Cultural Changemakers
1 Stand Against Hatred: API Unity Past, Present, and Future
Format: Panel
A brief history of the increasingly public displays of anti-AAPI sentiment across recent decades, which has been catalyzed and amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion of personal encounters of AAPI hates during this time as well as efforts to combat this. Key steps that individuals and organizations/corporations can follow to intervene in situations, create a safe space, and get more involved.
Speakers:
Lee Wang, Managing Director at Stop API Hate
Tim Ma, Co-founder of Chefs Stopping API Hate and Chef at Lucky Danger and Laoban Dumplings
Curtis Chin, Writer and Former US Ambassador for the Asian Development Bank
2 Breaking Stereotypes: API Representation in the Media and Hollywood
Format: Fireside Chat
Learn about historical examples of API stereotyping in media such as the practices of “yellow face” and white washing. Discussion on personal struggles with casting/directors and the current state of achievements in API representation in media.
Speaker:
Michael Tow, Actor, Director, and Producer
3 Black and Asian Solidarity: Bridging the Gap
Format: Panel
Learn about historical divides between minority groups, as well as the impact of achievements in the black community that also lead to breakthroughs in Asian American rights. Discussion of strategies to build unity among separate communities and bridge the gap, becoming stronger together.
Speakers:
Suzanne Lee, Chairman of Boston’s Chinese Progressive Association
Sam Hyun, Director of Federal Relations for the City of Boston
Courtney Henderson, Founder & CEO of Develop & Empower Consulting, LLC
4 Stories of Self: Honoring the Past to Inform the Future
Format: Single Speaker
History is made up of vast experiences that intertwine with each other. In this interactive workshop, we delve into the Asian and Pacific Islander Experiences in the United States timeline where participants are able to process and engage with historic moments centering the vast and nuanced experiences of the API community.
The impact of learning about histories that are often left untold and silenced will inspire a safe space where folks are able to craft and share their own stories of self with the purpose of adding their unique value to the larger story.
Speaker:
Akemi Mechtel, Assistant Director at Leadership Development at LEAP
5 Creative Visionaries: A Celebration of API Heritage
Format: Fireside Chat
The creative arts have always demanded both authenticity and originality. This workshop spotlights two API creative visionaries who found inspiration in their personal and cultural backgrounds to achieve professional success, while overcoming pressures to follow a typical STEM career.
Speakers:
Joanne Chang, Founder and Award Winning Chef at Flour Bakery and Myers + Chang
Kim Shui, Fashion Designer and Forbes 30 Under 30
6 The Intersectionality of Identities: Making Space for Unique Stories
Format: Panel
A joint panel that spotlights and gives voice to groups with multi-minority status, such as multiracial, LGBTQ, and adoptees.
Speakers:
David Nguyen, Director at Putnam Investments
Kinh Vu, Associate Professor of Music at Boston University
Caroline Smith, Co-founder of Collab and aapiNHV
Laura Kinzel, Consulting Manager at RSM