Staff

Linda LamLinda Lam
Director

Before coming to Pitzer, Linda was the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies at the Claremont Colleges, where she was responsible for developing relationships with community partners and assisting IDAAS faculty. She worked closely with students to coordinate community projects with adults and youth in nearby cities and organized community programs such as the Intergenerational Mentor Program with Pomona College’s Asian American Mentoring Program and Artist/Activist-in-Residence program.

Linda graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology and Asian American Studies. At UCLA, Linda found her passion for addressing issues facing Asian American/Pacific Islander students and communities. She was involved with Asian American student organizations as well as the student of color coalition, Office of Residential Life, and student government. After UCLA, she worked in non-profit organizations in her hometown of Los Angeles.

Apply to be a CAPAS student staff member here.

  • 2023-2024 Staff

    Ang Lee ‘25
    Major: Political Studies
    Hometown: Oakland, CA

    Ang is passionate about topics of identity, power, resistance, and transformation. As a program intern at CAPAS, Ang hopes to create and facilitate engaging workshops which benefit all Pitzer APIDA identifying students. Outside of school Ang enjoys watching the latest scary movie, eating spicy noodles, and finding new scenic viewpoints.

    Angelina Nhiv ‘26
    Major: Human Biology
    Hometown: Lynn, MA

    Hi! My name is Angelina and I am a first generation Cambodian-American born and raised in Lynn, MA! I am an intended human bio major with a focus in public health. In addition to CAPAS, I am involved with PASU (Pasifika Asian Student Union) and First Gen club. I love listening to music, cleaning, and trying out new recipes! With being in the community & outreach committee, I hope to foster engagement with APIDA community members and organizations not just within the Claremont area. A fun fact about me is that my fingers are double jointed!

    Anya Sharma ‘26
    Major: Economics & Data Science
    Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey
    Ethnicity: Indian American
    Extracurriculars: CAPAS, Admissions Tour Guide, Campus Aesthetics Committee on Student Senate, Mentor for South Asian Mentorship Program

    My goal for CAPAS is to ensure that all identities under the AAPI title are represented in events and festivals. Additionally, I want to further foster inclusivity and community within the AAPI community at the 5Cs and Pitzer specifically.

    Bảo Trân Nguyễn ‘25
    Major: English
    Minor: Media Studies
    Hometown: Lawrence, MA

    I am a third-year majoring in English on the Narrative Arts for Social Justice track and minoring in Media Studies. I am the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and proudly identifies with my hometown Lawrence, MA. I am the co-president of the Vietnamese Student Association, a PASU sponsor, and a Head Fellow at the Writing Center. I hope to make CAPAS a safe and accessible space for Southeast Asian students to discuss their specific positionalities in the United States through creating art. I use art and writing as a way of forming my identity and connecting with others. When I am not writing, I am crocheting, playing games, or watching movies.

    Casey Xu ’25
    Major: Asian American Studies and American Studies
    Hometown: Irvine, CA & Guangzhou, China
    Extracurriculars: QQMP (Queer and Questioning Mentor Program)

    I’m part of the Political Education committee this year and am most looking forward to collaborating with AARC’s first-gen/low-income & Southeast Asian committees on the Intro to Community Organizing series! I’ve always liked napping on the AARC couches after getting chicken tenders and young coconut from the Coop, so I’m excited to get to know AARC & its student staff more this year and integrate CAPAS & AARC knowledge and resources on a project I’m passionate about!

    Emily Kim ‘24
    Major: Critical Global Studies
    Minor: Data Science Minor
    Hometown: Dallas, Texas

    I started working at CAPAS my freshman year over zoom, and I am so grateful for Linda and the fellow student workers throughout the years!

    Eunice Kim ‘25
    Major: English Literature 
    Minor: Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
    Ethnicity: Korean/American

    At CAPAS, I hope to host more guest speaker events that bring in Asian American organizers/scholars/activists we can learn from and create sustainable relationships with, imagining Asian American futures that prioritize community care rather than state power. I am currently also a PASU sponsor and intern at CASA (Critical Action + Social Advocacy). I love writing, fashion, graphic design, and very spicy food!

