From Carnegie Mellon University Athletics

Divya Seenivasan, a senior on the women’s basketball team, has been a Tartan leader for the past few years serving as the public relations chair for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). Through her role in SAAC, Seenivasan has seen a number of issues arise for student-athletes and felt starting an AADPI student-athlete group was the next step for all Tartans to feel a sense of belonging on campus and within their teams.

“This group has the potential to strengthen the AADPI student-athlete community, expand diversity in athletic recruitment, and establish a more welcoming environment inside and outside of competition,” said Seenivasan.

The group will function as a support system for AADPI students and faculty, connecting them with resources, and affording them the space to voice concerns to stakeholders.

“During the pandemic, when there was a rise in hate crimes and violence among the Asian community, I realized that there wasn't a space for our AADPI student-athletes to express what they were feeling or how this affected them,” said Coordinator of Student-Athlete Wellness and Athletic Trainer Rosie Cheng. “I worked closely with Tim Farrell from the University Athletic Association (UAA) to bring together student-athletes, coaches, and staff members that identified as AADPI to have some informal discussions.  It became very evident there was a need for a support system.”

Cheng also works as the staff liaison with Plaivocates and has connections with various student organizations. She has this to say about the role of AADPI in the athletics department; “I envision the AADPI student-athlete organization partnering with SAAC, Plaidvocates, and BLAC to help raise awareness and educate the community on issues unique to the AADPI community. I also see them as leaders on our campus and in the UAA to showcase the diversity of our athletics teams.” The AADPI Student-Athlete Organization had its first meeting last spring at the UAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships, spurring the process to develop AADPI groups on all eight campuses. 

A native of New Jersey with Indian roots, Seenivasan believes that a supportive environment where all cultures are valued and celebrated is important in furthering the excellence of the program.

“The AADPI Student-Athlete Organization is a safe space for Tartans to embrace their identities and share their experiences,” said Seenivasan. “All are welcome to join this community and be a part of our efforts in the years to come.”

The AADPI Student-Athlete Organization is planning an event on Monday, October 24th to welcome student-athletes and celebrate Diwali, an Indian holiday known as the festival of lights. The celebration will be from 7-8 p.m. in Wean 5403. This will be an opportunity for student-athletes that identify as AADPI to come together to celebrate and meet each other. We encourage all student-athletes to attend to learn more about the AADPI culture and become allies.