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CONFERENCE @ DC 2025
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Learn how to have effective 1-1 conversations in an organizing context. You practice with a project or campaign you're working on, or use example scenarios provided. Masks required for this workshop!
Phoebe Balascio is a Chinese American adoptee based in Pittsburgh with experience in public health, nonprofit, and organizing work. They are a membership fellow with APALA Pittsburgh Chapter and collect too many hobbies and interests outside of work.
What does 'home' mean to you? How does 'food' create a home amid colonization? We will be exploring the violence of the U.S empire through the discussion of settler-colonialism, commodification, and gentrification. We will deconstruct the illusion of the American Dream and its dehumanization of the Asian body. Food is a conduit of physical and verbal storytelling of generational lived experiences that builds a community grounded in care in and mutual aid. Against systematic oppression, we will work to collectively reimagine radical forms of care, rooted in our history, to create 'homes' that are liberating, with new 'recipes' where we can all flourish.
Fan Lin (she/her) is a fourth year student at the University of Virginia (UVA) studying biochemistry and East Asian studies with a concentration on China on the pre-dental track. She is interested in the intersections of science, art, and the humanities in hopes to further that in patient care as a dentist! Additionally, she is interested in Asian American studies studying food, the immigrant diaspora, and the creation and gentrification of ethnic enclaves from the lens of resistance in radical community.
Emily Le (she/her) is a 3rd year studying Sociology and Political and Social Thought, where she came to theory because of the hurt she sees in her communities, and seeks to use theory as a place of healing and cultivating radical community of care. She is active in various grassroots organizations and is passionate about organizing! Her research examines the intersection between the military and prison industrial complex with visual culture, border, and migration to further the building of an abolitionist future!
Aneeqa Huq (she/her) is a third year student at UVA studying neuroscience. She will be pursuing a Masters in Public Health at Brown University to further her exploration of combining radical justice principles with the efforts of scientific investigation in her journey to make medicine more accessible.
All three of them serve on the executive board for the Asian Student Union (ASU) at UVA. ASU is a political and social advocacy organization with the mission to unite, advocate, empower, and mobilize Asian Americans toward collective liberation while building a coalition of support through intersectional minority organizations.
In this discussion-driven workshop about Asian-American representation, participants will explore what it means to operate as an artist of color in America. Through a deep dive on the life of Korla Pandit, a trail-blazing, Indian-American pianist who began to make waves on television in the 1950s, the workshop will explore the idea of “self-orientalism,” discussing its necessity as well as its ramifications. We will discuss what it means to “give in” to the systems of oppression that we live under and what it means to resist them. As participants learn more about the life of Korla Pandit, we hope to challenge their ideas of what agency means for people of color living in a society built on white supremacy and encourage them to think about how the idea of resistance has changed in the past 70 years.
Akira Tanglao-Aguas is a sophomore at Swarthmore College, pursuing prospective majors in Sociology/Anthropology and Theatre. He is a co-president of Organizing to Redefine Asian Activism (ORAA), Swarthmore’s Asian affinity and activism group. Originally from Williamsburg, VA, with family roots in Pampanga, he loves sisig, good music, and making new friends at ECAASU.
Marco Malilay DeStefano is a sophomore at Swarthmore College, double majoring in History and Urban Studies. As a co-president of ORAA, he is passionate about Asian activism and community building. Originally from Atlanta, with Filipino roots in Guam, he enjoys receiving book recommendations and playing piano in his free time.
This workshop will focus on family and sacrifice by viewing and analyzing themes from Disney’s short film “Wind” by Korean filmmaker Edwin Chang. Sacrifice is a common experience within the Asian immigrant story and one’s sacrifice is sometimes necessary to set the foundation for future generations. The protagonists of this short film are a grandmother and her grandson who try to escape from a dark abyss by building a rocket. The plot highlights the sacrifice of older generations to allow their families to prosper in new lands. Participants will engage in group discussions and an interactive activity where they will reflect and appreciate how their family roots have influenced who they are today. They will create paper rockets, like seen in the short film, to symbolize their individual stories.
Clara Kare is a second-year law major at Drexel University with minors in Business Law and Criminal Justice. She is Co-Conference Director for Drexel’s Asian Students Association and has contributed to outreach and marketing for the 2024 Asian American Philadelphia Advocacy Conference (AAPAC). Clara is currently planning the 2025 AAPAC, themed Bridging the Generational Gap, which will explore the disconnect between older and younger Asian generations.
Drexel University Asian Students Association (ASA) aims to unite Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students by hosting social events, cultural workshops, and advocating for issues impacting the APIDA community in and around the Philadelphia area.
Where are we “from”? Where is “home” for us? What is the idea of “Asian America” as a physical and/or conceptual location defined by proximity to America and Asia, and what does this have to say about feeling isolated physically or emotionally from a sense of community? We will talk about this and more in this open discussion of immigration, adoption, predominantly-white suburbia, going to a PWI, and other issues at the intersection of environment, movement and identity — we hope to narrow in on our personal experiences with finding our place in unexpected places as everyone from the East Coast shares their stories.
