Celebrating AAPI Month with Booth Student Groups

The Asian American Student Association (AASA) is a student group formed to create a tight-knit community at Booth for all students interested in reflecting on their personal identities while bonding with other individuals who share an affinity for cultural experiences.

“Being part of the Asian American Student Association has been like finding a second family. It's given me a chance to make great friends and connect with others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. Events like the dumpling night, tea ceremony, and family dinners have not only deepened my appreciation for my own culture but also helped me build a strong sense of community.” – Karina Tjin, former co-chair of Asian American Student Association

"The Asian American Student Association has been a cornerstone of my Booth experience. In a leadership role, I've had a front-row seat to watching members find their people, build lasting friendships, and bring a richness of perspective that makes Booth a more vibrant place for everyone. That sense of belonging doesn't stay within AASA - it carries into classrooms, recruiting seasons, and other moments of business school that are harder to navigate alone."  – Annie Batsaikhan, co-chair of Asian American Student Association

The Southeast Asia Club aims to promote career-related activities for Boothies interested in Asia, while also increasing awareness of business issues in Asia and facilitating opportunities within the community to have fun.

“My experience within the Southeast Asia Club (formerly known as the Chicago Asia Pacific Group) has been a tremendous help in fostering a home away from home in Chicago. Even prior to coming to Booth, they've always been very helpful in helping me navigate the transition to my new chapter in Chicago, both professionally and personally. During the school year, we held events that tightened our bond together and developed a strong sense of camaraderie over dumplings, spring rolls, game nights, and just random night talks. Right before the end of my first year at Booth, we hosted a send-off for our Class of 2026 friends (see photo). Now we're ready to welcome our Southeast Asian friends from the Class of 2028!” – Gabriela Gondokusumo, co-chair of Southeast Asia Club

The Japan Club fosters the exchange of Japanese culture within Chicago Booth through social and cultural events. The Japan Club also provides resources for students interested in pursuing careers in Japan, promotes the Chicago Booth brand in Japan, and engages with alumni and corporate recruiters from Japan.

“The Japan Club has been an essential part of my MBA journey. Even during my application process, the club helped me connect with Japanese students who provided valuable information, ultimately influencing my decision to attend Booth. At Booth, the Japan Club helped me find my community and make friends, not only with Japanese students but also with those interested in Asian culture. This being my first time studying in the U.S., I was very nervous initially, but the community made me feel at home in a foreign land. The support and camaraderie from the Japan Club has been invaluable to me. – Jiaqi Chen, former co-chair of Japan Club

"The Japan Club is a group open for all students to experience, taste, and visit Japan. More than 70% of our club members are non-Japanese who love to explore and experience Japanese culture. We host a variety of cultural events each academic quarter as well as the annual Japan Trek! Whether you are a first-timer or well-acquainted with the culture, sharing my background and hosting these activities brings me special joy, helping create a welcoming sense of community at Booth." – Naoki Imura, co-chair of Japan Club

The South Asia Business Group aims to create a unified platform for members of the Chicago Booth community and beyond to engage in initiatives connected to South Asia.

"Being part of the South Asia Business Group has helped me build a close-knit community at Booth where I can celebrate my culture and feel a sense of home right here in Chicago. From fun events like the Diwali Cruise to celebrating Holi in the quad, I’ve made some incredible memories and lasting friendships. It’s also been a bridge to connect with people across other groups and clubs and bring in other Boothies to learn more about the South Asian experience." – Divya Agrawal, former co-chair of South Asian Business Group

"My culture has always been deeply meaningful to me, so being part of Booth’s South Asia Business Group has been especially rewarding. Through SABG, I’ve been able to strengthen my connection with other South Asian students while celebrating holidays like Diwali and Holi. At the same time, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been sharing those celebrations with classmates from different backgrounds and introducing friends to aspects of South Asian culture they may not have experienced before. In many ways, SABG has helped create not just a community for South Asian students at Booth, but a bridge that brings the broader Booth community together as well." – Saniya Kumar, co-chair of South Asian Business Group