Community and Belonging

Welcome students and community!

The Community & Belonging team is deeply committed to supporting the needs of the many UAA student communities. Our department oversees two centers on campus and a number of programs that are dedicated to fostering community engagement. Multicultural Center and the Pride Center celebrate the cultural assets of students with marginalized identities and work to transform societal barriers to build a campus community where all students can thrive as their full authentic selves. We strive to challenge societal norms through collective impact.

We look forward to getting to know you and co-creating a more dynamic UAA community together. We hope you will join us in sharing your traditions, successes, passions and dreams. We also hope you join us when you have something to work through or need a listening ear. Stop by for a warm cup of coffee, a place to find connection, or just to take a look. Check out one of our social events! We host regular socials and educational events throughout each semester.

In community,

The Community & Belonging Team

Visit Multicultural + Pride Center

Multicultural Center Resources
Community and Belonging includes a dedicated space and programs that foster community engagement. The Multicultural Center, RH 106, is a safe and brave space for all members of the UAA community to explore racial and cultural identity in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

Our space and resources are open to all students, staff, faculty and UAA community.
- Lounge and study area
- Computers and printers
- Laptops for students to check out
- Library of books on numerous social justice topics
- Multifaith Prayer Room and Low Stimulation Space
- Community information and resources
- Coffee maker, water kettle, refrigerator, and microwave
- Affiliated club storage
- Craft supplies and art materials
- Snacks, school supplies, and basic resources
907-786-4070

Multicultural Center
907-786-4070
uaa.mss@alaska.edu

Follow Multicultural Center on Instagram: uaa.mss
Pride Center Resources
This center seeks to affirm, uplift, and engage those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and allies The Pride Center is a safe and brave space for all members of the UAA community to explore gender identity and sexual orientation in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
- Our space and resources are open to all students, staff, faculty and UAA community.
- Lounge and study area
- Library of books on LGBTQIA2S+ Topics
- Low Stimulation Space
- Community information and resources
- Coffee maker, water kettle, refrigerator, and microwave
- Crafting area
907-786-6464

Pride Center
907-786-6464
uaa.pride@alaska.edu

Follow Pride Center on Instagram: uaa.rainbow

Initiatives, Community & Employment

Rainbow Initiatives

Rainbow Initiatives are UAA’s dedication of time, space and energy to our LGBTQIA2S+ community. Housed at our beautiful Pride Center in the Student Union, Rainbow Initiatives is the umbrella program that provides a space, events and programming to support the belonging, engagement and holistic wellbeing of our community members. We center, uplift and advocate for our queer/trans community at UAA so we can live our most authentic, successful and full lives here.
Global Seawolves

The Multicultural Center is a social hub for all students on campus, but we specifically highlight and celebrate our community members who are here studying from abroad. Each year there are approximately 30-50 international students with an average of 25 countries represented.

All new international students are guided through their arrival and orientation experience. MSS and our partners facilitate opportunities to celebrate our global communities here in Anchorage. Students are invited to attend Global Seawolves social events and programs throughout the academic year.
Connect Events

Many of our programs through Community and Belonging are here to create opportunities for making new connections. We know that building a community and network of friends is critical to the college student experience. There is something in C&B for everyone regardless of your age, degree program and social identities. Take a leap and meet some new people outside of your classrooms. Join us for “Connect” events and various socials.
Multifaith and Low Stimulation Spaces

MC's mission includes supporting students who practice marginalized religions by promoting belonging through education, naming observances, and creating safe spaces throughout campus.

The first multi faith space on the Anchorage campus is located inside of MC in Rasmuson Hall 106B and was supported by our student body government, USUAA. JEDI Leaders have lovingly developed the multifaith prayer and meditation initiatives to create safe, peaceful environments for our community.

