Events are open to anyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, and sex.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) and Cal State LA is celebrating and honoring AAPIHM April through May this year. The AAPIHM Planning Committee, comprised of staff and faculty from various departments across Academic Affairs and Student Life, is proud to share our third annual campus-wide community calendar!
The theme presented by the AAPIHM Planning Committee this year is Woven in Resilience. Just as a fabric woven tightly can stretch and bend without breaking, communities thrive and become stronger when they face adversity together. Join us in celebrating our collective strength, resilience, and unbreakable faith in the power of solidarity and community.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, the Center will be organizing a Hygiene Kit and Non-Perishable Food Drive to collect hygiene kits and canned goods to help with Search To Involve Pilipino American’s initiative to serve the Pilipino American community. The collected hygiene kits and canned goods will be donated to Search To Involve Pilipino Americans and distributed to the Pilipino American families during their Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month activities.
- March 17 – April 30, Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
- Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good - Lower Level of the Career Center
- Presented by the Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good
- Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff
Image and Text Description: Purple and white flyer with information above and list of accepted donation items (Hygiene kit items: body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body soap, hand soap, body lotion; Non-perishable food items: cereal, mac-and-cheese, granola bars, chips, crackers, canned goods, cookies). Contact Anh Hong with any questions at [email protected].
Let's get to the root of the matter! Join us on a discussion on breaking down the AAPI label. There will be snacks, engaging activities, and cute giveaways. Everyone is welcome. Let's root ourselves in meaningful dialogue and cultivate change.
- April 8, 1pm – 2:30 PM
- San Gabriel Room, U-SU
- Presented by the Cross Cultural Centers (APISRC)
- Open to all Cal State LA students
This webinar is an online platform that encourages heritage management specialists in the Pacific to share their heritage stories. This week's session will spotlight Ms Jayleen Kokis, who works at the College of Micronesia as a Librarian. She will share timely updates on issues and opportunities that she currently experiences in Chuuk State. Come and join us as we travel together to the island of Chuuk with Ms Jayleen Kokis!
- April 9, 5pm
- Online: Meeting ID: 896 1365 6803 Passcode: 639090
- Presented by the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Department
- Open to all Cal State LA alumni, staff, and faculty, and community members from outside Cal State LA
Let's talk Reel AAPI Stories by watching Joy Luck Club! Join us for an evening of film, snacks, giveaways, conversation, and community. Don't miss this chance to experience and discuss powerful storytelling.
- April 10th, 4:30pm to 7:30pm
- Los Angeles Rooms A&B, U-SU
- Presented by CAPS and the APISRC and sponsored by the AANHPI Student Achievement Program grant
- Open to all Cal State LA students
Join us for the 3rd Annual Tricontinental Conference at Cal State LA! This year's theme is "50 Years of Anticolonial Resistance Against Imperialism in Southeast Asia." Speakers include Southeast Asian, LGBTQ+, and women artists, scholars, activists, and organizers who will discuss Southeast Asian arts and rock music; labor and reproductive justice; global solidarity movements; and community organizing and activism in Los Angeles.
- April 15, 10 AM – 3 PM
- University Library North, Community Room, Room B-131
- Link: https://tinyurl.com/csulatricon
- Presented by: Departments of Art, Asian and Asian American Studies, History, Pan African Studies, College of Ethnic Studies & more
Open to all Cal State LA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members
As part of the Department of Communication Disorders' Linguistic Diversity Speaker Series, Dr. Pui Fong Kan from the University of Colorado, Boulder, will discuss the language development of bilingual Cantonese-English and Mandarin-English children. The talk will highlight key considerations for future practitioners working with these children and their families.
April 15, 12 PM – 1 PM
Presented by: Department of Communication Disorders
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, alumni, and community members
Join us for a collaboration with the APISRC x CLSRC as we discuss cultural appropriation of our foods. There will be engaging conversations and giveaways. Don't miss out!
- April 15th, 1pm to 2:30pm
- San Gabriel Rooms, U-SU
- Presented by APISRC & CLSRC
- Open to all Cal State LA students
This Spring Semester 2025 Student Mixer is organized by the Student Success Committee of the College of Ethnic Studies. This event is to encourage students to meet with the faculty and staff of the College, and also to introduce our artists from New Zealand to the students. The artists will be our guests and they are here on campus to launch the AANHPI Heritage month. The artists are Tui Emma Gillies, Sulieti Burrows and Aroha Gillies. They are a three-generational group of tapa (barkcloth) makers from the Kingdom of Tonga but now live and work in New Zealand. Kava (Fiji's traditional drink) will be mixed, and snacks will be provided to everyone attending. This is an event not to miss!
- April 15th, 1:30pm to 3pm
- LA Room, University Student Union Building 3rd Floor
- Presented by College of Ethnic Studies
- Open to all Cal State LA students, staff, and faculty
Two artists from the Kingdom of Tonga, now residing in New Zealand, Tui Emma Gillies and her mother Sulieti Fieme'a Burrows will be at Cal State LA for the launch of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025. They will be demonstrating the art of tapa making, a traditional form of art on fabric. This is a once in a lifetime event where you have a chance to make tapa art with the help of these 2 artists. Tui and Sulieti are accompanied by Aroha Gillies, Tui's 11 year old daughter. She has been learning the art of tapa making since she was a toddler. This is a 3 generational art event not to be missed. ALL ARE WELCOME!
- April 16, 11am to 1pm
- Golden Eagle Ballroom 1
- Presented by the AANHPI Student Achievement Program
- Open to all Cal State LA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members
- RSVP requested
Join us for our Solar New Year celebration to mark the sun's movement into the Aries constellation, signaling, the end of the dry season and the start of the harvest season. Celebrate New Year traditions from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, India, and many other Southeast and South Asian countries with food, performances, vendors, and fun activities. Let's come together to honor the new cycle of the sun, water, and the rich traditions of these communities!
