Why I Give: Michelle Arishita

Michelle Arishita

Michelle is a successful lawyer, having represented clients at the federal and state level in cases involving commercial contract disputes, antitrust, oil and gas, construction, and trade secret law. But it’s her pro bono work alongside Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) that allows her to do what she loves while giving back locally.

We had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle to hear her story and highlight AFSSA’s vital work in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. 

Q: Can you tell us about Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) and how it is working to help Asian families dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking?

Asian Family Support Services of Austin, or AFSSA, is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, that supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with free, confidential services.  While AFSSA is specialized in providing services to Asian clients and other marginalized community members, AFSSA welcomes and serves all survivors. Some of the direct services that AFSSA provides include: safety planning, operating a 24/7 hotline with interpretation services, legal advocacy, hospital accompaniment, individual and group counseling, supportive transitional housing, and economic empowerment services. AFSSA distinguishes itself from other service providers by offering culturally relevant long-term case management in the client’s preferred language and where a client’s heritage and customs are normalized.

Q: Can you share your personal story that led to your involvement with AFSSA? What about their mission and work spoke to you? How are you supporting them?

I was inspired to become involved with AFSSA after representing a client and her daughter, who were both survivors of domestic violence, in their asylum process. Through that representation, I saw first-hand the difficulty in navigating a legal process – and one fraught with trauma – while also facing a language barrier. I was fortunate to have colleagues that spoke my client’s language, and I witnessed how impactful that was to providing services to my client.  

After that experience, I joined the Board of Directors for AFSSA, which I served on for six years.  Over that time, I witnessed AFSSA staff not only provide direct services to hundreds of clients a year but also provide culturally grounded prevention and education programs to schools, community groups, law enforcement, and health care providers. It was truly an honor and privilege to serve the community alongside such dedicated staff at the organization.

While my time on the Board has ended, I’ve continued to support AFSSA in other ways. This year, I am on the host committee for AFSSA’s annual Silk Road Gala, taking place on November 1, 2025. The Silk Road Gala is not only one of AFSSA’s fundraisers but also a wonderful event celebrating survivors. Additionally, I support AFSSA every year on Amplify Austin Day!