    Hassan Aftab ‘26
    Major: Mathematical Economics
    Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

    My passion lies in fostering a sense of community, especially for individuals from diverse backgrounds, both within the campus and beyond. My role at CAPAS is driven by this commitment, where I aim not only to create a strong sense of community but also to celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultures that enrich our campus life.

    You’ll frequently see me enjoying life’s little delights, like the pure joy of coming across the cute squirrels and bunnies on campus.

    Jasmine Caniban ‘25
    Major: Political Studies
    Hometown: St Mary City, Maryland

    Jasmine enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and taking naps on the CAPAS couches. She hopes to help host more political education events and work on the archive project at CAPAS this year. One thing on her bucket list is to learn Tagalog and Bisaya!

    Katie Wang ‘24
    Major: Sociology
    Minor: French
    Hometown: Kirkland, WA

    Outside of CAPAS, I am one of the Editor-in-Chief for the 7C Literary Arts Magazine, Agave Review. Additionally, I am an intern at Intercollegiate Feminist Center! Finally, I spend a lot of time taking care of my dog on campus—say hi if you see us around!

    Kenny Lê ’25
    Major: Political Studies and Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Anaheim, CA

    Their experience growing up in Little Saigon, Orange County shaped their commitment to empower APID/A youth. Aside from his work at CAPAS, he is the co-founder of the 5C Racial Justice Coalition (RJC), a political outreach member for VietRISE, the former president of the Asian Pacific American Coalition (now known as PASU), and was the former operations lead for the Students for Farmworkers Support Group (SFFW).

    Maile Akioka ’27
    Major: Undecided
    Hometown: Oakland, CA
    Ethnicity: Filipino-Hawaiian

    The name Maile originated from the plant indigenous to Hawaii; it is commonly used to make leis. I love fashion, art, and music (specifically live music). Eventually, I’d like to work in the business side of the fashion industry.

    Natasha Yen ‘25
    Major: Sociology and Environmental Analysis
    Minor: Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Santa Clara, California
    Ethnicity: Chinese-Taiwanese American

    Extracurriculars: CAPAS, Career Fellow, Robert Redford Conservancy Fellow, & 5C badminton club! I was also previously head sponsor of the Asian Pacific American Coalition (now known as PASU) sponsor program! 

    I love eating good food, being out in nature, painting, crafting, and traveling. In CAPAS, I am working on the Archive Project to document the histories of Asian/Pacific Islander student organizing at Pitzer! 

    Nhi Thanh Phan ‘25
    Major: Psychology and Asian American Studies 
    Hometown: San Jose, California
    Identity: Vietnamese

    My goal is to live in a small quiet house with my cats, python, and plants.

    I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes. I also love sharing my food with other people (food is my love language). I’m passionate about providing culturally competent mental health services to underserved communities. Through CAPAS, I hope to show APIDA students different communities in LA and the different resources they have for them outside of Pitzer.

    Fun fact: I am a matcha snob <3

    Shanelle Lim ‘25
    Major: Science Management (Concentration in Environmental Management)
    Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
    Ethnicity: Filipina-Chinese American

    Fun Fact: I love crocheting and sewing! My favorite hobby is thrift-flipping my closet:)

    Extracurriculars:  President of 5Cs Kasama (2022-2023), Project Lead Consultant at Claremont Sustainability Consulting, Consultant with Pomona Consulting Group, 5C Swim Club, Finance Intern for Musizi University, Student Services Operations Coordinator

    I aspire to consult in the philanthropic/nonprofit sector so I can stay true to my values and contribute to dismantling capitalist agendas and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. I also hope to go to graduate school in the future and earn an MBA. As a CAPAS program intern, I want to dismantle the issue of the broad and inadequate label of “Asian American” that overlooks the diversity within the APIDA community and fails to represent the unique experiences, cultures and histories of various ethnic groups. I will work to ensure that CAPAS promotes inclusivity and cultivates a strong and welcoming space for all APIDA students in the 5Cs.

