OCA-NJ 2025 HOLIDAY BALL @ THE GRAND, TOTOWA, NJ Photos by Joe Nunez... Read More | Share it now!
OCA-NJ 2025 HOLIDAY BALL @ THE GRAND, TOTOWA, NJ
Photos by Joe Nunez Studio
www.joenunezphoto.com
FOUNDATION 649
Monday, November 24, 2025 ~ Rutgers University Livingston Student Center
Rutgers Asian Student Council Hosts Inaugural Political and Professional Development Event - By Wendy Chin
The Rutgers Asian Student Council (ASC) successfully hosted its first-ever political and professional development event, drawing more than 85 students for an evening of dialogue, learning, and empowerment within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community.
The event featured an esteemed panel of leaders and advocates, including Wendy Chin, Co-President of the OCA–New Jersey; Arati Sadalge Kreibich, Program Director of the New Jersey Million Voters Project; and Catherine Tung, Adjunct Faculty at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Each panelist shared personal insights from their professional journeys and highlighted the importance of civic engagement, representation, and community-building in advancing Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) voices across New Jersey.
“OCA-NJ is proud to support the next generation of APIDA leaders,” said Wendy Chin. “We are committed to strengthening our relationships and uplifting our community through continued engagement and advocacy.”
Lights, Camera, Action! Rutgers HKSA Temple Street Event Delivers
A Night to Remember - By Jenny Lee
The Busch Multi-Purpose Room was alive with the vibrant energy of Hong Kong on Saturday, November 15, as the Rutgers Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA) presented its highly anticipated Temple Street Event. The night lived up to its billing, offering attendees an immersive experience that expertly blended cultural festivities with exciting entertainment. From the moment you walked in, the aroma of delicious Hong Kong street food filled the air, setting the stage for an evening packed with captivating performances, engaging games, and unique local vendors. It was truly a night to remember. Guests had the opportunity to shop from local small businesses and artists and try their luck at a variety of HK-themed game stations. Beyond the cultural immersion, the event offered plenty of opportunities for fun and fortune. A highlight for many attendees was the chance to win delightful raffle prizes. My granddaughter won the cutest stuffed animal & my nephew and I were among four lucky winners to win a gaming bag each! The sheer joy in the room was contagious, proving the organizers had truly mastered the art of engaging their guests. The success of the evening takes on an even greater significance when considering the cause it supported. A portion of the evening’s proceeds directly benefited our chapter, the OCA-NJ Chapter! As the volunteer treasurer for the OCA-NJ Chapter, the impact of these funds is personally understood to be meaningful and impactful, supporting programs like our annual scholarship awards for NJ high school students as well as funding our various advocacy efforts such as promoting social justice.
Members Appreciation Luncheon & General Election
Sunday, November 16, 2025
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November is our annual OCA-NJ Membership Appreciation Luncheon and General Election—and it also marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise within the Asian American community.
At our luncheon, guest speaker Steven Merlin, a passionate advocate and long-term pancreatic cancer survivor, shared his personal journey. His presentation covered important topics, including pancreatic cancer statistics among Asian Americans, signs and symptoms, prevention and early detection, guidance on where to seek help, and resources from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. His informative and inspiring message made a significant impact on all who attended.
Wendy Chin
OCA-NJ Co-President
2025 Chinese Wellness Day
Photos courtesy of the Center for Asian Health, John O'Boyle & Derek Lee
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- 6/8/25 Photo by John O’Boyle
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- Photo by Center for Asian Health
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- Photo by Derek Lee
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- Photo by Derek Lee
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- 6/8/25 Photo by John O’Boyle
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- Photo by Derek Lee
June 8, 2025 - This year marks the 8th annual Chinese Wellness Day hosted by the Center for Asian Health. Held at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Center in Livingston, NJ, the Chinese Wellness Day aims to provide health education, screenings, and resources to the Chinese community. It also emphasizes preventative care and a holistic approach to well-being in the Chinese community. There were physician presentations, a meet the physicians session, and free health screenings. Many health professionals, medical companies and organizations supported this event by sponsoring vendors' tables at the event. This year’s event was a huge success with an estimated 350 people in attendance and over 500 health screenings performed, thus emphasizing this vital community outreach effort.
AAPI Heritage Month & Mental Health Awareness Month ~ Free Virtual Workshops
Stronger Together: Celebrating Asian American Heritage & Mental Health MONTH
In honor of May, which marks both Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
and Mental Health Awareness Month, the four OCA chapters (LI, NJ, NY, WHV) and the Chinese
Adoptee Alliance (CAA) have partnered to host a series of free virtual workshops focused on
mental health and identity.
Research shows that AAPI individuals face disparities in mental health treatment, including
lower rates of seeking help compared to other groups. Cultural factors—such as stigma and the
lack of culturally competent care—often create barriers to accessing support.
These workshops aim to reduce stigma around mental health and expand access to culturally
relevant resources for our AAPI communities.
Proud supporters of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month: The OCA Sister Chapters and CAA
