Volunteers are an essential part of Asia Society Texas' team! Assisting with everything from registration to arts and crafts to receptions, volunteers provide vital support for more than 125 public programs each year and contribute to our mission of advancing cultural exchange.

We'd like to shine a spotlight on one of our volunteers, Mustika Urbaningsih. Learn a little more about Mustika and her volunteer experience below!

Quick Facts

Name: Mustika Urbaningsih
Asia Society Texas volunteer since: September 2017
Interests: Currently, I work as the Constituent Relations Officer at the Baker Institute for Public Policy while pursing my MBA at Rice University. When I'm not working and studying, I find every excuse to stay active. I love going to the gym, running at Memorial Park with friends, and taking barre lessons. I'm also excited to start ballet lessons for the first time!
Favorite volunteer role: My favorite role has been working as a festival volunteer at events like the Night Market Festival and the BIPOC Book Fest. It's always enjoyable to welcome and greet guests of all ages and support activities like crafts and performances. This role is a fun way to engage with the community and contribute to the many cultural events that Asia Society Texas hosts.
Favorite program you've volunteered for: I've been fortunate to assist with many of AST's programs, such as the Women's Leadership Series, Night Market, and The Big Swim — all unique and fun. If I had to choose one this year, it would be "Homegrown Houston: All Asian, No Fusion With Street to Kitchen." This tasting tour featured Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Japanese cuisines and more, truly reflecting the diversity and creativity of Houston's food scene.

Reflection

After graduating from college, I wanted to find a way to continue helping and engaging with my community. As a long-time Houston resident, I was drawn to Asia Society Texas' mission of celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions of Asia. I felt it was a great opportunity to learn more about my heritage and connect with others who shared similar interests.

One of my most cherished memories from volunteering was at the Mid-Autumn Festival. I worked at the Faux Mooncake station, helping children create colorful playdough mooncakes using cookie stampers. Seeing their faces light up with joy as they proudly presented their creations to their families was truly heartwarming. It was a reminder of the power of cultural traditions to bring people together.

Volunteering at Asia Society Texas has added to my life in countless ways. I've met a diverse group of people from all walks of life, made lasting friendships, and learned valuable skills like event planning and community outreach. The experience has broadened my perspectives, fostered a deeper appreciation for Asian cultures, and strengthened my connection to the Houston community.

To anyone considering volunteering at Asia Society Texas, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. It's a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, expand cultural horizons, and forge lasting connections. Asia Society Texas offers a welcoming environment for volunteers of all backgrounds.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.