Sean Faletti (he/him) is this year’s Artists in Residence Coordinator on ECAASU’s National Board! He is a senior at Florida State University studying Creative Writing and Human Rights. He has been involved in his school’s Asian American Student Union (AASU) for the past three years and is a brother of Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc. In his free time, Sean enjoys reading, getting hype with friends, being chill with friends, and solitary pondering. He is passionate about music, and you can often find him writing songs or performing with his band, Hey Cheetah.
Sawyer Poulsen (he/him) is a Chinese American from Kaifeng, China. He was adopted in 2007 and raised in Pace, FL. He is attending the University of West Florida and majoring in public health. At UWF, he served as the President of the Asian American Student Union during the Spring 2024 semester. He enjoys sports, specifically football and basketball, listening to music, journaling about his life, and advocacy.
Did you grow up feeling like you had to be the adult in your family - emotionally supporting your parents or taking on responsibilities beyond your age? This workshop explores the concept of parentification and role reversal, and how these dynamics affect identity and well-being. Through discussion, reflection, and interactive activities, attendees will begin to unpack intergenerational trauma, recognize healthy vs. unhealthy family roles, and begin the journey toward healing. Trigger Warning: This workshop may include discussions of childhood trauma, family conflict, and emotionally challenging experiences.
Jessica Lim holds a degree in mental health psychology and has been involved with ECAASU since 2019. As a former pre-K teacher turned digital marketing professional, she enjoys blending her backgrounds in education, psychology, and creative strategy to serve on the ECAASU National Board. Every workshop she’s facilitated at ECAASU has centered around mental health, fostering reflection, empowerment, and emphasizing the importance of community within the Asian American experience. When she’s not at her laptop, you can find her at a music festival, the gym, going for a run, or painting!
Cathy Tran is currently in her second year of college and studies biology. After attending the Yale 2024 conference, she grew interested in how ECAASU worked to foster a community among its members and create a safe space for East Coast Asian Americans to discuss issues pertaining to their identity. Now as part of the National Board for ECAASU, she hopes the workshops she leads provide a supportive environment for others to build new relationships and find community with each other as well as facilitate conversations that allow for vulnerability, learning, self-discovery, and growth. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures.
Some of the most prominent recent works of literature in the realm of Asian American storytelling are rooted deeply in trauma. From On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous to Crying in H Mart, many beautifully-penned contemporary novels exemplify a diversity of Asian American experiences, but mainly focus on trauma with their tear-jerking plotlines and soul-crushing delivery. This commonality, oddly enough, does not seem present when Asian American stand-up comedians recollect their childhoods or their marginalization; rather, they meet discrimination with derision and laugh in the face of oppression. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Asian American trauma with wry irreverence as opposed to delicate sentimentality? To find out, join us in a discussion-based examination of pieces of media pulled from both the profound pages of novels and the raucous atmospheres of comedy clubs.
Gordon Shi (he/him) is a Chinese American from Springfield, Virginia, who serves as Journal Co-Coordinator. He joined ECAASU in 2023 as a co-executive conference director, overseeing the Reconnection and Reflection-themed ECAASU national conference in Charlottesville, Virginia. In 2024, Gordon graduated from the University of Virginia, where he majored in English literature and minored in Chinese and Asian Pacific American Studies. He served for one year as the president of the Asian Student Union. For the duration of his 2024-2025 ECAASU term, Gordon will also be working as a legal intern. Gordon is deeply excited to serve in a position which intertwines two of his biggest passions: advocacy and literature!
Sharmila Dey (she/her) is a graduating senior from Harvard University and proudly serves as the Co-Coordinator of ECAASU’s new art and academic journal. She is passionate about climate change and writing and the intersection of science and the arts. In her spare time, she enjoys running (but not like that!), reading, and rewatching her comfort movies and Youtube videos.
Come attend this workshop for an opportunity to engage in how make our personal, professional, and social decision making is based on the different values we embody, how they affect us, and what we prioritize as individuals and a community. As A/A individuals, we as a community face of variety of different weighing pressures that shape the directions we choose navigate our lives, and often times this conversation is not brought to the communal stage. Attendees will have to opportunity to learn about psychological decision-making frameworks as well as engage in reflective activities and discussions about how they navigate the push and pull of different intersecting values like family, identity, social dynamics, and more.
Suraj Patel (he/him) is an Indian-American from Virginia. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of Virginia and is completing his master’s degree at Columbia University in Quantitative Methods and will be pursuing a PhD a in Clinical Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. His interests exist in advocating for first-generation and mental health spaces and in his free time, enjoys reading, writing, rock climbing, and going to museums.
Karen Huang is an independent scholar with a PhD in English from the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on comparative race and ethnic studies, Asian American cultures and histories, and popular media. She most recently taught in the History and Literature concentration at Harvard University.
