- Serica Initiative
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The Serica Initiative’s 2025 Trailblazers Conference brought together nearly 200 changemakers across sectors for an energizing afternoon of panels, keynotes, and conversation at the historic China Institute in New York City on May 22. With a focus on the next generation of AAPI leadership, the event convened a dynamic group of women leaders across AI, education, health, and media to explore the evolving landscape of AAPI advocacy and innovation.
You can get the insights too on our YouTube! Watch all the talks and discussions!
Opening Keynote
The conference opened with a keynote address by Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and co-founder of Rappler. Drawing from her frontline experiences defending press freedom, Ressa called on attendees to safeguard democratic values, challenge misinformation, and lead with courage in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
Fireside Chat: Honoring Legacy and Leadership
The conference commenced with a fireside chat featuring Sujuan Ba, CEO & President of the National Foundation for Cancer Research, and Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and award-winning author. Their discussion was a wide-ranging conversation on legacy, leadership, and advancing equity in philanthropy and journalism.
Panel 1: Next-Gen Education
Moderated by Ivy Yang, founder of Wavelet Strategy, this panel addressed the preservation of AAPI histories to empower new generations. Panelists included Kathy Hirata Chin, retired real estate lawyer and 2025 AAPI Women’s Gala Honoree; Jenny Huang, bilingual coach and artist; and Cindy Tsai, interim president & general counsel of the Committee of 100. The discussion emphasized the role of education in shaping cultural identity and ensuring accurate representation of AAPI histories in schools and media.
Panel 2: AI & Technology
This session explored how AAPI professionals engage with and develop AI technologies. Speakers included Carol Kim, executive director at IBM; Zhou Yu, founder of Arklex.ai and computer science professor at Columbia University; and Helen Thomas, founder & CEO of MascotGO AI. Moderated by Zoe Qiao, director at PennAI, the panel delved into ethical AI development, representation, and innovation within the AAPI community.
Panel 3: Health & Wellness
Focusing on wellness and health management in 2025, this panel featured Shu Li, co-president & COO of Rendr; Jeanie Chang, LMFT, founder/CEO of Noona’s Noonchi; and Shinhee Han, PhD, psychotherapist at New School University Counseling Service. Moderated by Ariana Lee, podcast producer at NPR, the discussion addressed strategies for advocacy, allyship, and improving access to culturally competent care within the AAPI community.
Panel 4: Arts, Entertainment & Media
The final panel examined how AAPI storytellers challenge norms and uplift unheard voices. Speakers included Tina Wang, president of the Asian American Journalists Association-New York Chapter; Azadeh Valanejad, editor-in-chief of EnVi Media; and Keshia Hannam, editor-in-chief of EST Media. Moderated by Chloe Tai, political producer at NY1 News, the panel highlighted the role of AAPI creatives in reshaping narratives and breaking barriers in media and entertainment.
Closing Keynote
The conference concluded with a keynote address by Khun Please Ruayrungruang, CEO of Reignwood Group and 2025 Trailblazer Honoree. Her speech encapsulated the day's themes and provided calls to action for continued advocacy and innovation within the AAPI community.
The 2025 Trailblazers Conference served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and connection among AAPI leaders and allies, fostering a collective vision for the future of advocacy and innovation. Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors and partners for making the day possible!
