The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center is committed to building community and a sense of belonging for our students.
Meet Our Students
Minh Dinh Minh Dinh
Minh Dinh
Through the BAIC, I’ve had the opportunities to connect with others, grow as a leader in multiple clubs, and use what I’ve learned to support those around me. It’s not just about the academic resources, but it's also about the care, laughter, and sense of belonging that the office fosters. That’s what has truly mattered to me.
Hometown: Providence, RI
School / Program: MCAS - History
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
One of the most memorable experiences I had with the BAIC was back in April 2023 when we celebrated the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month opening ceremony. I was honored to be one of the culture chairs leading the event. It was such an incredible experience working with the BAIC staff and collaborating with Asian culture clubs to celebrate Asian identities and cultures through dance, singing, and food. The event was a lot of work, but seeing everyone’s efforts come together and witnessing the joy of those who attended made it all worthwhile!
Agnes Liu Agnes Liu
Agnes Liu
BAIC has provided a strong support system, fostering a sense of belonging and community through its events and initiatives. The relationships built and leadership opportunities, like serving as a Bowman Advocate, have been transformative in navigating challenges, promoting diversity, and creating meaningful connections. These experiences have encouraged personal growth, cultural pride, and confidence in thriving within the BC community.
Hometown: China
School / Program: CSOM - Business Analytics & Marketing
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
As a Bowman Advocate, I’ve become more aware of the importance of fostering an inclusive and unbiased community. This role has allowed me to create spaces where people from different backgrounds feel encouraged to engage and connect through our events and facilitations. It has also been a significant opportunity for personal growth, helping me expand my perspective, build meaningful relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of diversity and community at Boston College.
Julie Canuto-Depina (she/her) Julie Canuto-Depina (she/her)
Julie Canuto-Depina (she/her)
I have enjoyed having conversations and just seeing everyone laugh, be themselves and feel comfortable in this place.
Hometown: Brockton, MA
School / Program: Connell School of Nursing, Nursing
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
My involvement with the BAIC has allowed me to reconnect with my community here at BC. It provides me with opportunities to engage with peers, meet new people, form meaningful connections, and tap into the resources and opportunities that have been available to me. The aspect of the BAIC that has been most beneficial to me is the academic advising I’ve received from Joana Maynard. Joana has been an essential part of my support system since I first arrived on campus, guiding me through my nursing journey, and I am deeply grateful for everything she has done to support me.
Shannon DeGrave (they/them) Shannon DeGrave (they/them)
Shannon DeGrave (they/them)
The relationships that I have built with students and staff are my favorite aspect of the BAIC. It's special to walk into a space where you are known and loved.
Hometown: Wilson, MI
School / Program: Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
It is a gift to be able to serve and be a part of the BAIC team. As a first-year graduate student from out-of-state, finding community at BC is important. The BAIC has made me feel like I belong from the day I stepped through the glass doors. I am thankful to be accepted as a part of the center and to share that hospitality with others.
Stephanie Zellner (she/they) Stephanie Zellner (she/they)
Stephanie Zellner (she/they)
A memorable moment from my time at the BAIC has been all of the shared joy and laughter between myself and fellow grads, professional staff, and students.
Hometown: Drums, PA
School / Program: Clough School of Theology and Ministry, School of Social Work
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
I have been able to refine my leadership and relational skills as the Social Work Intern for LGBTQ Resources. Further, I have been blessed to have amazing coworkers and professional staff to support me as I continue to grow as a professional in higher education.
Seho Lee (he/him) Seho Lee (he/him)
Seho Lee (he/him)
BAIC is both a wonderful space and group for students to participate in intercultural community as well as help it grow and foster at BC.
Hometown: Norwood, NJ
School / Program: MCAS - Economics
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
As a BAIC underclassmen board member, I've had the privilege to connect with fellow AHANA peers in my class to discuss ways to promote the AHANA community and culture at BC. I've gotten to connect with genuine-hearted people in and around the BAIC.
Isabella Bernarldo (she/her) Isabella Bernarldo (she/her)
Isabella Bernarldo (she/her)
From weekly BA meetings to facilitating workshops, the BAIC has been not only a constant during my college experience but also an opportunity for me to grow and develop my leadership skills.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
School / Program: MCAS - Linguistics
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
Within the Bowman Advocates program, my most memorable moments have been making small talk with my fellow Bowman Advocates before our weekly meetings start. Amid the stress of school and all of our other commitments, it is nice to have space for just being myself.
