Beyond Celebration: Activating Our Community this May 🪴

**Asian Leaders Alliance Newsletter #27 **By Brian Pang & Jimmy Hua

Heritage in Action: Activating Our Two Cores for Collective Impact

As we step into AAPI Heritage Month, we find ourselves reflecting on what it means to lead. For many of us, heritage isn’t just a look back at where we came from — it is the active choice to build something for those who come next.

At the Asian Leaders Alliance (ALA), we believe our mission is defined by two fundamental cores:

1. Community: We provide a shared space for individuals and organizations to exist together — to share knowledge, bounce ideas, and find solidarity in our common professional and personal challenges.
2. Collective Impact: This is our most important driver. By sharing the burden of organization while amplifying our reach, we push the overall uplift of our different communities. ALA provides the opportunities to be more impactful by ensuring we aren’t working in silos.

The Power of Coordination

We see these two cores in action through official collaborations that allow us to achieve a scale no single group could reach on its own:

• March 16th Commemoration: Our ability to coordinate across the country to create a shared platform for healing, remembrance, and national advocacy.
• ALA Brain Trust: Our monthly deep-dives — like our recent session with the AAJA — where we share specialized knowledge and resources that benefit the entire coalition.
• The Gateway Series: An official collaboration built with our partners to provide the high-level strategy needed to break through the “bamboo ceiling,” paired with social events that build the genuine human connections our community needs to thrive.
• Rooted & Rising: Our flagship AAPI Heritage Month collaboration, designed as a shared-effort event to celebrate our collective power and move our community forward.

Become a Local Catalyst: Helping Our Community Rise

To keep this momentum going, we are looking for members to help lead the charge in their local cities across the USA, Canada, and beyond. Being a Regional Lead at ALA isn’t about carrying a heavy load alone — it’s about being an encourager. We are looking for people who want to help their local community find its rhythm by:

• Encouraging Connection: Helping local AAPI groups and ERGs find one another and come together in a shared space.
• Driving Engagement: A mix of Slack interaction and coordinating low-pressure local meetups to get people talking.
• Building a Village: Gathering a small group of like-minded people in your city to help drive the local ALA presence forward.

Whether you are in a major hub or a growing international chapter, you can be the catalyst that helps turn a local network into a powerful community. You don’t have to do it alone — you’ll have the full support of our leadership and a global group of peers.

Ready to Lead the Way?

This AAPI Heritage Month, don’t just observe the community — help build it. Join us as a volunteer and help us turn our shared space into collective power.

👉 **Volunteer Form**

🚀 From Overwhelmed to In Control: A Career Roadmap for AAPI Professionals

In our latest Gateway webinar, Amy Chou addressed a challenge many in our community face: the belief that “hard work will speak for itself.” While heads-down execution works early on, senior leadership often requires a different playbook. Amy introduced her “Dream, Plan, Do, Live” framework to help us take back the wheel:

• Dream (Clarity): Move beyond external validation. Identify your “non-negotiables” and stack-rank your top priorities — whether it’s scope, flexibility, or compensation. If you aren’t clear on your North Star, you can’t expect others to be.
• Plan (Strategy): Build your “village.” Don’t just look for mentors; identify the sponsors and decision-makers who are in the room when promotions are calibrated. Learn the “rules of the game” you are actually playing.
• Do (Visibility): Shift from executor to storyteller. Every resume bullet and interview answer should be a data point for your story. Make it easy for people to say “yes” to you by aligning your superpowers with their business needs.
• Live (Sustainability): Protect your energy. Job searching and advocating for a promotion is emotionally taxing. Your worth is not tied to a single outcome — celebrate small wins to maintain the resilience needed for the long haul.

Why it matters: Amy highlighted cultural patterns like “Gratitude Over Ambition” that can lead us to play small. By owning our narratives and practicing self-advocacy until it becomes second nature, we can bridge the gap between our skills and the visibility we deserve.

🔗 **Watch the Full Recording**

Level Up with the ALA Community:

• ALA Job Referral Network: Don’t apply into a black hole. Leverage our member network at your target companies: ala.fyi/afn-list
• Join the Conversation: Connect with fellow leaders in our Slack workspace in the #careers-and-job-exploration channel. ala.fyi/join-slack

🎥 5 Years Later: Healing From Within (March 16th Commemoration)

It has been five years since the tragic Atlanta spa shootings — a flashpoint that forever changed the trajectory of our community and sparked a nationwide call for justice. ALA was proud to help coordinate and support the March 16th Day of Remembrance Alliance, bringing together leaders and advocates from Atlanta to San Francisco.

