Madison Reporter

Writer, director, and producer Ash Perez was the keynote speaker for the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month event held on April 21. The event titled, "Exploring the APIDA-Verse with Ash Perez," provided an opportunity for the audience to engage with Perez's creative experiences in the media industry, including his contributions to shows on ABC and Freeform, as well as the release of an original audiobook. The occasion, coordinated by the APIDA Heritage Month Planning Committee, also featured a moderated question-and-answer session where Perez shared insights into his creative processes.

The event took place in Tripp Commons at the Memorial Union and was capped with an informal gathering, including photo opportunities with the APIDA Heritage Month Planning Committee. Some members of the committee participating in the event included Sam Leung, Sophie Zheng, and Mandy Descorbeth. Chair of the APIDA Heritage Month, Cindy Dong, facilitated the moderated discussion with Perez.

Photographs from the event captured by Robert San Juan showed Perez interacting with attendees and signing event posters. "Exploring the APIDA-Verse with Ash Perez" highlighted cultural narratives and gave a stage to a significant voice in the APIDA community.

APIDA Heritage Month is part of the campus life supported by the Multicultural Student Center, which organizes events to promote diversity and inclusion.