Rising Up Together. That’s the call to action and the spirit behind this year’s Serica Trailblazers Conference, taking place Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 100 Washington Street at China Institute in America. Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this happen!

The daylong event convenes today’s most influential and inspiring AAPI women leaders across media, tech, health, education, and the arts for dynamic conversations, networking, and celebration.

Packed event celebrating our "Climate Artists" series launch at the China Institute on Sept. 25, 2024

See more in depth and get tickets at our website - www.sericaintiative.org/wcg25

Whether you're a founder, creative, executive, or advocate—this is where the future of AAPI leadership takes center stage.

Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the official agenda and speaker lineup has just been released, and trust us, you’ll want to be in the room.

Morning Connections

🕣 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Check-In & Networking. Grab your badge, enjoy roasted coffee or artisanal tea, and kick off the day connecting with speakers, honorees, and fellow attendees in media, tech, non-profit, and business.

Opening Fire starter

🕘 9:00 – 9:02 AM | Serica Opening Remarks + Announcements

🕘 9:02 – 9:30 AM | Fireside Chat with 2024 AAPI Women's Gala Trailblazer Honorees, Dr. Sujuan Ba & Sheryl WuDunn

Two trailblazers, one powerful conversation.

🎤 Featuring:

• Dr. Sujuan Ba, CEO & President, National Foundation for Cancer Research

• Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, co-founder of FullSky Partners, and co-owner of Kristof Farms

Panel 1: Next-Gen Education

🕘 9:35 – 10:15 AM“How Do We Preserve AAPI Histories to Empower New Generations?”

A discussion on representation in schools, media, and what it means for the next wave of leaders.

Speakers:

• Jenny Huang, Bilingual Coach & Artist

• Cindy Tsai, Committee of 100

• Kathy Hirata Chin, 2025 AAPI Women’s Gala Honoree and retired lawyer, Historical Reenactment Specialist

• Moderator: Ivy Yang, Founder, Wavelet & CINGS Executive Committee

Actor BD Wong visiting the booths at our Climate, Comedy, & Cocktails event held at China Institute last year. He was our amazing emcee for the event!

Networking Break 🕙 10:15 – 10:30 AM

Recharge, reflect, and connect with speakers and peers, enjoy the booths and partners that are showcasing their products.

Panel 2: AI & Technology

🕚 10:30 – 11:10 AM“How Do AAPI Engage & Develop AI?”

Meet the innovators using AI to revolutionize industries—and lead with purpose.

Speakers:

• Carol Kim, IBM

• Zhou Yu, Columbia University / Arklex.ai

• Helen Thomas, MascotGO AI

• Moderator: Zoe Qiao, PennAI

Panel 3: Health & Wellness

🕙 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM“How Do AAPI Manage Wellness and Health in 2025?” Mental health, cultural nuance, and breaking silence.

Speakers:

• Shu Li, Rendr

• Jeanie Chang, LMFT

• Shinhee Han, PhD, The New School

• Moderator: Ariana Lee, NPR Podcast Producer

  
  
  
  

Lunch & Guided Networking

🕛 12:00 – 12:40 PM Build bridges over a delicious bites! Guided networking areas by topic help you find your people—whether you're growing your business, funding a film, or championing education.

Attendees enjoy bites and networking during our Voices Rising event in Seattle last November, 2024.

Panel 4: Entertainment & Media

🕐 12:40 – 1:20 PM “How do AAPI Storytellers Challenge Norms & Uplift Unheard Voices?”

From breaking barriers in journalism to redefining mainstream narratives—meet the women reshaping media.

Thanks to AAJA for all their support for this panel and more!

Speakers:

• Ting Wang, AAJA-NY

• Azadeh Valanejad, EnVi Media

• Keshia Hannam, EST Media

• Moderator: Chloe Tai, NY1

Closing Remarks

🕜 1:20 PM Final thoughts, next steps, and one more chance to connect before heading into the evening Gala.

🎟️ Don’t Wait — Ticket Prices Go Up Soon!

Tickets are selling fast. Prices increase on April 15, and seating is limited. Don’t miss your chance to join a room full of visionaries, builders, and change-makers.

Secure your spot at the Trailblazers Conference today:👉 Buy Tickets Now

Let’s rise up—together.