UNC Asian American Center

Meet the 2026 Susin Seow Intern: Gemma Curtiss!

Bio:
Hi! My name is Gemma Curtiss, and I am a fourth-year student at UNC-Chapel Hill double majoring in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications and Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD). Through my academic studies, I have developed a strong passion for fundraising, philanthropy, organizational ethics, nonprofit leadership, and corporate social responsibility. I look forward to learning from the UNC Asian American Center's staff and community members to further explore my interests while also contributing my skills to AAC’s programs. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I am excited to support the center's mission while also making a lasting impact on the Carolina Community.

About the Susin Seow Internship in AAC Development:
The Susin Seow Internship on AAC Development, gift of Eugene Y. Lao ’91, is a new award designed to cultivate the next generation leaders in development and philanthropy that work with and for Asian American communities. Created to expand access, mentorship, and hands-on experience, the program equips emerging student interns with the skills, networks, and strategic insight needed to thrive in fundraising, donor engagement, and mission-driven leadership.

Register now for the AAC's Art for Mental Health event on Wednesday, May 27th from 12:30-2pm at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) in Studio B!

Hear from UNC Social Work graduate Masaaki A. Kamiya on mental health issues in the Asian American community as well as local artist Chris Rogers, founder of Hao Graphics, on how art can aid with mental health.

UNC Healthy Heels Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will also be present to share the resources that they provide such as the Multicultural Health Program.

We will conclude with an open art workshop where participants can draw, color or create friendship bracelets. Supplies will be provided and no experience necessary.

Lunch provided!

Space is limited so register today: go.unc.edu/AACart

Co-hosted by UNC Campus Recreation and the Student-Athlete Mental Health Alliance.

Free & Open to the Public.

Bios:
Masaaki A. Kamiya is a recent graduate of UNC’s School of Social Work and double Tar Heel. Masaaki is passionate about mental health work and seeking to advance access to mental health resources for all communities. As an Asian American person who grew up in North Carolina, he has been particularly interested in Asian American communities in North Carolina and how multicultural therapy may help with the discussion of mental health.

Chris Rogers, founder of Hao Graphics, is an interdisciplinary artist with a BFA concentration in printmaking from Appalachian State University. His multicultural roots as half-Chinese and half-Caucasian, has influenced his art for many years and has been a primary source of his inspiration. Working now in modern digital graphics from the new age, while incorporating traditional Chinese calligraphy techniques of old, has given him unique perspectives on what it means to create intriguing content and have fulfillment as a true artist at heart.

Meet the 2026 June Yom Student Award Recipient: Alexandra Ro!

Bio:
I am a PhD student in Sociology and a predoctoral trainee in the Carolina Population Center. My research broadly examines the ways in which systems of oppression differently impact the wellbeing of members of racialized minority groups in the United States, and one area of focus is within-group health disparities among the Asian American population.

Summer project description:
As a part of the research for my dissertation, I will conduct interviews with Chinese and Vietnamese women on their experiences (including hardships) of living in North Carolina. I aim to examine (1) the ways in which they navigate, experience, and make sense of life in the U.S. South, (2) the role of status characteristics (e.g., social class) in shaping their experiences, and (3) the implications for their emotional, mental, and social wellbeing.

Join us for Asian American Foodways: Cookbooks & Food Memoirs at the Chapel Hill Public Library, located at 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

At this BYO Book Club event, we’ll explore the stories behind Asian American cuisine through cookbooks and food memoirs. Whether you enjoy cooking, exploring the connections between cuisine and culture, or love talking about food, this one’s for you.

Co-hosted by the Carolina Women’s Center and the Chapel Hill Public Library.

CLE credit and refreshments provided! RSVP and we’ll see you there — this event is open to all: https://www.chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/event/byobook-club-21622

Members of Asian and Asian American interest student organizations are invited to a finals study hall on Tuesday, April 28th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Graduate Student Center (211a West Cameron Avenue).

We will be providing not only a quiet space for individual studying (sorry, no collaborative work) but also sustenance to keep you fueled through finals.

Space is limited so register today: go.unc.edu/AACstudy

If you missed the open mic launch party for your hardcopy, be sure to peruse the online version of the AAC zine Currents: a collection of essays, stories, poems, art and photographs that explore the changes in the Asian American community!

go.unc.edu/Currents

Please join us on Saturday, May 2nd from 6-8pm at the Kenan Conference Center first floor (300 Kenan Center Drive) for our End-of-Year Arts and Research Showcase.

This showcase will feature undergraduate and graduate students presenting original research and creative work that deepens critical understanding of Asian American communities, cultures, and histories. The event highlights the breadth of student scholarship and artistic inquiry taking place across our campus. We will also take time to acknowledge and thank the many campus and community partners whose contributions help foster interdisciplinary engagement and made our robust year of programming possible.

Registration required: go.unc.edu/AACshowcase

Free parking will be available at the adjacent Kenan Flagler Parking Deck: https://en.parkopedia.com/parking/garage/university_of_north_carolina_at_chapel_hill_school_of_business_deck/27514/chapel_hill/?arriving=202604140930&leaving=202604141130

Join us this Saturday from 9:30am-2:30pm for the 2nd Annual AAC Conference of Community Organizations!

Participants include Carolina Demography, Pillow Fort Sessions Therapy, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) and more!

The event will take place at the UNC Graduate Student Center (211a West Cameron Avenue).

Due to the sporting event on the same day, free campus parking is not available. We recommend attendees use the Carolina Square Parking Garage (133 West Franklin Street) or 106 Mallette Street lot which are nearby.

Space is limited so registration is required: go.unc.edu/AACcommunity

Free and Open to the Public

Schedule:
9:30 Breakfast – Welcome participants with breakfast and informal networking to start the day.
10:00 Introductions and Welcome Remarks
10:30 Spotlight Conversation: Policy – A conversation with on policy advocacy and community engagement important to AAPI communities
11:00 Student Research & Organization Panel – Student-led presentations highlighting research and community-based initiatives
11:30 Break: American Indian Cultural Garden – A short break with an opportunity to visit and learn from the American Indian Cultural Garden.
12:00 Spotlight Conversation: Data – A conversation on the importance of community informed demographic data
12:30 Spotlight Conversation: Women and Gender Issues –A conversation on key challenges and advocacy related to women and gender issues.
1:00 Spotlight Conversation: Mental Health – A focused discussion on mental health priorities, resources, and community impact.
1:30–2:30 Lunch and Networking – Lunch served with dedicated time for connection, collaboration, and relationship-building.
Details