{"id":5305,"date":"2021-05-09T20:47:39","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T04:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/?page_id=5305"},"modified":"2026-05-07T16:21:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T00:21:26","slug":"gala-nominee-descriptions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/awardsgala\/gala-nominee-descriptions\/","title":{"rendered":"GALA | Nominee Descriptions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Kelly ECC annually supports over 100 registered student organizations on campus. We are INCREDIBLY proud of all of the accomplishments they have achieved during the 2025-2026 academic year. Below are testimonials from community members about some of our Gala award nominees!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Nominees for the 23rd Annual GALA Awards are here! Winners will be announced at the event held on May 14 at the Ethnic Cultural Center, 5-7pm.<\/strong><b><\/b><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #85754d;\">Commitment to Community and Service<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion \" id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Xi Chapter<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>The Alpha Xi Chapter has led several impactful initiatives that directly serve and uplift others. For example, the chapter volunteered at a local homeless shelter, providing hands-on support to individuals experiencing housing insecurity, and organized a community food drive to address food insecurity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Chi Sigma Alpha National Sorority Inc.<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Service is built into [Chi Sigma Alpha\u2019s] membership development. Every new class selects a nonprofit of their choice, raises funds, and volunteers with that organization. This year, our newest members raised $4,400 for their selected causes, gaining hands\u2011on experience in leadership, philanthropy, and community partnership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Huskies for Opportunities in Prison Education<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Through consistent prison visits and inside-outside book clubs, HOPE has connected students with incarcerated organizers. Similarly, they serve the wider community through their consistent volunteering inside prisons and the uplifting of incarcerated people&#8217;s voices. They have collaborated consistently with various other ECC organizations through their Prisoner Solidarity Month to bring programming on the intersectional identities that incarcerated people hold, acknowledging how carceral systems impact all of us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Incorporated<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Kappa Delta Chi has created meaningful impact within both its members and the greater ECC community through service, advocacy, and collaboration. This year, we raised awareness for the American Cancer Society, collaborated with CCM to assemble first aid kits that were donated to the Elizabeth Gregory Home, and hosted our annual winter school supply drive focused on supporting elementary students facing financial hardship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Khmer Student Association<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Khmer Student Association has always been fully committed to providing a comfortable space where Khmer individuals on campus can get together to not only socialize, but to also represent our culture. KhSA hosts an annual New Years show, which showcases cultural dances, outfits, and stories that are a necessity to our culture; they do consistent bi-weekly general meetings that are tailored towards the four pillars we represent: Social Justice, Education, Cultural Preservation, and Community. The organization is also working so hard to keep the Khmer language program, as language is a big part of the preservation of our culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Purple Group<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Purple Group has been consistently putting together programming to teach people their rights and educate the community. Making space for both undocumented folks and allies, they have worked to create a safer community for all students.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This year, SHPE has led one of the largest events it has ever hosted called Future Meets Present, where they hosted workshops, lab tours, panels, and informational sessions about college and the STEM field for high school students. This event is typically offered for students that are part of the Greater Seattle Area, but this time SHPE put in the extra effort to bring students from Eastern Washington.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #85754d;\">Outstanding Collaboration and Participation<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion \" id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Africans in Medicine<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Africans in Medicine (AIM) has always thought of its members when creating meetings and it shows. AIM brought in Dr. Douglass from the school of medicine where it became a fun and interactive speaking experience to people who went. They highlighted the need of representation in dentistry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Chicanos\/Latinx for Community Medicine<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>CCM has always been at the forefront of connecting people to sources of representation in all fields involving community health, and in competitive and difficult fields where we are not seen. We have connected other to mentors, opportunities, advice, insights, exposing members to information and a place to connect with community as we often have no established connections or places to seek information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Filipino American Student Association<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>FASA has done some great work with the UW and surrounding communities. They have made some great connections with the other legacy