Introducing WAAPI

Chartered in 2020, Wofford Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (WAAPI) seeks to provide a community for students of Asian descent on campus amid racial biases against Asian-Americans due to the coronavirus. Led by undeclared President Ally Branzuela ’23, who plans to major in Biology, the group was originally the idea of Vera Oberg ’20, who had the charter process halted due to COVID-19. Since then, Branzuela said that the process was “solely online, which is weird but also very convenient.”

According to Branzuela, the purpose of WAAPI is to “give a sense of community to AAPI students and allies on campus.” She also said that she wants to bring awareness to issues faced by AAPI students and allies because of “it’s something that is needed for AAPI students and allies.” Right now, though, Branzuela’s biggest goal is sustenance and longevity.

Branzuela: “I’m just hoping that it doesn’t die out like other organiza- tions might have. I want it to continue

to be a community for AAPI students and allies, especially now more than ever with the racism that’s been happening towards Asian-Americans…. I definitely think that racism towards the AAPI community is very normalized and not very many people know about it because there’s also a lot of internalized racism within our community. I definitely want to raise aware- ness about that and fix that.”

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, programming options are limited for WAAPI, which is just in its first year

on campus and is trying to build a base of members. However, for AAPI Heritage Month in April, Branzuela is currently brainstorming and is hopeful that she will be able to host events like movie nights and other social programs.

Students interested in learning more about WAAPI or who are interested in becoming members can contact Ally Branzuela at branzuelaam@wofford.