By SK Lo, Board Chair of AAUC
On Tuesday, September 16, leaders, advocates, and community members from around the country met in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 AANHPI Unity Summit. Hosted by the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC), the two-day event brought together Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities to celebrate identity, culture, and civic power.
Dr. SK Lo, Founding President and Board Chair of AAUC, opened the Summit with a message of pride and gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the moment and the collective energy in the room. The opening ceremony featured an enthusiastic recognition of the Summit’s co-hosting organizations, including Asian Culture and Education USA, Asian Pacific American Public Affairs, Coalition of Asian American Leaders of MN, Hindu American Foundation, Muslim Educational Trust of Portland, Overseas Chinese Americans of Sacramento, Polynesian Association of Alaska, South Asian Women Network, SEWA–Asian Indian Family Wellness of MN, and Vietnamese Social Services of MN. Their financial support and dedication were met with a resounding applause.
The AAUC Board of Governors was also honored for its ongoing leadership and commitment. Board members such as Angela Anand, Yen Marshall, Jack Hanna, Jan Xie, Marsha Golangco, Lucy Hansen, Wajdi Said, and Mie Mie Strickler were recognized alongside key members of the Summit Planning Committee, including Ramya Ramakrishnan, Anjuli Cameron, ThaoMee Xiong, and Summit Manager Ted Fong. Volunteers, friends, and family members who supported the event were invited to stand and be celebrated, reinforcing the communal spirit that defined the Summit.
The first day centered around exploring identity, culture, and community power. Attendees reflected on AANHPI contributions to U.S. progress and democracy, examined policies that shape lived experiences, and engaged in a session focused on mental health and collective well-being. A keynote address by civil rights icon Helen Zia and the launch of the AAPI Hub and News Portal inspired and equipped participants with new tools for advocacy.
The second day of the Summit shifted to action, as attendees headed to Capitol Hill for a day of civic engagement. Delegates received training from leaders like Texas State Representative Gene Wu and met with congressional offices to advocate for policies that support AANHPI communities.
Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to connect, learn, and lead. The Summit was designed not only to inform but to mobilize, a space where personal stories and shared goals converged into a powerful force for change.
As the Summit officially began with a cultural blessing and a video message from former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, the tone was set for two days of unity, empowerment, and transformation. The 2025 AANHPI Unity Summit was more than a conference. It was a testament to the strength and solidarity of a diverse and dynamic community.