This year’s theme, “Healing From Within,” marks the latest chapter in our journey — moving from Breaking the Silence (Year 1) to Leading with Compassion (Year 4), and now focusing on our internal strength and resilience. The recording features news coverage of the memorial, a deep-dive workshop on how trauma lives in our bodies, and powerful words from leaders like Senator Andy Kim and our very own Brian Pang.

Why it matters: In the five years since that tragedy, the AAPI community has matured into a formidable political and social force. In Georgia alone, more than 13 AAPI legislators have been elected to the General Assembly — a direct result of the activism and civic engagement that grew out of this movement.

Watch the full video to remember the lives lost, hear the stories of resilience, and see what happens when our community decides to stand up for itself.

🔗 **Watch the Full Commemoration**

💡 Brain Trust Recap: Spotlighting the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)

In our April Brain Trust meeting, we had the privilege of hosting Naomi Underwood, Executive Director of the AAJA, to discuss their vital mission of supporting AAPI journalists and ensuring accurate representation in the media.

Key Takeaway: AI and the Future of Truth

A major part of our conversation centered on the rise of AI in journalism. While AI is a powerful tool for saving time and streamlining research, we discussed the “human element” that remains irreplaceable. Journalists must continue to use their conscience and deep community understanding to verify facts and report the truth — areas where AI still falls short.

Resources for Our Community

The AAJA shared several incredible resources that aren’t just for journalists, but for anyone in our community who creates content or looks for subject matter experts:

• **AAJA Style Guide:** A must-have resource for anyone writing about our communities to ensure nuance and accuracy.
• **AAJAStudio.org:** An excellent platform to find AAPI speakers and subject matter experts for your own events or panels.
• The Book: Intersections: A Journalistic History of Asian Pacific America provides a deep look at the history of our community through the lens of those who reported it.

How to Support

If you want to help further the AAJA’s mission, consider attending their upcoming convention (June 24–26) or checking if your company offers matching funds for donations to their organization.

🔗 **Learn More**

What is Brain Trust?

ALA Brain Trust is our monthly deep-dive where we spotlight key organizations and discuss the intersection of technology, media, and AAPI advocacy. Join us next month as we continue to learn from the leaders shaping our narrative!

🌱 Featured Event: Rooted & Rising — A Gateway to Impact

Join our signature AAPI Heritage Month collaboration to redefine success through high-level career strategy and mental wellness.

The Main Stage

• Opening Keynote: Jason Ma (CEO, ThreeEQ)
• AAPI Leaders Redefining Career Paths: Gina Mariko Rosales, Earl Valencia, and Zeus Kajita (Moderated by Jimmy Hua).
• Burnout, Boundaries, & Sustainable Success: Christal Wang and Cherry Aslarona.

The Experience Enjoy performances by Katherine Ho and Karina Hsieh, food from Dabao Singapore, and a marketplace featuring local vendors like Elevated Gemstones, Jing Candle Co, OASIIS, Torana Jaipur, and more.

How to Join Us

• In-Person (San Francisco): Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 5:30 PM @ INSEAD SF — **RSVP | Afterparty @ Woodbury**
• Virtual (Global): Catch the full program on our official live stream. — 🔗 **Watch the Stream**

A Community-Led Coalition Hosted by ASIAN, Inc., ALA, INSEAD, AHN, and Anise Health, with support from 10+ promotional partners including FASTER, YFPA, NAAAP-SF, TAP, PbP, and more.

🗓️ Community Events Roundup

AAPI Heritage Month is nearly here, and our community is activating at an incredible scale across the country. From high-energy mixers and historic 5K runs to leadership summits and film festivals, here is where you can connect with the coalition this May.

📍 San Francisco & Bay Area

April 29 | Asian American Voices

• Hosts: Dion Lim, Garry Tan, Forrest Liu, and Mary Wang
• The Vibe: A celebration of our community’s independent power and the movement we’ve built together.
• 🎁 Bonus: Find Jimmy at the party to grab ALA Stickers and limited edition Pins!
• Where: 1 Kearny, SF | RSVP Here

April 30 | AAPI Empower Hour

• Host: AAPI Empower Hour
• Where: Restaurant Anzu, SF | Get Tickets

May 1 | SF AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff

• Host: APA Heritage Foundation / AAPI Heritage Month SF Committee
• Where: SF City Hall | More Info

May 2 | Dear Community Masquerade Ball

• Host: Dear Community
• Where: Imperial Garden, SF | Get Tickets

May 7 | Rooted & Rising: A Gateway to Impact Mixer + Afterparty

• Hosts: ASIAN, Inc., Asian Leaders Alliance (ALA), INSEAD SF, AHN, and Anise Health
• Events: Mixer & Panel @ INSEAD + Live Stream + Official Afterparty @ Woodbury

