Past Newsletter
November 2023 (2nd Issue)
Greetings to all AAPIFSA members!
We are excited to share our first newsletter of the 2023-2024 academic year. As new Co-Presidents, we look forward to gathering with new and returning members to continue to build community and support for each other. Some of our goals are to expand our opportunities to socialize, develop mentoring relationships, and engage in campus conversations about diversity and inclusion. Everyone is welcome to join us at events, monthly Board meetings, or other gatherings. For updates, also check out our website and Instagram (@csuf.aapifsa).
Best Wishes,
Tricia Kasamatsu and Raven Mansen
AAPIFSA’s proposal, spearheaded by Susan Shimazu, was awarded $40,000
Our project, Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Leadership Program, aims to identify APIDA needs at CSUF, develop a mentorship program for AAPIFSA members, facilitate discussion socials, support APIDA-centered professional development, and promote community and togetherness. Stay tuned for more updates and to participate in these initiatives starting Winter/Spring 2024!
Leaves Café x AAPIFSA Fundraising Event
By Chanda Ishisaka
“Thank you to those who came to 7 Leaves on Friday, October 13 to support our AAPIFSA Fundraiser. We were able to raise $75 that will go towards funding our student scholarships. “
For the first time, AAPIFSA organized a fundraiser at 7 Leaves Café on State College Blvd. on Friday, October 13. 7 Leaves Café donated 20% of sales that were made for the day of October 13 by patrons who showed the AAPIFSA Flyer at the time of purchase. In addition, 7 Leaves Café gave social media incentives by donating $1 for each Instagram story that tagged @7LeavesCafe and @csuf.aapifsa. In total, we received $75.00 for our fundraiser. Thank you to those who participated in this fundraiser and stopped by 7 Leaves Café. We even ran into our very own Cal State Fullerton President at the event! The fundraiser proceeds will go towards our student scholarship program that we award in the spring. If you would like to donate to our scholarship fund, you can do so at: https://give.fullerton.edu/93140
Ke Huy Quan Visit
By Tricia Kasamatsu
On September 28th, some of the AAPIFSA Board members were able to attend the Beyond the Conversation event with actor Ke Huy Quan. Quan is best known for his childhood roles in “Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “Goonies” and most recently in “Loki 2”. As Quan took the stage, the energy and excitement was palpable. Students around the room gave Quan a warm welcoming and many were wearing googly eyes as a tribute to his role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” He spoke of his path as an immigrant to child actor to working behind the scenes after graduating from USC School of Cinematic Art. Quan also shared his excitement of working with Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis and the validation from being able to return to the screen. 
In addition to stressing the importance of increasing diversity in film and TV, Quan acknowledged the ongoing need for telling authentic and culturally relevant stories. He also valued the hard work and dedication of executive producer and actor Tom Hiddleston on the set of “Loki 2,” which is streaming now on Disney+. When posed a question regarding advice to students, he encouraged students to find their passion, not give up, and go for whatever energizes them.
Little Saigon Tour
By Susan Shimazu
On September 24, AAPIFSA co-sponsored a walking tour of Little Saigon with Public Health professor, Dr. Mojgan (Mo) Sami. The tour was part of Dr. Sami’s graduate course on community health, which embeds students in the field to work on real-world projects as part of their education. The tour was led by Mr. Paul Hoang, President and CEO of Moving Forward Psychological Institute, Dr. Thuy Vo Dang of UCLA, and Dr. Elaine Lewinnek of CSUF. Together with Dr. Sami’s graduate students in public health, AAPIFSA members were able to experience the history, sights, sounds, and tastes of the Little Saigon area of Westminster. Starting with an incredible breakfast of Vietnamese coffee and Lee's Sandwiches at the Asian Garden Mall, the tour progressed through Little Saigon, to showcase the first pharmacy, the main bus depot parking lot, significant statues, the location of the protest against Hi-Tek, and shopping with local merchants. Our journey concluded with a tasting of various delicious Vietnamese dishes at Ngoc Suong Restaurant including mango salad with fresh fish, garlic noodles with Filet Minon, vegetarian and crab egg rolls with participants reflecting on the shared experiences in Little Saigon. The breakfast and lunch were generously hosted by the CSUF Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office. Please see some of the amazing photos of our experience.
