Past Legislative Leadership Summits

2025 Legislative Leadership Summit Overview

During Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, APAICS is pleased to bring back our Legislative Leadership Summit in-person! Over the course of two days, tune in as subject matter experts, AA & NH/PI elected officials, community/corporate leaders, and more discuss various issues affecting our AA & NH/PI community and the nation at large.

Opening Remarks

(Emcee) Ai Uchida, Deputy Director, Asian American Journalists Association
Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, President & CEO, APAICS
Kai Hirabayashi, Senior Manager of Public Policy, Amazon & APAICS Board Member

Woven Together: Strength in Community

Our communities continue to grow in influence, with our leaders playing key roles in government, advocacy, and public service. This panel will highlight the experiences of elected officials and community leaders, examining their contributions to policy, representation, and civic engagement. Discussions will explore pathways to leadership, challenges in public service, and the broader impact of leaders at local and national levels. Panelists will share insights from their journeys and offer perspectives on inspiring and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Lily Wu, Mayor of Witchita, Kansas
Esther Kiaʻāina, Honolulu City Councilmember
David Oh, Asian American Business Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
(Moderator) Krystal Ka’ai Hetherington, National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission

Exploring Cancer Care and Its Unique Obstacles

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Cancer care is a contributing factor to this statistic. This panel will explore cancer care and the challenges that are faced when it comes to quality care, prevention, and treatment.

Dr. Aditi Bussells Columbia City Councilmember
Dr. Gary Puckrein, National Minority Quality Forum
Dr. Yanghee Woo, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Juliet Choi, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Cynthia Accuosti Jones, Johnson & Johnson
(Moderator) Aimee Cho, NBC4 Washington

Shaping Stories: Representation in Media, Sports, and Entertainment

Media, sports, and entertainment shape public perceptions and cultural narratives. This panel will explore the evolving presence of AA & NH/PI figures in these industries, the challenges they face, and the efforts to expand opportunities across film, television, digital platforms, and e-gaming.

Niala Boodhoo, Glad You’re Here Productions
Cary Chow, Content Strategist/Consultant
Alex Nguyen, TikTok
Tina Wei Smith, Commissioner, National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission
Annie Wu Henry, Political Strategist
(Moderator) Sam Hyun, The Asian American Foundation

Service and Leadership in Military Veterans

Approximately 6% of active-duty service members in the U.S. military identify as AA & NH/PI, totaling around 64,800, and there are over 300,000 living veterans. This panel delves into the journeys of AA & NH/PI individuals in the military and as veterans. Panelists will share stories of service, leadership, and resilience, addressing challenges such as representation, breaking stereotypes, and navigating identity within military institutions. Discussions will also explore the contributions of AA & NH/PI veterans to their communities and the ongoing efforts to recognize their service.

Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, JetZero
Stephen DeGuzman Asian Pacific American Public Affairs
Vineet Mehta, Comcast
MG Tony Taguba, USA (Ret.), Pan-Pacific American Leaders and Mentors
Lorna Mae Devera, Pan-Pacific American Leaders and Mentors
(Moderator) Sabrina Singh, Fmr. Department of Defense

Navigating Immigration in Our Communities

Asian Americans are deeply impacted by immigration policies, from the experiences of Dreamers and DACA recipients to challenges related to alien land laws and H-1B visas. These issues shape the lives and futures of many individuals and families. This panel will examine the historical and current impacts of these policies, highlighting key challenges and potential policy changes affecting Asian American communities.

Kham Moua, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
Laura Muñoz Lopez, House Democratic Caucus
Manpreet Kaur Teji, Biden-Harris Administration
(Moderator) Martin Kim, Advancing Justice | AAJC

What’s Next: The Rising Influence of our Communities in Elections and Politics

AA & NH/PIs are playing a growing role in elections, with their impact expected to increase in the next General Election. As one of the fastest-growing voter groups in the United States, they have seen rising turnout and greater representation in key states. This panel will examine the factors driving this shift, including population growth, geographic trends, and political engagement, while discussing challenges such as representation in elected office and the diversity of political perspectives within the community. Experts will explore the implications for future elections and strategies to engage this influential voting bloc.

Tom Bonier, The TARA Group
Sookyung Oh, Hamkae Center
Amber Reed, AAPI New Jersey
Navdeep Singh, Virginia Civic Engagement Table
(Moderator) Christine Chen, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote

Building Wealth and Opportunity in Our Communities

This panel explores pathways to financial empowerment for AA & NH/PI communities through small business growth, homeownership, and wealth-building opportunities. Panelists will discuss access to capital, navigating financial systems, and overcoming barriers to economic equity. Topics include entrepreneurship support, first-time homebuyer programs, and strategies for long-term financial security. Attendees will gain practical insights and resources to foster economic success and create generational wealth within AA & NH/PI communities.

Sudip Chaudhuri, Synchrony
Yuga Cohler, Coinbase
Eileen Tu, Rocket Companies
Vivian Young, JPMorgan Chase
John Yen Wong, Asian Real Estate Association of America
(Moderator) Eun Yang, NBCUniversal

Gun Violence: Addressing Impact, Prevention, and Solution

Gun violence impacts communities across the United States, including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) individuals and families. This panel will explore its effects, key challenges, and prevention strategies. Panelists—including policy experts, elected officials, and community advocates—will discuss secure firearm storage, culturally competent outreach, and bipartisan solutions to protect veterans like the Save Our Veterans Lives Act. The conversation will highlight practical, trauma-informed approaches to building safer, more compassionate communities.

Julie Won, New York City Councilmember
Monisha Henley, Everytown
Varun Nikore, AAPI Victory Alliance
Grace Varughese, Students Demand Action
(Moderator) Cathy Tang, Everytown

Fireside Chat with Senators Tammy Duckworth (IL) and Andy Kim (NJ)

Join us for a dynamic Fireside Chat featuring trailblazing Asian American Senators who are shaping the future of our nation. Moderated by NBC News' Vicky Nguyen, this conversation will explore the Senators’ personal journeys to public service, the unique challenges and opportunities facing the AA & NH/PI communities today, and their vision for inclusive leadership in America. Hear firsthand how these influential leaders are driving change, championing equity, and inspiring the next generation of civic and political engagement.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, State of Illinois
Senator Andy Kim, State of New Jersey
(Moderator) Vicky Nguyen, NBC News

Clearing the Path to Better Health: Overcoming Barriers

AA & NH/PI communities face distinct health challenges, including barriers to care and disparities in health outcomes. This panel will explore the factors influencing these challenges and discuss strategies for improving healthcare access and outcomes through policy and community-driven solutions.

Dr. Nina Ahmad, Philadelphia City Councilmember
Adam Carbullido, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations
Celina Gorre, WomenHeart
Paulo Pontemayor, Catholic Health Association of the United States
(Moderator) Joyce Liu, The VENG Group

Fireside Chat with Attorney General William Tong (CT)

Over the last few years, corporate America has prioritized the recruitment, hiring and training of Veterans. Organizations have seen the value and skills Veterans bring to the table. Hear from companies who employ and serve Veterans, and the unique opportunities and dynamic impact Veterans bring to the business community.