The SSWANA Initiative

SSWANA Culture Show 2022

SSWANA Culture Show 2022

Retreat

Afghan Student Association Attan Dance

SSWANA Meeting

Group Photo of Author Series

The SSWANA Initiative

Programs & Resources

Contact us

If you would like to schedule one on one time with the SSWANA Program Manager please do so by going to Calendly(link is external)

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SSWANAInitiative@gmail.com

Mission Statement

The South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African (SSWANA) Initiative was advocated for and created by student activists that felt this student population lacked representation and resources at the University of California at Berkeley. As such, students will always be the heart of this initiative with the support of staff. The SSWANA Initiative seeks to provide personalized access to resources on campus, accessible programming, promote cross-cultural community building, and advocate for social justice in SSWANA communities through education and empowerment.

Goals

  • serving as a campus resource on SSWANA issues and events
  • promoting multicultural awareness through student interaction and community involvement
  • promoting empowerment and self-esteem through community building on and off-campus
  • promoting retention and addressing underrepresentation
  • sponsoring a diverse set of events, projects, programs, and activities

SSWANA Let's Talk

About SSWANA Let's Talk

Why Let's Talk?

  • FREE access to supportive counseling and referral to resources
  • Confidential, safe space for informal consultations 
  • Culturally Centered
  • Easy Online Sign-Up at WeJoinIn(link is external)

Drop-In Hours

  • Fridays, 1:00PM-3:00PM
  • Easy Online Sign-Up at WeJoinIn

Meet the Counselor

KushaMurarka, PsyD.                          

Kusha is a professionally trained clinician that is familiar with the cultural needs of SSWANA students at UC Berkeley and has been working on the SSWANA Wellness Grant since January 2019.The grant assesses and serves the wellness needs of this large group of students on campus

 Specialties include:

  • Family of origin concerns
  • Immigrant experience
  • Relationship issues 
  • Identity concerns
  • Mood/Anxiety concerns
  • Balancing academic, family, & work demands

For urgent concerns or to schedule an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS),call (510) 642-9494.

SSWANA Student Organizations

Check out these SSWANA student organizations!

SSWANA-Owned Business in Berkeley

Discover SSWANA restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses in Berkeley!