2025 Unity Summit

Venues

Day 1, Tuesday, September 16th
Main Ballroom, Holiday Inn National Airport, 2650 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, phone: (703) 684-7200

Day 2, Wednesday, September 17
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2044, 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20515, phone: (202) 224-3121

Featured Speakers

Program Schedule

Day 1 of Summit
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 8:30 am – 8:00 pm EST, Main Ballroom
Holiday Inn National Airport

• Registration
• Breakfast and Networking
• Welcome
• Session 1: AANHPI Contributions to U.S. Progress and Democratic Values
• Session 2: Understanding How Executive Orders Affect AANHPI Communities
• Session 3: A Conversation with Helen Zia
• Session 2: Many Faiths, One Nation: Religious Freedom and Tolerance in Today’s America
• Session 4: AAPI Hub and News Portal Launch Workshop
• Session 5: Culture, Identity & Challenges of Being Asian in America
• Session 6: Cultivating Strength: Mental Health and Asian American Youth
• Cocktail and Networking Reception
• Welcome Dinner
• Keynote Speech by Sandy Chau
• Cultural Celebration

Day 2 of Summit
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm EST, Room 2044,
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

• Welcome
• Session 8: From Community to Capitol: Mobilizing Asian Americans for Civic Leadership
• Session 9: Keynote Address by Representative Gene Wu
• Session 10: Preparing for the 2026 Midterm Elections
• Session 11: Advocacy Training: Making Your Voice Heard on Capitol Hill
• Lunch and Visit Preparation
• Capitol Hill Advocacy Visits
• Advocacy Debriefing
• Session 12: Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
• Award Ceremony
• Congressional Reception

Session Descriptions

1. AANHPI Contributions to U.S. Progress and Democratic Values

Asian Americans have shaped the success of the United States, driving innovation, enriching civic life, and advancing democratic ideals. This session highlights contributions in technology to civic engagement. Through historical insights and contemporary stories, we’ll celebrate the legacy and ongoing impact of AANHPI communities in building a more inclusive and equitable America.

2. Understanding How Executive Orders Affect AANHPI Communities

Analyze the impact of recent federal actions—visa changes, DEI bans, and immigration enforcement—on Asian American communities. Learn how policy shapes belonging and how to respond through advocacy and civic action.

3. Legacy and Leadership: A Conversation with Helen Zia, Moderated by KaYing Yang

Join civil rights icon Helen Zia in an intimate fireside conversation moderated by KaYing Yang, a distinguished advocate and movement builder. Together, they’ll explore themes of identity, intergenerational activism, and the enduring power of unity in today’s America. Through personal stories and reflections, Helen will share lessons from her decades of leadership — and KaYing will guide the dialogue with insight and heart.

4. Many Faiths, One Nation: Religious Freedom and Tolerance in Today’s America

Faith leaders, scholars, and advocates examine the state of religious liberty and interfaith tolerance. From rising discrimination to policy debates, this panel explores challenges faced by diverse communities and highlights efforts to foster understanding and protect civil liberties.

5. AAPI Hub and News Portal Launch Workshop

Explore two groundbreaking tools from AAUC: AAPI News & Voices is an online news portal for culturally informed journalism and grassroots stories. AAPI Hub is an interactive platform offering data on voters, elected officials, and nonprofits. Includes a live demo and workshop to help you harness these tools for advocacy and connection.

6. Culture, Identity & Challenges of Being Asian in America

Featuring the documentary Our Voices, this session explores vibrant cultural traditions and raw student narratives on identity, stereotyping, and mental health. A student-led discussion will follow, inviting reflection and dialogue on what it means to be Asian in America today.

7: Cultivating Strength: Mental Health and Asian American Youth

Mental health challenges among Asian American youth are rising, and so is the need for culturally responsive support. This session explores the unique stressors facing young people, the intergenerational dynamics at play, and practical tools for families and communities to foster resilience and well-being. The session concludes with a guided meditation led by an Art of Living instructor.

8. From Community to Capitol: Mobilizing Asian Americans for Civic Leadership and Political Power

Despite growing influence, AANHPI communities remain underrepresented in government and policymaking. This session empowers you to step into civic leadership, whether through organizing, advocacy, or running for office. Learn how to overcome barriers, build coalitions, and turn community engagement into lasting political impact.

9. Keynote Address by Texas State Representative Gene Wu

10. Preparing for the 2026 Mid-term Elections

Get ready for the 2026 elections with strategies to combat disinformation, mobilize voters, and support aligned candidates. Build coalitions and ensure your community’s voice is heard.

11. Advocacy Training: Making Your Voice Heard on Capitol Hill

Ready to take action? Prepare for your congressional visits with hands-on training. You’ll learn how to craft compelling messages, engage with elected officials, and advocate for policies that matter to your community. Perfect for both new and seasoned advocates.

12. Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Brainstorm ways AANHPI communities can commemorate the 250th anniversary in 2026. Ideas include cultural events, voter drives, civil rights exhibits, and civic engagement campaigns.