Meet the DC
Executive Director
Jordan Peyton
🎓 Ph.D. in progress in Engineering Education at Ohio State University
🎓 B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering, Class of 2020 at Kansas State University
🎓 M.A. in Higher Education, Class of 2022 at University of Michigan
🤍 Involved in: Kansas State University Asian American Student Union • Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers • Circle K International • Food Recovery Network • Homecoming Committee • MAASU • MCASA
Jordan’s involvement with MAASU began with a love for community-building and connection across the Midwest. They continue to lead within MAASU as a way to give back to the APIDA community that supported and shaped them.
As Executive Director, Jordan’s goals include increasing access to resources for APIDA student organizations, expanding MAASU’s research branch to support students interested in graduate school and research, and strengthening MAASU’s presence across the Midwest through meaningful conference experiences.
Lillie Lee
🎓 Alumna (Class of 2021) of Marian University of Wisconsin
📚 Degree: Elementary–Middle Education & Special Education
🤍 Involved in: Student Council • Model United Nations • TRIO Student Support Services • Honors Society
Lillie joined MAASU after deeply missing the APIDA collective community during her undergraduate experience. As a Hmong American woman in the Midwest, MAASU provided her with a validating and safe space—one that also encouraged meaningful action for her community.
As Director of Alumni Relations, Lillie’s goal is to lay strong foundations for MAASU alumni engagement through connection, communication, and programming—ensuring alumni remain informed, supported, and connected to the MAASU community.
Director of Alumni Relations
Nicole Ly
🎓 Class of 2024 Graduate
📚 Degrees:
B.S. Health Information Management
B.S. Health Care Systems Administration
A.A.S. Health Information Technology
🤍 Involved in: Asian Student Organization at Ferris State University • MAASU
Nicole joined MAASU driven by a deep commitment to helping her community flourish. Inspired by MAASU’s legacy of student-led advocacy and leadership development, she continued her involvement beyond her undergraduate years to give back and support the next generation of APIDA leaders.
As Director of Alumni Relations, Nicole’s goal is to intentionally and strategically build sustainable alumni engagement, fostering meaningful, reciprocal relationships that support growth for alumni, students, and MAASU as a whole.
Director of Digital Infrastructure
Sandhya Srinivasan
🎓 B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, & Neuroscience (Class of 2023)
🎓 M.S. in Information Science (Class of 2025)
University of Michigan
🤍 Involved in: University of Michigan Fencing Club • Tamil Film Club • Zouk Dance Club
Sandhya joined MAASU after being encouraged to apply her technical skillset in a meaningful, real-world context. She was also motivated by a strong desire to support and unite APIDA students by providing accessible resources and fostering a sense of belonging across the Midwest.
As Director of Digital Infrastructure, Sandhya is focused on strengthening MAASU’s digital presence, including maintaining and updating the website and building systems that make it easier for APIDA students to access resources, connect with one another, and learn from shared experiences.
Mark Estares
🎓 M.S. Accounting • B.S. Accounting • B.S. Finance, Kansas State University (Class of 2023)
🤍 Involved in: Multicultural Business Student Association (MBSA)
Mark joined MAASU with a desire to stay connected beyond graduation and to use his skills in a way that meaningfully supports the APIDA community. His background in finance and accounting brings a strong foundation for thoughtful, strategic resource management.
As Director of Finances & Donor Relations, Mark is focused on building sustainable systems and structures that not only support his term, but create a lasting foundation for future leaders to grow and succeed.
Director of Finances & Donor Relations
Katt (Katharina) Ehni
🎓 B.A. in Chinese, Michigan State University (Class of 2021)
🤍 Involved in: Chinese-American Student Coalition (CSC) • Foreign Learners of Chinese (FLC) • Broad China Business Society (BCBS) • Broad College of Business Student Senate
Katt’s journey with MAASU began as a freshman—and quickly turned into a lasting commitment to community, leadership, and conference planning. From attending conferences to serving on planning teams and co-leading a virtual Spring Conference, her experiences have shaped a deep dedication to expanding access and opportunity for APIDA students.
As Director of Finances & Donor Relations, Katt is focused on building strong donor networks and structuring sustainable funding systems that support student access—through travel grants, scholarships, and sponsorships. Her goal is to ensure that more students can experience the power of MAASU, regardless of financial barriers.
Jerry Jiang
🎓 B.A.Sc. in Information Technology Infrastructure, Class of 2022 at University of Minnesota Twin Cities
🤍 Involved in: Chinese American Student Association • Midwest Chinese American Student Association • Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Jerry joined MAASU with a strong commitment to helping the organization grow and continue delivering impactful, high-quality conferences for APIDA students across the Midwest. His involvement is grounded in a desire to expand MAASU’s reach while ensuring the sustainability and success of its signature programming.
As Director of Finances and Donor Relations, Jerry is focused on strengthening MAASU’s community partnerships and building meaningful collaborations that support future events. He aims to create opportunities that connect students with organizations, resources, and networks that extend beyond the conference space.
Director of External Relations
Elaine Chen
🎓 BAcc & MAcc in Accountancy (Class of 2021)
🤍 Involved in: Asian American Association • MAASU • Missouri International Student Council • Badminton Club
Elaine’s MAASU journey began when she attended the Leadership Summit as a freshman, where she found both community and inspiration. After joining the Leadership Summit planning committee at Mizzou, she built lasting friendships and deepened her passion for advocacy—motivating her to continue giving back through MAASU.
