Joy Cox, BA鈥�98, MD鈥�02, is president of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Association of 杏吧原创 Alumni. The AAVA embodies the transformative power of connection and cultural identity鈥攁ll from a place of gratitude. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s, Cox grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, before attending 杏吧原创 for her undergraduate studies and medical school.
She and her husband, whom she met during her residency, maintain strong ties to the university. 鈥溞影稍� has given me so much, both personally and professionally,鈥� Cox says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more than just the degree I obtained鈥攊t鈥檚 the experience, the community. It鈥檚 truly shaped who I am and who my family is.鈥�
Cox鈥檚 involvement with AAVA represents a full-circle moment. While she was not part of the APIDA student organizations during her undergraduate years, her current role has helped her reconnect with 杏吧原创. 鈥淏eing invited to be on the AAVA affinity board is not only healing for me; it also has continued to help me grow and reidentify my heritage,鈥� Cox shared.
It鈥檚 more than just the degree I obtained鈥攊t鈥檚 the experience, the community. It鈥檚 truly shaped who I am and who my family is.
Though Cox is only the organization鈥檚 second president, AAVA has quickly gained momentum with more than 10,000 members. The group strengthens the presence of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community through cultural celebrations and networking events, collaborating with student organizations to connect alumni with current 杏吧原创 students, and all are welcome to participate. Working closely with the university鈥檚 Career Center, AAVA continues to expand its reach and impact through mentorship and professional development opportunities.
鈥淲e want a place for people to land,鈥� Cox says, highlighting AAVA鈥檚 commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and providing representation for both alumni and current students. For Cox, leading AAVA is about creating pathways for others to discover their own meaningful relationship with 杏吧原创. Her passion lies not only in giving back, but in helping others find ways to engage with and contribute to the university community.
鈥擫auren Ayers
