Meet Kevin Wong, APIDA program coordinator and advisor

During an interview with Student Affairs, Kevin Wong provides insight into his role as a  program coordinator within the Multicultural Student Center (MSC).

Kevin Wong- Business Portrait taken for one of his first jobs after graduation working as an Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, Guardianship, and Business Law Paralegal.
Kevin Wong- Business Portrait taken for one of his first jobs after graduation working as an Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, Guardianship, and Business Law Paralegal.

I graduated from UW–Madison in 2015 with a degree in political science. When I first graduated, I worked as a paralegal in the private sector, but I always felt myself drawn to the Madison campus.

In 2020, I became involved with the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and joined the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, or APIDA, Affinity Group, and am currently serving as its President. Many other of the WAA’s affinity groups are reboots from past years, but the APIDA collective was the first Asian interest group of its kind here at the WAA.

Wisconsin Alumni Association: APIDA Affinity Group
Wisconsin Alumni Association: APIDA Affinity Group

From then on, I became increasingly involved within the APIDA space of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. It was a priority for us to work with currently enrolled students, as well as alumni, to strengthen our overall network. We recognized that current students would inevitably transition into alumni status post-graduation, and it became even more important to support them throughout their studenthood.

Considering I graduated from UW–Madison before the development of the APIDA Student Center, the minute I saw the open position, I was confident it was something I needed to be a part of. I remember thinking to myself, “What would my experience on campus have been like if this existed during my enrollment?”

The Wisconsin Executive Residence Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Reception in 2023 with Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers.
The Wisconsin Executive Residence Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Reception in 2023 with Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers.

Now, as the current program coordinator for the UW–Madison APIDA Student Center, our students no longer have to ask that question.

At the APIDA Student Center, we are all about collaboration. As we curate each of our events, our communication extends across campus, aiming to highlight our common objectives. In our space, we want students to have the opportunity to learn and connect with individuals and entities they’ve never experienced before.

In this capacity, I also serve as advisor for the APIDA Heritage Month Planning Committee, student-led committee responsible for the campus-wide celebration of APIDA Heritage Month each April. From our musical performance and Q&A with Michelle Zauner to our Conversations and Cooking event with Priya Krisha, our APIDA Keynotes speak true to our love for unique collaboration. 

Speaking at the APIDA Student Center New Student Welcome 2023 with APIDASC Interns, Elaine Pajanustan and Maggie Konig
Speaking at the APIDA Student Center New Student Welcome 2023 with APIDASC Interns, Elaine Pajanustan, and Maggie Konig

That being said, collaborating with my students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role. As program coordinator, I knew it was important to be mindful of the balance between leading and taking over. What makes the center special is its student-driven nature. Therefore, my job focuses on enabling and uplifting students with the resources they need to meet their goals.

Our center consists of multitudes of identities and cultures, no two alike. Therefore, it is my job to not only recognize and celebrate these differences but also acknowledge the even further marginalized identities within our collective affinity. I want my students to know that I’m always there to listen and meet them wherever they are at.

The drive and energy of the students inspires me daily, and I am very fortunate to work with a team of two amazing student interns, who are tremendous community leaders. This generation is truly unafraid to be outspoken and ask for more, and as program coordinator, I want to embrace that. It is through our passionate students that the APIDA Student Center can thrive on our campus. I truly couldn’t do it without them.

MSC Staff at a Meet & Greet with our guest for the APIDA Heritage Month 2024 Keynote Event: Conversations & Cooking with Priya Krishna
MSC Staff at a Meet & Greet with our guest for the APIDA Heritage Month 2024 Keynote Event: Conversations & Cooking with Priya Krishna

The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center is one of the four identity centers within the Multicultural Student Center (MSC), part of Student Affairs at UW–Madison.

Find additional information about Wong and the APIDA Student Center on the MSC website, or visit the space on the second floor of the Red Gym.