Let's be real. It's particularly difficult to have young people feeling excited and passionate about casting their ballot. With the recent global affairs, inflation, supreme court cases, policy decisions, and lawsuits, it's easy to understand how folks are feeling disillusioned about our government, politics and the voting process. We all know that being politically active especially in the voting process is important, but how can we convince our peers to share in that sentiment?
This session will be a guided discussion on how to navigate difficult conversations with your peers, what are the concerns and issues we have been hearing from young folks, and provide key messaging that can be effective, empathetic, and encouraging to those who frankly hate voting right now.
Kathryn Quintin is the Youth Program Director at APIAVote, where she leads youth voter engagement strategies. With over a decade of experience in democracy and social justice work, she has held roles at the Alliance for Youth Organizing, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition, and the Fair Elections Center. She also previously served as Executive Director of the East Coast Asian American Student Union.
Published in 1978, "Orientalism" by Palestinian-American scholar Edward Said is a defining piece of literature for the field of Asian American Studies and broader ethnic/global studies education. Given the current political climate and emergence of new social movements, an application of the text must be given to create new ways of thinking about the lives of Asian Americans and the connections between AANHPI and Palestinian communities. This workshop seeks to familiarize attendees to the work of Edward Said, and engages in larger themes of imperialism its impact on perceptions of both communities in the media and public eye. We invite attendees to analyze and discuss applications of Orientalism to past and present Western depictions of Asian Americans and Palestinians in the media and reflect on their own lived experiences. By the end of the workshop, attendees will learn to consider these connections as a basis for solidarity between communities and find new ways to define themselves as they fight for a just future.
Lahiruni Dias Amarawardena (she/her) is the inaugural Olga May Wong Policy Fellow at OCA, where she supports national policy, advocacy, and organizing efforts. She is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Government and Politics – International Relations with minors in Asian American Studies and History. As Co-President of UMCP’s Asian American Student Union, she was awarded the 2024–25 Timothy J. Ng Scholarship for her dedication to the APIDA community.
NYC’s Chinatown, one of the oldest ethnic enclaves in Manhattan, stands at the heart of a growing battle against gentrification and racial commodification. This workshop explores the dynamics of gentrification in Chinatown, where long-time residents face displacement and local businesses struggle to survive. We’ll also examine the concept of racial commodification and how Chinatown’s authenticity is exploited for economic gain. Join us as we explore how Chinatown is addressing these urban development pressures and how community activism and sustainable growth can help revitalize neighborhoods while safeguarding cultural heritage.
Kelly Su (she/her) is a Campus Summits Coordinator at the East Coast Asian American Student Union. She is from Brooklyn, NY and she recently graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Biology and Society with minors in Asian American Studies and Global Health. During her time at Cornell, she led Asian Pacific Americans for Action, an organization dedicated to politically empowering and advocating for the needs of the AANHPI community; her work has deeply shaped her scholarship, activism, and personal growth. Kelly is passionate about expanding Asian American studies and activism to empower and engage future generations of students.
Renzogio Garcia (he/him)is a Partnerships Coordinator for the East Coast Asian American Student Union. He is a Filipino American from Jersey City, NJ and currently attends Georgetown University studying Finance and Operations & Analytics. On the Georgetown campus, he involved with the Social Impact and Public Service (SIPS) Fund and the Georgetown University Club Filipino. He is interested in exploring intersectionality and solidarity within the context of the AAPI Community. In his free time, enjoys cooking, tinkering, and reading comics.
This workshop draws on two students' interdisciplinary research on East Asian and Southeast Asian diasporic communities to generate a broader conversation about how Asian Americans attend to the complexities of "home" in diasporic contexts. We will focus on the idea of “home” in recent Asian American history as it emerges through archival documents, striving to highlight how individuals grapple with this notion in scholarly work, media, and everyday lives. Additionally, we will explore ways to bridge academic and public discourse on Asian American studies, particularly in ethnography and journalism; how to situate Asian American history within global history; and how to bring to bear studies of Asian American history on considerations of contemporary social, cultural, and political issues in Asian American communities. Through these questions, participants will be able to use the idea of "home" as a starting point of exploring the assemblage of experiences, histories, and identities that make up Asian America.
Jolin Chan is a senior at Harvard College pursuing a joint concentration in History & Literature and Social Anthropology. Her senior thesis explores linguistic practices and racial formation in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, blending archival research, ethnography, and oral histories.
Ryan Doan-Nguyen is a senior at Harvard College studying History & Literature and Government. A Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow and investigative journalist, his thesis traces the agency of Vietnam War boat refugees through archival and oral history methods.
Karen Huang is an independent scholar with a PhD in English from the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on comparative race and ethnic studies, Asian American cultures and histories, and popular media. She most recently taught in the History and Literature concentration at Harvard University.
