AAPI Association of Vanderbilt Alumni (AAVA)

Welcome to AAVA!

Current AAVA membership as of July 2024: 10,325

The AAPI Association of Vanderbilt Alumni (AAVA) was created by alumni to connect the Vanderbilt AAPI community. Members receive newsletters and invitations to AAVA social events and networking opportunities. The steering committee works closely with student organizations to provide resources for current students. We hope you find community and support through the AAPI Association of Vanderbilt Alumni.

APIDA Fund

Make a gift today and impact the life of a student.

The APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Fund serves the APIDA community at Vanderbilt by supporting APIDA-related programming and initiatives campus-wide. Your gift will contribute to APIDA community-building at Vanderbilt.

Give to the APIDA Fund

AAVA Leadership

Joy Cox, BA'98, MD'02

President | Nashville, TN

The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Joy grew up in Knoxville, TN. She received an undergraduate degree in molecular biology and fine arts in 1998 and a medical degree in 2002 from Vanderbilt University. Following the completion of her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology also at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she then pursued a fellowship and is currently practicing as a Urogynecologist, with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery. As an undergraduate, she was involved in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the study abroad program at Leeds University.
Neil Goklani, BS'97

Outreach & Communications Chair | Ridgewood, NJ

Neil graduated from Vanderbilt in 1997 and has been working in New York City for many years. He has been a senior executive in global roles for companies such as American Express and JP Morgan. Currently Neil is a Partner at Prosek Partners, a global marketing and communications firm. He is the Business Head for Prophecy, a Cannes Lions and ANA recognized strategic branding advisory focusing on Financial, Professional Services, Healthcare and Technology sectors. Neil is active in his community and has been a member of the board of directors for Job Path NYC where he serves on the DEI committee. Job Path helps find employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Neil and his wife have 3 children and reside in New Jersey, they are passionate travelers and active in sports and volunteering in community groups such as Reading Buddies.
Jamie Kim, BS'00, MEd'06

Student Support Co-Chair | Houston, TX

Jamie received her undergraduate (2000) and M.Ed. (2006) degrees from Vanderbilt. She has since worked in education for over 25 years, ranging from public and charter schools in various capacities (teacher, counselor, dean of students), the VU undergraduate admissions office, to college counseling at independent schools. Jamie sits on the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS) Board of Trustees, Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC) Executive Board, and Naviance Customer Advisory Board. As an undergraduate student, she was a Resident Adviser and a member of the Asian American Student Association, serving as president (1998-99). Jamie and her husband have two daughters, and they reside in Houston.
Aileen Rose, BA'94

Student Support Co-Chair | Hendersonville, TN

Joining AAVA is my answer to Vanderbilt’s 150th year call to Dare to Grow. Vanderbilt’s challenge of growth through belonging, innovation, and collaboration is inspiring. I am honored to work with the AAVA board creating community and connection with the Vanderbilt APIDA community.