About

Mission Statement

The mission of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Faculty Staff Association (AAPIFSA) is to serve the needs of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American(APIDA) community at Loyola Marymount University. APIDAFSA values service to others, academic excellence, student success and just representation of APIDA and other diverse communities. APIDAFSA strives to collaborate with all interested individuals to advocate and promote APIDA community successes and concerns with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and other units on LMU campus.

APIDAFSA was established for the purpose of acting as the official organization of APIDA faculty and staff to promote networking opportunities, maintain an APIDA presence at university programs and activities, and promote the well-being of faculty, staff and students. The function of APIDAFSA is to address the concern and interest of APIDA staff and faculty in the University community.

APIDA also hosts special events at LMU, such as professional development workshops and a holiday potluck. For more information about APIDA programs, please email apidafsa@lmu.edu

Executive Board Members (Academic Year 2025-2026)

Eric Haruki Swanson, Ph.D.
Faculty Co-President
Assistant Professor
Theological Studies

Nola Wanta
Staff Co-President
Senior Director, Business Development and Strategy
College of Business Administration

Rita Barreiro
Treasurer
Tri-Alliance Project Coordinator
Office for Research and Sponsored Projects

Thi Nguyen
Communications Officer
Multimedia Specialist
Office of Online Learning