Waukesha County Technical College to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Wednesday, April 28, 2021) – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC)’s Multicultural Resource Center is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month in May with two special virtual events, which are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month honors the influence and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. It was established as a weeklong recognition in 1978 expanding to a month-long observance in 1992.

• On Tuesday, May 4, from noon to 1 p.m., WCTC welcomes motivational speaker Syed Umar Warsi. In his presentation, Growing up Muslim in America: A Spoken Word Story, Warsi will share his narrative of being raised by conservative Pakistani parents, balancing culture with religion and having hope during times of uncertainty.

He will share personal tales of being the son of immigrant parents, growing up in New York and Illinois, his challenges in school (after some early struggles, he later earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree), and what it has mean to be a first-generation American Muslim.

To access the webinar on May 4, visit the following Zoom link: wctc.zoom.us/j/97349470311.

• On Thursday, May 6, from noon to 1 p.m., WCTC welcomes business owner and college instructor Dr. Pafoua (Pam) Her. In her presentation, Through the Eyes of Asian American Women – A Journey of Identity and Perseverance, Her will share her experience being part of one of the earliest Hmong families that resettled in the United States as political refugees after the Vietnam War. Her has given more than 300 presentations, trainings and keynote addresses on diversity, equity and inclusion; cultural competency; intercultural communications in organizations; Hmong culture and history; Hmong mental health and many other topics. She is currently owner and principal consultant of 4Chi Business Solutions, and she has worked in corporate, government and non-profit sectors.

To access the webinar on May 6, visit the following Zoom link: wctc.zoom.us/j/94940875119.

WCTC’s Multicultural Resource Center offers thoughtful programming that celebrates and champions a variety of cultures. The MRC seeks to prepare all students and staff to work actively toward equity by providing knowledge, dispositions, and skills for acceptance and inclusion among diverse groups. To learn more, visit www.wctc.edu/mrc.