Asian/Pacific Islander Initiative
Building a supportive community dedicated to advancing Asian/Pacific Islander (API) awareness, education, and leadership. Through advocacy, connection, and professional development, we empower students, alumni, faculty, staff, and partners to celebrate and strengthen API identities.
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Stay connected and get the latest updates on API events, career opportunities, and campus involvement—sign up today to be part of our growing community!
Featured Event
Ascend UC Irvine Mixer
CareerFlix: Binge Your Network
November 17, 2025
5:45pm - 9:00pm
The Paul Merage School of Business
All UC Irvine students are welcome to attend and dinner will be provided!
Committee Members
Coming to an API event has provided me with valuable advice regarding the nuances of navigating workplace discrimination no matter how micro or macro they may be. It has taught me to respect myself, my career and to never let anyone disregard me for who I am.
Karesa Hui BA '24
Past Events
May 16, 2025
The Merage School celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a special event honoring the API community and unveiling newly named spaces recognizing faculty and alumni contributions. Students, alumni, and business leaders came together to celebrate diversity and strengthen community connections. LEARN MORE >>
Speakers/Donors
Dr. Joanna L. Ho, Professor Emerita of Accounting, UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business
Eric Yuan-Tsung Li MBA '94, Founder of Yong Li Resources Limited and Rich Bulk Capital Limited
Ching-Ti Jason Kan MBA '93, Chairman of Buena Venture Management Corporation
February 21, 2025
The 2nd Annual Asian/Pacific Islander Initiative Summit: "Empowering and Leading while Asian" brought together the UC Irvine community and corporate partners for an inspiring day of learning, connection, and leadership development. Attendees gained insights from accomplished speakers, engaging discussions, and interactive workshops focused on empowerment, authenticity, and career growth. LEARN MORE >>
May 9, 2024
The Merage School’s API Initiative and Ascend Orange County hosted “Aspiring to Ascend Above & Beyond,” a panel and networking event empowering early career professionals. API leaders shared insights on cultural identity, career growth, mentorship, and personal branding, followed by a networking reception for meaningful connections. Learn more about Ascend OC.
Speakers
Felicia Peng, Vice President, Experian
Kaamini Sheth Srinivasan, Strategic Sourcing, Capital Group
Cindy Tjoe, Partner, KPMG
Michael Tsai, Senior Director, EY Parthenon
VJ Panaguiton MFin '21, Senior Consultant, Deloitte, Venture Capital Fellow, Moderator
March 4, 2024
The Power of Influenc(ers) - Presented by FILAM (Filipino Influential Leaders and Mentors)
Hosted by UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business
LEARN MORE >>
February 28, 2024
The inaugural API Summit "Breaking Barriers, Empowering Voices", hosted by the Asian/Pacific Islander Initiative, highlighted the inspiring journeys of API leaders breaking barriers and driving change. Speakers shared personal stories across business, technology, arts, and activism, exploring challenges, resilience, and progress. The event celebrated achievements while fostering discussions, idea exchange, and meaningful connections. LEARN MORE >>
October 18, 2023
The Ascend Cares Wellness Series hosted a Financial Wellness session where experts from Edward Jones shared strategies for building wealth, advancing equity, and achieving financial goals, helping attendees gain knowledge and resilience for lasting impact. Contact Mindy Pham-Bui for more information.
April 13, 2023
The Unspoken Rules featured a panel of Merage School alumni discussing their experiences as Asian Pacific Islanders navigating career launch and growth. Alumni shared insights on recruiting, corporate challenges, and lessons learned throughout their professional journeys. LEARN MORE >>
Speakers
Simon Loo FEMBA '17, COO at Lyrid, West Region Sales Manager at Siemens
Sherry Main FEMBA '09, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs at UC Irvine
Anita Tsa FTMBA '20, Strategic Product Partnership Manager at Experian
Carine Ye FTMBA '14, Product Lead at TikTok
January 17, 2023
The Merage School co-sponsored the 2023 UC Irvine Lunar New Year celebration with the School of Social Sciences. The festivities featured performances by Trio Barclay and the UC Irvine Symphony Orchestra, a screening of “Beethoven in Beijing”, and a lively street festival with food and entertainment for all to enjoy. LEARN MORE >>
November 4, 2022
The Merage School API Initiative held its inaugural event, welcoming executives from Pacific Life. Faculty and students connected with the executives, learning about API initiatives at both the Merage School and Pacific Life. Executives also shared career tips and insights on successfully navigating their professional journeys. LEARN MORE >>
Speakers
Hyung T. Kim, MAI, MRICS, Senior Managing Director, Head of Real Estate Equity, Pacific Life Investments
Pamela Nguyen, Director, Product Strategy, Retirement Solution Division, Pacific Life
