2013 Officers 2014

Officer Retreat!

Executive Board 

Sudha Shrestha
President 

ETHNICITY: Nepalese
MAJOR: Mass Communication & Sociology 
YEAR: Senior 
ALUMNI: Highland High School 2010 
ISSUES: Diversifying AASA, Model Minority Myth, Hate Crimes, Scapegoating, Anything related to Asian Americans (past, present, and future), Microaggressions, Race, Class, and Gender, Human Trafficking in Nepal
HOBBIES: Korean Dramas, Hiking, Shopping, Writing, Dancing, and Trying new food!!
FOOD: KOREAN FOOD!! Anything super spicy will do as well!!!
Why AASA?
AASA reached out to me when I was a young high school student and when I came to the U, they gave me a space where I felt very much accepted. AASA has taken me out of my comfort zone and made me stand for the things I am passionate about. I have not only made some amazing friends over the years, but have also learned so much. Though there was no one who came from the same background as I, AASA still gave me the sense of belonging that I was looking for. AASA is more than a student organization, it is a place where many Asian American students find their voice, their leadership skills, and meet some amazing people. No matter how you start off, AASA eventually becomes your family

Check out my Facebook! 

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Emilio Camu
External Vice President 

ETHNICITY: Pilipino (Tagalog & Bikolano) 
MAJOR: BA Communication 
YEAR: Senior
ALUMNI: Cottonwood High School 2010
ISSUES: LGBTQ, Undocumented Youth, Pathways to Higher Education, Philippine Human Rights, Indigeneity, Language Preservation
HOBBIES:  Photography, Cooking, Eating, Tumblr, Hanging out, Hiking, Games, Cartoons
FOOD: Filipino/Asian Food, Pansit Malabon, Dinuguan, Kare-Kare, Laing, Binagoongan, Curry, Pinakbet, Dhal 
Why AASA?
AASA was the only group in which I felt I mattered and belonged. It also serves as an advocate for the millions of Asian American people who don't or are prohibited from having a voice. It gives back to the community more than what it takes. It provided people that I knew would be my friends for my lifetime. It let me be part of a family. Some of my best memories are from AASA and with friends I made in AASA. It just provides so many opportunities to those students who are willing and able to do so. It's my home away from home, my second family on whom I can depend. ;D

Check out my Facebook!

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Brian Truong
 Internal Vice President

ETHNICITY: Vietnamese 
MAJOR: Undecided 
YEAR: Junior 
ALUMNI: West High School 2011
ISSUES: Education, Privileges, Microaggression, Gender Roles
HOBBIES: Listening to music, Hiking, Running, Dancing
FOOD: There are too many to choose from, food is simply amazing! I'm like a vacuum, I will consume whatever. I love fruits though. 
Why AASA? I originally joined AASA because of their Service Projects. This is still the main reason as to why I am still here. AASA allowed me to develop friendships with many people.

Check out my Facebook!

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Amanda Lau
 Secretary 

ETHNICITY: Chinese 
MAJOR: BS Biology & Pre-medical  
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: Troy High School 2012 
ISSUES: Human/animal rights, healthcare, education, poverty, environmental protection, substance abuse, depression and suicide prevention
HOBBIES: Playing piano, guitar, singing, volunteering, drawing, tennis, ping pong, volleyball, fishing, photography, travelling, watching movies/anime/drama, gaming, cooking, reading, hanging out
FOOD: Macaroni and cheese, ramen, sushi, fried chicken, pho, dim sum, Korean BBQ, Thai, french fries, all kinds of sweets
Why AASA?AASA has helped me to grow more self-aware, learn about social issues, make lasting friendships, relax from the stresses of school work, has given me the opportunity to be involved and make a difference in the community, and now the chance to be a student leader.


Check out my Facebook!

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Stephanie Yu
 Historian 

ETHNICITY: Chinese 
MAJOR:  BS Business and BA Mandarin Chinese  
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: Granger High School 2012
ISSUES: Micro-aggressions within the Asian Population, Internal Racism, Model Minority Myth, Meritocracy, Asian Stereotypes, 
HOBBIES: Playing sports, Watching movies, Hanging out with Family, Traveling, Speaking different languages, Taking pictures, Exercising, Volunteering, and Learning New things. 
FOOD:  All healthy food such as fruits and vegetable. Chinese food, Mexican food, Vietnamese food and American food! 
Why AASA? 
 AASA is a safe space where I can voice my thoughts and opinions about injustices in the Asian community. It is a place where I can relate to those around me. Most of all, AASA has allowed me to find myself when I was confused about my identity! All the people in AASA are extremely helpful whenever I need advice or mentoring. I love my AASA family. ❤
Check out my Facebook!

