The second annual AAPI Symposium was held on January 24, 2024, in a hybrid format. It drew participants from institutions across the state, including Emory University, Columbia University, and the University of Texas at Austin. Attendance quadrupled compared to the previous year, reflecting the event's growing impact.
The symposium featured keynote addresses from Dr. Josephine Kim (Harvard University), who examined the historical impact of racism on mental health in APIDA communities, and Dr. Noel B. Ramirez (Mango Tree Counseling), who explored the intersection of mental health and work compulsion in AANHPI communities. Additionally, student presentations highlighted research on a health education program for Nepali and Bhutanese communities and treatment-seeking behaviors among suicidal Asian American college students.
The symposium concluded with a shared Asian cuisine experience, fostering informal connections and furthering the spirit of community-building and cultural appreciation. Participants also explored the challenges of engaging in difficult conversations, navigating political discourse, and ensuring continued support for those facing adversity. This event not only provided a platform for critical dialogue and scholarly exchange but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing research, advocacy, and representation for AAPI communities.
Under the faculty mentor Dr. Deborah Moon, the event was organized primarily by doctoral students from Pitt’s School of Social Work, including Jenn Lee, Christina Babusci, Fredrika Opur, Sitao Chen, Ruijie Ma, and Yueru Tu, and Jubaida Faruque (School of Public and International Affairs). This year’s symposium was made possible through the generous financial support of the School of Social Work, the Center for Research on Innovations in Services and Equity in Mental Health (RISE-MH), and Asian Studies Center. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Dean. Elizabeth M.Z. Farmer and Dr. Shaun Eack (School of Social Work) for their support in making this event a success.