Our Events
2025 Trailblazers Half-Day Conference
A one-of-a-kind convening of women leaders in AI, education, health & wellness, and media who are shaping the next chapter of AAPI advocacy and innovation. 🎤 Thought-provoking panels. 🎟 Exclusive networking opportunities. 🔥 Actionable takeaways.
May 22, 2025, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
China Institute In America, 100 Washington St, New York, NY 10006, USA
CONFERENCE DETAILS
The AAPI community has spent the last five years redefining its role in America. From fighting back against pandemic-era discrimination to navigating the backlash against DEI, we have made strides—but our work is far from done. Now, it’s time to focus on what’s next.
The Trailblazers Conference 2025, presented by the Serica Initiative, is a one-of-a-kind convening of leaders in AI, education, health & wellness, and media who are shaping the next chapter of AAPI advocacy and innovation to help us continue this uphill battle in society.
🎤 Thought-provoking panels. 🎟 Exclusive networking opportunities. 🔥 Actionable takeaways.
🕗 Time: 8:30 AM–1:30 PM
📌 Location: China Institute in America, 100 Washington St, NYC
🎟 Tickets:
$99
Student Rate: $55
🕘 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Check-In & Networking
Grab coffee & tea and connect with fellow attendees
Meet speakers and community leaders
🕘 9:00 AM - 9:02 AM | Serica Opening Remarks
🕘 9:02 AM - 9:30 AM | Fireside with 2024 Women’s Gala Honorees Sujuan Ba and Sheryl WuDunn
🎤 Speakers:
Sujuan Ba | CEO & President, National Foundation for Cancer Research
Sheryl WuDunn | Pulitzer prize-winning Journalist and Award-winning Author, Co-Founder, FullSky Partners, Owner of Kristof Farms
🕘 9:35 AM - 10:15 AM | Panel 1: Next-Gen Education
📌 “How Do We Preserve AAPI Histories to Empower New Generations?”
Education plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity. How can we ensure that AAPI histories are accurately represented in schools and media?
🎤 Speakers:
Kathy Hirata Chin | Retired Real Estate Lawyer and 2025 AAPI Women’s Gala Honoree
Jenny Huang | Bilingual Coach & Artist integrating neuroscience, art, and Eastern philosophy
Cindy Tsai | Interim President & General Counsel, Committee of 100
Ivy Yang | Founder, Wavelet Strategy and CINGS Executive Committee
🕙 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | NETWORKING BREAK
🕚 10:30 AM - 11:10 AM | Panel 2: AI & Technology
📌 “How Do AAPI Engage & Develop AI?”
As AI continues to shape our world, how are AAPI women leading the charge in ethical AI development, representation, and innovation? How can this tool be used to enhance your personal and professional lives in the coming years?
🎤 Speakers:
Carol Kim | Executive Director of Technology, Data, and AI, Global Real Estate, IBM
Zhou Yu | Founder, Arklex.ai & Computer Science Professor,Columbia University
Helen Thomas | Founder & CEO, MascotGO AI
Moderator: Zoe Qiao | Director, PennAI at University of Pennsylvania
🕙 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM | Panel 3: Health & Wellness
📌 “How Do AAPI Manage Wellness and Health in 2025?”
Mental health in the AAPI community remains a critical issue. This discussion will focus on strategies for advocacy, allyship, and improving access to culturally competent care.
🎤 Speakers:
Shu Li | Co-President & COO, Rendr
Jeanie Chang, LMFT | Founder/CEO Noona’s Noonchi & Your Change Provider, PLLC
Shinhee Han, PhD | Psychotherapist, New School University Counseling Service
Moderator: Ariana Lee | Podcast Producer, NPR
🕛 12:00 PM – 12:40 PM | Lunch & Guided Networking
Connect with industry professionals and fellow attendees over a catered lunch.
Join guided networking areas based on industry and interest.
🕐 12:40–1:20 PM | Panel 4: Arts, Entertainment & Media
📌 “How AAPI Storytellers Challenge Norms and Uplift Unheard Voices”
AAPI voices in media and entertainment are reshaping narratives and breaking barriers. This panel will explore the role of AAPI creatives in storytelling, advocacy, and representation.
🎤 Speakers:
Tina Wang | President, Asian American Journalists Association-New York Chapter
Azadeh Valanejad | Editor-in-Chief, EnVi Media
Keshia Hannam | Editor-in-Chief, EST Media
Moderator: Chloe Tai | Political Producer, NY1 News
🕜 1:20 PM | Closing Keynote by 2025 Trailblazer Honoree & CEO of Reignwood Group, Khun Please Ruayrungruang
Key Takeaways & Calls to Action
Final networking with vendors
