Tony Mai, a proud double alumnus, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in the spring of 2018 and later completed his Master of Social Work in the spring of 2022. Tony took advantage of many applied learning experiences during his time at Wichita State. Today, he serves as a Program Manager at the Rudd Foundation, where he oversees the expansion of community service programs and manages mentorship and professional development for sophomore cohorts across four campuses. With Wichita State consistently enrolling the highest number of Rudd Scholars each year, Tony鈥檚 work strengthens the bridge between the foundation and his alma mater.
Beyond his professional role, Tony remains deeply engaged with the community. As a Scholarship Judge for Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and an active member of both the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) and the Wichita Asian Association (WAA), he continues to give back. His commitment to community service was evident during his time at Wichita State, where he volunteered as an Office Assistant at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and was involved in various Asian-American community organizations. His passion for advocacy led him to intern as a Wichita Parole Officer Assistant, and in 2019, he appeared on KCTU TV 5 to discuss mental health challenges in the Asian-American community, shedding light on barriers such as stigma and the need for culturally competent providers.
Reflecting on his time in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, Tony shared, 鈥淚 loved the applied learning and projects I did for social work advocacy through public policy. Through the many experiences I had gained through the MSW program, I was able to apply this knowledge into various programs I worked after, especially during my time in Texas at the Austin Police Department where I worked for two years as a Community Liaison.鈥� His education provided a foundation that allowed him to make meaningful contributions, not just in Wichita but beyond state lines.
Tony鈥檚 commitment to leadership and service extends to his board memberships. From 2021 to 2022, he served on the Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights Advisory Board for the City of Wichita, where he played a crucial role in shaping inclusive policies. In 2022, he joined the YMCA Community Development Board, further demonstrating his dedication to social impact. Additionally, he has devoted years to motivational speaking, uplifting Asian-American youth and advocating for their success. His involvement spans numerous organizations, including the Asian American Resource Center in Austin, the Midwest Asian American Students Union, and the Wichita Asian Association, where he also served as Scholarship Chairman. As Director of BE SEEN!, a platform empowering Asian-American voices, and as a guest panelist for the Students Empowerment Youth Leadership Panel, he has worked tirelessly to inspire and support future generations. His research fellowship with Loud Light in Topeka, Kansas, reflects his dedication to civic engagement and policy advocacy.
Tony鈥檚 journey is one of resilience, service, and passion for community upliftment. From his early days as a Wichita State student to his ongoing work as a mentor and leader, he exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning and giving back.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.