Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander at 蘑菇视频
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. 蘑菇视频 is proud to be a designated AANAPISI institution new window.
The Southeast Asian New Year is a vibrant and meaningful celebration observed across several countries in mid-April. Rooted in ancient solar calendars and influenced by Buddhist and regional traditions, these festivals mark the transition into a new year and symbolize renewal, reflection, and the welcoming of good fortune.
While each country celebrates with its own unique customs, the festivals share common themes of cleansing, gratitude, community, and new beginnings. Water plays a central role in many of these celebrations, symbolizing purification and the washing away of the past year’s misfortunes.
Countries that celebrate the Southeast Asian New Year include:
- Cambodian New Year (Cambodia), April 13–15, 2026 – A three-day celebration featuring
temple visits, traditional games, cultural performances, and water blessings to honor
elders and welcome the new year.
- Songkran (Thailand), April 13–15, 2026 – Known for its lively water festivals, where
communities come together for joyful street celebrations alongside religious and family
traditions.
- Pi Mai (Laos), April 13–15, 2026 – Marked by water rituals, parades, temple ceremonies,
and the building of sand stupas as acts of merit and reflection.
- Thingyan (Myanmar), April 13–16, 2026 – A nationwide water festival combining music,
dance, and acts of charity, emphasizing cleansing and renewal.
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Sri Lanka), April 13–14, 2026 – Celebrated with traditional foods, family gatherings, and cultural rituals guided by auspicious timing and astrology.
These interconnected celebrations highlight the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia and the shared values that unite communities across the region. Today, Southeast Asian New Year is also celebrated by diaspora communities around the world, offering opportunities to experience cultural traditions, foster community connections, and honor the diversity of Asian heritage.
At 蘑菇视频, we recognize Southeast Asian New Year as part of AANHPI Heritage Month, celebrating the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Southeast Asian communities within our campus and beyond.
Wishing all of our students and employees who are celebrating a joyful and prosperous New Year!
Join The Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc., for their 2026 Cambodian New Year Celebration on Sunday, April 19, 12:30 p.m., at 13800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
The event will feature performance by the students of the Cambodian Buddhist Society Cultural Committee (CBSCC). Admission is free, and there's something for everyone to enjoy including live music, classical and folk dance performances.
Parking is limited. Arrive early!
Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Dr., Germantown MD 20874
As a part of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, celebrated in May, the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) invites you and your whole family to our fifth-annual AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration!
This year, on Sunday, May 3, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., join us for captivating cultural performances, discover resources in the AAPI community, participate in our health fair, kid-friendly activities, and explore the rich cultures of our diverse community! We hope to see you there!
Join us for a month-long celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month with a variety of events at 蘑菇视频 and Montgomery County.
Origami: AANHPI Heritage Month and Mother’s Day Celebrations
Monday, May 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Rockville Campus, Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Student Services Center (SV) Lobby
Join us for a fun and relaxing creative experience as we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and Mother’s Day. Learn how to fold beautiful paper flowers to share with your loved ones!
MC AANHPI Heritage Month Kick-Off Event
Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Rockville Campus, Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong
Student Services Center (SV) Lobby
Join us as we kick off AANHPI Heritage Month this May with a festive celebration! Enjoy cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Come celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant traditions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Author Chats with Nghi Nguyen
Wednesday, May 13, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Rockville Campus, Science West (SW) 301
Join author Nghi Nguyen as he discusses his second short story collection novel, . This collection of LGBTQ+ short stories explores the emotional tapestry of life, woven with tears and laughter, family and friendship, love and loss. Each story captures the complexity of romance and the universal longing for connection and acceptance. The characters reveal both the beauty and the flaws of being human as they navigate the spaces between family, identity, and love, each one searching for that missing piece in their lives.
Cooking Demo Filipino National Dish
Thursday, May 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Central Services, Room S108
Join Dr. Gigi Secuban and the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a hands-on cooking workshop! Learn how to make fresh, healthy summer rolls (vegetarian-friendly) and Chicken Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines. Participants will gain step-by-step guidance, taste samples, and leave with recipes to recreate these flavorful dishes at home.
Introductory Workshop on Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Tuesday, May 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m., Hybrid, Rockville Campus, Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong
Student Services Center (SV), Room 302, and Online via Zoom
Yvonne Hu-Cotto is a mindfulness facilitator certified by Brown University. She is excited to share this beautiful practice with the MC community. This is a 90-minute session that will be offered both in-person and on Zoom. Participants will experience a sitting meditation, a movement/eating mindfulness activity, and discuss what mindfulness is and address common myths. No prior experience is needed. This session is designed for anyone interested in building greater awareness, balance, and resilience in daily life.
View recordings of past events hosted by the AANHPI Advisory Committee and other units at MC.
AANAPISI Professionals Panel, 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.
Fireside Chat Career Series: Celebrating Asian American Achievements in STEM, 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.
Author Chats with Nghi Nguyen, Red Oak: A Collection of Short Stories, 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 蘑菇视频 who have recently received awards or recognitions. Please let us know if we’ve missed anyone or any awards.
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.
Last updated: 4/15/2026