Meet the Staff

We are here to provide academic, professional, and community support. We look forward to sharing space with you!

Staff

Kat 2

Katherine 'Kat' Parpana, M.A. (she/her/siya)

  • Director | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Kat (she/her/siya) is a Pinay scholar-practitioner with ancestral roots from the Northern Island of Luzon, Philippines in the Ilocos Region; as well as ancestry from Northwestern and Germanic Europe, Southern China, and Spain.  Kat grew up across the Pacific including her homeland of the Philippines, Okinawa, and throughout California.

Kat is a UC Davis alumna with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Asian American Studies and Sociology and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Sacramento State University. Currently, she is a doctoral student pursuing an Ed.D. at the UC Davis School of Education studying Minority Serving Institutions with a special focus on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) at research-1 universities and the educational disparities experienced by AandPI students at these universities

Prior to supporting the retention initiative, Kat was one of the inaugural diversity and inclusion educators and specialists with the Office of Campus Community Relations under the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She also served as an academic advisor and academic counselor with the College of Letters and Science and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office. Engaged and active in social justice work and diversity education, Kat is a founding chairperson for the award winning ‘Developing Deeper Advising Relationships’ module, embedded in the UC Davis Advising Certificate Series. In addition, she collaborates with organizations including APIs Mobilize, The Asian Pacific Islander Capitol Association (APICA), and Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) in service to the Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. 

Kat believes in the power of shared experiences and the importance of connectivity. When students have a culturally informed network that validates and cares for them holistically, they can truly thrive.

Region in the diasporas I identify with: Philippines, Southeast Asian, Okinawa

C. Pangelina

Christopher Pangelina, M.A. (He/They)

  • Associate Director | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Christopher Vincent Pangelina, who is also known as Pangie, identifies as a first-generation college graduate, multiracial queer educator in the field of Student Affairs.

He began his journey at UC Davis in 2014 in Student Housing and Dining Services working with first-year residents in student housing. In 2018, Pangie joined the Center for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) supporting first-generation and low-income undergraduate scholars, where he received a Star Award for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the advancement of EOP by advocating for first-generation students and being a reliable team player. Pangie has 10 years of experience working in higher education and has continuously been an advocate for access, equity, and inclusion for hxstorically marginalized and underrepresented students. In every role Pangie has held, he has had the privilege of directly supervising and developing undergraduate scholars, which has kept him grounded in student-centered work and making sure student's voices are heard and uplifted. He looks forward to continuing collaborating with colleagues across campus in his new role to support students in the Asian and Pacific Islander diasporas.  Pangie identifies as first-generation college graduate, Queer and mixed CHamoru (Indigenous people of Guam), and he was born and raised in the Bay Area. Pangie attended Laney Community College and then transferred to UC Berkeley, where he received his bachelor's degree in American Studies with a concentration in social justice, public policy and poverty in the U.S. He later received his master's degree from San Diego State University in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a specialization in Student Affairs.

Region in the diaspora you identify with: Pasifika, Guam. Biba Mes CHamoru!

Tatum Phan

Tatum Phan, Ph.D

  • Community Counselor | Student Health and Counseling Services

About Me

Tatum identifies as Vietnamese-American. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio and received her Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She earned her doctoral degree in counseling psychology from the University of Oregon and completed her pre-doctoral internship in psychology and post-doctoral residency at UC Davis. Tatum joined Student Health and Counseling Services as a CAPS Community Counselor in August 2013.

How I Work With Students

When working with students, I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates Interpersonal theory, the Multicultural Framework and Ecological model. I work with my clients in exploring the multiple systems in which they are embedded in and identifying potential barriers and supports within their cultural contexts. I conceptualize the goals for therapy to include increasing my clients’ self-awareness, coping skills and their overall sense of empowerment.

Professional Interests

Multicultural counseling, social justice issues, identity development, grief and loss, life transitions, stress and wellness, behavioral health and concerns impacting underrepresented and underserved communities (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities and LGBTQ students).