Among “Students for Fair Admissions” and visibility in state curriculums, Asian Americans have been busy the past couple of years when it comes to education policy. But, are we on the right track? As we become an increasingly stronger voice in American politics (or at least stronger than the past), we must ask the question of what political mobilization and agency looks for ourselves, the individual, and our collective social consciousness. This presentation will focus on the impact of Asian American advocacy in the education sphere, the power of local work, and where we are headed moving forward, delving to answer the question: Are we cooking right now? Or did we just lock ourselves in the oven?
Diana studies Government and Asian Pacific Islander American Studies at William & Mary. She has experience in Asian American history archival research and curriculum development with the APM Research Project. Diana is committed to making Asian American history education accessible for K-12educators and believes in harnessing local community power for meaningful change.
Throughout history, beauty and aesthetics have played a large role in shaping the diverse cultural, social, and spiritual values in Asia. This workshop seeks to explore how those historical standards and precedents continue to shape modern day ideas, as well as how they have evolved through social and consumable media. Increasing globalization has amplified and reshaped these ideas, spreading their influence past Asia and across the Asian diaspora. As we navigate developing technology and rapid cultural exchange in the 21st century, we also find ourselves at a crossroads – how should we face the pressures of conformity and redefining beauty in our own terms?
Aileen Li is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh studying Biology with a Chemistry minor. She serves as Pitt ASA’s Advocacy Chair for the 2024-2025school year, organizing workshops and creating educational infographics on Asian issues. Aileen is also a campus tour guide, student ambassador, and a mentor for Pittsburgh’s Strong Women, Strong Girls chapter.
We’re entering a new era of aging. People are living and working longer, and experiencing more while doing it. By 2035, there will be more people age 65 and older than under age 18. Come join the conversation to recognize how this impacts jobs and opportunities in the future.
• The Image of Aging
• Multi-generational Workforce
• Longevity Economy
June Kao is the Senior Audience Strategy Manager for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) audiences at AARP. In her role, June focuses on collaborative and innovate efforts, including intersectional and intergenerational opportunities, to engage the diverse 50 and older communities on topics such as family caregiving, fraud prevention, and more. In the past, June was a leader of the East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU) for 7 years. June graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Psychology.
Greta Thunberg. Polluted Skies. Pristine National Parks.
When confronted with the issue of climate change, these are often the images that come to mind.
Mainstream environmentalism is predominantly shaped by white viewpoints, sidelining the critical issues of environmental racism, especially in Asian communities abroad and within the diaspora. Despite this, Asian Americans are historically—and currently—underrepresented in the field. Why?
In this workshop, we will explore the invisibility of Asian Americans in environmentalism, discuss how Asian Americans can be more informed and impactful environmental advocates, and highlight the work of influential Asian American activists who are leading the fight for a more inclusive and just environmental future.
Taylor Uem is a junior at William & Mary majoring in Sociology and Environmental Policy. As Director of the Asian American Student Initiative, she organizes events that foster community within the APIA student body. She enjoys hiking with her family, thrifting, exploring new cuisines, and scrolling through Instagram reels.
Athena Lee is a freshman at William & Mary studying Integrative Conservation. A member of the Asian American Student Initiative, she explores the intersection of media and environmental science. She enjoys deep conversations, video editing, and embraces creativity by producing rather than consuming content.
Through the generosity of a DC Humanities grant, the 1882 Foundation has produced a unit on teaching about the history of DC’s Chinatown based on filmmaker Penny Lee’s oral histories of residents recounting their experiences of growing up in Chinatown and DC. Their stories speak to how they came to DC, built their families and businesses, and created their own community within DC. The unit also examines the current and future prospects for preserving the history and culture of the community - with lessons that go far beyond DC’s Chinatown.
Ting-Yi Oei is the Education Director at the 1882 Foundation, and the Project Director of the “Flashback: Chinatown, D.C.” curriculum. He received his BA in History from Hamilton College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. He taught middle and high school social studies for 20 years and was a high school administrator for another ten in Virginia. Along the way he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Korea, was a Fulbright Teacher in Scotland, and spent a year teaching in the Dominican Republic. He was also awarded a one- year research fellowship at Teaching Tolerance, the education project of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama. Now he is a curriculum consultant with a particular interest in improving the quality of teaching of Asian Pacific American history.
Asian Americans have established themselves firmly in the history of the U.S., yet still are susceptible to the idea that they are insider threats when U.S.-Asia relations turn adversarial. Review recent challenges presented by laws, policies and practices like the China Initiative and Insider Threat Program, politically charged rhetoric and societal discrimination. Learn about the progress carried out by multiple Executive Orders related to DEI and enacted in the current administration to ensure that the government ensures that all communities thrive. Where did AANHPIs fit in the equity initiatives, and what promises did it hold for them to disabuse the myth that they are disloyal? In view that those efforts will likely be dismantled in the upcoming administration, discuss the assets that Asian Americans hold to write the narrative about themselves and their community and to protect the gains and advance the goals of the '60smovement.