organizations on campus, even going as far as helping organize the first legacy org mixer since before COVID. They&#8217;ve also done some great work in the community, volunteering at the Filipino Community Center of Seattle and performing\/visiting local schools to help other Filipino\/Asian affinity groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Indigenous Students of Latin America<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>ISLA has built this loving and supportive community for indigenous students on campus. They held a social mixer with Unidas Seremeos with a potluck and fun games, collaborated with Origami Club to create origami picture frames for Latin Day of the Dead, collaborated with Purple Group to do crafts together and provide Korean skincare goodie bags, co-hosted alongside Wellness With Latinas (WWL) a mindfulness workshop, and by the end of the year will have collaborated with the Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists (SARVA) to create candles together for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Japanese Student Association<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This club is very inclusive of other cultural clubs and incorporates them into many of their events such as Matsuri. They also work with other clubs at events such as cleanups at the stadium and volunteered at admitted students day. They hold a lot of events such as Kaiwa Table that are open anyone who wants to practice their Japanese language in a safe setting. The President connects personally with the other presidents of clubs across lots of other fields and the club is generally very friendly and supportive of others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Latine Student Union<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This year, they have had multiple collaborations with both other organizations on campus as well as larger entities on and off campus. This year, they have collaborated with SHPE, BSU, FASA, ACSA, FN, Cumbia Club, Unidas Seremos, AVELA, and ISLA. They have also collaborated with\/promoted ASUW LSC, ECC Dia de los Muertos, CIEE, Lune Cafe, Mendoza&#8217;s Mercado, Bailadores De Bronce, and Dia de Muertos Seattle Festival. Those collabs all happened this school year, and there&#8217;s still a lot of the quarter left, so I don\u2019t doubt they will do more later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Origami Club<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>I nominated this RSO for Outstanding Collaboration &amp; Participation because they have consistently worked with others RSOs, including ISLA, J-Songs Club, and SARVA, to create engaging events. In addition, they collaborated with CCM to create origami kits that were donated to children at Seattle Children\u2019s Hospital, and during Winter participated in the ECC RSO workshop, where they worked alongside others to create origami kits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Salsa Club<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Salsa Club actively encourages its members to try other forms of dance, participate in cultural festivals, and learn something not just about this beautiful form of dance but about the history as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #85754d;\">Breakout Organization<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion \" id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Quiet Time Club<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>In a world where you are often labeled \u201cboring\u201d or \u201ctoo quiet\u201d for existing outside social norms, our club [is] a safe haven. We established weekly meetings through partnership with Wesley Club, a third space off campus, collaborated for a journaling event with organizations like the Residential Programming Board, and continue to post weekly Instagram stories of meaningful quotes and club values<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>The officer board understands just how important it is to involve the community in their planning, and so they conduct all their planning in a channel (within the Quiet Time Club discord) public to everyone who is part of the Quiet Time Club community. Having this excellent of an officer board is why Quiet Time Club had a stellar year this far and will continue to have stellar years far into the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Wellness With Latinas<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This year, Wellness With Latinas hosted impactful programs such as a domestic violence workshop that encouraged honest conversations about unhealthy relationships, cultural stigma, and supporting survivors within Latino communities. The organization also facilitated a generational trauma workshop that allowed students to reflect on family expectations, mental health, and breaking cycles that are often difficult to discuss openly. These conversations were not only educational, but deeply personal and transformative for many attendees.<\/p>\n<p>Wellness With Latinas has made a profound difference by fostering belonging, emotional support, and culturally relevant wellness programming. The organization exemplifies the ECC\u2019s mission by uplifting Latina voices, strengthening community, and creating spaces where students can heal, grow, and thrive together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #85754d;\">Most Impactful Programming<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion \" id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Xi Chapter<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>The Alpha Xi Chapter hosted a voter registration night to educate students on how to register and vote in Washington State, followed by a \u201cKnow Before You Vote\u201d seminar in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Theta Chapter. The chapter has also prioritized education and youth outreach. Through their Project Alpha program, members educated local high school students on safe sex and health, while also creating and distributing a mentorship video focused on navigating high school and preparing for college. They also hosted study tables for men of color, creating an inclusive academic support space that strengthened both scholarship and community.