Golden State Today

On April 2, UC Berkeley made history by hosting the nation's first-ever Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) Higher Education Leadership Development Summit. The event brought together individuals from various backgrounds to address the pressing need for educational equity and opportunity.

Organized by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), along with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and in collaboration with Berkeley Engineering, Berkeley Research, and the Division of Equity and Inclusion, the summit shed light on the significant role of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs) in advancing access to higher education and workforce development programs.

During the summit, attendees engaged in discussions, breakout sessions, and networking activities aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Chancellor Carol Christ welcomed participants, emphasizing UC Berkeley's commitment to fostering a community of higher education leaders that mirrors the society they serve. She stated, "Today's summit underscores our dedication to building, supporting and sustaining a community of higher education leaders that truly reflects the society we serve."

The event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action on critical issues within higher education. Participants left the summit feeling inspired and armed with practical strategies to cultivate more inclusive environments on campuses nationwide. It was a testament to the collective efforts of those involved to drive meaningful change in the realm of higher education.