DEI Critical Conversations: AAPI Heritage Month

Join VP of DEI Allison Davis White-Eyes, Ph.D., for a conversation with three prominent scholars who represent the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities about the new dimensions in the AAPI experience today. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 31, 2:30-3:30 p.m. PDT | 5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom.

The session will explore what organizations and institutions do to better support AAPI individuals and raise awareness of AAPI issues. The panelists include Fielding alum Kanthi Raja, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education at Oregon State University Dolly Bach Nguyen, Ph.D., and Joe Wahl, Founder and CEO of Wahl and Associates, LLC.

About the Speakers

Kanthi Raja, Ph.D.

Kanthi Raja, Ph.D.

Kanthi Raja, Ph.D. (she/her) is a licensed psychologist in New York. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in 2021. She completed her APA accredited doctoral internship at SUNY – Stony Brook in Stony Brook, NY. Dr. Raja also holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and worked as a Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years prior to obtaining her doctorate.

During her time as a mental health professional, Dr. Raja worked in a variety of settings that provided services to underserved populations, including children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults. Dr. Raja received specialized training in treating trauma as well as parent–child relationships. She is especially interested in meeting the mental health needs of women, particularly as they relate to the intersection of attachment, culture, and identity.

In addition to her professional credentials, Dr. Raja identifies as a 2nd generation South Asian American woman holding a bicultural identity. This provides her with unique insight into the nuances of this culture in terms of family dynamics, relationships, self-expectations, and developmental processes.

Bach Mai Dolly Nguyen, Ph.D.

Bach Mai Dolly Nguyen, Ph.D.

Bach Mai Dolly Nguyen, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Education at Oregon State University. Her research examines the relationship between social categorization and inequality in education, with particular, attention to racial and organizational classifications. These foci have manifested in studies on minority serving institutions (MSIs), ethnic stratification, and organizational behavior. Her research has been published in American Educational Research Journal, Review of Research in Education and Review of Higher Education and is currently supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Spencer Foundation. Dr. Nguyen is writing her first book (under contract with University of Chicago Press) on how higher education organizations at the intersection of two MSI designations navigate racialized tensions, enact widespread cultural ideals, or “myths,” and give life to unique organizational frames of racial equity.

Joseph Mine Wahl, CEO

Joseph Wahl, CEO

Joseph Mine Wahl, Founder and CEO, Wahl and Associates, LLC. After 30 years as a regional and national diversity and inclusion leader, Joe founded Wahl & Associates, LLC in 2017.  Joe brings deep experience and expertise assisting best in class organizations in the areas of executive selection, leadership and board development, all through an equity lens. He is committed and passionate about helping organizations align and demonstrate the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

His broad experience and background working with diverse communities has helped create strong connections and close personal relationships with key leaders from the public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. As a result, Joe is a sought-after consultant, speaker, presenter and facilitator offering strategies and tools in regard to the needs of developing high performing, diverse executive teams and boards, as well as identifying and recruiting diverse leadership talent.

Joe was one of the founders and served as Chair Emeritus of Partners in Diversity, a nationally recognized organization which assists employers in the Pacific Northwest recruit and retain a more diverse workforce. His community involvement includes service as past President of the Portland Japanese American Citizens League, past President of the Oregon Buddhist Temple and a founding board member of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment. He currently sits on the University of Oregon’s Alumni Association Board, as well as the UO President’s Diversity Advisory Council.

When not assisting clients Joe and his wife, Lora, enjoy spending time with family, sports/fitness and travel.

Find out more about the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.