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Donna Lei
 Historian 

ETHNICITY: Chinese 
MAJOR: BS Nursing
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: West Jordan High School 2012
ISSUES: Asian Culture, Asian Stereotypes, Asian American Equality
HOBBIES: Scrapbooking, Sports, K-pop, Asian dramas, Crafts, watch movies, Taking pictures, Hanging out with family and friends, Volunteering, Hiking, and Traveling
FOOD: Pumpkin bread, Pasta, Korean food, Cafe Rio, Pho Noodles, Fruit, Ramen, Sushi
Why AASA?
Joining AASA is a great way to learn about Asian American issues and to meet new people from all over the world. Because of AASA, I now have a better understanding of social justice issues and of myself. I have made so many new friends and I have meet so many great leaders/individuals in the community. I am so glad that I have this opportunity here at the University of Utah. And I am happy that I have people to share the experience with.
Check out my Facebook!

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Jean Kim
  Treasurer 

ETHNICITY: Korean and Japanese 
MAJOR: International Studies and Sociology 
YEAR: Freshman 
ALUMNI: Woods Cross High School 2013
ISSUES: Zero LRA, Liberty in North Korea, Human trafficking, Poverty, Hunger, Foster system
HOBBIES: Yoga, Dance, Songs, Spoken word, Oprah, Laughing, Tennis, Running, Challenges and Hiking
FOOD: Healthy foods
Why AASA?
 I normally don't get to be around those of the same race much. I feel like it is important to bond together in a large University setting and be an advocate
Check out my Facebook!

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Kenny Huynh 
Designer 

ETHNICITY: Ethnic Chinese from Vietnam
MAJOR: BA Communication 
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: Taylorsville High School 2012
ISSUES: Asian American Culture and Asian American Equality
HOBBIES: Video Games, Korean Pop, Asian Drama, Graphic Design
FOOD: Instant Ramen, Pizza Lunchables
Why AASA? AASA allows me to help people in similar situations as myself deal with issues regarding "Model Minority."
Check out my Facebook

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Directoral Board 

William Tang
 Director of Academics 

ETHNICITY: Chinese 
MAJOR: Biochemistry and Pre-Medical
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: Cottonwood High School 2012
ISSUES: Pollution, Equality, Immigration
HOBBIES: Music, snowboarding, video games, running, tennis, making food, photography
FOOD: All food!
Why AASA?
AASA helps us understand the social issues within our communities today. In order to find a solution, we have to understand the problems we face and AASA is exactly the place to go for more information.

Check out my Facebook!

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Karl Ramirez
Director of Activities 

ETHNICITY: Pilipino
MAJOR: BS Medical Laboratory Science 
YEAR:  Sophomore 
ALUMNI: West High School 2012
ISSUES:   Cultural Appropriation of Ethnic Groups, Colonization, Definition of American, Model Minority, Depression among religious members, Feminism, Oppression of minorities in America, Pollution, Global Warming? 
HOBBIES: I LOVE Table Tennis, Men's Fashion, Analyzing Arguments, Volleyball, Kayaking, Cooking Asian Foods, Reading Random Articles, Fashion Photography, Trying out indigenous foods, learning about Buddhism, Science and our existence, && Evolution.
FOOD: Indian Cuisine, Traditional Chinese food, rice meals, Lao food, Filipino Food, Thai Cuisine, Greek Gyros, Shawarma, Singaporean Food, and Pastas.
Why AASA? AASA makes sense. I love its system & how it's very well rounded. I mean, we have branches from activities, to high school conference to social justice. AASA helps out people in so many different ways (too many to mention) Everyone can be a member, everyone is welcome and everyone is welcoming. In short, I learn A LOT in AASA, issues I've never even heard before, I feel like I belong and I'm loving it. 

Check out my Facebook 

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Ashma Shrestha
Director of Activities 

ETHNICITY: Nepalese 
MAJOR: Psychology and Ethnic Studies 
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: Highland High School 2012 
ISSUES: Anything related to personality/emotion/behavioral psychology and racial inequalities in educational system.
HOBBIES: Sleeping, watching Asian Dramas (Indian/Korean/Japanese), Hiking, Lunaberry, Eating out with friends and Talking too much!
FOOD: Home-made dumplings and Noodles
Why AASA?AASA has provided a comfortable environment for me here at the U. This is not just an organization but a family to me. It is learning space where I am able to educate myself about the racial inequalities and problems of ourcommunity. 
P.S. AASA is also a great source for good food and awesome friends!

