Main Content
Volume 1, issue 2
Director's Message
Talofa lava AAPI THRIVE Community,
As we step into the new year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey we’ve had together. From welcoming a new cohort of AAPI THRIVE Scholars to strengthening our Wayfinder Peer Mentorship program, it has been inspiring to see the dedication, resilience, and passion within our community.
This winter, we have witnessed the power of connection, whether through our Lunar New Year celebration, where we came together to honor cultural traditions, or during Dr. Margo Okazawa-Rey’s visit, which challenged us to imagine a world where thriving is not just possible but inevitable. These moments remind us that when we uplift one another, we build something greater than ourselves.
I am also incredibly proud of our scholars and mentors who are stepping into leadership roles beyond our campus. This spring, AJ Pioquinto and Gabriella Quintinita will present "Destigmatizing Mental Health with Student-Led Affirmations for Collective Healing and Liberation" at APAHE (Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education) 2025 Conference. Their work highlights the importance of student-centered advocacy in mental health and well-being, a crucial issue for our community. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and learning from their insights.
As we continue this journey together, I want to leave you with a Samoan proverb:
"O le ala i le pule o le tautua."
"The path to leadership is through service."
This reminds us that true leadership is not about status but about serving our communities with heart and humility. To our scholars, mentors, alumni, and supporters, thank you for being part of this movement. I encourage you to continue seeking new opportunities, sharing your stories, and leaning on the community we’ve built together. As we look ahead to our AAPI THRIVE Student Conference: Roots and Routes this spring, I hope you will join us in exploring the narratives that shape who we are and where we are headed.
Ia manuia ma ia tatou THRIVE pea! (Wishing you well, and may we continue to thrive!)
Nestor Tupufia Enguerra Jr.
Introducing Wayfinder Mentors
Navigating college life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone! The Wayfinder Peer Mentors are a dedicated group of student leaders committed to supporting the AAPI THRIVE cohort and UW Tacoma students by providing guidance, encouragement, and assistance in both academics and campus life.
This year’s mentors include Ambre Fontana (Biomedical Sciences, Senior), Jannat Musawi (Social Welfare & Psychology, Junior), AJ Pioquinto (Psychology, Senior), Gabbie Quintinita (Ethnic, Gender & Labor Studies, Junior), and Jalina Sison (Mathematics, Sophomore).
As students who have navigated similar experiences, the Wayfinder Peer Mentors help their peers connect with resources, adjust to college life, and develop strong study skills—all while fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. Whether you're looking for academic advice, campus support, or simply someone who understands your journey, the Wayfinder Peer Mentors are here to help you succeed and make the most of your college experience!
Hear from Our AAPI THRIVE Alumni - Eli Tupufia
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Eli Tupufia and I am a former AAPI THRIVE scholar! I am a sophomore, and my current intended major is Computer Science with a minor in Business. I am a student leader for PISA (Pacific Islander Student Association), representing their Social Media Coordinator, and I love to hang out with friends, play video games, and read manga. If you see me on campus, you will most likely catch me at the TLC, the CEI or the First-Gen office either studying, hanging out, or snacking!
How did being an AAPI THRIVE scholar impact your freshman year and contribute to your future success?
As an AAPI THRIVE scholar, I was able to have an amazing transition into UW Tacoma and college overall. I learned a lot about AAPI history, greatly improved my critical thinking and writing skills, connected with professors and faculty, and experienced all this with other new students (now friends) with similar backgrounds. All the support from the cohort allowed me to improve and adapt to college while also exploring other cool new things.
What advice would you offer to current AAPI THRIVE scholars as they navigate their college journey?
One of the new things I got to experience was being involved. As I started attending college, I used to just go to class and go straight back home. I later realized that college offered much more than that. You can find opportunities and communities where you can build relationships with many different people. I strongly encourage trying new things out once you're here. Take advantage of this opportunity!
Lunar New Year Celebration
On Wednesday, January 29, Project AAPI THRIVE, and the Office for Equity and Inclusion came together to host a vibrant and inclusive Lunar New Year celebration, welcoming the Year of the Snake. This student-centered event brought the campus and community together for an unforgettable evening filled with rich cultural traditions, mesmerizing performances, and joyful festivities. Attendees were captivated by the energy of the Lion Dance and the powerful rhythms of the Tacoma Buddhist Temple Taiko drummers, making it a truly special and immersive experience for all.
“She Marches in Chinatown” Film Screening and Conversation
On February 10, 2025, AAPI THRIVE proudly sponsored a special film screening and artist talk featuring Della Chen, director of She Marches in Chinatown. Hosted by Dr. Gene Wang in his newly introduced TARTS 286: Asian American Art course, the event provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with Asian American narratives through film and discussion.
She Marches in Chinatown is an inspiring story about belonging, identity, sisterhood, and leadership, following a diverse group of women—spanning various sexual orientations, races, and ages—who have built a thriving community despite facing discrimination and hate.
Dr. Margo Okazawa-Rey Visits UW Tacoma
On Wednesday, March 5, AAPI THRIVE was proud to co-sponsor Dr. Margo Okazawa-Rey's visit to our campus, where she led an inspiring conversation titled "If We Imagine a World for the 'Thrival,' We Can Build It.," Emphasizing love-rooted solidarity for liberation, freedom, and genuine planetary security, Dr. Okazawa-Rey encouraged participants to listen, feel, think, and speak from their deepest yearnings. Through this collective process, she challenged us to imagine and build a culture of life where thriving is possible for all.
Dr. Okazawa-Rey hosted two events: a special session for UWT students during the day and a community-wide event in the evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this powerful conversation on reimagining our world!
Upcoming Events:
AAPI THRIVE
- Student Conference – Roots and Routes: The Impact of Stories That Bind Us. April 5, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in William W. Philip Hall (WPH). Open to all UW Tacoma students and students from local high schools.
- Spring Mental Health Workshop: May 1, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in Jane Russell Commons (WPH).
