Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution Initiative

The UC AANAPISI Initiative represents UC’s commitment to embracing a systemwide AANAPISI identity.

All nine undergraduate UC campuses are designated AANAPISIs, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. As a collective system dedicated to inclusive excellence, the initiative nurtures the holistic well-being, academic and professional success of UC’s students, ultimately contributing to the economic and social vitality of the state. As a premier institution in research, teaching and service, UC has the potential to serve as a national leader in developing a mission of serving students from all backgrounds.

Inside Our Work

  • Advocate for awareness of critical issues facing Asian American, Native American, Hawai'ian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.
  • Mobilize and engage in intersegmental collaboration with individuals, institutions, campuses and counterpart initiatives to create a broader framework for educational excellence.
  • Enhance student support services to advance access, retention, success, campus climate and overall well-being.
  • Increase research opportunities to address diverse experiences.
  • Serve students holistically through the strengthening of existing data collection practices and promoting best practices to be holistically responsive to student needs.
  • Bring together a systemwide learning community of researchers, practitioners, community organizations, higher education advocates and student leaders to develop innovative ideas and best practices.
  • Promote institutional transformation that is grounded in equity.

Advisory Board

An advisory board comprising faculty, staff and administrators from each UC campus is integral to:

  • Provide critical expertise and insights into the diverse needs and experiences of AANHPI students across the UC system.
  • Offer strategic planning, direction and cross-campus collaboration to ensure that the initiative aligns with UC’s broader goals and effectively meets the needs of AANHPI students. 
  • Serve as advocates and resource mobilization within the UC system and beyond.

UC Berkeley

Elisa Diana Huerta, Associate Vice Chancellor

Lisa Hirai Tsuchitani, Director of Engagement, AA&PI Thriving Initiatives and Faculty, Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies

UC Davis

Katherine Parpana, Director of the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Pablo Reguerin, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Lindsay Romasanta, Chief of Staff, Division of Student Affairs

UC Irvine

Dyonne Bergeron, Vice Chancellor Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

UCLA

Anne Dela Cruz, Director, Human Resources and Payroll Operations Center

David K. Yoo, Vice Provost, UCLA Institute of American Cultures

kc Bui, Deputy Director and Director of Student Affairs Initiatives, Student Affairs

UC Riverside

Mariam Lam, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer

Rican Vue, Assistant Professor, School of Education

William Caganap, Director, Asian Pacific Student Programs

UC San Diego

Karen Biestman, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Equity and Inclusion

Piya Bose, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Windi Sasaki, Associate Director, APIMEDA Programs and Services

UC Santa Barbara

Brett Collins, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office

John Park, Professor of Asian American Studies and Director of the Migration Initiative

UC Santa Cruz

Anju Reejhsinghani, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer

Dadao Hou, Director of Policy and Planning, Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Nancy Kim, Executive Director, Resource Centers