Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH)

The Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) and invite all graduate/professional students to attend the “The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Graduate/Professional Student Community at Penn Preceptorial.”

We are excited to welcome AAPI graduate/professional students to the Penn community! Come learn about PAACH & PAGSA, how to get involved, play games, and enjoy FREE food.

EVENT DETAILS
When: Monday, August 26 from 5-6:30pm
Where: ARCH Building Auditorium (ARCH 208)
Registration: See our bio!

Questions? — reach out to [email protected]

Apply to be a PEER Mentee! ✨️

Application Deadline: Friday, August 16th at 11:59pm ET

For: Undergraduate Asian Pacific Islander Freshmen

We would like to invite you to apply to be a mentee for the 2024-25 PEER Mentoring Program!

PEER (Promoting Enriching Experiences and Relationships) is a year-long mentorship program that helps Asian Pacific Islander (API) first-year students—including students who identify as South Asian, Southeast Asian, international, LGBTQIA+, first-generation, low-income, disabled—adjust to college life and find their niche at Penn. First-year students are assigned an upperclassman (junior/senior) mentor, and along with the entire PEER class, they learn about leadership, community, and service through their experiences with the program along with the opportunities provided by the extensive PEER alumni network.

During the year, we focus on academic & professional success, identity & personal development, reflection & emotional health, belonging, and community consciousness. In addition, at the beginning of both the fall & spring semesters, all mentors and mentees attend a mandatory retreat (free to attend) that allows PEER members to bond with each other and develop the support system that is central to the program.

Our mentors are a group of diverse and strong leaders who have been carefully selected to guide new students. Past mentees emphasize the huge role that the PEER community has played in helping them find a family on-campus and discover their sense of self.

We’re currently looking for incoming freshmen to apply for the 2024-25 PEER Mentee position! The application submission deadline is Friday, August 16th, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET and can be found at http://www.pennpeer.com/apply.html or https://tinyurl.com/PEERMenteeApp2024-25.

Please note that being a PEER mentee is a selective process and requires emotional and time commitment. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected] or check our website at pennpeer.com.

Penn Asian Alumni in Three Cities! Join us for a fun, informal mixer and meet alumni and students in your area. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and meet new friends. Register today! https://bit.ly/upaansummer (link in bio)
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5.20.24: PAACH & ASAM Family & Friends Graduation Reception.🎓 It was so nice to celebrate our graduating students with their family and friends! Special thanks to our campus partners who came by to show some love. ❤️

Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series
4/25 Session: Alaric Qin

Alaric, M&T ‘16 is from the SGV region of Southern California. He is motivated in life by a desire to listen and learn from the people around him, to share in community with others, and to find the things that give him, his friends, and his family joy and a sense of meaning. Lately, that has meant spending time with and taking care of his mom, singing and recording music, and showing up for his friends whenever and wherever he can.

The application deadline for the Asian Pacific American Leadership Initiative (APALI)’s fall 2024 cohort has been extended to May 29, 2024 at 11:59PM ET! The application can be found in our bio.

For those of you who do not know what APALI is, our mission is to empower Asian Pacific Americans by providing a foundation through identity exploration, leadership training, and discussions in order to support future endeavors.

We would like to have a wide range of identities, ideologies, and backgrounds that represents the diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community at Penn.

PEER End of Year Celebration - May 2024 ❤️
Thank you to the mentors, mentees, and most especially the amazing PEER Board 2023-2024

Many thanks to all who came to celebrate our graduating students and alumni leaders at the PAACH + ASAM End of Year Celebration 2024, held at the Hall of Flags last May 1st.🎓🎉

✨️Graduation Stole Distribution
✨️Welcome Remarks by PAACH Director Mei Long
✨️Graduation Speech by Erika Acosta
✨️ ASAM Minor Acknowledgment by Dr. Fariha Khan & Dr. David Eng
✨️ PAACH Awards
✨️ PAACH+ASAM Alumni Leadership Award
✨️ James Brister Society Awards Acknowledgment
✨️ ASAM UAB Acknowledgment
✨️ PAACH Program Assistants Acknowledgment
✨️ Graduating Students Group Photos
✨️ Celebratory Dinner

Special thanks to all our event hosts, Will, Taryn, and Sakshi, and all our amazing volunteers! 🦋🦋🦋

Congratulations to all our graduates! 🎉❤️

Congratulations to Class of 2025 for officially becoming seniors at Hey Day! 🎉🎈🥳

On April 24, PAACH hosted a mural unveiling celebration at the ARCH building lobby in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. With more than 100 guests in attendance (students, staff, and faculty), the evening was a huge success.✨️

The audience received butterfly cut-outs that they would incorporate on the mural. The event opened with a dance performance from Yoyo Tang (LPS ‘24) and Yining Chen (Drexel U. student) - a delicate choreography emulating the elegant fluttering of butterflies. PAACH Director Mei Long welcomed the audience and shared the significance of the mural in relation to Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The mural was unveiled by the PAACH team, together with Will Atkins, Associate Vice Provost for University Life.

