Executive Committee & Graduate Council
Michelle Fan
Co-Executive Director
Chicago, IL
University of Michigan
My favorite MCASA memory was the 2020 Spring Conference! It was the first time all of EC was able to be together in person after countless video chats, and it was so rewarding to see all of our planning come to fruition. It was also amazing to see new relationships being built and to see important topics, such as Chinese American history and civic engagement, being discussed in workshops.
James Liu
Co-Executive Director
Saint Johns, Michigan
Michigan State University
My favorite MCASA memory has to be both of the conference I attended. After working virtually throughout the year to plan the conference, it’s always so nice to able to meet and get to know your EC better in person.
Rebecca Yang
Secretary
Columbus, OH
Michigan State University
I wanted to make a difference in the lives of Chinese Americans and those interested in Chinese culture. Through MCASA, I have been able to connect students from across the Midwest to fight for advocacy, learn about Chinese culture, and share struggles of being a Chinese American. Some Universities may not have Chinese organizations, but through MCASA, we are able to create space that allows for others to find their identity.
Glyn He
Co-Activities Chair
Naperville, IL
The Ohio State University
I wanted to expand my network and share my experiences not only at my own school but within the Midwest. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a diverse community but many people weren’t, and I think MCASA is an amazing way to find other people similar to ourselves.
Rui-Tao Ma
Co-Activities Chair
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Michigan State University
James told me to
Andrew Walker
Workshop Chair
Minnetonka, MN
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Last year as workshop coordinator, I walked between the workshop rooms to check in and assist the workshop leaders. While I did this, I got the chance to sit in on parts of each of the workshops. The workshop leaders' excitement was contagious and it was fun seeing the participants engage with each other. Getting to witness the range of workshops come to life at conference was definitely my favorite part.
Sarah Ly
Logistics Chair
Holland, Michigan
Michigan State University
My favorite memory was planning MCASA and bonding with the (2019-2020) executive committee in New York City. Being physically together has allowed us to solidify many conference ideas that would pan out 8-months later. Additionally, it allowed us to view each other as friends rather than strangers which made conference planning a lot easier online. Through sheer team work, our committee made an amazing 2020 conference that would remain in my heart and memory forever. <3
Alex Wu
Finance Chair
Edina, Minnesota
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
My favorite MCASA experience had to be when I had attended the first ever MCASA. Although I wasn’t on board at the time, it was super exciting to see my President achieving her goal and to see so many other groups of students around the Midwest striving for that same thing. A community of Chinese American students who aren’t bound by our borders. Sharing similar experiences and listening to new ones. Nearing the end of the conference we goofed around a lot just because we were exhausted, but we definitely got a lot closer because of that more than anything else. Oh and also carrying a 6 foot 4 inch man on my shoulders was pretty exciting.
Sophie Chen
Public Relations Chair
California
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
My favorite experience would be the second MCASA conference. Having attended the first conferences and being part of the EC, I was able to see the growth, professionalism, and friendships that continued to develop throughout the MCASA conferences.
Jessica Huang
Professional Development Chair
Mason, OH
The Ohio State University Alumnus
When I entered college, I heard about the amazing experiences that people had at other Asian targeted conferences, such as MAASU or VIA-1, but wanted one specifically for Chinese culture. When MCASA-to-be members reached out, I was happy to hear that other people/schools around the Midwest were interested in a similar idea. I was excited to help create a space for others to come together and share their experiences and how different organizations celebrated Chinese culture at their respective schools.
Joyce Yu
Creative Chair
Rochester Hills, MI
Michigan State University
My favorite memory was meeting everyone on the executive committee the day of the conference. We’ve planned the conference for months and had numerous virtual meetings so being able to see each person and socialize with them was fun.
Yeeling Li
Graduate Council
Novi, MI
Central Michigan University
What inspired me to be a part of the founding board was the opportunity to begin an organization where Chinese American students from across the Midwest can share their experiences with one another. I hoped for an organization that allowed us enhance our Chinese American identity, discuss common social issues, and eventually develop a family-like dynamic.