MAASU - Midwest Asian American Students Union

our mission

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What is maasu?

The Midwest Asian American Students Union (MAASU) is an organization that began in response to a need for political unity among Asian American students in the Midwest. By 1990, there were more than 20 universities in the Midwest that had formed Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) organizations. Some had been around for years, while others were still in their infancy Students felt a need for an organization that would support the growth of their groups and organize Midwestern Asian American students for political activism. MAASU works to recognize the needs of the Asian American community by assisting schools with the establishment of Asian American student organizations, promoting leadership among students, addressing educational needs and rights of the Asian American community, and developing a channel of communication among Asian American student organizations in the Midwest

alumni

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My MAASU experience has been integral in my personal and professional growth. As a Spring Conference Chair, I developed my own multi-racial identity, leadership skills and was able to help facilitate the same passions in other A/PIA students. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have been a SC chair, the experience has motivated me to be involved with Asian youth in Detroit.

Cat Knoerr

Planning Chair

Growing up in the Indian community we were told that were are Indian and just that. Even though we are from Asia, we are not Asian. So, I grew up with the idea I was not Asian. MAASU helped me find my Identity and that I was part of something bigger than myself. Before college, I didn’t have a sense of self-identity. I felt like I couldn’t relate to anyone about the difficulties that my family and I faced after moving from India in search for a better opportunity to realize how unrealistic the American dream is to immigrants. In that sense I felt very alone and an outcast. It wasn’t until I attended MAASU that I realized there even an organization that allowed space for people like myself to come together, share our stories, and feel like you were part of a family away from your family. I was finally able to find my voice.

Chetana Musapeta

Chairwoman

Ultimately, MAASU is what you make of it just like any organization or opportunity. For me MAASU was an incredible family that was spread across 12+ states. Every conference was a time to rekindle friendships and bonds that picked up exactly where they left off last. It wasn’t odd to see friends from OSU (both Oklahoma & Ohio), Wichita State, Missouri State, KU, SLU, Mizzou and too many others to name at each other’s events or just hanging out for the weekend. What I also found was the invaluable advice of extraordinary mentors who I still stay in touch with today. MAASU was, and still is, a network of some of the most amazing people and opportunities you can find in college and beyond.

Kha Ly

Chairman

Midwest Asian american students union

our mission

Assist schools

support

communicate

unity

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What is maasu?

alumni

HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY

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