Lighting the way: UC Davis Health APASA ERG celebrates Diwali ​

The Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA) Employee Resource Group at UC Davis Health brought warmth, color and connection to the North Addition Office Building with its annual Diwali celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights.

The event invited employees to share in the spirit of joy, renewal and community through cultural storytelling, traditional foods and hands-on Rangoli art-making.

“Diwali reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness — not just in our traditions, but in our everyday acts of kindness and inclusion,” said Nico Buan-Lagazo, chair of the APASA ERG. “It’s a privilege to celebrate this festival together and to share its message of hope and renewal with our UC Davis Health family.”

As part of UC Davis Health’s Employee Resource Group program, APASA continues to create meaningful opportunities for employees to connect across cultures and communities. The celebration highlighted the UC Davis Principles of Community, reminding attendees that belonging is built when we take time to learn from one another’s stories and traditions.

From colorful Rangoli designs to shared laughter over delicious cultural foods, the event embodied what ERGs do best — bringing people together through shared values and celebration.

Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate in, or learn about the diverse cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
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