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 leading the AandPI 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 Asia, Okinawa

Lou is the eldest daughter of Hmong refugees from Laos. Her family has been her biggest support and her motivation. Through education, work experiences, and training, Lou has become resilient, developed strong leadership skills, and built rapport with campus community. It has been and continues to be her mission to provide support for UCD students, help them succeed, and provide a brave and compassionate space for all. 

Lou is a UC Irvine Alumna with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Behavioral Psychology and Education Sciences and a Master of Science in Counseling from CSU Sacramento. She began her career in higher education in 2016 and has served UC Davis in various roles advocating for social justice and supporting students' academic and career development.  Throughout Lou's time as an academic counselor and advisor, she has supported students in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office (CAES) and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department. Prior to serving as the Academic Success Advisor for SAandPIRI, Lou was a program coordinator for the Cross Cultural Center creating community spaces that foster identity development, critical consciousness, and collective innovation. 

 When working with students, Lou uses a holistic and multicultural approach that integrates Solution-Focused Practice and the Life-Span Development Model. In partnership with her students, she supports the development of skills and preparedness that sets students up for success while providing opportunities for students to define what success means to them. 

Region in the diasporas I identify with: Hmong, Southeast Asian

Chris V. 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!

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 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 students.

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

Angel is also currently a graduate student at Sac State's Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (Higher Education) MA program.

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

Hi! My name is Andrea and I'm based in Stockton, California. I was raised by my family from Manila and the Ilocos Sur province of the Philippines. I’m an undergraduate student at UC Davis majoring in design, with a focus in graphic and UI/UX design. Through countless hobbies and experiences in different creative fields, I’ve found that I most enjoy utilizing design to connect with others. My role involves creating graphic and promotional content to promote the mission of SAandPIRI. As part of SAandPIRI, I am looking forward to utilizing my role as the bridge between design and cultural involvement.

Region in the diaspora I identify with: Philippines 

Audrey (she/her) is a 2nd-year undergraduate student majoring in Sociology.  She was born and raised in the Bay Area.  As she was born from immigrant parents, she identifies as a Chinese-American. 

Coming to UC Davis, Audrey wanted to find more communities that represent her culture and ethnicity.  Her first involvement with SAandPIRI was through participating in a first-year connection as she wanted to connect with other AandPI students during the beginnings of her first year. After completing the first-year connection, she found a welcoming space with the Retention Initiative as it provided a safe community for her. She wanted to further her involvement by becoming an intern to help support fellow AandPI students by bringing awareness and advocating for student's needs.  As an intern, she strives to create an inclusive environment for every person, where they can feel represented and welcomed.

Region in the diaspora I identify with: Hong Kong

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

Mónica (she/her/ella) is as Chicana, educator, advocate, and a first-generation college graduate.  Driven by a desire for understanding her own history and a passion for social change she earned her BA in Latin American Studies and Sociology from California State University, Chico. Her academic and personal journey profoundly shaped her approach as an educator and community advocate. 

She spent 10 years as an educator in alternative education; she was committed to addressing the conditions and barriers students experienced in the traditional school system. For example, Mónica developed Ethnic Studies project based curriculum that authentically reflected the diversity of students, ensuring they saw themselves represented in their learning. Additionally, these projects celebrated diverse backgrounds and empowered individuals to explore and understand their histories, struggles, and movements for equity. Through this work, Mónica aimed to foster solidarity among individuals from diverse backgrounds, facilitate critical examination of systemic racism and collaboratively find solutions to dismantle it. Recognizing the various needs of students, Mónica adapted their curriculum to foster accessibility and provide students with the skills necessary for academic success. 

Additionally, Monica has been involved with the grassroots organization Brown Issues whose mission is to create the next generation of Brown leaders through healing, civic engagement, and narrative change. As an advisor she engaged and equipped young students with the resources and tools necessary to become civically engaged leaders, addressing the underlying systemic issues present in their local communities. Central to this endeavor was addressing the lack of resources for youth and their families, including the lack of affordable extracurricular activities, affordable housing and food insecurity. By empowering students to advocate for change, Mónica strived to create more equitable and inclusive communities for all.

Region in the diasporas I identify with: México 

Ken is an Assistant Director at the UC Davis 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 Career Center 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 they are as competitive as they can be in their job search. Before working for the Career Center, he worked in retail, at John Hancock Financial Services, and as a computer consultant. He is also an accomplished author (K. LaKeith Barnes). All of those experiences gave him a well-rounded skillset to assist students.

Ken serves as the Career Center 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 a CC event! 

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

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

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 (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