The Commission for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Staff or Faculty Community Building Award recognizes the contributions of a staff or faculty member who has demonstrated their commitment to fostering inclusivity, building connections, raising awareness for, and/or advancing the diverse interests of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville AAPI community.
Rachel Rui
Dr. Rachel Rui, Director for the Global Research, Innovation, and Partnership Office at CGE, embodies exceptional dedication. From grassroots initiatives fundraising almost $20,000 for COVID disaster relief to founding the Commission for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Rachel’s tireless work and leadership fosters community building and amplifies support for diversity.
What does being a Volunteer mean to you? How has UT empowered you to make a difference in a way you might not have imagined elsewhere?
“Being a Volunteer means to have the courage to lead, act and engage in activities that you believe in. It means putting down roots in the community and blooming where you are planted while also enriching the soil so that others will flourish as well. As an international student, UT has given me a sweet home away from home and the UT family has provided unwavering support throughout the years, helping me overcome challenges and grow both professionally and personally to reach where I am today.”