<\/p>\n<p>Alpha Xi has also demonstrated strong collaboration and service. They partnered with organizations such as Brothers in Color and Black Student Union to host programs like Barbershop Talk and a community bowling night, increasing accessibility and engagement. Their service initiatives\u2014including a food drive benefiting Plymouth Shelter, volunteering at a homeless shelter, and organizing a campus cleanup along the Ave\u2014reflect efficient coordination and meaningful impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Association of Information Management Students<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>AIMS supported the UW Startup Career Fair, hosted on April 21st, 2026 at the HUB Lyceum in collaboration with the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program and industry partner MeeBoss. It was the first time in 2 years such an event has happened. This was AIMS&#8217; first large-scale event, and it delivered \u2014 over 200 students attended, all 11 participating companies showed up, and 5 panelists joined to support students in their career journeys. What made this event especially impactful was how it filled a real gap: most UW career fairs overlook startups, and AIMS stepped up to change that.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Nikkei Student Union<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Day of Remembrance is an annual event focused on remembrance, education, and connection regarding Executive Order 9066, or the incarceration of Japanese Americans in WWII. This year, speakers and performers led the first steps of the healing of generational trauma, described community projects, performed Japanese art, and highlighted a connection to today\u2019s events. In addition, they supported a screening of the Film Kintsukuroi, which was an opportunity for Japanese American artists to showcase their work about how incarceration affected families on the personal level, and how life changed irreversibly from pre-war to post.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">National Society of Black Engineers<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>NSBE hosted a variety of programming including game nights and career events, all to develop and grow our members while creating meaningful community connections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Salsa Club<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>The best thing about Salsa Club is its ability to bring people together, allowing people to interact, dance together, learn about a cultural dance form and community practice, and build community together. Salsa Club hosts large quarterly socials to celebrate salsa and bachata dancing, with over 100 attendees. A pop-up cherry blossom social dancing event was also a highlight of the year, and community members got together in the quad to dance and celebrate the start of spring and pulled in new people as we danced; a dad and his young child even ended up dancing with us!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. Phi Beta Chapter<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This chapter\u2019s annual Miss Purple Scholarship Pageant is a great example, which serves as both a philanthropic and educational event. The program highlights community advocacy platforms through the contestants and engages the crowd in conversations of machismo (toxic masculinity) and mental health. In addition, they hosted a workshop that also surrounded topics about the intersection of machismo and mental health, by bringing in a certified therapist from the Seattle area to facilitate conversation to engage with these uncomfortable topics that affect many of the cultural identities that make up the ECC community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Incorporated<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This RSO has increased its presence on campus. Last year, they hosted a Know Your Rights Workshop for the community and are continuously involved with the helping the community through different volunteer opportunities. Additionally, their support and organization with other organizations has been noticeable this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #85754d;\">Rising Star<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion \" id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Cumbia Club<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Cumbia Club at UW has worked toward fostering community through the celebration of culture through dance across campus. It disseminates this principle through collaborations across campus including LSU, MEChA, ALPFA, and the Newman Center, inviting students from any school, cultural background, or discipline to make room for learning, connecting and relaxing. Cumbia also follows a simple model that allows anyone from any dance experience level to join in on the fun, and any regulars to continue building onto their set of skills! Seeing students make lasting friendships, grow more confident, and having fun makes Cumbia Club a very special place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">First Generation Law Students Association<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>FGLS is a newly ECC-Affiliated RSO who is actively fulfilling our mission of addressing the transition and integration of first-generation law students into the UW Law and the legal profession through mentorship, career advising, and social activities. This school year we organized 15 events ranging from mentorship mixers, course planning events, professional photos, 2L cup painting event, 3L graduation celebration, 1L march madness event, study sessions, which included partnerships with BLSA, LLSA, MLSA, SBA, FGLL and other organization. FGLS creates a positive impact on its members and the greater ECC community because FGLS fosters a diverse community of inclusivity, well-being, and professional support while advocating for the recognition of our lived experiences as the first in our families to pursue a legal education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Mongolian