After a brief hiatus, the Asian Affinity Club has returned to campus with renewed energy and a commitment to fostering connection, conversation, and cultural awareness.
Originally founded in 2021, the club dissolved after its initial leaders graduated. This spring, Zaina Deshpande ’25, Natalie Aber ’25, Aryaa Mutha ’26, and Mary Wang ’26 relaunched the group to provide a space where students can explore and celebrate Asian identity and heritage.
Currently smaller in size compared to other affinity groups on campus, the club’s leaders are working to build a stronger presence and expand membership in the upcoming school year.
“We’ve sort of been discussing current events and politics,” Mutha said. “But we want to expand what’s currently being done.”
The club provides a space where Asian and Asian-American students can unpack issues that aren’t always addressed in the broader school community—such as geopolitics in Asia, evolving Asian-American identity, and the impact of recent rollbacks to DEI initiatives.
“Honestly, just having people to talk to about things I wouldn’t talk about with other people—it’s how I really see it,” club member Sebastian Velastegui ’26 said.
Mutha added that the group allows students to reflect on their identity in a thoughtful and supportive environment, while also empowering them to raise awareness within the larger school community.
Looking ahead, club leaders hope to host cultural events, possibly including guest speakers, heritage month celebrations, and collaborations with other affinity spaces. There are also plans for informal lunchtime activities, like arts and crafts, short film discussions, and exploring diverse Asian cultures.
The goal, Mutha said, is not just to strengthen the AAPI student community but also to invite and educate allies through open, inclusive dialogue.
In recent years, the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and nationwide rollbacks of DEI programs have underscored the importance of affinity spaces like this one—offering students a place to process, connect, and build resilience.
Editor’s note: Mary Wang ’26 also serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Gator. The Asian Affinity Club meets every Tuesday during Upper School lunch and is open to all students interested in cultural dialogue and community building.