As Director of EAssessment & Evaluation Elaine hopes to archive MAASU’s historical documents and materials while also creating accessible resources that support current students and member schools in their leadership and organizational development.
Director of Assessment & Evaluation
Will Pujol
🎓 M.U.P. (Urban Planning), University of Illinois (c/o 2026)
🎓 M.A. International Studies, Indiana University (c/o 2028)
🤍 Involved in: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund • Korean American Student Association • Illinois Global Review • Global Studies Professional Society
Will’s journey with MAASU began during his undergraduate experience at Indiana University, where attending his first conference opened the door to new perspectives, critical conversations, and meaningful cross-campus connections.
As Director of Assessment & Evaluation, Will is focused on supporting MAASU through qualitative research, evaluation, and grant development. He aims to strengthen how MAASU documents impact and continues to grow—especially in a time when spaces like these are increasingly important and politicized.
Michelle Lee
🎓 B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering, Class of 2022 at The Ohio State University
🤍 Involved in: MAASU • Kappa Phi Lambda • Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) • Taiwanese American Student Association (TASA)
Michelle returned to MAASU after graduation with a strong interest in research-focused and data-informed work. Having taken the time during the COVID-19 period to engage more deeply with the APIDA community, she was excited to contribute her skills in a way that supports MAASU’s long-term growth.
As Director of Assessment & Evaluation Michelle’s goal is to develop standardized processes for data collection and analysis, helping MAASU better understand what works, improve programs, and capture meaningful snapshots of impact across the organization.
Director of Intercollegiate Engagement
Josh Bormann
🎓 B.S. in Accountancy, Class of 2025 at Northern Illinois University
🤍 Involved in: Chi Sigma Tau • Asian American Association • Philippine Student Association • Business Administration Student Association
Josh joined MAASU with a vision of empowering APIDA students across the Midwest to move beyond hosting social events and toward building a collective voice for advocacy and change. He is deeply passionate about supporting student leaders in turning conversations about challenges into meaningful action on their campuses.
As Director of Community Action & Partnerships, Josh is focused on strengthening connections between member schools—ensuring that campuses are not working in isolation, but instead actively collaborating, sharing resources, and uplifting one another. He believes that when schools support each other, the entire APIDA student community becomes stronger and more resilient.
Director of Community Action & Partnerships
Andrew Pham
🎓 B.S. in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology, Class of 2021 at University of Missouri
🤍 Involved in: Asian American Association • Kappa Pi Beta Fraternity, Inc.
Andrew’s involvement with MAASU was shaped by the powerful experience of finding an APIDA community beyond his home campus—from impactful workshops to witnessing hundreds of students gather in shared space. These moments solidified his belief in the collective impact of regional community-building.
As Director of Community Action & Partnerships, Andrew is focused on expanding MAASU’s network of working professionals and building bridges between students and post-graduate opportunities. His goal is to help connect APIDA students across member schools with industries, businesses, and professionals of all backgrounds and interests.
Clementine Huynh (Tran Vo)
🎓 B.S. in Virtual Communication Design, Class of 2024 at Indiana University – Indianapolis
🤍 Involved in: Vietnamese Student Association
Clementine joined MAASU with a desire to give back to the Asian American community, while also growing through a meaningful learning experience that deepened her understanding of both her own culture and others.
As Director of Strategic Marketing & Branding, Clementine is focused on building a cohesive and recognizable MAASU brand, from color palettes and design systems to websites, flyers, and presentations—helping MAASU’s identity shine across platforms.
Director of Community Action & Partnerships
Debby Lee
🎓 B.S. in Information Systems, Class of 2025 at The Ohio State University
🤍 Involved in: Taiwanese American Student Association • Undergraduate Business Council • Information Systems Association
Debby joined MAASU to deepen her involvement in the broader APIDA community and connect with others across the Midwest who are passionate about building meaningful relationships and collective impact.
As Director of Strategic Marketing & Branding, Debby is focused on elevating MAASU’s public image, strengthening brand identity, and increasing awareness of MAASU’s mission, values, and impact—ensuring our story reaches and resonates with broader audiences.
Pachia Yang
🎓 B.A. Political Science & B.A. International Studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison
🎓 M.S. Event Management, New York University
🤍 Involved in: Hmong American Student Association • Asian American Student Union • Southeast Asian Dance Organization
Pachia’s journey with MAASU began as an undergraduate, where attending conferences played a transformative role in shaping her growth, identity, and sense of community. Those experiences stayed with her—and now, as an alum, she is committed to giving back by helping create that same impact for current students.
As Director of Programming, Pachia is focused on building a sustainable and scalable framework for MAASU conferences—one that ensures consistency while empowering future leaders to innovate and expand the conference’s impact over time.
Director of Programming
Chris Lau
🎓 B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2025 at Saint Louis University
🤍 Involved in: Asian American Association • Chinese Language & Culture Club • Run Club
Chris joined MAASU to expand his horizons beyond St. Louis and connect with APIDA students across the Midwest. He values learning how Asian student organizations operate at different campuses and building relationships across state lines.
As Director of Programming, Chris is focused on compiling and preserving resources for future generations, ensuring that the knowledge, talent, and experiences within MAASU are documented and passed on to support continued growth and impact.