Anooshka Gupta
From her nominator, Marie Ting:
"Anooshka currently serves as Vice President for Communications for the United Asian American Organizations
(UAAO), the representative voice for U-M Asian American students. UAAO is both a local and national exemplar as Asian American students nationally have historically looked to UAAO for examples of innovative programmatic initiatives that forward advocacy, awareness and understanding of issues facing the community.
She also leads UAAO social media efforts and in particular, this summer lead a UAAO effort to collect and share local incidences of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate that spiked in the wake of Trump's racist rhetoric related to COVID-19 (e.g. "the China virus/kung-flu"). Anooskha developed and led the social media campaign that, among other things, not only raised awareness of AAPI hate, but also reminded those who experienced violence, harassment, and discrimination that they are not alone, and that there is a community that will stand with them.
Syd Lio Riley
From their nominator, Henry Dyson:
"Lio is one of my top candidates this award. Lio intends to pursue an MSW or joint MSW/JD for a career in LGBTQ+ advocacy. They are heavily involved in campus and co-curricular activities in preparation for this track including Basement Arts Board (DEI Officer), Spectrum Center (My Voice, DEI Intern, facilitator and team lead), Prison Creative Arts Project, A Brighter Way, American Friends Service Committee CJ Program, Michigan Organization for Adolescent Sexual Health -- Youth Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Lio is also an RA in University Housing - what has been an incredibly challenging and important position in this semester's disrupted campus climate."
Kathy Pham
From her nominator, Denise Guillot:
"Since her first year, Kathy has shown commitment to social justice, inclusivity and cross-cultural collaboration through her involvement in multiple projects."
Kathy is a double major in Organizational Studies and Sociology - Law, Justice, and Social Change.