Contact Information

These communication methods are intended for staff, faculty and community communications. Students are advised to use Health-e-Messaging for all communications.

Angel Truong

Angel Truong (she/her )

  • Office Coordinator | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Angel is a second-generation Vietnamese American born and raised in Sacramento, California. As a first-generation college student, she earned her bachelor's degree in Asian American Studies and Psychology at UC Davis. After finishing her undergraduate journey, she began her professional career as the Program Coordinator for the UC Davis Asian American Studies. From that experience, she learned that she enjoys working with a team that centers on providing support and programming for hxstorically marginalized and underrepresented students.

As the Office Coordinator for SAandPIRI, she looks forward to collaborating with her team, colleagues, and undergraduate scholars on promoting community building and Ethnic Studies values on campus. Outside of work, Angel enjoys going to coffee shops in Sacramento, watching horror and thriller movies, and attending concerts with her friends. 

Region in the diasporas I identify with: Vietnam, Southeast Asia, China

Student Assistants

Lina Jackson

Lina Jackson (she/her )

  • Graphic Designer | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Lina’s interest in diversity and equity is closely related to her multicultural background of Japanese, Caribbean, and Caucasian descent. Being in primarily white institutions throughout her grade school has strengthened her value of finding connection within her community. She likes to show support by being an active participant in her communities back home and on campus. She believes in the importance of promoting a welcoming environment and increasing awareness of the unique experiences of people of all backgrounds. 

Lina is currently a 3rd year student at UC Davis studying Design, with a focus on User Experience and Graphic Design. Her favorite part about design projects is the collaboration across different areas of specialty that encourages multiple perspectives to create the best possible outcome. She hopes to use her skills to foster inclusivity throughout the design process and in the final product.


Diasporic regions I identify with: Japanese and Eastern Caribbean

Mele Lotoaniu

Meleseini Lotoaniu (she/her )

  • Community Organizer | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Meleseini Lotoaniu (she/her), also known as Mele, is a first-generation, fourth-year English major of Tongan descent from the Bay Area. By pursuing an English degree, Mele hopes to pursue a career where she can relate the stories of Pasifika people to the world.

Mele was introduced to SAandPIRI in her first year and became a member of its Inaugural Volunteer Cohort during her second year. She eventually became a Peer Mentor and an official SAandPIRI Intern. Mele is also entering her second term as High Chief of the Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA), where she strives alongside the PISA Chiefdom to empower and uplift the Pasifika student population on campus. As High Chief and Community Organizer, Mele is committed to maintaining visibility for Pasifika students and ensuring their deserved representation. 

Throughout her time at UC Davis, Mele has learned a lot about herself and the advocate she aspires to be for her local communities. She wants to show her fellow Pasifika scholars that they do belong in higher education and better yet, they can thrive in it. 

Region in the diaspora I identify with: Tonga

Aneka Torgrimson

Aneka Torgrimson (she/her )

  • Community Organizer | Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative

Aneka's passion for Asian American studies began in her childhood. She was born in Hunan
China and was adopted one year later by her American family. She grew up in a close-knit, rural
community in Northern California. Living in a predominantly Caucasian environment, her
exposure to diversity and different cultures was limited. However, her interest in advocacy and
social justice sparked a desire to explore and understand the experiences of people from different
backgrounds.

Aneka Torgrimson is currently a second year student at UC Davis and is majoring in Asian
American Studies and minoring in Political Science. She recently worked as a research assistant
at UC Davis where she conducted detailed and methodical investigations of various subject
matters related to Asian American Studies. Aneka is dedicated to creating an equitable
environment that demonstrates diversity and inclusivity through amplifying Asian American, and
other marginalized groups’, voices by raising awareness about Asian American issues and
fostering dialogue between various communities.