Vicky Aquino, PAACH Associate Director and the artist behind the mural, shared the meaning behind the piece:
 
“A butterfly is a powerful symbol of transformation as we evolve into our truest selves. The colors of the butterflies are inspired by the flags of 68 countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Each represents various traditions and heritage, reminding us of our unique identities and the interconnectedness of our world. Take a moment to hold these butterflies and consider the wishes and dreams of the immigrants from these nations. In your hands, you hold a connection to their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs.

As students, you embark on your journey here at Penn, just like a caterpillar beginning its life cycle. Through your time here, you will undergo transformations. While you learn to navigate your path and adjust to the constant changes in your life, PAACH is here to support you in your growth. Embrace your inner butterfly. Because you'll never know how far you can soar, until you spread your wings.” 🦋

Vicky asked the audience to find its butterfly pair from the mural to represent its unity. 

A delectable Filipino “Kamayan-style” lunch was catered by , where guests were able to eat with their hands in a communal way.

We appreciate everyone who came to celebrate with us! Special thanks to the dedicated PAACH team and Program Assistants for their tremendous support.❤️

Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series
4/11 Session: S. Tina Biswas

South Asian by heritage, American by birth, and woman by nature, S. Tina Biswas is a visionary marketing leader with 25+ years of experience fostering transformative connections between global brands and their customers through digital innovation. Known for her drive, operational excellence, transparency, and grit, these qualities naturally extend into both her professional engagements and personal pursuits. An advocate for empowerment, Tina passionately dedicates herself to nurturing and mentoring girls, women, and underrepresented communities, championing inclusivity and diversity on every front. A proud alumna of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Tina has been a driving force at Publicis Groupe for the past decade, contributing to the forefront of digital marketing transformation. Her influence extends beyond client work; she has actively shaped the landscape of her company’s various employee and business resource groups, including a leadership role with the Women’s Leadership Network and a key role in establishing the Pan-Asian Alliance. Beyond professional commitments, Tina enjoys giving back to her community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Westrick Music Academy, guiding the next generation of female leaders as a Girl Scout leader, and volunteering as a Penn Alumni Ambassador. Tina’s life as the child of immigrants has been a source of strength, shaping her perspective and providing resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for diverse voices.

Join the Pan-Asian American House (PAACH) for our “Boundaries with Families” conversation part 2! The conversation will be hosted by alumni Alaric Qin, M&T ‘16 and focus on navigating healthy boundaries with our families in the AAPI community during and after life at Penn.

The event will be on Thursday, April 25th from 4:30-6 pm at the PAACH living room. &pizza and boba will be provided! To ensure that we order enough &pizza and boba, please RSVP by 4/23 (walk-ins are welcomed).

Our last spring semester speaker for the “Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series” is Alaric Qin, M&T ‘16! Come join us next Thursday, April 25 at 12pm (location: ARCH Room 108, 3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) for a catered lunch. The registration link can be found in our bio!

The Explore. Reflect. Become Lunch Series focuses on the deep reflection of our personal experiences and the becoming of ourselves. We will invite individuals from Penn and the Philadelphia community to share their intimate histories and backgrounds and how they’ve explored, reflected, and become the person that they are.

Alaric, M&T ‘16 is from the SGV region of Southern California. He is motivated in life by a desire to listen and learn from the people around him, to share in community with others, and to find the things that give him, his friends, and his family joy and a sense of meaning. Lately that has meant spending time with and taking care of his mom, singing and recording music, and showing up for his friends whenever and wherever he can.

Come join us as we end the year with a joyous celebration of the PAACH and ASAM student communities’ accomplishments!

We will honor PAACH and ASAM student leaders with awards (undergrad and grad students), thank individuals who supported our community, give out stoles/cords, and dine together.

RSVP here: tinyurl.com/PAACH-ASAM-EOY2024
(Link in bio)

Houston Hall, Hall of Flags
Wed, May 1, 5:00-6:30 PM

PAACH Awards Nominations are open! 🏆

Nominate our AAPI graduating (undergrad and grad) students for the following awards:

✨️ Community Building Award
✨️ Intercultural Engagement Award
✨️ Restorative and Healing Award
✨️ Artistic Achievement Award
✨️ Leadership and Advocacy Award

Nominations due by 4/24/24.

Nominate here: tinyurl.com/PAACHAwards2024

PAACH and the are hosting a Test Taking Strategies Workshop! Join us to learn through strategies to help you get through your tests (and upcoming finals)! There will be a boba treat for all attendees.

RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/TestTakingStrategiesWorkshop

Wednesday, April 17 at 4pm
PAACH Lounge

Congratulations to the 2024 James Brister Society student leadership awards recipients! 🎗🏆👏

PAACH honored two amazing students who continue to exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment to diversity at Penn:

✨️Erika De La Cruz-Acosta, C’24 - The James Brister Society Student Leadership Award


✨️Jennifer Kang, C’24 - The Asian Alumni Network Student Leadership Award .upenn

Award recipients who were also honored:

The James Brister Society Student Leadership Award (Graduate) - Sam Lien Nguyen, GSE’24, SPP’24

The Association of Latino Alumni Student Leadership Award - Evelyn Martinez, W’24

The Association of Native Alumni Student Leadership Award - Tristan Fajardo, C’23

The Black Alumni Society Student Leadership Award - Tarah Paul, C’24

The Le***an Gay Bisexual Transgender Alumni Association Student Leadership Award - Juliana Vollmer, C’24

The Penn First Plus Alumni Student Leadership Award - Kevin Huang, C’24

The Gender Equity Alumni Student Leadership Award - Neha Shetty, C’24

Thank you, and the JBS members, for organizing this prestigious event! ❤️

Our fifth speaker for the “Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series” is S. Tina Biswas! Come join us next Thursday, April 11 at 12pm (location: ARCH Room 108, 3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) for a catered lunch. The registration link can be found in our bio!

The Explore. Reflect. Become Lunch Series focuses on the deep reflection of our personal experiences and the becoming of ourselves. We will invite individuals from Penn and the Philadelphia community to share their intimate histories and backgrounds and how they’ve explored, reflected, and become the person that they are.

South Asian by heritage, American by birth, and woman by nature, S. Tina Biswas is a visionary marketing leader with 25+ years of experience fostering transformative connections between global brands and their customers through digital innovation. Known for her drive, operational excellence, transparency, and grit, these qualities naturally extend into both her professional engagements and personal pursuits. An advocate for empowerment, Tina passionately dedicates herself to nurturing and mentoring girls, women, and underrepresented communities, championing inclusivity and diversity on every front. A proud alumna of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Tina has been a driving force at Publicis Groupe for the past decade, contributing to the forefront of digital marketing transformation. Her influence extends beyond client work; she has actively shaped the landscape of her company’s various employee and business resource groups, including a leadership role with the Women’s Leadership Network and a key role in establishing the Pan-Asian Alliance. Beyond professional commitments, Tina enjoys giving back to her community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Westrick Music Academy, guiding the next generation of female leaders as a Girl Scout leader, and volunteering as a Penn Alumni Ambassador. Tina’s life as the child of immigrants has been a source of strength, shaping her perspective and providing resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for diverse voices.

Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series
3/28 Session: Lisa Chen

Lisa Chen works at the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) in Admissions. She received her BA in Psychology from University of Vermont and her MA in Higher Education from Boston College. Prior to Penn, she has worked in Japan for two years teaching English as a second language to students from ages 2-18. In addition to her position at Penn, she is also a co-facilitator for the Penn Asian/Asian American Faculty and Staff Association (PAFSA).

In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Pan-Asian American Community House is inviting you to the unveiling of the PAACH Mural 2024. Join us for a community celebration, catered lunch, and a special performance. 

Wednesday, April 24 at 12:00 PM
ARCH 102 (Main Lobby)
3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104

COME AND BE PART OF THE MURAL!

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/PAACHMural2024
(Link in bio)

Join Grace (PAACH) and Milan (Restorative Practices @ Penn) for a conversation about self-worth,  unlearning validation from academic or career success, and separating identity from school. 

RSVP using link:  https://tinyurl.com/rpatpxpaach
(Link in bio)

Come join us for APSC's AAPI Community Justice Nonprofit Series on 3/31/23 and 4/7/23!

💖 Share your favorite recipes with us to be featured in our upcoming CRC cookbook! Everyone who submits a recipe will also be entered in a raffle for an adorable stuffed pinapple! Submission link in bio!

Deadline (tentative): 12/17

                 

11/10: DESSERT BOWL CAROUSEL
Join us as we play classic Asian games like ddakji, jianzi, and gasing pangkah to earn ingredients for a delicious grass jelly ice cream dessert! You'll play in teams with 4 other people and compete against other teams.
LOCATION: GCH Multipurpose Room -
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11/9: APAHW PRESENTS: TINA CHOI

Tina Choi (aka Doobydobap on Youtube), our headline speaker for 2022, comes to Penn on Wed., Nov. 9! Come learn about Tina's experiences after college, traveling the world, and taking inspiration for her own curated recipes. Can't wait to to see you all.

Got q's for Tina? >> https://tinyurl.com/apahw2022speaker

Location: BODEK LOUNGE
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Join us in celebrating Diwali this Friday in the PAACH living room! ✨

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Stop by Arch 108 this Thursday and explore more global opportunities with

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📆Mark your calendar to join one of our upcoming virtual alumni networking events ☺️☺️

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Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) updated their business hours.