Aryani Ong is an Asian American activist and former civil rights lawyer. She co-founded the Asian American Federal Employees for Non-Discrimination(AAFEN), which advocates against undue suspicions of Asian Americans' loyalties. AAFEN members provide policy guidance to congressional bodies, federal agencies, and the Executive Branch. Aryani has held leadership roles at The Asian American Foundation, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, and the Asian American Justice Center.
AAPI in Media & Entertainment will cover AAPI representation in media and in entertainment. The workshop will explore the evolution of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in media and its impact on societal perceptions and cultural identity. Through engaging discussions, media analysis, and creative activities, the attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how representation in media shapes perception and self-identity within the AAPI community. The workshop empowers the participants to evaluate media, amplify AAPI voices, and take actionable steps to advocate for equitable and diverse storytelling.
Tabu Sarwar, a Bengali American, graduated with a BA in Education from Stockton University in 2024 and currently resides in Southern New Jersey. In undergrad, Tabu worked to provide a safe space for Bengali Americans such as herself on her university campus by creating the first Bengali Student Association. Later on she was heavily active with the Asian Student Alliance as she provided a sense of culture with knowledgeable events and meetings with the rest of the board. She has been active with ECAASU for 3 years now and is excited to host her 2nd workshop along with great co-facilitators.
Mylieni Huynh, a Vietnamese American, is a student at the University of Pittsburgh double majoring in Neuroscience and Biological Sciences. Besides eating Mike & Ike's, Mylieni loves watching and critiquing movies. Mylieni is specifically interested in the relationship between Asian American representation in American cinema due to both her passion for film and her journey with her own Asian identity. Mylieni is excited to present this workshop with her amazing facilitators!
Cody Bouttaphom is a first generation, Laotian student in his third year studying to become a nurse at Stockton University. He stumbled upon ECAASU through being on the executive board of his school club called ASA (Asian Student Alliance) and became extremely interested. His first time participating at ECAASU was spring of 2024. After his first conference he felt like he wanted to be involved more with ECAASU.
Oxford Study:" a phrase commonly used when an Asian woman dates a white man. What exactly is the "Oxford Study?" Is it real? What does it really mean? Why do people say it? Join us for a conversation about the social phenomenon of the "Oxford Study," its place within the Asian American community, and the realities of the online discourse surrounding dating as an Asian American.
Mara Goldstein (she/her) is a Filipino and Indonesian American from Pearl City, Hawai'i and a sophomore studying Justice & Peace Studies and English at Georgetown University. She is excited to be on ECAASU's National Board as Secretary this year. Her experience studying modern Asian American issues and sexuality led her to explore the Oxford Study phenomenon. In her free time, she enjoys writing songs and stories, dancing, and singing.
Minh-Thu Dinh (she/her) is a Vietnamese American based in Raleigh, NC. She has served as the Associate Director of ECAASU’s National Board for the past two years. She is a volunteer and organizer for the Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH) and the Food Not Bombs Raleigh chapter (FnB) which have given her insight on Southern radical organizing. Minh-Thu also is involved in her local Asian American advocacy scene as an event organizer, and co-founded an Asian American engagement organization at her university in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys creating zines, cooking, and strength training.
Asian and Asian American migration narratives transcend the limits of traditional maps and archives, demanding more dynamic, interpretive approaches. This workshop introduces participants to oral cartography—a methodology that integrates collective memory, lived experience, and spatial identity to reimagine place-based histories. With the interweaving of oral history, archival research, and community memory, participants will engage in mapping exercises that illuminate the layered narratives of Chinatowns, centering themes of identity, migration, ethnic space-making, and resilience. Through three mapping frameworks—historical mapping, counter-mapping, and speculative mapping—participants will critically examine and document the evolving spatial and cultural landscapes of East Coast Chinatowns. This workshop seeks to empower participants to reclaim histories of displacement and transformation while envisioning future strategies for cultural preservation. By interrogating dominant spatial narratives and crafting visual representations of contested and shared spaces, we will collectively reframe how migration, identity, and place are understood and preserved.
Cheng Rui (Emma) Zhu (she/her/hers) is a student at Georgetown University. With an upbringing in Connecticut and Beijing, she now calls both places home. As Co-Director of the East Coast Asian American Student Union High School Program, she mentors high school fellows, organizes workshops, and this has further fueled her commitment to advancing the institutionalization of Asian American Studies. In her free time, Emma enjoys reading Chinese literature, watching new films, as well as cafe-hopping with friends.
The American Dream, with its promise of individual achievement, has long shaped how Asian American communities navigate opportunity and adversity. Yet, the Model Minority Myth and cultural pressures to succeed within rigid frameworks have disconnected us from the deeper, more holistic values that once defined communal well-being. This pursuit of "achievement" as a singular, self-contained goal has fractured our sense of togetherness, commodified our efforts, and left us depleted.
