Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Committee at MC
The MC Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Advisory Committee is a college-wide community of faculty, staff, and students committed to celebrating the diversity and achievements of AANHPI populations.
Each year, the AANHPI Heritage Month Planning Committee organizes events that provide the College community with opportunities to engage in cultural programming, share knowledge, and explore the contributions of AANHPI individuals. Our signature kick-off event serves as the highlight of our annual AANHPI Heritage Month celebrations.
On September 27, 2007, Congress established the AANAPISI program to enhance the availability and quality of postsecondary education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Montgomery College is proud to be a designated AANAPISI institution new window.
A Taste of Mindfulness Workshop
Sunday, August 16, 1:30-3:00 p.m., via Zoom
This will be an experiential workshop in which I will lead the participants through a sitting meditation and a mindful eating experience. Facilitator will also define mindfulness, discuss the benefits and common myths about mindfulness and meditation, and leave plenty of time to answer your questions.
Prepare for the workshop:
You will receive the Zoom link once you are registered. Please have a quiet space
where you can be undisturbed for the duration of the workshop. On the day of the workshop,
arrive a few minutes early so we can begin and end on time. There will be a 15-20-minute
sitting meditation. You should decide on your posture when we are doing the sitting
meditation and prepare the space accordingly. Despite the name, you could be standing,
lying down, or seated, as long as you remain comfortable AND alert during the practice.
Lastly, please have a few raisins ready. The request is to have raisins, even if you
don't like them. A good alternative would be gummy fruit/bears or small pieces of
fruit.
About facilitator:
Yvonne Hu-Cotto has been practicing yoga most of her adult life and started meditating
in 2017. What began as a personal journey for stress and anxiety management evolved
into something more: a mission for community, kindness, and compassion. Having finished
her 200-hour yoga teacher training from the Yoga Center of Columbia, Yvonne is currently
deepening her training through the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher
training at Brown University. She specializes in inclusive, accessible practices,
serving students of all ages and abilities. She invites students to join her in a
space defined by connection, wholeness, and stillness. Outside the studio, Yvonne’s
professional life includes teaching and advising college students at a local community
college. She has also served on the board for the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland.
View recordings of past events hosted by the AANHPI Advisory Committee and other units at MC.
Thursday, May 7, 12:00-1:30 p.m., Rockville Campus, Ignite Hub, Mannakee Building 105
A collaborative event between the IgnITe Hub and the Center for Sustainable Business, this student-led panel reflects Montgomery College’s commitment to connecting academic learning with real-world professional insight. Organized and facilitated by MC students, the conversation features Mai Toyofuku, MC Environment Safety Manager, Brian Baick, Accounting Ethics professor, Jocelyn Park, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Investor Relations Manager, and an EPA representative.
Wednesday, May 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m., via Zoom
The panel delved into the important initiatives that support and elevate the visibility of AANHPI students and employees. Panelists included Dr. Janelle Wong, Ms. Jocelyn Park, Dr. Joe Stumpf, and Ms. Kimmy Duong.
Monday, May 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m., In-person and Zoom
Hear the inspiring stories of these AANHPI professionals who are enhancing the field of STEM, an event hosted by the ignITe Hub.
Wednesday, May 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m., via Zoom
Author Nghi Nguyen, also known by the pen name N.N. Nicky, discusses the inspirations and backgrounds behind his debut novel, Red Oak: A Collection of Short Stories.
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Celebrating our AANHPI employees and students at Montgomery College who have recently received awards or recognitions. Please let us know if we’ve missed anyone or any awards.
Outstanding Employee Award Recipients 2026
- Thi Hoang (Excellence in Innovation), Angie Moy (Excellence in Performance), Thanh King (Excellence in Customer Service)
Outstanding Employee Award Recipients 2025
- Saleh Ahmed, Yuling Mei, Xumei Ren, Clint Wu, Sam Aung, Dilki Jayasekera, and Ifang Navintranonth
Special Staff Recognition Award Recipients 2025
- Yvonne Hu-Cotto, David Ma, Michelle Chan, and Miho Shimizu
Staff Distinguished Award 2025
- Thanh King
Recognitions
- Dr. Shinta Hernandez recently received an award for her outstanding work in Open Education. You can read the article to learn more about this well-deserved recognition.
- Mai Toyofuku is the recipient of the 2025 Safety Professional Award, a national recognition presented by the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA).
- Dr. Hoa Nguyen, Recipient of Coast Guard's Civilian Service Medal 2025 as a White House Fellow.
We are always looking for more ideas to make the Heritage Month Kick-off Festival a fun and learning experience for employees and students at the College. If you want to join the committee or have questions, please send an email to the Planning Committee!
If you are interested in joining the Book Club, please e-mail Yvonne Hu-Cotto, Michelle Chan, and/or Nghi Nguyen. The Zoom meeting link will be provided as well as an invite to the Book Club Teams Site. The AANHPI Book Club reads one book per semester and met twice monthly to discuss chapters of the book.
Montgomery College Library is proud to join in the celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout history. This guide is dedicated to Asian Pacific American Heritage.