Check out my Facebook 

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Hannie Chang
Director of Campus Relations 

ETHNICITY:  Korean 
MAJOR: International Studies 
YEAR:  Junior 
ALUMNI: Jordan High School 2011
ISSUES: Asian stereotypes, Model minority myth,  Culture 
HOBBIES:  Eating, Listening to music, Crafts, Hanging out, and Traveling
FOOD: Anything Korean, Cafe Rio, and most American food
Why AASA? AASA is another family. It's a place for Asian American students as well as other ethnic groups to come together to discuss issues related to Asian Americans and to just have fun! :D 

Check out my Facebook 

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Minna Park 
Director of Campus Relations

ETHNICITY:Korean  
MAJOR: BS Medical Laboratory Science & BS Chemistry 
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: Timberline High School 2012
ISSUES: Asian American equality and stereotypes
HOBBIES: Hanging out, drawing, snowboarding, listening to music, shopping
FOOD: Any kind of good food. I'm not a picky eater!
Why AASA?AASA allows me to educate myself about Asian American issues and allows me to discuss and find possible solutions for them. AASA is also a great way to meet other Asian American students and get more involved on campus.


Check out my Facebook 

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Deepika Shah
Director of Conference 

ETHNICITY: Nepalese  
MAJOR: Ethnic Studies and Public Relations 
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI: East High School 2012 
ISSUES: Different racial issues in America such as immigration and model minority myth. people of color in media, law and justice system, education, equality between different races and gender.
HOBBIES: Dancing, Sleeping, Talking, Watching Asian dramas, Going to Lunaberry, Shopping, and, Cooking
FOOD: Spicy Nepali & Indian food. Anything Spicy and Vegetarian. 
Why AASA?I was involved in AASA since my high school years.  AASA feel like a family to me and I always feel like I belong there. Also, AASA advocates lots of social justice issues that I am interested in and passionate about. In addition, they focus on helping students of color to attain higher education.

Check out my Facebook 

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Baseer Yaqoobi
Director of Fundraising 

ETHNICITY:  South Asian
MAJOR:  Pre-Dental and Business Management
YEAR: Sophomore 
ALUMNI:  West High School 2012
ISSUES: Social Justice 
HOBBIES: Collecting coins, scary movies, biking, hiking, and experiencing new things.
FOOD: West Asian food, Chicken, Cafée Rio, Lays, Kit- Kats, Swedish Fish,  Sprite and Tea
Why AASA? I joined AASA for the opportunity to meet students I can relate to, learn more about the Asian Culture, and about Asian American Issues.

Check out my Facebook 

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Chosita Namdokmai
Director of Recruitment 

ETHNICITY: Thai 
MAJOR: Environmental Engineering / Atmospheric science (undeclared) 
YEAR: Sophomore
ALUMNI: West High School 2012
ISSUES: Adoption , abortion, world's healthcare, well being in underdeveloped countries.
HOBBIES:  singing, dancing, shopping, traveling, trying new food, swimming, reading, debating, making new friends, watching anime and eating
FOOD: Thai food, creme bruléee, and French macaroon
Why AASA?I got to be involved at the University of Utah, meet other students and discuss social justice topics as well as acting on them.


Check out my Facebook  

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Merissa Nakamura 
Director of Social Justice 

ETHNICITY: Japanese 
MAJOR: Sociology and Ethnic Studies
YEAR:Senior 
ALUMNI:Brighton High School 2010
ISSUES:  Model minority, LGBTQ, race+feminism, intersectionality, enviro justice, immigration 
HOBBIES: Hiking, camping, farming, gardening, thrifting, eating, tumblr 
FOOD: Everything. Especially boba and fried chicken.
Why AASA?I enjoy working with other folks who have similar passions for social justice


Check out my Facebook 

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Trang Phan 
Director of Service 

ETHNICITY: Vietnamese & Caucasian 
MAJOR:  BS Nursing 
YEAR: Junior
ALUMNI: Hunter High School 2011
ISSUES: Education in lower class communities, Asian American equality, dissipating model minority and stereotypes, LGBTQ, Gender equality
HOBBIES: Longboarding, Nurturing the garden, Playing with my dogs, Building 3D Origami structures, Attending car meets
FOOD: Sushi, Olive Garden I know weird combo but they are my faves! 
Why AASA? joined AASA because I have been volunteering for years now and just love to volunteer so I was looking for service projects to help out with. Before AASA I was very unaware of the many issues that impact Asian Americans today such as the model minority and AASA helped me become more open minded and aware. I have created many bonds of all different diverse groups here in AASA and would love to create more! I consider AASA as a second family away from school, and the members are always willing to give a helping hand and I love that.

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AASA Officers Representing the U!

2013 | 2014
President SUDHA SHRESTHA- Vice President External EMILIO CAMU - Vice President Internal BRIAN TRUONG - Secretary AMANDA LAU - Historian STEPHANIE YU & DONNA LEI - Treasurer JEAN KIM -Designer KENNY HUYNH - Director of Academics WILLIAM TANG- Director of Activities KARL RAMIREZ & ASHMA SHRESTHA- Director of Conference DEEPIKA SHAH  - Director of Recruitment CHOSITA NAMDOKMAI - Director of Service TRANG PHAN - Director of Social Justice MERISSA NAKAMURA

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