Willow Golden (she/her) Willow Golden (she/her)
Willow Golden (she/her)
I have found people who share the same goals and interests as me, and have met incredible mentors through the staff and faculty at the BAIC.
Hometown: Tolland, CT
School / Program: MCAS - Psychology, Hispanic Studies
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
Being a Bowman Advocate for the last three years has truly impacted my undergraduate experience at Boston College. It has been an amazing opportunity for leadership, growth, and identity formation. Throughout my time at BC, I have encouraged other students to join the cause of DEI, and have learned how to facilitate important conversations on the topic, in a knowledgeable and engaging way.
Elif Yigit (she/her) Elif Yigit (she/her)
Elif Yigit (she/her)
The BAIC community provided a huge amount of support both emotionally and academically when I needed. If I am having a bad day I know I can always stop by the office to make myself feel better.
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkiye and Bedford, NH
School / Program: MCAS - Neuroscience (Pre-Med)
Describe your experience with BAIC events and programs
As a BAIC student intern, I am always surrounded by people from different cultures and I learn something new everyday. My favorite part of my job is when I have conversations with other students. I made so many new genuine friendships that I wasn't expecting to make sophomore year!
Events
Our Spaces
Student Organizations
| Cultural Organization | President(s) |
|---|---|
| African Students Organization | Sena Deressa ('24), Maame Twum-Barima ('24) |
| AHANA Leadership Council (out of UGBC) | |
| AHANA Management Academy | |
| AHANA Pre-Law Student Association | |
| Black Christian Fellowship | |
| Black Student Forum | |
| Black Experience in America Through Song | |
| L'Association Haitienne | Christie Louis (‘24) |
| Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association | Caleb Alebachew (‘24), Yosan Tewelde (‘24) |
| Cape Verdean Student Association | Yara Da Silva (‘24), Alexis Silva (‘24) |
| Caribbean Culture Club | Asiana Taniya (‘25), Jaida (‘25) |
| Asian Caucus | Kristen Kim (‘25), Caitlin Park (‘24) |
| Females Incorporating Sisterhood Through Step (F.I.S.T.S.) | |
| First-Gen Club | |
| Presenting Africa to U (PATU) | |
| Korean Students Association | Edward Jeong (‘24), Eunice Ham (‘24) |
| Chinese Students Association | Joyce Wu (‘24), Claire Huang (‘24) |
| Vietnamese Students Association | Andrew Pham (‘25), Minh Dinh (‘25) |
| Japan Club | Jake Han (‘24), Aoi Nishimura (‘25) |
| Philippine Society | Victor Isidro (‘24), Isa Decurtis (‘24) |
| Southeast Asian Student Association | David Chieco (‘24), Jonathan Lu (‘24) |
| South Asian Student Association | Vikram Bail (‘24), Anushka Fernandes (‘24) |
| Taiwanese Cultural Organization | Ryan Gurewitz (‘24), Hsiang En Lu (‘24) |
| Hawaii Club | Lily McDermott (‘24), Brandon Lai (‘24) |
| Organization of Latin American Affairs | Valentina Ochoa Saldarriaga (‘24), Jacob Bojito Rios (‘24) |
| Brazilian Club | |
| Central American Student Organization of Boston College | Monica Michelle Mendez (‘24), Kathy Umanzor (‘24) |
| Cuban-American Student Association | Emilia Boggs (‘24), Nina Spillis (‘24) |
| Puerto Rican Student Association | Jacob Bojito (‘25) |
| Mexican Association of Students | Kevin Avila (‘25), Veronica Garza (‘24) |
| Dominican Association | Angie Rosa (‘24), Reyshell Encarnacion (‘24) |
| FACES | |
| International Club | Edith Baert (‘24), Leya Samhoun (‘24) |
| Slavic Club | |
| Arab Students Association | Salim Sultan (‘24) |
| Armenian Club | Taline Deukmedjian (‘24), Sona Bardakjian (‘24) |
| Lebanese Club of Boston College | Jaret Farhat (‘24) |
| Hellenic Society | Christos Dimitriadis (‘24) |
| Irish Society | |
| French Club | Marcel Bouchesiche (‘24), Louisa Baum (‘24) |
| Il Circolo Italiano | Kayla Armetta (‘24) |
| German Academy | Catherine Brewer (‘24) |
| STEM and Health Organizations for AHANA | |
| Student Health Equity Forum | |
| UPrising Dance Crew | |
| Voices of Imani |