In observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Association of Asian American Yale Alumni (AAAYA) organized a series of events and activities to mark the occasion, beginning with its annual General Assembly meeting, followed by a myriad of webinars and in-person programs.
Established nearly 20 years ago, AAAYA serves as a hub for a community of over 25,000 alumni, providing a vehicle for members and volunteers to engage in civic, leadership, and service opportunities. It also offers support and assistance to students and Yale’s Asian American Cultural Center.
Hosting multiple events year-round, AAAYA has several regional chapters led by local alumni volunteers, including in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Northern California, Southern California, and Washington, D.C.
Austin Baik ’11, who joined AAAYA shortly after graduating from Yale and led the Northern California chapter before becoming national president more than two years ago, lauded the organization's progress in recent years.
“Our organization has produced so many more events and programs for our members, expanded outreach to students, increased fellowship funding to students, and leaned into advocacy on and off campus on important issues,” he said.
Having personally benefited from his connection to AAAYA, Baik cited this as a prime reason he became actively involved and remained involved as a volunteer.
“After graduating from Yale without any job prospects and returning home to figure out what I was going to do with my life, I reached out to the local AAAYA chapter to connect and was lucky to find a wonderfully warm and welcoming community,” he said. “I was, and still am, immensely grateful for the alumni who provided me with mentorship and career guidance as I was trying to figure out life after Yale—when I found myself in a more established place in life, I wanted to pay it forward.”
Baik emphasized that in addition to alumni, AAAYA remains steadfast in its continuing support of students.
“Our community is deeply concerned about campus issues and the safety of students on campus. Most of our members were involved in AAPI communities or were beneficiaries of programs for minority students. Alumni are keen to learn about and support issues or challenges that may be unique to AAPI students.”
Trish Takemoto ’76, a member of the New York chapter of AAAYA and an alumni volunteer for over 15 years, echoed these sentiments.
“We must be sure to be available and support one another in whatever way is needed,” she said. “It is important to stand up and make noise about the state of Asians and Asian Americans at Yale and the state of the Asian and Asian American Studies programs.”
Takemoto urged students to not hesitate in reaching out to AAAYA.
“We are here for you. Do you need career advice? Are you thinking about moving or changing cities? Just sign up and prepare to expand your friendship circle. We are happy to connect!”
Gaurav Khanna ’94, treasurer of AAAYA and a member of its board of directors, cited AAAYA’s community-building and advocacy efforts as important cornerstones of the organization.
“We are a place where alumni can come together to share ideas, stories, and perspectives,” he said. “We are also a strong voice for Asian and Asian American issues that impact the alumni community.”
Khanna, who served as co-chair of the first Yale Asian Alumni Reunion and has been engaged in many other alumni voluntary activities, including 14 years as the Silicon Valley director of the Yale Alumni Schools Committee, urged students to make the most of their time on campus and to be mindful of the lifelong connections that are possible.
“Take the time to get to know your friends and enjoy the wonderful privileges of community and friendship that you will experience when you graduate.” he said. “Yale is not just a place where you go to school for four years, but a community that you become a part of for the rest of your life.”
According to Maria Lee ’89, co-chair of the AAAYA chapter in Washington, D.C., it is never too late for alumni to get actively engaged with the group.
“After returning to Yale for the first Asian Alumni Reunion [in 2014], I learned about the AAAYA chapter in D.C. and was inspired to get involved,” she said. “Don’t hesitate. Just give what you can and pay it forward by being involved with your time.”
Lee highlighted the role that AAAYA plays in not only connecting alumni to one another, but also to Yale.
“Our community-based activities and engagements create a much-needed network of support, making it easier for alumni to stay connected to Yale on their own terms.”
She encouraged students to take advantage of all AAAYA has to offer.
“You don’t have to wait until years after graduation; you’re already in the ‘club’!” she said. “Get involved and start building those relationships.”
Tiffany Co ’94, former national president and treasurer of AAAYA and a current board member, and co-chair of the Chicago chapter, shared that her time on campus as a student helped her to better appreciate and connect with her heritage.
“I met amazing people and learned what it means to be an Asian American while I was at Yale since I grew up in a non-Asian community,” she said, adding that this is what prompted her to become involved with AAAYA. “I want to continue having enriching and fun experiences with the Yale Asian American community as an alumna.”
Co applauded AAAYA’s place in the alumni community and echoed the importance of others getting actively engaged with the group.
“AAAYA is a wonderful way to meet and connect with people who share similar backgrounds and interests,” she said. “The organization will continue to grow and stay relevant when it has passionate leaders and members who share their knowledge and encourage others to do the same.”