SCHEDULE

All guests must check-in at the registration table located on the 2nd floor near the escalators and elevators.

Joint session with Leadership Convention 2024 by NAAAP.

Official launch of Houston AAPI Convention.

Speakers:

• Emcee: Anime

• Edward Hwang, Convention Director, Leadership Convention by NAAAP

• Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, Chair, Houston AAPI Convention Committee

• Nancy Li, Vice Chair Mayor's Houston AAPI Advisory Board

• Judith Teruya, Senior Advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)

• Nina Un, Business Support Manager, Bank of America

• Bao Nguyen, Film Director and Producer, Be Water and The Greatest Night in Pop

• Lindsay Gee Calvert, Secretary, Mayor's AAPI Advisory Board & Houston AAPI Convention Program Committee

Two concurrent sessions

Panel 1: Public Service

Serving as AAPI Agents of Change: Exploring the Path to Public Service and Policy Change

AAPIs have long been woefully underrepresented in government. Meet leaders at the forefront of the rise of AAPIs in government. Follow their journey into public service and explore how representation is impacting policy change.

Moderator: M J Khan

Speakers:

• Judge Theresa Chang

• Representative Suleman Lalani, Texas State Representative

• Judith Teruya, Senior Advisor, White House Initiative on AANHPI

Panel 2: Food & Entrepreneurship

Fortifying AAPI Cultural Heritage:  Feeding the American Dream and Sharing Culture Through Food

Food is one of the most powerful ways to express and share culture. Gain insight into how local chefs and businesses of national acclaim are using their food to not only fortify AAPI cultural heritage but also contribute to economic development.

Moderator: Bao Ong, Houston Chronicle Restaurant Columnist

Speakers:

• Chef Don Nguyen, Khói Barbecue

• Chef Mike Pham, Trill Burgers

• Chef Kiran Verma, Kiran's

Hosted by NAAAP in the Ballroom Foyer.

Brings together 50 Asian-owned small businesses, selling various goods and services. Come out and learn about unique products and support the Asian & Pacific Islander community!

Two concurrent sessions

Panel 3 : Healthcare

Building a Foundation to Support AAPIs:  Improving Health and Wellbeing through Community Care

Health disparities among AAPIs in the U.S. have been a longstanding issue. While the AAPI community is diverse, certain commonalities contribute to health disparities, including language barriers and lack of access to culturally competent healthcare.   Hear from healthcare providers about their approaches to supporting the AAPI community, through linguistic, cultural, and educational practices, as well as initiatives that drive access to healthcare, inclusive of physical and mental health.

Moderator: Albert Cheng

Speakers:

• Shane Chen, COO of HOPE Clinic

• Mahtab Moradi, Project Manager of Integrated Behavioral Health Care at Ibn Sina Foundation

Panel 4: Justice & Advocacy

Advancing AAPI Inclusion and Opportunity:  Countering Injustice and Empowering Action

AAPI participation is pivotal in influencing all levels of government and ensuring that the community's voice is heard on key concerns. Explore issues that impact the AAPI community and gain information regarding actionable steps to get more involved in the civic process.

Moderator: Peggy Li, Senior Director of Chapters at American Constitution Society & Vice President of Community Relations for the Asian American Bar Association of Houston

Speakers:

• Debbie Chen, Executive VP, OCA – National

• Nabila Mansoor, Executive Director, RiseAAPI

• Lily Trieu, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Asian Texans for Justice
  

12:00pm – 12:15pm Buffet lunch available

12:15pm - 12:30pm Greetings from Congressman Al Green, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th Congressional District of Houston, Texas

12:30pm – 1:20pm Panel Conversation

Amplifying AAPI Voices Through Representation in Mainstream Media

In an era where diverse storytelling is increasingly recognized as essential, we will explore the critical importance of representation for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Panelists will share their personal journeys and professional insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the efforts to increase visibility and influence within the media landscape. They will discuss strategies for building an influential persona, breaking into the industry, overcoming barriers, and leveraging platforms to amplify AAPI voices.

Moderator: Howard Chen, Vice President, Texas chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association

Speakers:

• Shern-Min Chow, Anchor, KHOU 11

• Pooja Lodhia, Reporter, ABC 13 KTRK

• Rosie Nguyen, Reporter, ABC 13 KTRK

• Zack Tawatari, Sports Anchor, KHOU 11
  

Panel 5 : Education & Storytelling

Expanding and Building AAPI Capacity: Uplifting AAPI Narratives in the Classroom 

What does it mean to be AAPI? Explore resources available for teaching about historical and contemporary Asian and Asian American experiences. Moreover, gain tools to advocate for a change in the perception of Asians in America.

Moderator: Jason Nguyen, Senior Investigative Producer at KPRC 2 News

Speakers:

• Amanda Focke, C.A., D.A.S., Head of Special Collections / Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University

• Phuong Ha, Senior Education & Outreach Manager at Asia Society Texas Center

• Andrew Lee, Filmmaker

• Mallory Matson, Educator (HISD)

Strengthening Our AAPI Community: Linking the City of Houston to Trade and International Affairs

As the 4th largest city in the United States, Houston is a dynamic, growing city, rich in culture and diversity, of which over 1.2 million residents are AAPI. As the city’s global presence and influence grow, the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA) is an important link between Houstonians and the world, and serves as the City’s international liaison and trade development leader. In this fire-side chat, learn how MOTIA is connecting Houston and the world and strengthening linkages to the AAPI community.

Moderator: Mustafa Tameez, Founder & CEO, Outreach Strategists

Speaker: Christopher Olson, Director, Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA)

Stick around to meet the members of the City of Houston Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board. With the Board’s three main goals: (i) increase engagement with the City of Houston; (ii) identify and recommend community leaders to serve on city panels; and (iii) work with law enforcement to identify crime issues that impact businesses, Convention attendees are welcome to speak with Board members and learn how to be involved in support of achieving these goals.

Co-presented with Leadership Convention by NAAAP.

The Unity Gala will include a reception, awards ceremony, and afterparty.

A separate ticket is required. Discounts available when packaged with a ticket for convention admission.

• 5:30 - 7:00 Reception

• 7:00 - 9:30 PM Dinner

• 9:30 - 11:30 PM After-Party