    Sara Kimura ‘25
    Major: Political Studies, prelaw
    Minor: Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Big Island, Hawai’i

    Born and raised on a farm in the Big Island of Hawai’i, Sara spent her high school years working with NOAA fisheries assisting with research on the local sea turtle population. Throughout her time at Pitzer college she has been involved several roles on campus such as judicial council, residence hall council, and 5C Hawai’i Club: Hui Laule’a. The only Pitzer organization Sara has worked with as long as CAPAS is student Senate, as she was hired as a staff member and elected Class President at the same time. She is most proud of her work in establishing pay for student leaders and continues to push for more student leaders being compensated and creating support for affinity students.

    Skylar Masuda ‘24
    Major: Classics
    Hometown: Wailuku, Hawai’i

    I love painting and screen printing. I also work in the print lab at the Hive. In my free time, I like going to concerts and watching scary movies.

  • 2015-2016 Staff

    Alexa Strabuk ’17
    Major: Media Studies
    Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA
    Ethnicity: Chinese American
    Extracurriculars:  Editor with The Student Life newspaper, freelance journalist for Mochi Magazine, AAJA Los Angeles Scholar

    Ultimately I’d like to pursue a career in journalism and/or media communication. The media is an immensely powerful instrument and journalists are the ultimate communicators, intermediaries, when it comes to shedding light on stories away from the mainstream. At CAPAS, I hope to gain tools with which to move forward productively and actively. I want to help make CAPAS a resource and a safe space for everyone, in collaboration with my wonderful co-workers. There are many APIA issues that I don’t believe get as much attention as they should and I would like to cast a spotlight upon these issues, opening a line of discourse between those who identify as part of the APIA community, as well as those outside of it.

    Brandon Hsiu ’18
    Major: Economics-Accounting
    Hometown: Chicago (born) and Chino Hills (raised)
    Ethnicity: Chinese-Taiwanese American
    Extracurriculars: Finance & Accounting Club, Tutors For A Cause, SaturdayTongan Education Program (STEP), Computer Lab Desk Assistant, Claremont Accounting Association

    I want to obtain an internship my senior year and eventually work at PwC, one of the “Big Four” public accounting firms. When I have time, I also want to start another non-profit organization focused on the importance of education in underprivileged areas. In CAPAS, I hope to bring a larger community of A/AAPI students together and make them feel more comfortable in the already stressful college environment they are in. In addition, I want CAPAS to be a center not only for those that identify as A/AAPI, but also as a resource for other minority groups as well.

    Jennifer Kaku ’18
    Major: Asian American Studies, Anthropology
    Hometown: Arlington, VA
    Ethnicity: Japanese American
    Extracurricular: CAPAS, Office of Admissions tour guide, Sponsor for the Asian Pacific American Coalition

    I hope to create fun activities for CAPAS in the future that supports underrepresented students under the Asian/ Asian American/ Pacific Islander title. I also want to work with other organizations within the 5Cs to open up the space to wider audiences.

    Jo Huang ’19
    Major: Linguistics
    Hometown: born and raised in Shenzhen, China!
    Ethnicity: Chinese
    Extracurricular: music mentors, Pomona Pitzer Intervarsity, CAPAS!

    I plan on going graduate school and eventually earn a doctoral degree in linguistics.

    Kimberly Ha ’18

    Kristen Park ’17

    Lena Tran ’18
    Major: Cognitive Science
    Hometown: Seattle, WA
    Ethnicity: Vietnamese-Chinese American
    Extracurriculars: Outside of CAPAS, I work at the Writing Center and am involved with APAC. Some of my interests include reading, dogs, and Sufjan Stevens.

    Lucia Zerner ’16
    Major: Anthropology
    Hometown: New York
    Ethnicity: Chinese
    Extracurriculars: CAPASSSS

    In the future I hope to work in an international NGO setting with refugees or labor migrants particularly in youth education programing. As a CAPAS volunteer I hope to be a part of an inclusive Asian American community on campus. Additionally, through CAPAS I wish to make connections with the claremont community particularly with students in public school in the area.

