the AAPI communities within the Central California region. More information will be provided soon.

Both virtual events are free and open to the campus and local community, and are sponsored by the Asian Faculty and Staff Association, the Center for Creativity and Arts, California Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Through these events, AFSA hopes to increase understanding of the multicultural and global society in which we live.

Learn more about AFSA at its website or follow along on Facebook or Twitter.