Read Our Stories.
Here at ASA, we hold in high regard the meaningful impact we create within the community through our rich and diverse experiences.
Our Directors
Shane Carlin
CEO, Founder, & Coach
Shane Carlin’s professional career has been in fundraising and Student Affairs where he was the Director of Development for Student Life and Scholarships at Northwestern University, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Advancement at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Carlin has also worked as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), as well as in Residence Life and Housing at Miami, Northwestern, and Capital Universities.
He is a Korean American adoptee where he grew-up in northern Kentucky. Carlin earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from the University of Kentucky and his Master of Science in College Student Personnel from Miami University.
Carlin not only has over 20 years of experience in higher education administration, but also has mentored students in international settings. Besides his expertise in higher education, Carlin is an experienced public speaker. He has been invited to speak at universities from coast to coast. In addition, he was a speaker for TEDx Lakeshore East in 2011. Internationally, Carlin presented the “Western Way of Networking” to students at Hong Kong University Science & Technology (HKUST) and managers at General Electric (GE) in Shanghai at the China Technology Center.
David Harbin
Director of technology
David Harbin is a highly-motivated computer engineer and IT director, experienced in support and network infrastructure for multi-user and remote locations. He’s adept at communicating with key stakeholders in assessing project needs, and leading high-performing and multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced environments. His career started in higher education, designing support methodologies and IT governance for the campus help desk, training and mentor student employees. He has since consulted for a wide variety of diverse industries, including health care, nonprofits, real estate firms, fin-tech startups, pharmaceutical labs and many other large corporations. While attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, David served as an officer and advisor in the Philippine Student Association. Not only was he an active member of the organization, he dedicated his time on campus to improving the quality of student life for minorities and underrepresented communities. He did so through his philanthropic work, multicultural advocacy programming as a resident advisor, keeping a weekly column in the Daily Illini focused on social justice issues, and assisting with FACT conference delegation for 5 years. He also led a number of initiatives in his journalistic field, including writers’ workshops at local middle-schools, revitalizing the National Association of Black Journalists, fundraising and community outreach in Champaign, and more.David enjoys collecting video games from all eras, playing competitive chess, analyzing baseball statistics, powerlifting, reading and hiking.
Ryan Nishimoto
Director of Operations & HR
Ryan Nishimoto started his academic journey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he entered as an Electrical Engineer and graduated as a Computational Astronomer. While at UIUC Ryan played the Tenor Saxophone in the Marching Illini, where he served as marching and music section leader. He was also an active member in the Philippine Student Association, where he learned more about his Filipino half through cultural dance. Upon graduating he started volunteering with the Japanese American Citizens League’s (JACL) Kansha Project, which helps Japanese-American youth connect with their identity, history, and community. It was here Ryan learned of his grandparent’s experience during World War II, where they along with every other Japanese-American citizen were taken from their homes and placed in incarceration camps following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Reinvigorated, Ryan then went on and got his masters in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he researched with medical professionals on rehabilitation through Virtual Reality and Astronomers on scientific visualizations for non-scientific viewers. He is now a Data Engineer working in the healthcare field, wanting to inform and educate people through data. Outside of work Ryan enjoys playing video games, watching shows and movies, finding new recipes to cook, and staying active.
Kathleen Stark
Director of Marketing
Kathleen Stark is a social media strategist by day, helping brands navigate their online presence and paid content plans. Over the years, she’s had the pleasure of working with companies like Ubisoft, Lunchables, Mondelez, Labcorp, and Bumble Bee Foods. She started her advertising journey at the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, where she was involved in numerous student organizations including AAF (American Advertising Federation), Smashing Illini, and PSA (Philippine Student Association). She was an active member in PSA, where she got to learn more about her Filipino side. She participated in events like the FACT conference, where she served as a photographer for 2 years and a FACT manager her senior year. Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys playing video games, competing in a shuffleboard league, going to the gym, and seeking out the newest trends on TikTok.
Our Interns
Jessica Liu
Lead Marketing intern
.Jessica Liu is a student pursuing a BBA degree in Management Information Systems at Texas A&M University with a growing interest in software and website development. On campus, she is involved in Chinese Student Association as a member of the Media Team where she takes photos and edits video footage for the organization. Passionate about traveling and having new experiences, Jessica plans to study abroad in Jönköping, Sweden during Spring 2024. Born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, Jessica enjoys exploring the Houston nightlife and loves trying new and different cuisines in the city
Aaryaman Mummadavarapu
technology intern
Aaryaman Mummadavarapu is a student at Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science. On campus, he is the President of the Asian Business Society, an organization that is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community in which students are given the chance to network with speakers and professionals in the field, accrue business acumen, and make lifelong friends. He is also a member of the External Relations Committee and a Mentor for the Institute for the Development of Asian American Leaders, where he plans large events on campus to serve and educate the public about Asian American culture and issues. Passionate about art, he has explored a multitude of media, from drawing with charcoal to sculpting rock. Born in India, Aarya moved to the United States when he was 5 years old, where he’s lived in Nebraska, Illinois, and has finally settled in Texas. No matter where he’s lived, he has always been passionate about giving back to the community and spending time with friends.
Rachel Ramirez
graphic design intern
Rachel Ramirez is a student at Biola University majoring in Digital Journalism and Media and minoring in Sociology. Growing up in Hawaii inspired her love for creating through different avenues– photography, videography, design, and writing. She aspires to be a multimedia journalist, connecting her passions for creativity and social justice to uplift the stories of underrepresented communities. Beyond school, she is an avid concert-goer and enjoys a good matcha latte.
Edmund Zhu
operations intern
Edmund Zhu is currently a student at Lipscomb University pursuing a biology degree on a pre-dental track. With a strong sense of service and curiosity, you will find him working across the globe on medical mission trips to support underrepresented communities or culturing and experimenting with cells in the university lab. Throughout his time at Lipscomb University, he has pushed for many changes through the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Asian Connection (ACON) affinity club. Using his developed leadership skills, he hopes to work, in the future, through his own dental practice to serve others in need. Outside of school, he enjoys activities such as reading, playing basketball, and cooking with his family at their restaurant.
Harrison Lee
technology & marketing intern
Harrison Lee is a student at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems. A singer since birth, Harrison is currently the Marketing Director for the a cappella group Hardchord Dynamix – semifinals medalists at the International Championship of Collegiate A cappella (ICCA). He is also involved with Texas A&M’s Asian Business Society and Chinese Student Association, where he hangs out and meets new friends. Outside of school, you can find Harrison playing golf, watching TV, and critiquing the latest boba shop around the corner.
Keefer Liao
technology & marketing intern
Keefer Liao is a student at Texas A&M University seeking a B.B.A in Management Information Systems with a minor in Cybersecurity at Texas A&M University. He is involved with many student organizations, including the Asian Business Society, Epic Movement, and the Taiwanese-American Student Association. Intrigued by technology’s possibilities for the business industry, Keefer enjoys experimenting with different programs and media platforms and keeping up with the latest technological trends. During his free time, Keefer enjoys creating art in Photoshop, playing video games, bouldering, and trying different cuisines.
Agalia Smith
Special Projects intern
Aglaia Smith is a student who takes classes through the Harvard extension program and Massbay Community College. At ASA, she is an intern with a focus on unique projects. She is interested in majoring in philosophy, and her career goal is to attend law school and become a corporate lawyer. She works at a junior managerial level as a shift lead at an ice cream shop. Aglaia enjoys playing the cello, painting, reading philosophy and fiction, and spending time with her family in her free time.