    Parshvi Patel ’16

    Preston Chang ’19

    Reynaldo Culannay ’17

    Riki Robinson ’18
    Major: Sociology and Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Ethnicity: Chinese American and Jewish
    Extracurriculars: !!CAPAS!! Bike Program. Residence Assistant. Reform Jewish Youth Engagement. Zines. Netflix. Cuddling with my cats.

    I hope CAPAS approaches social justice with an intersectional lens and is an accessible resources to students, both who do and do not identify as Asian American Pacific Islander.

    Stephen Chun ’17

    Theresa Dang ’17
    Major: Human Biology
    Hometown: San Diego, California (Born and Raised)
    Ethnicity: Vietnamese
    Extracurriculars: Mechanic at the Green Bike Program, Sponsor for APAC, Tutor for Tutors for a Cause, First Gen Mentor

    My career goal is to become become a doctor (preferably a family physician) who incorporates the more social aspect of public health in my work ethic. I am hoping that CAPAS will provide a platform on which I can initiate change and publicize my voice to the Pitzer Community, in specific AAPI issues as well as first gen student issues.

    Therese Boter ’19

  • 2014-2015 Staff

    Alexandra (Alexa) Strabuk ’17
    Major: Undeclared
    Hometown: Seattle, WA
    Ethnicity: Chinese-American
    Extracurriculars: Contributing Writer at: The Student Life and Seattle Publishing, Employee at Coop Fountain

    Erika (Riki) Robinson ’18
    Major: Undecided
    Hometown: Born in ZhanJiang, Guangdong, China and then adopted at 10 months old and moved to Los Angeles
    Ethnicity: Chinese, American, Jewish
    Extracurriculars: CAPAS! I’m deeply committed to social justice and enjoy learning about other cultures. I’m a member of the 5C Human Rights Club, Claremont Climate Justice, and the Feminist Coalition. I like running, drawing, and dancing. I also like to go to concerts.
    I hope that CAPAS can engage the 5C and surrounding community in API issues by showing that human rights are intertwined and not exclusive to the directly affected ethnic groups. I also hope that CAPAS can help API students meet each other.

    Jennifer Kaku ’18

    Josh GriseJoshua Minchul Grisé ’15
    Major: Asian Studies and Media Studies
    Hometown: Born in Gyulsung, South Korea, raised in Lexington, KY
    Ethnicity: Korean American Adoptee
    Extracurricular: Travel
    As an Asian studies and media studies major, I hope to gain much experience within both fields.  After graduation, I hope to go to graduate school for graphic design.
    I recently got back from study abroad in Korea and other personal travels to countries such as Israel and Thailand.  As a person who loves travel, I hope to continue to have more experiences abroad.  I love city life and culture and I can’t wait to go back to Seoul.

    Kirstie Simmons

    Kirsten (Kirstie) Simons ’15
    Major: Psychology
    Minor: Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Hilo, HI
    Ethnicity: Chinese and Caucasian
    Extracurricular: playing with my dogs when I’m home; doing crafty things; attempting to bake & cook; watching TV, especially the Real Housewives
    Hobbies/interests: Film and photography, editing, dance, spoken word, singing, instrumentals, musicals.
    This year, I look forward to experiencing L.A. through CAPAS and other 5C API organizations’ activities, taking more psych classes, meeting new people and making new friends.

     Kristen Park ’17
    Major: Psychology and Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Brea, California
    Ethnicity: Korean American
    Extracurriculars: I am part of the ResLife team at Pitzer College as a Residential Assistant. Also I work in the Office of Admissions as a Diversity Intern. I am also part of the community, Pomona-Pitzer christian fellowship and for fun like to go backpacking through Southern California.
    In the future I hope to work with API youth and offer services for mental health. Through CAPAS I hope to work to help destigmatize mental health in the API community, and also create a safe space for API students to come and dialogue about API issues.

