ACE | Photo submitted by Isabelle Hardesty
Advocates for Cultural diversity and Excellence (ACE) was founded in May of 2018 when Seara Kim wanted to form an Asian interest sorority at Wright State University (WSU).
Current President Isabelle Hardesty continues Kim’s work by guiding the interest group currently chartering a sorority. ACE is determined to expand diversity and inclusion at WSU by providing services to the community, achieve academic excellence and represent the unrepresented.
The history of ACE
When Kim transferred to WSU, they noticed that the university lacked sororities for Latinx and Asian based groups. When Kim contacted an individual who knew how to start the process of creating a sorority, an email was sent out and more women interested in the interest group joined.
Kim was acting president for about a year before they transferred to a different university and Hardesty took over as President. While there is no vice president, the organization of nine to ten women all support one another and share the duties of chartering a sorority.
“I do have girls who assist me when I need them to and they’re willing to help me out whenever they need to. Our group is more about supporting each other than roles, really. So, I guess you could say, I am the acting president, however, I am supported by the whole organization,” said Hardesty.
According to Hardesty, ACE looks for quality members that want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. While the organization is mainly Asian based, according to Engage the motto is, “Asian by tradition, not by definition”.
According to Hardesty, applying members do not have to be Asian, but they should share the ideals and understanding that the current members possess.
The coronavirus impact
The coronavirus pandemic may not have harmed ACE activity-wise, but members were impacted mentally.
“Earlier in the year coronavirus was called the Chinese virus and a lot of the times, because we are an Asian interest group, it was something we had to sit down about and check on how everyone was feeling. While I was not in any uncomfortable situations, some of my members were,” said Hardesty.
According to Hardesty, members reported that people were acting distant towards them and using the term Chinese virus around them. While the situation has gotten more controlled in the past months, members are still cautious with not only the coronavirus, but also with adverse reactions from others.
“This group brings in a new perspective and provides not only a way to spread cultural diversity, but also a place where the girls feel like they belong, where they can talk openly. I’m not saying that they were ostracized, but it’s a comforting feeling to know that other people know what you’re going through,” said Hardesty.
The big picture
Because of online education, ACE keeps in contact with members through group chats and texts. Commuting students can join meetings online without having to go to campus.
According to Hardesty, communication has improved between members and engagement has increased.
“I wanted to make friends, learn more about other cultures, and to empower other women. My favorite thing about ACE is when we go out to eat together and spend quality time with one another,” said senior social work major with a minor in health communications Rebekah Wyse on why she joined ACE.
Computer science major Alyana Barrera also enjoys the members of ACE.
“What I love about ACE is the members and our mission on campus. We want to spread diversity and also make sure that we support each other and others,” said Barrera.
ACE is still in the process of chartering a sorority and hopes that in the future they can help others to feel included.
Where to find ACE
Individuals can find ACE information on Engage, on Instagram @wsu_ace and Facebook as WSU ACE.
ACE will also have a podcast called Safe Space with ACE where the women will discuss topics important to them and society.
