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CelebratE AAPI LEADERSHIP
The 2025 Trailblazers Conference & Gala celebrates the power of Asian American and Pacific Islander women in leadership, storytelling, and innovation. This premier gathering will bring together distinguished thought leaders, trailblazers, and emerging changemakers for a day of inspiring discussions, networking, and celebration.
These events are open to everyone regardless of gender or race to engage in discussions, and be part of the movement toward greater representation, equity, and leadership opportunities for all.
This is your opportunity to learn from industry pioneers in AI, media, education, and healthcare, build meaningful connections, and walk away with the knowledge and confidence to make a lasting impact in your community.
HONOREES & SPeakers
These Honorees are joining a cohort of extraordinary women leaders across sectors working in business. Learn more about past honorees here and click on the pictures to explore each woman's story.
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Kathy Hirata Chin
AAPI Rights Advocate, Retired Healthcare & Real Estate Attorney, Crowell & Moring LLP
*Has co-created over 20 legal-themed reenactment plays for many groups, schools, and organizations to promote justice & DEI awareness
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Fei-Fei Li
Sequoia Capital Professor of Computer Science, Stanford & Creator of ImageNet - AI Dataset
The "Godmother of AI" & Time Top 100 in AI
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Maria Ressa
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & CEO, Rappler Media
Time Person of the Year 2018
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严丹骅 Woraphanit "Please" Ruayrungruang
CEO, Reignwood Group, Owner of Voss Water, VitaCoco, & Red Bull China
*Thailand-China Cultural Ambassador
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Dr. Sujuan Ba
CEO & President, National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) & Serica Board Member
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Jeanie Chang, LMFT
Founder/CEO, Noona's Noonchi® & Your Change Provider, PLLC
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Shinhee Han, PhD
Psychologist, New School University Counseling Service
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Keshia Hannam
Founding Editor-in-Chief, Eastern Standard Times
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Jenny Huang
Mental Health Coach & Multi-Media Artist
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Carol Kim
Executive Director, Technology, Data & AI,
IBM Global Real Estate
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Ariana Lee
Podcast Producer, NPR's Enterprise Storytelling Unit
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Shu Li
Co-President & Chief Operating Officer, Rendr & Serica Board Member
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Zoe Qiao
Director of PennAI, University of Pennsylvania
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Chloe Tai
Political Producer, NY1 News
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Helen Thomas
Founder & CEO, MascotGO
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Cindy Tsai
Interim President / General Counsel, Committee of 100
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Azadeh Valenejad
Editor-in-Chief, EnVi
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Tina Wang
President, Asian American Journalist Association
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Sheryl WuDunn
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author & Journalist, Co-Founder, FullSKY Partners, Owner/Operator, Kristof Farms
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Ivy Yang
Founder, Wavelet Strategy & CINGS Executive Team
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Zhou Yu
Associate Professor Computer Science, Columbia University & Founder, Arklex.Ai, Forbes 30 under 30
TICKETS/Tables
conference Agenda
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 Serica Trailblazer Conference 2025 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.
Check in & network with your peers
Get settled in at venue with some drinks and be ready to learn and meet some like-minded individuals!
Serica Team Remarks
We'll kick off with a moment of gratitude to thank our community & supporters and set the tone for the rest of the conference day and gala evening!
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Discover healthcare innovations & more
What are these incredible leaders working on and how do they see the global world health order for women changing in 2025?
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NEXT-GEN EDUCATION PANEL
Education plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity. How can we ensure that AAPI histories are accurately represented in schools and society?
Mingle around & enjoy booths from partners
Engage with your peers and visit booths from community part-ners like Kristof Farms, AAJA, & More!
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AI/TECH PANEL
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?
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HEALTH/WELLNESS PANEL
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.
Enjoy a delicious Asian cuisine lunch with peers
Connect with fellow professionals and speakers over lunch within guided networking areas based on industry and interest.
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ARTS/MEDIA PANEL
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.
Send off to the evening gala!
We'll close with key takeaways and calls to action to leave you feeling charged and ready to engage wholeheartedly in your endeavors in 2025!
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SPONSORS
Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and donors - we can't do this without you! Reach out to events@sericainitiative.org if you are interested in sponsoring The Serica Initiative to amplify your brand.
“The annual Serica Conference & Gala is where I get 'fueled up' for the year—to be inspired and energized by fellow successful women who succeed in juggling career and their respective personal lives.”
Lili Zheng, Deloitte
“Thank you so much for inviting me to the Serica Gala, another major kudos for making progress in the Asian challenges. Your leadership is inspiring and contagious. Serica has become an icon!”
Henry Tang, Carnegie towers strategic investment advisory
“It was truly a beautiful evening. Fun, entertaining, and so important to be together with so many strong and impressive women, like minded in our hopes for the US China relationship.”
Geoffrey Sant, Pillsbury Lawfirm
Platinum LEVEL
GOld LEVEL
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warrior LEVEL
AUCTION SPONSORS
THANK YOU PARTNERS
The Rising Star Awards celebrate young AAPI women under 40 making exceptional contributions in entrepreneurship, corporate, or nonprofit work. Nominations are now closed.
Winners of this prestigious award will be announced on April 16 and will be honored at the Gala and featured in event materials.
Rising Stars
PRESENTERS & PERFORMERS