    Najib Hamideh ’15

    Patricia (Patii) Doan ’16
    Major: Biology or Human Biology
    Hometown: Riverside, CA
    Ethnicity: Vietnamese American
    Extracurricular: VSA (Vietnamese Student Association), Vietnamese Language Table, Youth Group Leader at OLPH in Riverside, SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science), Clinical Care Extender at Riverside Community Hospital
    Interest/Hobbies: Drawing, Painting, and Running
    My names is Patricia Doan and I am a Junior and hope to go to medical school in the future. I look forward to working at CAPAS as we strive to be more community engaged and politically active this year. Through our active dialogue of AAPI issues, I hope to gain personal and professional growth by promoting CAPAS as a safe place for all students at Pitzer.

    Reynaldo Culannay ’17
    Major: Somewhere in the science area, possibly Human Biology
    Hometown: Richmond, CA (Bay Area)
    Ethnicity: Filipino American
    Hobbies: helping others; socialize with friends, play videogames (League of Legends); watch anime

    I can’t wait to take all opportunities offer here in CAPAS and the other API organizations in the 5C’s, meet with other people around the area, and most importantly, learn and grow from my experience.

    Rishov Chatterjee

    Rishov Sean Chatterjee ’18
    Major: Management Engineering
    Hometown: Born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    Ethnicity: Indian American (Parents from Indian state of West Bengal)
    Extracurricular: Piano and Composition, STEM Community Engagement, Asian Pacific American Student Coalition, 5CHack, Pomona Ventures, Badminton Club
    With my unique education, I aim to use my STEM-related skills to engage the community around me. From CAPAS, I am interested in learning how to apply my skill set in technology to organize and dynamically present various events and showcases in Asian-Pacific-American culture as well as involve myself in a very inviting social sphere.

  • 2013-2014 Staff

    Esther HaEsther Ha ’14
    Major: Psychology and Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Greenwich, CT
    Ethnicity: Korean American
    Extracurricular: Admission Fellow, AARC Intern, IDAAS Student Representative, Diversity Senator
    I look forward to spending my final year at Pitzer helping CAPAS develop a strong and appreciated presence through community partnerships and on-campus events. Alongside this, I hope to be able to engage in activities that will further nourish my passion for finding effective globalizing techniques for ethnic foods.

    Isabelle LeIsabelle Le ’14
    Major: Psychology and Asian American Studies
    Hometown: Honolulu, HI
    Ethnicity: Vietnamese and French
    Extracurricular: Resident Assistant, AARC Intern, Saturday Tongan Education Program Tutor

    I’m excited to spend my final year at Pitzer working with CAPAS! I hope to help create something, a great screening, a great discussion, anything that helps to continue the legacy of a critical and current API community here at Pitzer.

    I’m looking forward to our monthly food, art and mental health-related events and planning film screenings with CAPAS!

    Chloe ShihChloe Shih ’15
    Major: Management Engineering
    Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA
    Ethnicity: Taiwanese American
    Extracurricular: Groove Nation Dance Crew, Womens’ Association of Computing Machinery, Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Student Association, Scripps and Pomona College Music Department Musician
    In the 3-2 Combined Plan Program at Keck Sciences, I’m currently on the Operations Research track for Columbia University. I’m intrigued by the problem-solving and design procedures that take place in hardware and software development. I dedicate huge portions of my life to research, science and technology, performing and visual arts, community service, and leadership. My life-long passion lies in youth empowerment through the arts and by example.

    Manu-TupperManuokalani (Manu) Tupper ’15
    Manu is a junior majoring in anthropology and environmental analysis here at Pitzer College.  He hails from Honolulu, Hawaii and enjoys lazing at the beach and hiking in his free time.  As a hapa of mixed Chinese, Native Hawaiian, and Caucasian descent, Manu appreciates and seeks to expand CAPAS’s role as a safe and dynamic space of cultural exchange and understanding.  At CAPAS, he looks forward to another year of cool people and programs and of course good food.

    Anh Tran ’16
    Hi! My name is Anh Tran and I am a current sophomore at Pitzer College, majoring in Human Biology. I am from San Diego, CA, and am a 2nd generation Vietnamese American. When I’m not at CAPAS, I am involved with 5C VSA, Women in Science, AMSA, and Upward Bound. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, baking, eating, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family.

     Zavi Engles ’14