- April 16th, 1pm to 4pm
- U-SU PLAZA
- Presented by APISRC
- Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
This webinar is an online platform that encourages heritage management specialists in the Pacific to share their heritage stories. This particular session will spotlight Ms Erika Radewagen, who works in American Samoa as an archaeologist. She will share timely updates on issues and opportunities that she currently experiences in American Samoa. Come and join us as we travel together to the island of American Samoa with Ms Erika Radewagen.
- April 16, 5pm
- Online: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89613656803?pwd=hMLnPyR0mGUNE7kXLxbUSxEo87mg2T.1
- Presented by the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Department
- Open to all Cal State LA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members
Dr Lani Cupchoy, Assistant Professor at the College of Ethnic Studies will be hosting this Pacific Film Festival. Invitation to all students, faculty and staff of California State University (LA) and families are invited to attend this event. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to network with experts in the film industry who are of Pacific island descent. Come and enjoy the films and meet new amazing people, here in LA!
April 21, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
University-Student Union Theatre
Presented by: College of Ethnic Studies (Chicano & Latino Studies Department)
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families
This webinar will spotlight Ms Regina Meredith Fitiao who works in American Samoa as an artist and art educator. She will be sharing her journey as an artist running her own art school in American Samoa, and highlighting her role in teaching the younger generation in the art of siapo making (tapa making)- Join us on April 23 2025 at 5pm!
April 23, 5 PM
Online via Zoom
Presented by: American Indian and Indigenous Studies Department
Open to: Cal State LA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members
Learn how to make paper lanterns and explore the rich history behind them in this hands-on cultural event.
April 24, 1 PM – 3 PM
Location: SSB #4310
Presented by: Glazer Dreamers Resource Center and Guardian Scholars Program
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff
Join the Asian Pacific Islander Student Resource Center and Center for Student Involvement for a kickoff of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month. Celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of the APIDA community through cultural performances, fun activities, APIDA-owned small businesses, food, and boba. Mark your calendars because you do not want to miss the last signature program from the APISRC this year!
- April 24th, 5pm to 8pm
- U-SU Plaza
- Presented by the APISRC
- Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
Join us for a movie screening event that highlights the rich and diverse stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Experience powerful films that showcase our culture, struggles, triumphs, and everything in between with delicious snacks. It’s going to be a reel good time so bring your friends and let’s celebrate AAPI stories together!
April 28, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
LA Rooms AB
Presented by: Cross Cultural Centers (APISRC)
Open to all Cal State LA students
Learn more about Pacific Islander culture and tradition while creating a meaningful craft in community. All are welcome!
April 29, 12 PM – 2 PM
San Gabriel Room
Presented by: Cross Cultural Centers (APISRC)
Open to all Cal State LA students
A group of AANHPI students, faculty, and staff members will share their stories of being Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander in the U.S. Audience members are welcome to share their own stories, ask questions, or simply listen. This open and inclusive event invites all to reflect and engage in a celebration of diversity and resilience within and beyond the AANHPI community.
April 29, 3 PM – 6 PM
Location: Student Services Building LL120 (Lower Level of SSB)
Presented by: School of Social Work
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
This webinar will spotlight Ms. Lorena Seu who works in American Samoa as an educator and advisor. She will be sharing her journey as an educator working in the education fraternity in American Samoa, and highlighting her recent stint at Harvard University. She takes her educator role seriously and she is keen in role modeling to the younger generation the importance of education- Join us on April 30 2025 at 5pm!
April 30, 5 PM
- Join via Zoom
- Meeting ID: 896 1365 6803
- Passcode: 639090
Presented by: American Indian and Indigenous Studies Department
Open to all Cal State LA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members
Join faculty, staff, and students from the School of Social Work and CAPS for a collaborative brainstorming session on promoting mental health services to AANHPI students. This roundtable will focus on culturally responsive strategies, removing barriers to access, and developing effective outreach efforts that reflect the experiences and needs of AANHPI students.
May 1, 3 PM – 5 PM
Location: Library Innovation Hub (Library North A119A, Basement Level A)
Presented by: School of Social Work
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
Kick off AAPI Heritage Month at the inaugural reception of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Alumni Network—the ninth and newest addition to the Cal State LA Alumni Association’s growing community.
This new network honors the rich diversity, heritage, and voices that shape and strengthen the AAPI community at Cal State LA and beyond.
Join us to connect with Sophia Chan (’86), inaugural chair of the network, and fellow Golden Eagles as we celebrate this exciting new chapter together!
All alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the University are welcome.
Cultural attire is encouraged.
May 1, 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Luckman Fine Arts Complex
Presented by: Alumni Relations
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
RSVP by visiting the event webpage
Community-Based Programs
This Tongan tapa making (barkcloth) workshop will take place in conjunction with the Pacific Island Ethnic Arts Museum in Long Beach on Saturday April 12 2025. The workshop is led by Sulieti Fieme'a Burrows and Tui Emma Gillies of Vavau, Tonga. Tui's daughter Aroha, who is 11 years old is also part of this workshop They all reside in Auckland New Zealand. This is a family type of event that is educational and also fun and interactive. It is a hands on workshop where every participant in attendance will participate in creating their own piece of tapa. This is a once in a lifetime event, DON'T MISS IT!
April 12, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: https://www.pieam.org/
Presented by: AANHPI Student Achievement Program grant
Open to all Cal State LA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) is hosting a Healing Hope Youth Solidarity Conference for the youth in the community. Volunteers are needed to help with the conference.
May 17, 11 AM – 5 PM
3200 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Presented by: Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good
Open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff