Fall Newsletter
December 2024 (4th Issue)
Welcome Message from the Co-Presidents
We want to wish you a joyous and relaxing holiday season. Take time to reflect on past events, the connections you’ve made, and the stories you learned. From meet-n-greets with some Cabinet members to the Leadership Program and/or Drop-In lunches, it has been a busy yet productive semester! Know that we are grateful for your ongoing support and engagement in AAPIFSA-related activities. Check out our recap of previous events and a snapshot of things to come. We hope the rest of your 2024 is filled with joy and we look forward to seeing you in 2025.
– AAPIFSA Co-Presidents
Tricia Kasamatsu and Raven Mansen
Conversations with Campus Leaders
Thanks to the grant awarded to AAPIFSA to carry out the Leadership and Mentorship Program, we were able to host two social events on September 5 and October 10. Invited speakers talked about their paths to leadership, factors of influence, and advice on navigating and advancing through the university. Additionally, they fielded inquiries about their respective areas of authority: Institutional Effectiveness, Administration and Finance, and Academic Affairs.
Over songpyeon, hobaktteok, and mooncakes, attendees celebrated Chuseok and the Mid-Autumn Festival in September while engaging in dialogue with Su Swarat and Alex Porter. The VPs chronicled their rise among the ranks, discussed challenges they faced, and shared how their backgrounds played into their journeys.
During the second social, Provost Amir Dabirian regaled the audience with stories about family, Fullerton pride, and future plans while guests enjoyed sweets to commemorate Diwali and White Sunday. Additionally, the October event featured a brief ceremony to honor AAPIFSA awardees for their contributions to the APISWAA community. AAPIFSA co-founder Craig Ihara was also recognized for his invaluable work and support through the decades.
AAPIFSA has been enheartened to see the positive response to our socials and we hope that participants take away valuable connections and insights from them. We look forward to seeing you at future events!
Student Spotlights:
This semester, AAPIFSA is featuring two students in the Neurocognitive Aging & Analytics Research Education (NAARE) program. Cindy Nguyen and Kirsten Clerre Rafanan are active researchers and have participated in multiple conferences and symposiums, including poster presentations at NDiSTEM 2024 hosted by SACNAS. Both are conducting research pertaining to neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and intend to pursue advanced studies in the sciences.
Cindy Nguyen
I come from a strong Vietnamese background, having grown up with immigrant parents from Vietnam. My upbringing was a blend of Vietnamese and American culture, which often clashed with each other. I grew up in a very close-knit family and a tight community full of diverse cultures, which always encouraged me to embrace differences and allowed me to appreciate all the different perspectives diversity can provide.
My dad was born and raised in Saigon, or southern Vietnam, and my mom grew up in Da Nang, which is the middle of Vietnam. As a result, I grew up learning two different dialects and a blend of cultures from the two regions. When I travelled to Vietnam during my sophomore year of high school with my family, it was the first time I had been so connected with my culture. People were extremely open, willing to help strangers, and welcoming.
My research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, specifically discovering preventive measures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, from both a medicinal chemistry and a cellular and molecular biology perspective. I am motivated by hearing my parents’ stories of their lives before they immigrated to the U.S. Hearing how they created opportunities for themselves in the face of adversity is always a reminder for me to do my best in anything I do.
Kristin Cierra Rafanan
My name is Kirsten Clerre Rafanan, and I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I left the place I once called home to pursue higher education in the States and seize opportunities that were not available to me. I also wanted to be a model to showcase underrepresented communities and Filipino talent.
Growing up in Manila, I was surrounded by people who never failed to smile despite the atrocities they were facing. My home embraced the Filipino spirit through hospitality and collectivist values.
Transitioning to an entirely new country with a different culture and educational system was especially challenging—I felt like an outcast and wanted to go back. However, I made sure to apply the values that my home taught me—to be resilient.
Three and a half years later, I am now in my senior year studying Biology and applying to graduate school to pursue my Ph.D. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have done research at top universities in California, like UCI and USC. My current research is in the area of Neurobiology. I am also interested in understanding immune mechanisms to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent infectious diseases.
Job Opportunities
Diversity Initiatives & Resource Centers (DIRC) is hiring for the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Resource Center, and the Native American and Indigenous (NAI) Resource center. Let's help spread the word!
Southwest Asian and North African
Resource Center Coordinator
Native American and Indigenous
Resource Center Coordinator
Community Spotlight: A Taste of Korea, Close to Home
Pocha Eats
specializes in traditional Korean comfort food while incorporating trendy street dishes that excite modern palates. The restaurant's signature dish, Pocha Bossam, puts a unique twist on classic boiled pork belly by soy-glazing the tender meat, giving it an irresistibly sweet and sticky flavor. Paired with fresh banchan, like radish kimchi, leeks, and a vinegar dip, this dish delivers with every bite.
Another fan-favorite, Army Stew is a comforting communal hot pot packed with bold flavors. This vibrant dish combines ramen noodles in a rich, spicy broth with hearty meats like spam, sausage, and pork, plus toppings like baked beans, kimchi, and vegetables. A finishing touch of melted cheese adds an indulgent touch perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re in the mood for hearty soups, street-style fusion dishes, or shareable platters, Pocha Eats has something for everyone—at prices that keep families coming back for more.
As proud Cerritos residents, the owners of Pocha Eats go beyond serving great food—they’re dedicated to giving back. From volunteering at the local high school to sponsoring the Cerritos High School football team, their involvement reflects a deep commitment to fostering community spirit.
At Pocha Eats, dining is about more than food—it’s about connection. Stop by Pocha Eats in Cerritos and see what all the buzz is about.
Location: 13337 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA
Signature Dish: Pocha Bossam, Army Stew, Royal Soba
Fall Crowdfunding
Our sincerest gratitude goes out to all who have given to AAPIFSA, whether it be through a donation during the Fall Crowdfunding event or by a monthly payroll deduction.
With your incredible generosity, AAPIFSA has raised over $1,615 to pour back into our community by offering student scholarships and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. In addition to the amount you all have contributed, we will be receiving an additional $1,000 for placing among the top 10 organizations with the most donors. With the amount gifted, we look forward to offering scholarship awards (keep an eye out for scholarship applications opening in the spring!) and meaningful programming to foster connection and support for Asian Pacific Islander and South Asian Americans at CSUF.
Your donations are instrumental in creating impactful experiences for our community. We hope to honor your generosity through action as we continue our vital work in empowering APISAA individuals and fostering an environment where all can thrive.
Thank you for your invaluable support!
