SWANA
What is SWANA?
SWANA stands for Southwest Asia and North Africa and is often used instead of the term “Middle East.” While both refer to the same general region, SWANA focuses on geography rather than the political lens used in Western definitions.
You may also see similar terms like MENA (Middle East and North Africa), MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia), or SSWANA (South and Southwest Asia and North Africa). The main difference comes down to naming: “Middle East” is more widely known, but SWANA is considered more accurate and inclusive.
Check out a visual representation of common terms
| Excludes South Asia ↓ | Includes South Asia ↓ | |
| Uses “Southwest Asia” → | SWANA | SSWANA |
| Uses “Middle East” → | MENA | MENASA |
SWANA at UC Santa Cruz
The Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center (AA/PIRC) co-creates engagement with students who identify as part of the Asian American, Pacific Islander, & Southwest Asian & North African (AA/PI/SWANA) diaspora at UC Santa Cruz; exploring the complexities of their holistic experiences, and individual and collective identities. AA/PIRC’s engagement includes leadership and holistic development, along with educational opportunities with, for, and in support of AA/PI/SWANA communities.
Learn how the University of California defines SWANA
| Afghan | Egyptian | Lebanese | Sudanese |
| Algerian | Emirati | Libyan | Syrian |
| Armenian | Georgian | Mauritanian | Tunisian |
| Assyrian / Chaldean | Iranian | Moroccan | Turkish |
| Azerbaijani | Iraqi | Omani | Yemeni |
| Bahraini | Israeli | Palestinian | Other North African |
| Berber | Jordanian | Qatari | Other Southwest Asian |
| Circassian | Kurdish | Saudi Arabian | |
| Djiboutian | Kuwaiti | Somali |
Our history
Although the Resource Centers have supported SWANA student communities in the past, SWANA Programs at UCSC officially became part of AA/PIRC in 2019 when the first SWANA programs intern was hired. Since then, AA/PIRC has hired SWANA Student Program Interns and a full-time professional staff member, the SWANA Retention Specialist, who focus on SWANA student populations.
Our resources
SWANA Coworking Spaces: Consistent coworking spaces on campus that allow students to study with their peers, chat, and mingle with other members of the community.
SWANA Pantry: The SWANA Pantry provides culturally familiar snacks to help students feel seen, supported, and at home. A small taste of comfort, rooted in community and care. Located at the end of the 3rd floor of the Bay Tree Building, in our Ethnic Resource Center Lounge.
Our team
Myenn Rahnoma, SWANA Retention Specialist
Myenn Rahnoma (she/her) serves as the SouthWest Asian North African (SWANA) Retention Specialist at the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center on campus.
Annual events
Open to all, our annual events honor the richness and diversity of SWANA identities and experiences. From joyful celebrations to reflective gatherings, these programs offer space for connection, expression, and community—creating opportunities to come together, uplift one another, and thrive.
SWANA Con
The annual conference for students interested in connecting with Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) identities, SWANA Con is hosted collaboratively with our UC partners. This free conference is designed to connect students across campuses and diasporas, build leadership and academic skills, and discuss challenges impacting our communities while embracing cultural heritage and identities.
SWANA Banquet
A cultural banquet celebrating SWANA heritage, uplifting SWANA voices and stories, and fostering a sense of community and belonging for all who attend.
Past events
SWANA Brunch
Shakshuka tutorial and traditional SWANA brunch spread, followed by henna activities, Armenian coffee readings, and flower-based crafts.
Beats of SWANA with DJ Habibeats
An evening filled with groovy beats and insightful conversations with a talented and well-known South West Asian/North African (SWANA) DJ — DJ Habibeats.
Nowruz Celebration
Celebrating the first day of spring and the Persian/Afghan New Year with the Iranian Student Union and Afghan Student Association, featuring traditional activities such as henna, egg decorating, dancing, Nowruz spreads, and delicious SWANA dishes.
SWANA Scents
Allowing students’ creative juices to flow with a perfume-making tutorial, explaining SWANA influences and origins of certain scents, accompanied by henna and jewelry-making.
Bollywood Movie Night
A casual screening of the Bollywood blockbuster Om Shanti Om, featuring traditional Indian dishes and other South Asian snacks.