But historically, rest and community have been intrinsic to resilience in Asian cultures. Practices like collective caregiving, shared meals, and generational wisdom emphasize that true progress is not individualistic but relational. Redefining success, then, isn't about discarding ambition but anchoring it in a restorative cycle of shared purpose. Rest isn't just an act of rebellion against the grind; it’s a cultural reclamation of what it means to flourish together.
Imagine communities where gatherings are no longer about networking to advance careers but spaces to reimagine shared futures. Where success is measured not by titles or accolades but by the strength of relationships, the capacity for joy, and the space to simply be. This shift asks us to weave our cultural heritage into a new framework for achievement—one rooted in rest, togetherness, and collective abundance.
Emma Soupharath is a sophomore at the University of Miami studying Business Technology. As a Laotian-American, her passion for Asian activism and uplifting underrepresented communities shapes her work as Vice President of External Affairs for UM’s Asian American Students Association. She also serves as Social Media Manager for the global non-profit Dear Asian Youth’s podcast.
Prateek Gupta is a junior at the University of Miami double majoring in Biochemistry and Computer Science. An Indian-American advocate and former APIAVote student ambassador, he promotes voter education and civic engagement. As Program Director for UM’s Asian American Students Association, he organizes workshops to foster inclusive, meaningful dialogue.
Whether you identify with a religion or spiritual practice, this workshop is meant to challenge the concept of an Asian American Religion and what it means to be religious in Asian America. We will walk through existing data surrounding Religion in Asian American populations and from there, begin to nuance the idea of Religion in Asian America. Together, we will unroot traditional understandings of religion in Asian America and replant those roots in our ownunderstanding of how religion shows up in our own Asian American communities.
Angela Lam Nguyen is a recent Georgetown University graduate with a BA in History. She advocated for expanding Asian American Studies and establishing an AANHPI residential space on campus. Angela continues her research on Vietnamese refugees and religion.
In this workshop, we will examine the No Arena movement in Philadelphia’s Chinatown as a case study of effective grassroots organizing, demonstrating what true people power looks like in action. The No Arena movement emerged in response to plans by developers to build a76ers Arena in the heart of Philadelphia’s Chinatown, threatening to displace long-standing residents and businesses. This fight is emblematic of a long repeated history of corporate and government-driven urban revival efforts targeting Asian American communities across the country. As students from outside of the community, we will reflect on our own experience watching this community fight, win, and thrive. We’ll explore what it means for us—especially as outsiders—to engage with activism, and how we can learn from these stories of resistance, hope, and compassion. Join us as we celebrate the resilience and determination of the Philadelphia Chinatown community.
Dayeon Olivia Seo is a freshman at Swarthmore College with prospective majors in Sociology and Philosophy. She is a first-year intern for Swat’s Organizing to Redefine Asian Activism. Born in South Korea and raised on the East coast (best coast), Olivia loves Korean food and misses her mom’s cooking while at college.
Chloe Lee is a freshman at Swarthmore College, a prospective Political Sociology major with a minor in Asian American Studies. As a first-year ORAA intern, she enjoys exploring different cultures through food and music as a Korean-Chinese-American.
Jennifer Phan is a freshman at Swarthmore College, planning to major in Political Science and Peace & Conflict Studies on a Pre-Law track. As a first-year ORAA intern and Vietnamese-American, she enjoys sharing Vietnamese food and traditions, city trips, baking, and social activism.
Maisha Farzana is a freshman at Swarthmore College, a prospective math major on the pre-dental track. An ORAA intern, she takes pride in her Bangladeshi heritage and is excited to beat ECAASU!
Aida Tanglao-Aguas (they/she) is a first-year ORAA intern at Swarthmore College, interested in majoring in Medical Anthropology on the Pre-Med track. Born in Manila and raised in Williamsburg, VA, they enjoy playing guitar, making jewelry, and crocheting, and are eager to connect at ECAASU.
In her book, “Quit,” Annie Duke says “the most painful thing to quit is your identity.” What in your identity is derived from cultural, gender, or familial expectation? Think about those expectations, those origin sources. If you don’t fulfill those original expectations, is your identity still in tact?
In this workshop, hear from Christine Dela Rosa—author of “Between Two Poles,”as she walks through what it was like to stop caring for a loved one, an attack on a core part of her Asian American and gender identity. As she recounts in her memoir, she explored what might be left if she wasn't a good caregiver, and if true, what that meant for her value. This investigation isn't unique as Christine will explore with attendees. She'll unpack what drives the behaviors associated with identity, facilitate whether those behaviors are warranted, and suggest tools to more intentionally express our true selves.
Christine Dela Rosa is a public health advocate and writer focused on wellness equity and cultural transformation. She has worked for nonprofits in DC, led public health campaigns, and facilitated small group discussions on well-being. Christine has written professionally on emotional well-being, hosted a podcast on the topic, and volunteers with organizations like San Francisco CASA. Her recently published memoir, *Between Two Poles*, explores the intersection of mental healthcare and cultural expectations.
