This story was originally published in Vol. 33, Issue 8 (April 2023)
On March 24, a cultural fashion show was hosted by the Tennis Club and CILA clubs including the Asian Pacific Islander Association, Muslim Student Association, Student Activities Board and Associated Students of WSU Vancouver.
Students displayed their heritage in clothing from around the world with background slides and commentary providing the audience with information about their cultural significance. Every club provided food for the event, including Hawaiian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines for guests to enjoy.
Sherin Kirubakaran, junior biology major and president of the Tennis Club, wanted to collaborate with members of CILA to create an event to celebrate the diverse heritage of students on campus.
“We wanted to carry a cultural event on campus, and we didn’t see one that was reflecting our vision and decided to take matters into our own hands,” said Kirubakaran. “We just wanted to make an event where everyone could feel comfortable in their cultural clothes and in representing their culture.”
(Josalyn Ortiz The VanCougar)
Freshman undergraduate and secretary of the Tennis Club Zayneb Siddiqui said that she and Kirubakaran began preparing for the event in January, collaborating with CILA clubs and student government to hold a fashion show in celebration of culture.
“We started recruiting models, getting their information, it was a very long process,” said Siddiqui. “It seems like people really enjoyed it, we got a lot of positive feedback.”
Corey Hing, junior accounting major and treasurer of APIA, modeled his Cambodian shirt and karma for the event. According to Hing, CILA members have been helpful in promoting diverse and inclusive events that showcase different cultures and traditions.
“I think CILA is doing an amazing job with all of these events going on. They’re one of our big sponsors for APIA and the Cultural Fashion Show… I think we’re really doing a good job on sharing the events right now, because a lot of people have shown interest in these heritage events and learning about different cultures. [We’re] fostering a sense of unity,” said Hing.
Senior DTC major Isatou Dumbuya modeled her Gambian attire during the fashion show. Dumbuya said that the cultural event was a great success.
“I really enjoyed it, my kids had a great time too. Everybody seemed to be treated fairly and with respect. In the future I would like to join other CILA events and participate, it’s very inclusive,” said Dumbuya.
Kirubakaran expressed her joy at seeing others celebrate their heritage during the fashion show.
“Growing up, I never bought any cultural clothes, so this was my first time wearing a cultural outfit,” said Kirubakaran. “I really had fun. At first I was nervous about modeling but watching other people dress up and having fun in their cultural outfits made me want to show off mine too… I felt like I was very proud of my culture, seeing other people embrace their culture made me embrace mine even more. It was a very meaningful moment to me.”
Norman is a senior majoring in Integrated Strategic Communications and Digital Technology & Culture.