May 7 | CAAMFest 2026 Opening Night

• Host: Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)
• Events: Opening Night Film: *The A-List* + Opening Night Gala

May 9 | 5th Annual Our Heritage 5K

• Host: Asians Are Strong
• Where: Japantown to Portsmouth Square, SF | Register Here

May 17 | 2026 SF AAPI 5K

• Host: Richard from SF Hep B Free
• Where: Crissy Field, SF | Register Here

📍 Seattle

May 3 | AAPI Golden Hour: Sip & Solidarity (Seattle)

• Host: Stop AAPI Hate
• Where: Chuck’s Hop Shop Seward Park, Seattle | RSVP Here

📍 New York City

May 12 | AAPI Golden Hour: Sip & Solidarity (NYC)

• Host: Stop AAPI Hate
• Where: The Armory, Brooklyn | RSVP Here

May 14 | TAAF Heritage Month Summit (Invite Only)

• Host: The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
• The Vibe: Bringing together top leaders in business, philanthropy, and community to accelerate impact for AAPI people

May 15 | Asian Networking NYC Q2'26 — May 15 Happy Hour

• Host: Asian Networking NYC
• Where: Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge | RSVP Here

📍 Washington, D.C.

May 12 | National ACE Capitol Hill Day

• Host: National ACE
• The Vibe: A day of advocacy connecting AAPI business leaders directly with lawmakers in DC.
• **Learn More**

May 12–13 | APAICS Legislative Leadership Summit

• Host: APAICS
• The Vibe: Empowering the next generation of AAPI political and civic leaders through high-level panels and networking.
• **Learn More**

May 19–20 | NAPABA Lobby Day

• Host: National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)
• The Vibe: Legal professionals from across the country gather to advocate for critical issues facing the AANHPI community on Capitol Hill.
• **Register for Lobby Day**

📍 Southern California

April 29 — May 3 | Los Angeles Asian Pacific American Film Festival

• Host: Visual Communications (VC)
• The Vibe: The largest film festival of its kind in Southern California, showcasing the latest in AAPI narrative, documentary, and short films.
• **Explore the Lineup**

May 1 | AIA Breaking Barriers Summit

• Host: Asians in Advertising
• Format: In-Person (Santa Monica) & Virtual
• **Register for the Summit**

May 3 | Asia Society SoCal Game Changers

• Host: Asia Society Southern California (ASSC)
• The Vibe: Celebrating the extraordinary leaders and innovators at the forefront of the AAPI community.
• **RSVP Here**

May 9 | Gold Gala (Invite Only)

• Host: Gold House
• The Vibe: The defining annual celebration of AAPI excellence and cultural power.

May 13 | 3AF Summit

• Host: Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF)
• The Vibe: A deep dive into the latest trends in AAPI marketing, media, and consumer insights.
• **Learn More**

📍 Virtual & National

May 1 | AIA Breaking Barriers Summit

• Host: Asians in Advertising
• Format: In-Person (Santa Monica) & Virtual
• **Register for the Summit**

May 7 | Rooted & Rising: A Gateway to Impact Mixer + Afterparty

• Hosts: ASIAN, Inc., Asian Leaders Alliance (ALA), INSEAD SF, and AHN
• In Person & Live Stream

May 1–31 | Give In May

• Host: Give In May (Powered by Asian Pacific Fund & AAPI Data)
• The Vibe: A month-long national giving campaign dedicated to supporting AAPI non-profits across the country.
• **Support a Cause**

Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to bookmark the ALA Community Events Calendar on Luma to see these events (and more) as they are added in real-time!

🚀 ALA Job Referral Network

Stop applying into a “black hole.” Leverage the community to get your foot in the door for your next role.

• Need a referral? See who is already at your target companies: ala.fyi/afn-list
• Want to help? Add yourself as a referrer in under 3 minutes: ala.fyi/afn-refer

🗓️ Reminder: The ALA Community Calendar is on Luma!

Just a quick reminder to bookmark our new community hub:

• Find Events: Discover upcoming AAPI-focused panels, mixers, and community gatherings from across the network.
• Share Your Events: Hosting your own event on Luma? You can submit it directly to our calendar to amplify your reach! 👉 Explore or Add Events: http://ala.fyi/events

✨ Your Story, Our Spotlight!

Got a recent win, a new role, or a project launch? We want to amplify your milestones!

• In the Newsletter: Email your updates to leadership@asianleadersalliance.com to be featured next month.
• In Real-Time: Drop your news directly into our Slack community (https://ala.fyi/join-slack) to celebrate with the network right away.

Join ALA

ALA as a platform, enables connections and collective impact and is open to all. Join our community on Slack and the Event Calendar to directly interact, share, and uplift each other across ALA.