The Pride Center houses a “low stimulation” environment to provide additional quiet, non-stimulating locations for students who may need to take a break. These spaces are non-reservable and available for use when the campus is open. All are welcome to use this space for individual quiet contemplation, prayer, meditation, bereavement, and healing.
Academic, Engagement, and Advocacy Scholarships

Community and Belonging proudly facilitate various academic, leadership, art justice, and advocacy scholarships. There are many different ways to engage with our department through peer leadership and service contributions, and our centers strive to recognize and celebrate that. This initiative seeks to award student facilitators and leaders for the engagement and work at MC and beyond. Check out our Ella Baker Anti-Racism and Collective Liberation Award and the Marsha P. Johnson Scholarship for Community Advocacy and Liberation each Fall semester!

Find Your Community with Cultural and Identity-based Student Orgs

Cultural and Identity-based Student Organizations Support

Student Organizations

Community and Belonging enthusiastically support cultural and identity-based Student Organizations. Many student organizations seek out our centers for holding meetings, hosting events, and seeking adviser support. If you want your student organization to collaborate with MC- stop by our centers and chat with staff about ways you want to be supported. Our current affiliations with Student Org Services (SOS) include:

International Student Organization (ISO)
Muslim Student Association (MSA)
Kabayan Community (Filipino Org.)
People of Oceania Association (POA)
The Feminist Intersectional Rights Movement (The FIRM)

Our Team

Sara Caldwell-Kan

Director of Community and Belonging
Email smcaldwellkan@alaska.edu

Sara Caldwell-Kan (she/they) is an activist, scholar, dreamer, and long-time higher education professional. They received a PhD in Education and a Masters Degree in Public Health. Her dissertation research was focused on understanding how Asian American college students understand and experience wellness. Sara’s work is centered on uplifting students and transforming higher education to be an institution where all students can be their full selves all the time. She believes that wellness is wholeness and imagines a future where we can embrace our full selves, including our ancestral strength, to build a collective community of love.

Favorite thing about MC + Pride: MC + Pride nurtures our need to connect and find community and inspires us to embrace all dimensions of ourselves.
Favorite Activities: I love to be outside as much as possible. I find great enjoyment in learning new things and challenging people’s notions of what it means to be outdoorsy. I also love cyclocross and racing around on my bike, though I am not a particularly great racer.
Rejuvenating Practice: To be honest, I love to read romance novels. There are so many beautiful stories of love in all forms, and I love that I can trust that a book will end positively.

Daniela Grijalva

Assistant Director for Community and Belonging
Email dagrijalva@alaska.edu

Daniela Grijalva (she/they) is a storyteller and an academic enthusiast with a background in intersectional activism. They earned dual bachelor's from Ohio University in Political Science and Latin American Studies, and a Masters Degree in Law, Justice & Culture from the same institution. Daniela is passionate about helping all students feel empowered and supported in holistically exploring themselves.

Favorite thing about MC: Our abundant and ever-growing collection of Squishmallows and other cuddly creatures, which constantly enhance our welcoming community space!
Favorite activities: Rollerblading with my roomies, frolicking in the mountains, and trying all the cool niche sports Alaska has to offer!
Rejuvenation Practice: I love to light a candle and journal (word vomit) to help me identify all my thoughts and later make meaning out of them. I’m also a big proponent of naps!

Jessi Saiki (they/them)

Engagement and Belonging Coordinator, Pride Center
Location Universtiy Hub, Lower Lever of the Student Union
Email jmsaiki@alaska.edu

Jessi Saiki (they/them) is a Masters of Social work student and an artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in handbuilt ceramic sculpture from UAA. They wrote their thesis on neurodivergence and art therapy. Jessi loves to do art, play video games, and spend time with animals. They also love to be active in the community and enjoy live music and art engagements like First Fridays. As an Engagement and Belonging Coordinator, Jessi supports the belonging of students at UAA.

Favorite thing about MC: At MC we have freedom to be fully ourselves and support to pursue social justice and envision a better future.
Favorite animals: my favorite animals are cats, axolotls and japanese dwarf flying squirrels!
Rejuvenating Practice: Journaling, spending time with my emotional support animals, going for a walk!

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Community and Belonging

Welcome students and community!

Visit Multicultural + Pride Center

Initiatives, Community & Employment

Find Your Community with Cultural and Identity-based Student Orgs

Cultural and Identity-based Student Organizations Support

Our Team