Asian and Asian American Center celebrates 15-year anniversary and APIDA Heritage Month


This year’s Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month at Cornell was more than just a celebration—it wrapped up the 15-year anniversary of the Asian and Asian American Center (A3C).
APIDA Heritage Month, celebrated nationally in May, honors the cultural contributions and histories of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans. At Cornell, the month is filled with events designed to educate the campus community on APIDA experiences, identities, and challenges.
The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, April 9, with A3C’s annual launch event in Willard Straight Hall’s Memorial Room. Students gathered for free boba, snacks, merchandise, and live performances.

The following evening, all five West Campus dining halls joined the celebration with APIDA Heritage Month-themed dinners, featuring diverse culinary offerings such as noodles, curries, stir-fry, street food, and Asian-style breakfast for dinner.
“I believe APIDA Heritage Month is critically important—not only for those who identify within the APIDA umbrella but for our entire campus community,” said Michelle Van-Ess Grant, senior associate dean for the Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging.
“The month provides a platform to uplift the richness, complexity, and diversity of APIDA identities and lived experiences. For those who do not identify as APIDA, engaging in these programs allows us to deepen our cultural humility, challenge biases, and better understand how systems of oppression impact different communities. APIDA Heritage Month reminds us that our collective liberation is interconnected.”

Throughout April, A3C partnered with departments, student organizations, and university offices to host a range of events—from a cultural breakfast and a mock wedding to a drum show and a talk with a popular TikTok creator. Planning for the celebration began in the fall and included faculty, staff, and students from across the university. A3C’s student employees played a major role in organizing and executing the events.
“Working with A3C has been one of the most grounding parts of my Cornell experience,” said Morielle Mamaril ‘27, an A3C intern. “I’ve formed close bonds with the other interns that have deepened my sense of belonging here at Cornell; we lean on each other through hectic weeks, celebrate each other’s wins, and grow together through shared purpose. A3C has, and will always be, a caring community that stays with me throughout my entire time here.”
The month concluded with the annual APIDA Gala on Friday, May 2, held in the Statler Hotel ballroom. The evening featured performances by the Eastern Music Ensemble and Cornell Bhangra, and honored student leaders with end-of-year awards:

- Best Event of the Year: Philippine Culture Night by the Cornell Filipino Association
- New and Upcoming Student Organization of the Year: Cornell’s Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers
- Outstanding Contribution to the APIDA Community by a Student Organization: Shimtah at Cornell
- Student Advocate of the Year: Gaurvi Awasthi
- Honorable Mention: Jonathan Lam
This year’s keynote speaker, Sahaj Kaur Kohli, founder of Brown Girl Therapy - the first and largest mental health and wellness community organization for adult children of immigrants- and columnist for The Washington Post, addressed the intersection of self-care and cultural identity—topics that resonated deeply with this year’s theme. Her recent book, But What Will People Say?, explores mental health and wellness through the lens of immigrant family dynamics.

“In the months leading up to this celebration, the previous director and I met with some of our most dedicated alumni and supporters,” said Shannon Sy, assistant director of A3C and lead organizer of the celebrations.
“A deep sense of purpose emerged, grounded in the importance of honoring those who came before us and continuing to uplift the diverse narratives that make up our community. This year’s programming reflected that commitment, with a strong emphasis on community care, wellness and mental health.”

The 15th year is a milestone that reflects the strength and resilience of the APIDA community at Cornell. With a focus on wellness, identity, and community, the monthlong celebration served as both a tribute to the past 15 years and a vision for the future of A3C.
“I really wanted to find a space at Cornell where I could talk about all the different issues - in the context of my Asian identity - and that’s where A3C fit in perfectly with me.” - Dora John ’26, A3C student employee.
Watch the video below to learn more about A3C and their 15 years at Cornell - through the stories of their student interns!
