AAPI LEAD Summit
Friday
Registration & opening fireside
Registration
Check in, pick up your badge, and connect with fellow attendees.
Fireside: Power and Platform — Leadership in the Public Eye
In politics, power and scrutiny are inseparable — every statement, vote, and misstep is amplified in real time. This panel explores what it means to lead under constant visibility, where influence is shaped by social media, press, and public opinion alike, and what impactful leadership looks like when every move is on display.
Opening Night Reception & Dinner — “A Taste of Los Angeles”
Kick off the summit with an evening of food, community, and connection.
Saturday
Full day of plenaries, panels, breakouts & community dinner
Registration
Check in, pick up your badge, and connect with fellow attendees.
Affinity Breakfast Groups (Optional)
A general breakfast is open to all attendees in Platinum A-B. Affinity breakfast groups are optional — find your group's room below.
Opening Session & Welcome Remarks
Official welcome to the summit.
Morning Plenary — “By the Numbers: Understanding the AAPI Vote”
A data-driven look at the AAPI electorate and its growing influence.
Interactive Session #1
Meet the newest leaders joining the network.
Executive Leadership Series · 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM · Concurrent Sessions
AAJA Media Institute
In partnership with CCF 
Civic Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
How cities, agencies, and technologists are putting AI to work — and the questions of who benefits, who's left out, and how to balance innovation with accountability.
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
In partnership with National ACE
A candid roundtable on what's working, what's not, and what policymakers need to understand to better support Main Street.
Trust, Transparency, and the Law
A practical overview of the legal obligations, ethical standards, and transparency requirements public officials should know — and how to lead with integrity.
Community / Sponsor Connect Lunch
Connect with partner organizations over lunch.
National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture
Fireside: Amplifying Your Authentic Voice
In a political landscape full of noise and pressure to fit a mold, how do leaders stay true to who they are while making themselves heard? Accomplished leaders and expert storytellers share lessons on standing out, building trust, and showing up as your full self.
Afternoon Plenary
Featured presentation.
Fireside: The Forum — Leaders in Conversation
Prominent leaders from across sectors share their personal journeys and reflect on what representation and leadership look like today — exploring identity, resilience, and the evolving AAPI experience in professional spaces.
Policy to Impact · 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM · Concurrent Sessions
AAJA Media Institute: The Art of Policy Messaging
In partnership with CCF
Collective Power: Inside the Labor Movement
Union and labor officials share how collective power is built and sustained, the challenges organizers face today, and what public officials can do to be effective partners.
Education Policy in Practice
In partnership with APISBMA
From funding and teacher shortages to the growing role of AI in learning — practical insights on navigating today's classroom challenges and preparing students for the future.
Immigration Justice and the AAPI Community
Advocates, legal experts, and community leaders discuss the current immigration landscape, the unique challenges facing AAPI immigrants, and what meaningful policy and community support look like today.
Transition
Buses load for the evening program.
Community Dinner
A night of community in support of local AAPI small businesses.
Sunday
Morning panels, closing program & affinity groups
Community / Sponsor Connect Breakfast (Optional)
Matched pairings arranged in advance to help foster collaboration and connections.
Opening Session
Interactive Session #2
Featured leaders in conversation.
Affordability on the Ground
Rising costs — rent, groceries, childcare, transportation — are reshaping daily life. Voices from government, business, and education discuss what affordability actually looks like at the local level, and what practical solutions are emerging from the ground up.
Public-Private Partnerships for the Greater Good
When government and industry align around shared goals, the results can outpace what either could achieve alone. Panelists discuss what makes these collaborations succeed and how to structure partnerships that genuinely serve the public interest.
Featured Presentation
VIP presenter.
Combatting Anti-Asian Racism
From pandemic-era hate crimes to quieter everyday bias, anti-Asian racism remains a persistent challenge. Organizers, scholars, and community voices unpack where it comes from, how it shows up today, and what real solutions look like — a candid conversation on solidarity and turning awareness into action.
Lunch & Closing
Closing program to send the summit off.
Affinity Groups — Associations
Connect with statewide and association networks — find your group's room below.