Staff

Viraj Patel is the inaugural Director of the Asian American Student Academic Program. She holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Asian American Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Education from the University of Vermont, and is completing her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania in Higher Education. With over a decade of experience in higher education, she has held a variety of positions focusing on residential life, multicultural affairs, graduate student affairs, student activities, academic advising, and off campus student affairs. Passionate about public service and community engagement, Viraj serves on the Advisory Council for the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) and has been involved with numerous community organizing initiatives. In her free time, Viraj enjoys spending time with her tuxedo cat, Jalebi, trying new recipes for her food Instagram (@chaikhakhratime), going for a run, or enjoying a cup of tea with friends. Viraj’s passion and commitment for social justice drives her work both in and out of the borders of higher education and she is thrilled to serve the UIC community and AASAP.

Email: vpatel9@uic.edu

Yunkyo Kim is the program assistant for the Asian American Student Academic Program. Since graduating in 2022 with a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Yunkyo worked with multiethnic immigrant communities to expand access for immigration resources. With additional experience in academic research and program administration, they are excited to serve and learn with AASAP and the UIC community. When not in the office, Yunkyo enjoys reading poetry, cooking for friends, and walking to Lake Michigan.

Email: yunkyo@uic.edu

Celeste Aguirre is an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist for the Asian American Student Academic Program (AASAP). A UIC alum, she holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a Dual Masters in Social Work and Public Health. Previous to this role she led the Asian American Mentor Program at the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) at UIC, and has worked in student services and provided mental health and resource support in hospital settings. During off hours she greatly enjoys music, gaming, and time with friends and family.

Email: caguir7@uic.edu

Eli Vang is an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist for the Asian American Student Academic Program (AASAP). Since graduating in 2020 with a B.S. in Ministry Leadership from Kuyper College, Eli has advised and collaborated with a broad spectrum of populations to learn life skills, access resources, and identify and meet their goals for holistic success. Committed to creating safer, more liberated, and inclusive spaces, he is an advocate and ally in helping people further become contributing members of their communities. Currently working on his Masters in Leadership for Higher Education and Student Affairs, Eli spends his time off trying new recipes, exploring locally owned businesses, and watching anime.

Email: elivang@uic.edu

Ashley is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2025. In her ongoing internship, Ashley serves as a counselor and engages in case management, working with diverse populations to address their unique needs. Before joining AASAP, Ashley held the position of Program Coordinator for an Adult Education program at a Korean American nonprofit organization. Her multifaceted background also includes experience as a computer programmer. Ashley is deeply committed to fostering cultural inclusion and promoting multiculturalism. Outside her academic and professional responsibilities, Ashley finds joy in exploring various cuisines, indulging in video games, and watching cooking shows during her leisure time.

Tyler is currently a first year graduate student in the Urban Higher Education Program. He grew up in the Suburbs of Chicago in Darien, IL. Before joining this program, Tyler received his bachelors at UIC with a major in English and a minor in Psychology. As someone who was adopted from South Korea, he felt like he didn’t get to know his Asian roots until college. Throughout college he was very involved as he was the President of the Asian American Students in Alliance (AASAIA), mentor in the Asian American Mentor Program (AAMP), Asian interest fraternity Kappa Pi Beta Inc., and a leader in Project Lead. As someone who loved being involved on campus he is excited to support Asian Americans on their academic journeys within AASAP. Outside of school he loves to go around Chicago with friends and watch reality TV. His favorite reality show is Survivor and he would love to be a castaway one day. He is also a K-pop lover. Currently his favorite groups include Twice, Stayc, Itzy, Ive, Ateez, and Stray Kids.

Email: tandrl2@uic.edu

Yennhi is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Information and Decision Science. She was born and raised in Vietnam. Immigrating from she felt a strong passion to contribute to and support the Asian community. Upon transferring to UIC, she joined AASAP as a volunteer and quickly found a sense of connection and support from the dedicated staff. Now serving as a new AASAP intern, Yennhi actively contributes to the planning and consulting of AASAP programs, takes the lead in organizing events and assists in advertising and welcoming new students to AASAP. During her leisure time, she enjoys exploring different neighborhoods in Chicago and learning about the different cultures and cuisines. She also likes to watch mystery, crime, and thriller movies/TV shows with her friends, with Breaking Bad currently topping her list of favorites.

Email: yngo2@uic.edu