Region in the diaspora I identify with: China

Staff Collaborators

Ken Barns

Ken Barns (he/him/his)

  • Associate Director | Internship and Career Center

Ken is an Assistant Director at the UC Davis Internship and Career Center, and sees students interested in International opportunities and Student Employment. He graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Managerial Economics. He started working at the ICC in 1998. He is also vice president of the Robla School District Board of Trustees in Sacramento, California. Through his education and experience, he has worked hard to keep students connected with the complex worlds of business, politics, education, and law. He really enjoys preparing students to enter the professional world and making sure UC Davis students are as competitive as they can be in their job search. Before working for the Internship and Career Center, he worked in retail, at John Hancock Financial Services, and as a computer consultant. All of those experiences gave him a well-rounded skillset to assist students.

Ken serves as the ICC Liaison for the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative and Center for African Diaspora Student Success. Schedule an appointment to discuss career exploration with Ken or meet him at an ICC event! 

Region in the diaspora you identify with: The African Union (the African Continent) 

Michelle Web

Michelle Cerami (they/them )

  • Residential Academic Specialist | New Student Academic Services

Michelle Cerami (they/them) is one of the professional staff that supervises the Peer Mentors based in the Living-Learning Communities, including the Asian and Pacific Islander Aggies Living-Learning Community in Redwood Hall.

As a Residential Academic Specialist, Michelle has the privilege of supervising Living Learning Community Peer Mentors who provide holistic academic support to residential students. Prior to working at UC Davis, they worked in first-year experience, leadership, and diversity & inclusion programs and teaching grades 3-9. Michelle is passionate about developing diversity, equity, and inclusion co-/curricular programming for first-year and transfer students and culturally-responsive training for the peer mentors that support those student populations.

Michelle graduated with a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco and wrote their Master’s thesis on best practices for improving American Indian undergraduate enrollment and retention. Prior to this, Michelle earned their B.A. in Religion from California Lutheran University with minors in Sociology and Asian studies and went on to work in Sendai, Miyagi, Japan while on the Japan Exchange and Teaching program (JET).

They currently live on unceded Nisenan land, now known as Sacramento, CA, with their rescue cats Olaf & Yuki. Michelle watches all of the international franchises of RuPaul’s Drag Race and still plays Pokémon Go. 

Region in the diaspora you identify with: Angeleno-born; white & American Indian; adoptee

Lou & Benji

Lou Cha (she/her)

  • Program Coordinator | Cross Cultural Center

Lou is a Hmong American, first-generation professional. She comes from a blended family and holds the responsibilities of the eldest daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys eating with her family, long walks with her dog, and discovering new interest. Lou is passionate about supporting students through their academic and professional development and advocating for student equity and inclusion. From UC Irvine, Lou received her B.A. doubling in Education Sciences and Social & Behavioral Psychology and from CSU Sacramento, Lou received her M.S. in Counseling. Before serving at the Cross Cultural Center, Lou served as an academic advisor for the MAE department and CA&ES Dean's Office at UC Davis

Region in the diaspora you identify with: Hmong American, Southeast Asian

Anya 2

Anya Gibson, M.A. (she/they)

  • Supervisor | Letters & Science Blue Cluster, Undergraduate Advising Center: Economics, History, and East Asian Studies

Anya supervises the Undergraduate Advising Center for Economics, History, and East Asian Studies. Anya is responsible for the administration of the Economics, History, and East Asian Studies programs, Latin American and Hemispheric Studies and Jewish Studies minors, and provides support to Military Science. Anya is a UC Davis alumni with a bachelor's degree in Sociology-Organization Studies and a master's degree in Education from Sacramento State. Prior to attending UC Davis she attended The East Bay French American School (Ecole Bilingue) and is fluent in French. Anya identifies as transracial adoptee.

Region in the diasporas I identify with: Vietnam

Carol Huang alt

Carol Huang, M.A. (she/her/她(tā) )

  • Operations Director | Student Recruitment and Retention Center

Carol (she/her) is the daughter of Chinese immigrants and the eldest grandchild in her family. She is a first-gen college graduate and first-gen professional; this informs how she navigates her life and work. Carol obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Educational Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and her master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University (MSU); she always fully acknowledges that if she can go back in time, she totally would have studied Asian American Studies. 