For over 40 years, AAJA has advocated for equitable coverage of AAPIs in media and their newsrooms. As the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, and AAPIs continue to be misrepresented in media, AAJA’s mission is more relevant than ever before.
Our Media Watch committee, active since the early 2000s, issues statements against harmful and inaccurate coverage of AAPIs. Our newly revised Style Guide is a living document for newsrooms to cover AAPI communities with accountability and respect. Lastly, our book “Intersections” demonstrates how AAPI journalists have defined and covered key moments in American history, often as the only person of color in their newsrooms.
With these projects, AAJA provides an alternate narrative in response to inaccurate coverage of AAPI communities, and the continued lack of AAPI representation in newsrooms. In our session, we aim to highlight the necessity of our initiatives in creating spaces to grow our voices louder.
Naomi Tacuyan Underwood is the Executive Director of the Asian American Journalists Association(AAJA), leading efforts to diversify newsrooms and promote fair, accurate coverage of communities of color. With nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, she focuses on civic engagement, coalition building, and impact-driven programming.
Leezel Tanglao is a bridge journalist working across editorial, product, and business development. She currently serves as Assistant Managing Editor for Digital at The Dallas Morning News, with previous experience at media outlets including CNN, VICE News, and HuffPost. She holds a Master’s in Asian American Studies from UCLA and a BA in English from Loyola Marymount University.
Will Schick is the Director of Programs and Partnerships at AAJA. A Marine Corps veteran and former editor-in-chief of Street Sense Media, he brings deep experience in reporting on homelessness and poverty. Will serves on the boards of the Society of Professional Journalists (D.C. chapter), the Poynter Institute, and is part of the Military Veterans in Journalism Network.
Yi-Shen Loo is the Special Initiatives and Communications Manager at AAJA. A UC Berkeley graduate with degrees in Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies and Ethnic Studies, she is dedicated to uplifting AAPI narratives through oral history and community-based projects. She began her nonprofit journey with LEAP’s Emerge Program.
Will data science ruin the field of ethnic studies? Or will computers revolutionize APIA studies? In this interactive workshop, we argue that data, digital methods, and technologies are built upon histories that erase, segregate, and limit the growth of critical race research and ethnic studies. At the same time, these tools create the perfect opportunity to break traditional academic approaches to studying the humanities, inviting new subversive, queer, and critical methods for researching communities that have previously been left out of academia. Participants will explore and play with a myriad of digital humanities and ethnic studies projects: ChatGPT, queer love-letter writing games, restaurant review sites, and more!
Andy Shufer is a Senior at William & Mary studying International Relations and Data Science. As Treasurer of the Asian American Student Initiative, he leads mutual aid projects, charity fundraisers, and political action movements. In his free time, he enjoys painting and playing *Tears of the Kingdom*.
Sadhika Ganesh is a Sophomore at William & Mary studying Business Analytics. As Outreach Chair for the Asian American Student Initiative, she leads projects connecting with local high schools, collaborating with the Virginia-based Hamkae Center, and organizing a school-wide ball celebrating APIA identity.
Interested in /leftist organizing but don’t know where to start? Want a starting definition of socialism but the Communist Manifesto kinda scares you? This workshop is the place for you! We will be learning exactly what those -isms mean, what makes radical organizing so rad!, and discussing the intersection of Asian American identity and radical spaces. Please mask up and get ready to create community!
Minh-Thu Dinh (she/her) is a Vietnamese American based in Raleigh, NC. She has served as the Associate Director of ECAASU’s National Board for the past two years. She is a volunteer and organizer for the Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH) and the Food Not Bombs Raleigh chapter (FnB) which have given her insight on Southern radical organizing. Minh-Thu also is involved in her local Asian American advocacy scene as an event organizer, and co-founded an Asian American engagement organization at her university in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys creating zines, cooking, and strength training.
This workshop explores the psychological impact of gender constructs on Asian and Asian American women, examining how cultural expectations around femininity, motherhood, and kinship shape women’s mental health experiences. These gender constructs limit women’s ability to gain access to mental health care, adequate diagnostic standards, proper treatments, and long term healing. Drawing through lines across colonialism and patriarchy impacts on Asian women and the impacts of racism and xenophobia facing Asian American, this workshop engages with case studies and discussions to encourage reflection on lived experiences and radical reimagining of a more inclusive and supportive frameworks for Asian and Asian American women’s well-being.
Judy Wang (she/her) is a sophomore at Georgetown University studying Political Economics and Studio Art, and is the current High School Program coordinator on ECAASU’s national board. She is passionate about fostering dialogue on identity, resilience, and systemic change in Asian and Asian American communities. In her free time, she likes to host dinner parties, paint, and sleep.
Is identity more than just a label? How do we construct and convey meaning in the intersection of our identities? This workshop looks at how the history of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation/stories intersects with anti-APIA legislation/stories, and the way Asian and Pacific Islander Americans create and build communities to reclaim LGBTQ+ identities. This workshop will also use group discussions and activities with photography and art as a method for reclaiming and liberating our identities. Because: our journeys and how we choose to frame them matter.
Those who are interested in LGBTQ+ identity and advocacy, identity reclamation, and community-building might be interested in this workshop.
Lulu Griffin is a senior at the College of William & Mary, double majoring in Linguistics and Asian & Pacific Islander American Studies. She explores how Asian Americans use language to express identity and community through sociolinguistics. Outside of class, she performs with Trippin’ on Brix, a campus sketch/improv comedy group, and advocates for Asian American art in theAsian American Student Initiative (AASI).
Anika Ahammad is a senior at the College of William & Mary, double majoring in American Studies and APIA Studies. Passionate about community care and cultural expression, she connects personal identities with global solidarity, particularly within Muslim and South Asian communities. Anika serves as APIA Studies Chair for AASI and crochets to raise awareness for Palestine and other global issues.
In this interactive and deeply personal workshop, participants will explore the values important to them and understand which ones they prioritize in life. They will reflect on and engage with the values that shape the way they move through the world, engage in discussions to understand different values other participants hold, and walk away with a better understanding of themselves and the people around them.
Kent Tong (he/him) is the Senior Programs Manager at OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, where he leads high school and college leadership programs, advocacy initiatives, scholarships, and internships supporting AANHPI communities. A proud Vietnamese American from the Greater New Orleans Area, Kent holds a degree in Studio Art from Loyola University New Orleans. His past roles include Executive Director of Camp Delta, President of UVSA Gulf Coast, and a Fellow with Jubilee Project. In his free time, he enjoys movie going, blogging film reviews, and baking Ted Lasso biscuits.
A big part of the mis/disinformation workshop we are leading requires us to admit and acknowledge where we learned our stories and how we understand our identities. Especially being in the Asian community, in our culture some of us vary from having first generation parents to those born here in the US tothose who have experienced many hardships coming or being in the United States. As a result, we need to discuss the roots of our identities and upbringings which will help us understand how we think. Majority of folks may not understand the concept of mis/disinformation because many may have been told by their community that there are specific values and morals we should hold. Many have been told to believe in something without understanding why they need to believe it or understanding if this is the truth or just want our parents want us to think! To continue to build of our ancestors and everything we fought for, we cannot push ourselves ten steps back by falling for false information that may in truth be damaging our community. We will be learning about the news that spreads on our community and others…and understand in the end how to dictate truth from false news that harms us and our community.
Kareena Salvi (she/her) is the Youth Engagement and Field Associate at APIAVote, where she supports AAPI students nationwide through leadership and civic engagement training. A South Asian American and community organizer, she holds a BA in Political Science from Drew University with minors in Spanish, Dance, and Law, Justice & Society. Her past roles include Student Government President and a Policy and Advocacy intern at the Sikh Coalition. Kareena also uses dance as a social justice tool, including choreographing pieces like her work on decolonization.
The genre of Indie when it comes to music has been a steadily growing top choice for many music enthusiasts. It is within this growth where a new conversation has emerged; the parallels between Asian women and their impact on the genre. The music industry is a male-dominated field where women make up 6.5% of the music being produced; Asian-American women is an even more underrepresented field that we will be diving into with our workshop. From Mitski to Laufey and all the artists in between, Asian women have carved a distinctive shape in indie music. Together, we'll explore the essence of indie music, history of Asian American music, and discover how these musicians weave their identities into powerful narratives, addressing everything from cultural assimilation, stereotypes, and fetishization.
Whether you're an Asian American artist ready to share your creative journey or a music lover whose life has been touched by these groundbreaking performers, join us as we explore the depths of the quiet revolution of Asian women in indie music. Join us in this discussion-oriented workshop as we break down some of notable examples of Asian women in indie music while also exploring opportunities to grow a newfound appreciation for this silent yet powerful genre.
Lena Mai (she/ her) is a 3rd-year student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte studying Computer Science. She's involved herself with various A/A organizations such as Asian Student Association of UNCC, Asian American Studies Collaborative, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. She's also the web coordinator for ECAASU National Board. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, glamping, video games, and rock climbing. Her favorite artists are Faye Webster, The Marias, Mitski and other various indie artists!
Tommy Vairo (he/him) is a junior pursuing a degree in Marketing. His experience with ECAASU began last year when he attended as a representative of UNC Charlotte’s Asian Student Association. He has been a part of the organization for two years, serving as an intern, secretary, and public relations chair. The conference was an incredible experience, and this year, he had the honor of joining the National Board as a Partnerships Co-Coordinator. In his free time, Tommy enjoys dancing, hiking, playing volleyball, and listening to music. He is also a proud brother of the Asian-interest fraternity, Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Incorporated.