Student Association<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>MNSA has prioritized culturally enriching and inclusive programming that engages both its members and the broader UW community. For example, the Mongolian Lunar New Year celebration brought together students together to experience Mongolian traditional customs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and community connection. Additionally, the Mongolian Traditional Clothing Fashion Show, in collaboration with UW Bothell Fitted and mannequins generously loaned by the costume shop at the School of Drama highlighted cultural expression through fashion to students. These events not only showcased Mongolian heritage but also created welcoming spaces for education and dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond individual events, MNSA has actively cultivated collaborations with peer organizations, including ongoing partnerships with the Central Asian Student Association (CASA) and Peaks &amp; Professors and past co-hosted events with ESUW to interexchange the cultural music part of their history.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #85754d;\">Organization of the Year<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"accordion \" id=\"accordion\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-text\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Chicanos\/Latinx for Community Medicine<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Chicanos\/Latinx for Community Medicine (CCM) has demonstrated outstanding leadership by establishing structured mentorship programs that support Latinx pre-health students from recruitment through professional development, often involving many Latinx and underrepresented speaker workshops and talks, and through service, has done impactful work like making and sharing dental and hygiene kits for ReWA immigrant and refugee populations. CCM cultivates an educational environment that enhances cross-cultural exchange by addressing the critical need for Latinx representation in healthcare and highlight all communities in the Latinx term. Through workshops and collaborations with medical and dental students like LMSA and HSDA, they provide a space for members to explore how cultural perspectives shape community health outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Filipino American Student Association<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>This academic year, FASA put on a plethora of events but I would like to highlight two that I believe have been extremely impactful. The first, Moda x Musika: Rising Up for Relief (MM:RUfR), was a cultural fashion and music fundraiser in support of the Tanggol Migrante Movement (an organization that helps support and defend migrants, especially those in immigration detention centers). The second event that I would like to highlight just took place this past weekend and it is the annual Filipino Day. Filipino Day is a high school outreach event where FASA invites high schoolers around the Greater Seattle area to the UW to: 1) learn about college life, and 2) start building a community prior to matriculation. This event not only demonstrates the RSOs leadership ability, but also its determination to serve the community and help inspire the coming generations.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>FASA also hosted Sayaw performances, which showcase Filipino culture through dance and storytelling, and Filipino Day, an event hosted for high school students to introduce them to younger students to Filipino culture, college life, and the importance of community involvement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"card-header\" id=\"accordion-header\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><button class=\"btn btn-link\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse\"><span class=\"btn-text\">Multicultural Greek Council<\/span><span class=\"arrow-box\"><span class=\"arrow\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapse\" class=\"collapse \" aria-labelledby=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" role=\"region\">\n<p>Beyond internal programming, MGC has made broader impact through educational and advocacy-based collaborations, including a &#8220;Speak Out&#8221; event with Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority Inc. addressing domestic violence and a &#8220;Know Your Rights&#8221; workshop with ASUW focused on immigrant legal education. Planned collaboration with the Kelly ECC include an immigration policy workshop with Leadership Without Borders. MGC has also leveraged the Kelly ECC as a resource, utilizing its spaces to host events and chapter meetings, taking advantage of available resources, supplies, and advising support to execute programs at a higher level. These efforts reflect MGC&#8217;s dedication to social activism and intentional use of institutional support to better serve its members and the community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kelly ECC annually supports over 100 registered student organizations on campus. We are INCREDIBLY proud of all of the accomplishments they have achieved during the 2025-2026 academic year. Below are testimonials from community members about some of our Gala award nominees! Nominees for the 23rd Annual GALA Awards are here! Winners will be announced at the event held on May 14 at the Ethnic Cultural Center, 5-7pm. Commitment to Community and Service Outstanding Collaboration and Participation Breakout Organization Most&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4221,"parent":3480,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-small-hero.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5305","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5305"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5305"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7656,"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5305\/revisions\/7656"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3480"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4221"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/ecc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}