Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we proudly introduce Oranit Limmaneeprasert, the incoming Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) President. A long-time professor in the English as a Second Language (ESL) department at American River College, Oranit brings decades of experience, a deep sense of purpose, and a leadership style shaped by her Thai and Chinese heritage. Her two-year term begins on June 15.

In this special feature, Oranit reflects on her journey, what Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month means, and how she draws on her background to lead and advocate in California's community colleges.

A Journey Shaped by Resilience

"I sometimes have a hard time believing that I earned a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa," Oranit says. "Born and raised in a traditional Chinese family in a town 350 miles from Bangkok, I was supposed to be seen but not heard and was not expected to receive any education beyond elementary school." 

Despite these early limitations, Oranit earned a degree in chemical engineering from a college in Taiwan with the help of scholarships. Her path then took a turn toward education and service, teaching Mandarin Chinese to her local community and tutoring two American consuls and their staff in Thai. This experience led her to work as a Peace Corps language and cultural trainer and later as the director of the Maryknoll Fathers' Thai language and culture school. 

"As I learned more about possible opportunities for women in the U.S., I became interested in pursuing advanced degrees here," she recalls. "With savings from working three jobs for six years and support from some friends, I miraculously received a student visa to come to the U.S." 

Since then, Oranit has taught at American River College for nearly 25 years, drawing on her experiences as an immigrant and language learner to support and uplift her students. 

Oranit believes her cultural background is central to her work as an educator and a leader. "Educators in Taiwan and Thailand are expected to serve as role models for their students, and that is what I have also strived to do," she explains. "Women leaders in Taiwan, Thailand, and many places in Asia are expected to be humble and reserved. I am not a typical Chinese or Thai woman in that regard, as I learned early in my academic career in the U.S. that I must actively participate in advocacy work to make a difference for those who don’t have a voice." 

That drive has led her to a long-standing involvement with FACCC. She has served on several committees, held the role of Vice President, and will now assume the presidency. In addition, she brings years of leadership experience from her tenure as faculty union president at American River College and as the president of the Sacramento chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance.

What Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Means 

Oranit views AAPI Heritage Month as a time to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about issues impacting the AAPI community. "We need to celebrate our diversity," she says. "Additionally, we must continue to educate the public that the AAPI community is a highly diverse group and work to dismantle the model minority myth, as it is harmful to our struggle for racial justice and reinforces the view of Asian Americans as perpetual foreigners."

She also emphasizes the importance of disaggregating data within the AAPI category, as it can obscure the needs of underserved subgroups. "The model minority myth has resulted in inadequate support for certain individuals in the AAPI group, like Hmong, Laotian, Cambodian, and even many Chinese students, who need academic and financial assistance. We must continue to advocate for the disaggregation of AAPI data in all government and private organizations.

A Lifelong Love of Language and Teaching

Though Oranit could have pursued a career in teaching statistics, learning theory, or psychology, she chose to focus on English as a Second Language. "I have always loved languages and am fluent in six languages," she says. "I felt strongly—and still do—that I can make more contributions to the field of ESL, as many of our students are immigrants who are not aware of their rights and may not feel comfortable voicing their concerns, especially when they need to express themselves in English." 

For her, ESL is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about empowerment.

Students as Inspiration

Throughout her time as an educator, Oranit has been inspired by her students’ determination and courage. "Witnessing my students' hard work, perseverance, and resilience in challenging environments, along with their academic achievements, constantly reinforces my understanding that what I do can change their lives," she says. "Therefore, I need to intentionally and consistently do my best to advocate for them."

Values That Guide Her Work

Oranit embraces key Thai and Chinese values that shape her leadership style: teamwork, collaboration, and respect for others. "Being considerate of others is a core value in both Thai and Chinese cultures," she states.

Oranit Limmaneeprasert’s story is a powerful reflection of resilience. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, her journey reminds us of the importance of honoring diverse experiences and uplifting voices within our communities. We look forward to the leadership she will bring to FACCC and the continued inspiration she offers to the higher education community.

To read the full Q&A with Oranit, click here.