Copley Connects Fall 2025 / Spring 2026

COPLEY LIBRARY AND BAYSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER

presents

CULTURAL MOSAIC: CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) HERITAGE MONTH

Gil Ontai Uncle Gil Ontai, aka, Kilipaka, was born and raised in the ‘ahupua’a of Palolo Valley to Waikiki and comes from a long and distinguished Kanaka O’iwi ohana whose ancestors served the Crown and who’s extended ohana continues to bring positive change in the well-being of the Hawaiian Community. Uncle Gil continues the family tradition of serving the Hawaiian Community by providing educational leadership and aloha in his public and private life

Jey Tran Jey Tran is an author, fitness professional, and motivational speaker whose life story reflects resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of purpose. As a Vietnamese refugee who journeyed across the ocean as a boat person in search of freedom, Jey’s early life shaped his deep belief in gratitude, discipline, and the power of overcoming adversity. Jey is also the author of “Eyes Shut, Mouth Closed.”

Cathlyn Choi Cathlyn Choi is a television and film producer, show host,

Nanda Mehta Nanda’s life has been shaped by the richness of three continents—Asia, Africa, and North America —where she was raised before the age of 17. As the founder and CEO of Creative Journeys, a Travel and Event Management company established in 1990, she has always believed that travel is the best form of education, offering life-changing lessons that no classroom can match. Yet it is through community service that Nanda has found her most meaningful work.

media entrepreneur, and community advocate with more than 30 years of international experience in business development,

sales, and marketing across the consumer electronics, wireless,

media, hospitality, health, and nonprofit sectors in North America, South America, and Asia. A dedicated community leader, Cathlyn has served on more than 15 nonprofit boards and currently serves on the USS Midway Museum Community Engagement Committee.

Performances by students of the Van Lang Center and hula dances by Hālau Hula Kāhea I Ka Manu A loha

PLACE : UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO COPLEY LIBRARY 5998 ALCALA PARK, SAN DIEGO, CA 92110 DATE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 TIME : 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM REGISTER AT : https://libcal.sandiego.edu/event/16689790

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