Prior to joining UC Davis, Carol served as a Career Counselor/Coordinator at UCSB. She has experience in various functional areas including career services, educational opportunity program, multicultural affairs, student leadership development, residence life, and university writing center. Carol has many wishes for the world we exist in. She acknowledges the hxstories and hopes of all those who have come before us to honor their legacies; seeks to address the most challenging needs that students are currently facing in the educational system today; and strives to collectively reimagine change so we don’t reproduce systems that harm us. Through reflective practice, she continues to develop greater self-awareness, unlearn toxic attitudes and behaviors, and understand the people and communities she serves. 

Carol is community-oriented and collaborative in creating shared goals and actions. She has led community building and advocacy efforts with APIDA communities in higher education through serving as the Asian Resource Center Student Mentor at UCSB EOP during undergrad, starting a Asian Pacific American Graduate Alliance at MSU during graduate school, and serving as a Board Member for Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (faculty/staff association) at UCSB. She enjoys learning about people and seeks opportunities to listen wholeheartedly to their stories and perspectives so please reach out if you want to chat or collaborate!

Region in the diaspora I identify with: China

Joe Nguyen

Joe Nguyen

  • Academic Adviser
  • Asian American Studies

Joe completed his degree at CSU Sacramento with a BA in Ethnic Studies & Sociology and followed with completing his Master’s in Business Administration.

Joe has worked in education since graduating college. First starting at CSU Sacramento as the head tutor for underserved communities through Mercy Housing. It was there that he recognized the struggles he had when navigating his own education and the lack of assistance that was offered to him in education as he grew. It was the same time he decided the value of education was critical to everyone’s self-growth and aimed to assist fellow students going through those same struggles. Today, he continues his role as an adviser and remains a resource for students seeking to find assistance in navigating their academic careers.

Region in the diaspora I identify with: Southeast Asia (Vietnam)

Christopher

Christopher Nguyen Pheneger, M.A. (he/him/his)

  • Diversity and Inclusion Educator and Specialist | Office of Campus Community Relations with the Vice Chancellors Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Christopher identifies as a queer, Asian American transracial adoptee from Vietnam.

He currently serves as a Diversity and Inclusion Educator and Specialist for the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, providing DEI professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Christopher is a UC Davis alumni and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco.  

Prior to joining the Vice Chancellor’s Office he served as a Program Coordinator for Full Circle Project, an AANAPISI Grant-funded program aimed at supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander students at CSU Sacramento. He’s also served as a Student Support Specialist for UNITE, a center that provides programs focusing on critical consciousness, social justice education, equity, and cultural empowerment for students, staff, and faculty at American River College.

Christopher enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, cooking and dancing. His guilty pleasure is marathoning anime or Korean dramas over a tub of ice cream.

 

Region in the diaspora you identify with: Vietnam  

C. Revera

Cedric Revera, M.A. (he/him/his)

  • Resident Director | Cottonwood & Redwood Halls

Cedric grew up in the San Joaquin Valley (Tracy, Lathrop, Stockton-area). He began his college career at San Joaquin Delta College. After earning his A.S. in Accounting, Cedric transferred to CSU Northridge and received a B.A. in Deaf Studies. On his journey towards his B.A., Cedric realized his excitement for education and his passion for advocacy. After receiving his B.A., Cedric continued his journey and obtained a M.A. in Higher Education Leadership – he is excited to have a career which invests in the success of others.

Cedric is a Gay, First Generation College Graduate from a single parent/low-income household. He is excited to connect with others who share similar experiences and pass down the support that was provided to him.

Cedric is currently the Resident Director for the Cottonwood and Redwood Residence Halls and oversees the Asian and Pacific Islander Aggies Living Learning Community (A+PIA LLC).

Region in the diaspora you identify with: Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico