As the Head of Programming for Disney’s forthcoming over-the-top service, Agnes Chu is charged with developing and delivering premium content through collaborations across the company’s vast portfolio of brands, including Walt Disney Studios, ABC, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. During her 10-year career at Disney, Agnes has served in a variety of capacities–most recently she was executive of Story and Franchise Development at Walt Disney Imagineering; while working for CEO Bob Iger, she was instrumental to the successful opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort and the relaunch of the Star Wars franchise; as a television executive at ABC, she oversaw programming for shows including General Hospital and Don’t Trust the B- In Apartment 23; and as a digital leader, she led the creation of original video content for digital platforms, such as the Emmy-nominated web series LOST: Mysteries of the Universe, and the first-ever livestream of the red carpet and behind-the-scenes coverage at the Academy Awards.

Aileen has several years of experience helping start ups build products customers love, and helping companies scale, both as an investor and operator. At Cowboy, she’s invested in several culture-defining companies including Dollar Shave Club (acquired by Unilever), Philz Coffee, August, Memebox, and more. Prior to Cowboy, she joined the venture firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers in 1999. At KPCB she worked hands-on with a range of consumer, enterprise, media and greentech companies including Bloom Energy, Blue Nile (NILE), Good Technology (acquired by MOT), One Kings Lane, Plum District, Rent the Runway, Shopkick, Tellme (acquired by MSFT), and Trendyol. During that time she was also founding CEO of RMG Networks (RMGN), the leading digital out-of-home media company, backed by KPCB. Aileen has also held operating roles at Gap Inc., The North Face, and Odwalla and started her career at Morgan Stanley. She is also the originator of the term “unicorn” for $1 billion+ valuation startups and is co-founder of AllRaise.org, dedicated to improving the success of women in the venture-backed technology ecosystem.

Alan Yang is the Emmy Award-winning Co-Creator of Master of None, the critically-acclaimed Netflix series he writes and produces alongside Aziz Ansari, which launched its second season in 2017. Last year, Yang also directed two episodes of Master of None, in addition to Jay-Z’s Moonlight “Friends” parody music video. Earlier in his career, Alan avoided his backup plan of attending law school when he landed a coveted job as a staff writer on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, where he remained for seven years, leaving as a co-executive producer. He has been named one of Variety’s “10 Screenwriters to Watch.”

Albert Cheng has led the traditional entertainment industry’s evolution into the digital age with several industry firsts, including streaming TV shows before Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. As Chief Digital and Product Officer at ABC (and the highest ranking person of color in executive management at the time), Albert was the first to onboard broadcast TV shows for download on iTunes in 2005; led ABC to become the first network to stream full ad-supported episodes online in 2006; was the first to offer mobile on demand with Sprint in 2007; launched the first ad-supported video app on the inaugural launch of the Apple iPad in 2010; and was the first to offer live streaming of local TV stations in 2013. Today, he has expanded his role as Chief Operating Officer of Amazon Studios to co-leading its Television Studios, where he’s made it a formal business priority to hire diverse voices both in front of and behind the camera. Known for being a powerfully collaborative, insightful, and well-respected partner, Albert continues to shepherd entertainment’s evolution into new formats and models.

On the future of industry:

The future of media and entertainment is bright, so long as we continue to support voices that reflect our audience and champion those who have been overlooked. It is heartening to see the industry take some proactive steps to make changes and we have a long way to go to ensure that leaders reflect our society. We have the opportunity to influence culture for good.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Being an ethnic minority has made me acutely aware of the experiences of all underrepresented groups, not just with Asian-Americans. There is so much executive talent in women and people of color in corporate America. We need to be able to harness that and provide opportunities that allows everyone to have a level playing field.

On how Asians can amplify society:

We should continue to set the bar high, but let’s carry it out together in a unified voice and help each other. Culturally, we have been raised that achievement comes through hard effort powered by our own individual work ethic. To achieve a stronger voice in Western culture, we can’t do that by ourselves – it has to come from the collective group to make a difference.

Ali Wong is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. After SF Weekly selected her as “The Best Comedian of 2009″ and the SF Bay Guardian awarded her “Best of the Bay,” she decided that it was finally time to depart her hometown. In 2010, Comedy Central listed Ali Wong as one of 7 “Comic’s to Watch.” In 2011, Variety Magazine named her as one of the “10 Comics to Watch,” and Ali appeared in the 2011 and 2012 Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, QC. Since then, Ali has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, the new season of “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show,” Dave Attell’s “Comedy Underground”, “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” appeared in Oliver Stone’s “Savages,” hosted the Golden Globes live coverage on E!, and starred as “Link Lark” in the ABC drama “Black Box” with Vanessa Redgrave and Kelly Reilly. The “FRESH OFF THE BOAT” writer is most famous for her hit Netflix special, “Baby Cobra,” filmed when she was seven and a half months pregnant. In it and throughout her work, Wong is well-loved for deftly navigating her identity as a woman, an Asian, a mother, and comic. She’ll next be seen on a sitcom on ABC.

Amy Morhaime is Head of Esports at Blizzard, the powerhouse gaming publisher behind Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Starcraft, and Diablo.

As founders and Co-CEOs of Panda Restaurant Group, Andrew and Peggy Cherng have built a family-owned and operated restaurant empire that surpasses $3 billion in annual revenue. A fundamental component of their business strategy is giving back and paying forward: the Cherngs’ philanthropic endeavors have seen over $83 million given to education, youth leadership development, and healthcare causes over the years. In 2017, they made a $30 million gift to name and endow the Department of Medical Engineering at Caltech.

On the secret to success:

Life is more than just for yourself. You want to do well for family, to take care of other people, other causes — that is where happinesses are. (NYT interview, 2018)

Angela Duckworth wears multiple hats as the author of New York Times Bestseller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance; the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania; and the Founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive by improving the science and practice of character development. In her twenties, Angela left a job as a management consultant at McKinsey to teach math and science to middle schoolers. Those years in the classroom showed her that effort was tremendously important to success, and helped set the groundwork for her Ph.D. studies and ongoing research. She has been awarded a MacArthur “genius” grant, and served as an advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs, NBA and NFL teams, the World Bank, and the White House.

On the future of industry:

Interdisciplinary collaboration and rapid prototyping plus user-centered design.

On the secret to success:

They say that "research is me-search"; in other words, that you can tell a lot about a psychologist by looking at what he or she studies. I'm interested in grit because it is one of my signature strengths, and one that has served me well. But I’d also say that my grit comes in part from my ability to ask for help when I need it. Whatever you do, give it your all. Don’t save your best effort for a future chapter of your life.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Participate in our democracy. Vote. Run for office.

Anjali Sud leads Vimeo, the world’s largest ad-free open video platform and home to more than 70 million premium creators in over 150 countries. In contrast to many, Anjali didn’t “raise her hand” for the CEO position–she was chosen based on her transformatively-fast impact on Vimeo over three brief years, making her one of the only female Indian CEOs and one of the youngest CEOs of any platform. She served as General Manager and Senior Vice President of Vimeo’s core creator business, where she oversaw the growth of Vimeo’s community of over 60 million video creators, filmmakers and brands using Vimeo to upload and share their work. Prior to that, Anjali led marketing at Vimeo, where she scaled revenue through customer acquisition and retention, international expansion and brand building. Before joining Vimeo, she held various positions in e-commerce and media at Amazon and Time Warner. The daughter of immigrants with a early love for acting, dancing, and singing, Anjali holds a bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

On the future of industry:

Technology will dramatically lower the barriers to quality storytelling and will enable a more diverse range of creators, brands and organizations to make, distribute and monetize video at scale. In the future, every one of us can be a filmmaker with the power of the world's most visual and interactive medium in our palm.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Being Indian has given me access to a rich heritage and roots that I'm deeply proud of. Growing up, I benefited from the support of my local Indian community and the inspiration that comes from being raised in multiple cultures and learning how to move between them. I view my ethnic identity as a true advantage, not an impediment - it has allowed me to be more flexible, empathetic, and cognizant of how our differences make us stronger.

On how Asians can amplify society:

For those of us with the privilege to sit in influential and high impact positions, I think it is critical for us to recognize that privilege and be proactive in sharing our lessons with others, regardless of ethnicity. We also need to reject cultural stereotypes and have the courage to be our authentic and multi-dimensional selves in a transparent and public way. By doing that, we have the opportunity to change preconceived notions and improve how our society perceives the role of ethnicity in general.

Ann Miura-Ko has been called “the most powerful woman in startups” by Forbes and is a lecturer in entrepreneurship at Stanford. The child of a rocket scientist at NASA, Ann is a Palo Alto native and has been steeped in technology startups from when she was a teenager. Prior to co-founding FLOODGATE, she worked at Charles River Ventures and McKinsey & Company. Some of Ann’s culture-defining investments include Lyft, Ayasdi, Xamarin, Refinery29, JoyRun, TaskRabbit, and Modcloth. Given the success of her investments, she was on the 2017 Midas List of top 100 venture capitalists. Ann is known for her debate skills (she placed first in the National Tournament of Champions and second in the State of California in high school) and was part of a five-person team at Yale that competed in the Robocup Competition in Paris, France. She has a BSEE from Yale and a Ph.D. from Stanford in math modeling of computer security. She lives with her husband, 3 kids ages 10, 8 and 6 and one spoiled dog.

Anu Duggal and Sutian Dong lead the Female Founders Fund, the preeminent venture capital firm investing in companies founded by women. They’re investing in the exponential power of exceptional female talent, and have built the most recognized brand that supports female talent at the earliest stages of her company’s life.

On the future of industry:

Venture firms have evolved from investing in pure technology businesses to investing in high growth, high scale, high margin businesses. The expansion of venture has led to the expansion of capital available, and put the onus on VCs to really redefine what it means to be a value-add investor. Capital is no longer a differentiator - it's the people at the fund, the perspectives they bring with them.

On the secret to success:

Read for 30 minutes every day. And your social feeds don't count! I'm always reading a nonfiction book, a fiction novel, and have a long list of news articles that I save to Pocket to read later. Take the first step, and never stop. Be brave enough to start a project, and--even though the road is often not the most well-traveled, and has its twists and turns--there are opportunities around every corner.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I was born in China and raised in Texas--two very different places!--and have lived in NYC for a long time now. My Chinese heritage is with me wherever I go, but the differences in China, Texas and New York have enabled me to appreciate the differences in culture and the nuances of identity that extend beyond ethnicity.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Bring others with you, wherever you go. It's not enough to be the only Asian at an event, or in executive roles at an organization - be a champion for diversity that is far and beyond tokenism, and pave a path for people to stand besides you as leaders in business, politics, art, and beyond.

Nora Lum, known by her stage name Awkwafina, is an actress, comedian, and rapper who’s co-starring in two Warner Bros. films releasing in 2018: Ocean’s 8, and Crazy Rich Asians. Awkwafina rose to prominence with self-produced underground comedic rap videos on YouTube. She later joined the cast of MTV’s Girl Code, played opposite Seth Rogen in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and hosted her own go90 original late night talk show, TAWK, which was nominated for Webby and Streamy Awards.

In 2017, Aziz Ansari became the first Asian American to win a Golden Globe for acting in television. In addition to the Golden Globe, the multi-hyphenate Ansari has won two Emmys for writing on his critically-acclaimed Netflix series Master of None, which he co-created and also stars in. In between television and film projects, Aziz has performed and toured as a stand-up comedian and wrote a book with sociologist Eric Klinenberg called Modern Romance, a comedic look at the pitfalls of relationships.

Bee Tham is the Founder of The Bee in the Lion gallery that represents contemporary artists and produces interdisciplinary projects, juxtaposing visual arts with other creative practices such as performance arts, music, film, architecture, literary arts, digital media, and design. It is the first for-profit gallery that brings together artists from different creative practices, unites their creative visions, and gives them a platform to experiment, collaborate and present their installation. Tham has assisted with putting together leading Modern and Contemporary Art collections including Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, Frank Stella, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Richard Serra, Damien Hirst, Chen Yifei, Zeng Fanzhi, Zhou Chunya, Armand Pierre Arman, Mr., Shepard Fairey, Roxy Paine, and many others. Tham also sits on the Board of the Metropolitan Opera.

On the future of industry:

The art market will continue to be dominated by auction houses and mega galleries channeling a large portion of their resources into creating the hype for superstar artists and blockbuster works. The triumph of marketing over art tilts the market in favor of affected, patterned and manufactured art forms that are too cold for the home, and impervious to the soul. The challenge is for institutions and galleries to devote more resources to encourage diversity in the arts, support and drive awareness for artists that buck the trend, for young and emerging talents, as well as under-appreciated artists.

On the secret to success:

I would say the books that have inspired me and helped shape a significant part of my belief systems are: The Book of Proverbs in the Bible, The Book of Zhuangzi, "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir, "The Importance of Living" by Lin Yutang, "Against Interpretation" by Susan Sontag, and "The Alchemist" by Pablo Coelho.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

My upbringing was largely driven by a colonized mentality in Singapore. I was ambivalent about my racial identity - I did not feel like a Chinese even though I was brought up as one.My ethnicity was "The Other" in me. This disjointed sense of self made it difficult for me to embrace my ethnic identity and its associated cultural traditions until I was much older.

On how Asians can amplify society:

As Asians, we need to foster a strong communal identity, a heightened sense of belonging, and a shared faith that we are all committed to helping one another grow, succeed and give back to society.

Bob is currently the CEO and co-founder of Teleport, one of the first companies built on Uber’s API. The platform brings on-demand transportation services to those that need it the most: underserved communities, individuals with disabilities, and senior citizens. He was previously a partner with Social Starts, a seed stage VC fund, that invests in companies like Mashable, Boxed, Greenhouse, and Elite Daily. Before Social Starts, he was an investor at Ziff Brothers Investments serving in a variety of roles in the Family Office, as well as the Private Markets & Strategy team. Prior to that he worked as an investment banker in Shanghai, China structuring pre-IPO technology companies. Bob is a deeply-tied connector and enabler of both established and up-and-coming Asian Americans. He is co-founder and the former President of Taiwanese American Professionals – New York (TAP-NY) and also the former President of Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL). In his free time he teaches financial literacy to high school students through Junior Achievement (JA). He has also written for Fortune Magazine and NextShark. He holds a BA in International Relations (Global Business) from the University of Southern California and is a 2nd degree black belt in kendo.

On the future of industry:

Transportation will completely change with the introduction of autonomous vehicles. For those that need transportation the most, their livelihoods will improve dramatically. Wait times and costs will decrease drastically, which will allow individuals to travel more often and at longer distances.

On the secret to success:

I don't think you ever reach success and I don't think I have succeeded yet. As Bruce Lee says, "There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." I think success means different things to different people as well. Does success mean making a lot of money, gaining respect from your peers and family, having public adoration, leaving a legacy, changing people's lives, etc.?

On the personal impact of being Asian:

It’s made me stronger and pushed me to work that much harder. It has made me more thoughtful and compassionate in how I approach life and relationships. It encouraged me to build tighter knit communities so that we could support each other.

Filipino Bobby Murphy is co-founder of Snapchat and Chief Technology Officer of Snap Inc., where he leads the product, engineering, and research team that recently launched Spectacles. Known for his affable, even-keeled nature, and low profile, Murphy, alongside his co-founder, Evan Spiegel, has also pledged to donate up to 13 million shares of Class A common stock over the next two decades to support the newly-created Snap Foundation that will support the arts, education, and youth nonprofits. Imran Khan is Chief Strategy Officer, where he tends to the company’s operations, sales, partnerships, and corporate strategy divisions. Previously, Khan was the head of global internet investment banking at Credit Suisse where he was pivotal in Alibaba’s IPO, the largest share sale in history.

“Bruno is one of the greatest naturally talented writers and performers in music. He’s changed numerous artists careers including our own, writing countless hits for himself and others. Watching an Asian American artist walk up on the Grammy stage with an Asian American producer (Stereotypes) and hold multiple awards was something we never thought we would witness in our time.” – Far East Movement

Bruno Mars is a superstar singer/songwriter best known for hit songs such as “Nothin’ on You,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Uptown Funk,” and “That’s What I Like.” He boasts more than 11 Grammys including becoming the first Asian to win Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song this year.

With agency partner Zach Iser, Caroline Yim at CAA represents some of the biggest new names in hip-hop – Jhene Aiko, Future, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd, Anderson .Paak, Willow Smith, and Kehlani, among others. With an exceptional ear and understanding of the urban music landscape, paired with a unique ability to identify and develop emerging artists, Yim has been recongized as one of Variety’s Hollywood New Leaders in 2016, and Billboard’s 40 Under 40.

Cassey Ho is one of the most popular fitness trainers in the world, founding and running the #1 female fitness YouTube channel that boasts over 4 million subscribers and a half a billion views. Her signature format, POP Pilates, is taught in live classes over 4,000 times a month by certified trainers in major gyms all over the world. Her multiple product lines, including POPFLEX Active are consistent best-sellers–as are her numerous fitness and cooking books.

On the future of industry:

The goal is to make fitness more fun and more approachable for people. The future of health is in finding creative ways for people to stop thinking about working out as a chore, and more as a treat.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I grew up with very strict parents who were extremely controlling over my education and my career. Their tight hold actually created this fire within me to break free and live a life fueled by passion and persistence.

On how Asians can amplify society:

I think we're great at working hard and doing what we can to move forward in peace. But as a group, I think we need to be more outspoken and to stand up LOUDLY for what we believe in in the face of controversy.

Cayden Mak (Executive Director) and Taz Ahmed (Campaign Strategist) run 18MillionRising.org, a digital civic engagement hub for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Through 18MillIonRising, Mak and Ahmed have reimagined how activists approach social media tools and tactics through several inventive and critical campaigns in policy, media representation, and public opinion. Mak was part of 18MR.org’s founding staff and integral to developing the organization’s vision, voice, analysis, and playbook. Mak was previously Chief Technology Officer and a driving force behind the first community-centered design process focused on solutions by and for AAPI communities with VoterVOX, the web app that matches volunteer translators with limited English speaking voters. Ahmed is an electoral organizer by trade, having mobilized thousands of Asian American & Pacific Islanders to the polls in over seventeen different languages over the past fifteen years.

On the future of industry:

Cayden: Online advocacy is changing, and fast. I think that there is a growing need for organizers working online to move into a new role: we aren’t just trusted intermediaries or experts on using technology for social change, but we need to examine how we remain accountable to the grassroots as bulwarks against widespread misinformation and evaporating trust in public institutions. I see our field expanding to do the affective work that’s needed to help reimagine what public life can be online. Taz: The future of my industry is that I'm not even sure what industry it will be. Everything about the world of civic engagement and digital organizing is constantly changing and innovating. What might happen in the future is totally unpredictable.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Cayden: My dual experience as a mixed race Chinese American and a transgender person have really shaped how I view the world. Not just in terms of injustice, but in terms of the arbitrariness of our social categories, and the need to grow our souls to meet one another with empathy, care, and a sense of our own agency. Taz: Everything I do in my life - from art, to poetry to political career - is related to trying to get a better understand of being at the intersections of Muslim, South Asian, Brown, Woman and activist.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Cayden: Stay active, and be prepared to be transformed. Grace Lee Boggs wrote that we must change ourselves to change society, and I don’t think it’s sufficient to change laws -- we need to build whole new ways of living. The most powerful experiences in my career have also profoundly shifted the way I see myself and my relationship with the world, but I had to be open and curious and willing to be wrong for those shifts to take place. Taz: Asian Americans need to understand how to behave in solidarity with others - from fighting against anti-blackness, to fighting against their islamophobia to fighting how the model minority myth is used as a wedge issue against other people of color.

Celeste Ng is the award-winning author of Little Fires Everywhere, a New York Times bestseller and Amazon’s Best Fiction Book of 2017. The book is the basis of a forthcoming Hulu limited series starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon. Ng’s first novel, Everything I Never Told You (2014), was a New York Times bestseller, a New York Times Notable Book of 2014, Amazon’s #1 Best Book of 2014, and named Best Book of the Year by over a dozen other publications.

On the secret to success:

Read a lot—things you love, and also things outside your comfort zone (Think of it as trying a new food: you don't have to finish it, but at least take a taste. You never know what will spark new ideas for you.). Write a lot—like playing an instrument or a sport, it takes practice. Keep at it. Most importantly, tell the stories that are important to you. Write the stories that you'd want to read yourself, the stories you need to tell, the stories you need to hear. It doesn't matter if they get published or read—it can be great if they do, but writing them down is the important part.

“Chieh is a serial entrepreneur. He co-founded and led Astro Ape (sold to Zynga) and is currently founder and CEO of Boxed. Early on, Chieh realized he could leverage his mobile gaming know-how from Zynga to deliver a better consumer shopping experience in a world driven by mobile and convenience. He and his team started Boxed as a mobile app and have built it into an innovative end-to-end logistics company leveraging software, data and automation. [Three years after launching Boxed in 2013, he led his company to do more than $100 million in annual revenue.] Chieh and Boxed now deliver a delightful consumer experience while competing with the likes of Amazon and Costco.” – Jerry Yang

Chieh Huang is Co-Founder and CEO of Boxed, a company that is disrupting the wholesale shopping club experience by enabling you to shop for bulk-sized items online or via mobile app and have them delivered directly to your door. Forbes Magazine recently named Boxed one of the next “billion dollar startups.” The company has raised over $150 million in funding, and is known for its creative employee benefits. In 2015, Huang, the son of Taiwanese immigrants, was recognized by People Magazine for his decision to personally pay for the college tuition of all of his employees’ children. Prior to founding Boxed, Huang served as the CEO of Astro Ape, one of the first mobile social gaming studios. Upon leading Astro Ape to acquisition by Zynga, Huang stayed on as Director of Zynga Mobile NY, leading the fastest and most efficient game team at the company. Huang’s personal honors include being named to Bloomberg 50, Bloomberg Businessweek’s 50 people to watch in 2018, to National Retail Federation’s list of People Shaping Retail’s Future (2017) as one of Crain’s 40 Under 40 (2017) and Goldman Sachs’ list of 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs (2016). Huang is a 2003 graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and received his JD from Fordham University in 2007.

On the future of industry:

Our industry is constantly changing, as the lines between technology and commerce are becoming more and more blurry. I liken it to a race to the finish line. Will technology figure out retail first, or will the retailers figure out technology first?

On the personal impact of being Asian:

It has instilled a mindset of hard work. Being the son of immigrants, I understood that everything is available in our country, but none of it is just given to you.

On how Asians can amplify society:

In the office and out in the world -- be vocal and back it up with action.

Chloe Bennet is the star of ABC’s hit series, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. She is a consistent and admired advocate for Asian representation by incisively publicizing Hollywood’s bias against her legal last name (Wang), whitewashed castings, as well as equal rights and pay for women. Her layered perspectives stem partly from her third culture heritage (she moved to Beijing, China when she was 15 to pursue a singing career as she studied Mandarin) as well as her multi-faceted, multi-ethnic household (she has six brothers: three biological, two foster, and one adopted; two are African American and another is Mexican-Filipino).

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I think what's really dangerous with what, continuously, is happening with Asian-Americans in Hollywood is there's a narrative that white Hollywood, or just any other ethnicity really in Hollywood gives to Asian-Americans that, 'You're the butt of the joke.' They're determining that we're the nerds, that we're the shy girls or that the guy that can't be sexy because he's an Asian man. When you're continuously giving a different ethnicity their own narrative without giving them a chance to actually represent themselves or write something that's true to them, then that's really dangerous. It really seeps into the psyche of young Asian-American kids. I know it did for me. I didn't see anybody that looked like me growing up on TV. I genuinely thought to my core that I would have no chance of being an actor because my dad wasn't white. The more I became aware of my thinking, the more I thought, 'Oh, this is because I look this way or because I feel this way.' Part of the reason why I started RUN is because I really want to encourage Asian-American teens and kids and anyone really, to start telling their stories because there's so many unique and interesting and dark and sad and funny stories that haven't been told because we haven't gotten the chance. (NPR interview, 2017)

“Chloe Kim represents the next generation of Asian Americans who inspire the world. Through her unfathomable Olympic feat at an impossibly-young age, we witnessed–in awe—what’s possible within the human limits in sport. Her infectious and grounded personality functions as inspiration for both a growing community of diverse athletes, but also the wider populace that’s now eager to follow their dreams because they saw someone who looked like them achieve hers.” – Apolo Anton Ohno, All-Time Most-Decorated American Winter Olympian

Chloe Kim is a consistent world class athlete, full of “firsts.” The 2018 Winter Olympics cemented her as the female face of both snowboarding and action sports. Winning an Olympic Gold Medal and scoring a 98.25 on her third and final run, Chloe became the youngest woman in history to win an Olympic snowboarding Gold medal.

Prior to the Olympics, Chloe medaled at every event she entered in the 2017-18 season, starting with Gold medals at the New Zealand World Cup, Copper Grand Prix and Dew Tour, where she officially clinched her spot on the 2018 Olympic team. In January 2018, Chloe won Silver Medals at the Mammoth and Snowmass Grand Prix’s and, in the last competition prior to the Olympics, her fourth career Gold medal at the X Games, making her the first athlete to earn four X Games Gold medals before her 18th birthday. During the 2015-16 season, Chloe won six Gold and two Silver medals. Chloe’s season highlights included defending her X Games Gold medal, becoming the first X Games athlete to win two Gold medals before the age of 16. Chloe continued to break new ground in women’s snowboarding, becoming the first woman to land back-to-back 1080s and score a perfect 100. Chloe made history during the 2014-15 season when she became the youngest competitor (at 14 years old) to win a winter X Games Gold medal.

Chloe has had just as much success off of the mountain as she has had on it, being featured on Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2017, TIME’s 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016 and 2017, and espnW’s 2015 IMPACT25 list. In addition, Chloe has been nominated for an ESPY, Kids Choice Sports Award, and two Laureus World Sports Awards. Chloe’s first tracks on a snowboard were at the age of four and she began competing when she was six. Chloe, whose parents emigrated from Korea, now lives in Los Angeles with her family.

On the future of industry:

The future is very bright, i’m excited to see how much snowboarding progresses. The sportsmanship will always be there. I’m hoping people continue to love what they do instead of thinking of it as a job.

On the secret to success:

I have so much fun doing what I do. I love the adrenaline and pushing myself to achieve things I never could have dreamed of being possible. It’s also important to me to go at my own pace. I do not like rushing because it throws me off. I also like to have a little dance party in my room while getting ready. And my parents. They’ve given up so much for me and were equally if not more hardworking than myself. To anyone who “wants to be me,” a lot of people will try to knock you down, it still happens to me. Just try to block it out or use that to motivate you even more. Show them that they’re wrong

On the personal impact of being Asian:

There was a lot of pressure but I am very proud to be Korean American. I lived a life where I experienced two very different cultures and I believe it made me a better person.

Chrissy Teigen is a model, TV personality, and digital superstar. She discovered a passion for modeling at a young age, beginning as a swimsuit model and eventually collaborating with major labels all around the world. The model has since become a highly sought-after television personality, hosting the 2013 reality show Model Employee. Two years later, Teigen became a commentator on Lip Sync Battle and a co-host on the daytime talk show FabLife. In 2016, Teigen released a cookbook, Cravings, which instantly became a New York Times bestseller, heralding back to her childhood dream of being a chef. She is also universally adored for her sharp, timely, and culturally-astute presence on Twitter by her more than 9 million followers.

Constance Wu, the lead in Warner Bros’ upcoming summer 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians, is best known for playing the matriarch through four seasons of ABC’s beloved comedy, Fresh Off The Boat. Wu has been a consistently vocal advocate for women, calling out sexual harassment in Hollywood, joining in the Women’s March in Washington, and driving forward the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants has also been a consistent advocate for Asian representation–both in her critique of several high-profile whitewashed castings and as a role model to young actresses and actors, alike. In 2017, she was honored as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine.

On the secret to success:

I could have looked around as a kid and been discouraged because I didn’t see any Asian leading people. In terms of movies, there’s never been an Asian-American actor who was allowed to carry their own movie for several movies. You can look at all these stats, and it’s very discouraging, but you either just do it or you don’t. And if you fail because Hollywood doesn’t want to let an Asian person be the lead in anything, well, you failed doing something that mattered to you. It’s like Yoda says: Do or do not. There is no ‘try.’ (NYT interview, 2015)

Raised in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles, Robinson’s interest in issues of social justice was sparked at an early age by his parents. His Chinese-American mother retired after a long career in public service, much of it in support of low-income families through the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program. Robinson’s father was one of the first Black consultants for the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC), where he investigated allegations of racial, gender and age discrimination in housing and employment. Race, equality and civil rights were frequent topics at the Robinson dinner table and those discussions continue to inform and drive his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion today.

In partnership with the company’s business leaders, Robinson works to define and build a culture that embraces and values diversity in its workforce, culture, content and perspectives. Additionally, alongside Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts, Robinson is leading Comcast’s $100 million commitment to fight injustice and inequality, and to accelerate company efforts in all areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. In this role, Robinson spearheads social justice efforts across Comcast, NBCUniversal and Sky to build programs, allocate resources and partner with international, national and local organizations to drive meaningful change against racism and inequality.

Robinson also oversees the company’s nine Employee Resource Groups with over 80 global chapters, co-chairs the industry-leading Comcast NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Advisory Council and serves as the main liaison between NBCUniversal and key local and national advocacy organizations.

The company has been acknowledged for its leadership in diversity & inclusion, with repeat recognition on the Forbes list of Best Employers for Diversity, the Fortune list of 50 Best Workplaces for Diversity, and the DiversityInc list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

On the secret to success:

I think you’ll find that any successful person will tell you the same thing – there is no substitute for hard work and a positive attitude. I’m inspired by people who approach each day with gratitude, kindness and compassion for others, even when faced with difficult circumstances. The best advice I’ve ever received was from my parents. To treat everyone--no matter their station in life--with respect. The leaders I admire the most put this into practice every day and it’s a true indicator of their confidence and humanity.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

My Chinese American mother and African American father emphasized early on that there are particular challenges that can come with being a person of color and to maximize every single opportunity that came my way.

On how Asians can amplify society:

My advice to everyone is to build on your own inherent strengths – don’t emulate someone else’s style that isn’t a natural fit for you. Authenticity will win every time.

The blockbuster pioneer’s production company, Rideback (formerly Lin Pictures), has generated over $3 billion dollars at the box office through Sherlock Holmes, The LEGO Movie franchise, and It (which holds the record for highest grossing horror film), as well as the Lethal Weapon television series. In 1999, a day after Lin’s graduation, a studio executive offered Lin a junior position at Warners in their film production group. Lin worked his way up to Senior Vice President of Production and left in 2007 to form his own company. During his eight years at Warners, Lin oversaw the development and production of the Academy Award-winning film The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese. In 2018, he founded Rideback Ranch, a creative campus and incubator in LA’s Historic Filipinotown that brings together diverse storytellers in a unique setting to inspire collaboration and innovation, as well as the Evolve Entertainment Fund to promote inclusion alongside filmmaker Ava DuVernay and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Hailing from Taipei, Taiwan, Dan received his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Lin is widely respected and loved for his consistent track record of success and grounded–but inspired–style.

On the future of industry:

The future of our business is about finding new ways to preserve the theatrical film business while also expanding into new distribution platforms. On a creator level, it’s about finding and developing new voices to tell the stories of this next generation.

On the secret to success:

Working with people who are smarter and more talented than myself. I also take long hot showers every morning to brainstorm ideas, followed by a minute of a cold shower to get my blood pumping. Once in a while, getting away from the city on weekends is critical to refresh and reflect. If you want to be “the next me,” don’t--don’t follow my career path. Instead, create your own path. And don’t forget to look for ways to build intellectual property ownership. Finally, never forget: it’s better to be a quiet landlord than a loud tenant.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

It’s made me look at things from the point of view of the outsider, the other. It’s also caused me to eat too much at Din Tai Fung.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Speak up and have your voice heard if you have something important to say.

Few actors experience the longevity that Daniel Dae Kim has amassed–but even fewer have successfully jumped to behind the camera. His production company, 3AD, produces the top dramatic TV series, The Good Doctor. Previously, he was the star of Hawaii Five-0 as well as the groundbreaking Lost, one of the few and first times many Asians saw a strong, masculine Asian male lead. He is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he received his Master of Fine Arts Degree, and currently resides in Honolulu and Los Angeles.

On how Asians can amplify society:

It's incumbent on us as Asians, as minorities in this country to speak up, to speak out, take positions of leadership. I think it's time for frankly the conversation to move beyond inclusion to leadership, because if you start to lead it's already understood that you are included. So I'd like to raise the bar a little bit higher. I also think it's really important that all of us do something to participate. It's easy to point fingers and say well, it's because of this, that. To get involved in the nitty-gritty is sometimes a daunting task, but a necessary one. (THR interview, 2017)

“Some chefs are great technicians, others are maestros of flavors. David Chang is both, and on top of that he is truly a visionary in the culinary world. It is therefore extremely unfair that someone so talented is also gifted with great looks. As his biggest fan, I feel blessed.” – Chef Martin Yan

Chef David Chang is the Michelin-star-winning founder of Momofuku Restaurant Group, which includes Momofuku Noodle Bar, Milk Bar, and numerous other culture-defining restaurants. Recently, he created and starred in the Netflix original series, Ugly Delicious and launched Majordomo Media that’s developing a podcast, TV shows, and an editorial platform.

At Samsung Electronics, David Eun serves as the youngest—and first non-native Korean (nationality)—Corporate President and its first Chief Innovation Officer. There, Eun founded Samsung NEXT to help identify and build new growth opportunities for Samsung Electronics by working with entrepreneurs and innovators to build, grow, and scale software and services businesses. Previously, Eun spent time at Google, where he pioneered a global partnerships group spanning video, print and local (search, mapping, etc.); he ultimately led the YouTube content partnerships teams globally, where he created partnerships in the face of the company’s early-day lawsuits.

On the future of industry:

A company as successful and iconic as Samsung is required to think about more than just the consumer electronics (hardware) we sell today. We must consider how the thoughtful integration of hardware and software can create new, compelling experiences; the impact this will have on our consumers; and how this can shape the future of our businesses. Thinking about Samsung Electronics’ future is our North Star at Samsung NEXT; we aim to not only create better experiences for Samsung's consumers, but envision where Samsung could go and what it could become next – hence our name.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I was raised by Korean immigrants in southern Virginia and experienced what I now consider "only-ness": of being the only one or one of few amidst a larger community. I have spent much of my career being an evangelist from one world leading "first-time efforts" at another: whether as an early proponent of the internet as a distribution platform when working at NBC Entertainment; as someone driving content deals in Silicon Valley; or as a software and internet services executive at a consumer electronics company. In this way, my ethnic identity has extended beyond my personal life and shaped my professional path. Today, my work at Samsung Electronics requires that I help bridge: Software vs. Hardware; Silicon Valley vs. Seoul; Startup vs. Big Company. It’s challenging but rewarding, and benefits in many ways from growing up as an Asian American in the South.

On how Asians can amplify society:

As a young Asian American, much of my focus growing up was in trying to fit in and gain acceptance. I later realized that "gaining acceptance" reflects an implicit hierarchy between those who judge and those who are judged. This is inherently flawed. I believe the single most important behavior for Asians is to be true to themselves as individuals: we have to allow ourselves—and support others as they seek—to find our own way, according to our own expectations. Only in doing this on our own terms will the full breadth of diversity WITHIN the Asian American community be made evident. The perceptions that Asians are an easily stereotyped monolith will be replaced with the truth that we are a large community comprised of diverse individuals, all making their mark on society in different ways.

Dr. Priscilla Chan co-founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) with her husband, Mark, in December 2015. As a pediatrician and educator, her work with patients and students in communities across the Bay Area has informed her desire to make learning more personalized and find a path to cure disease. Often regarded as one of the most ambitious philanthropies in the world, CZI seeks to engineer change at scale by pairing world class engineering with grantmaking, impact investing, policy, and advocacy work. She is also the founder and CEO of The Primary School, which integrates health and education to serve children and families in East Palo Alto and the Belle Haven neighborhood in Menlo Park, California. Priscilla earned her BA in Biology at Harvard University and her MD at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She completed her pediatrics training in the UCSF/PLUS Pediatrics Residency. Following her graduation from Harvard, she served as a fourth- and fifth-grade science teacher.

On the secret to success:

Mama [my grandmother] showed me that I didn’t have to change just because someone else saw things differently. She showed me that having differences is normal and that I didn’t have to be afraid of the differences in all of us. (Mercury News interview, 2016)

One of the only “opening weekend guaranteed” stars left today, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is box office gold. The three films he starred in last year (Jumanji, The Fate of the Furious and Baywatch) collectively earned over $2.3 billion worldwide, making him one of the top grossing actors of the year. In addition, Johnson has been active across multiple platforms, lending his voice talents to Disney’s animated feature Moana as well as WWE video games (as “The Rock”); starring in and executive producing HBO’s Ballers; and engaging fans weekly on his popular YouTube channel. Johnson is widely adored by industry and fans worldwide for his unmatched athleticism, relentless charm, and sincere heart.

Eric Feng was founding CTO and Head of Product of Hulu, a pioneer in premium streaming video. In its launch year, Hulu was voted TIME Magazine’s #4 invention of the year; today, it’s the fastest growing subscription video service. Feng was also CTO of Flipboard, a personal magazine application for mobile devices with more than 100 million users worldwide that has raised more than $200 million in funding. Today, Eric is a General Partner of Kleiner Perkins, one of Silicon Valley’s most legendary investment firms, where he focuses on consumer internet investments and incubations. Feng is widely loved and respected for his relentlessly high energy, “can do” leadership style, and formidable global network.

On the future of industry:

Technology is now faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever. What used to take years and hundreds of experienced engineers can now be created in weeks by a handful of novices. That means great products and companies can and will be built by people with all different backgrounds from all corners of the world.

On the secret to success:

There's no replacement for firsthand experience. First do the work yourself with your own two hands, and then you can truly lead others in that responsibility. I witnessed that often in my father: the hardest working and most dedicated person I've ever known who would still make time to sit down to at least one meal with his family each day to remind us what really matters. Additionally, specialize in something and become great at that one thing, even if you're not sure that's what you want to be great at. The best specialists are specialists, but the best generalists are also former specialists because they know what it takes to master something and have the confidence to do it again. Finally, don't look for agreement in life. Look for alignment. It's a feature to not agree, but a bug to not be aligned.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I've never felt I "looked the part" so I always tried to work hard to earn the part. That's drawn me to industries and opportunities that are meritocracies like tech. I love that effort and determination matter so much in our industry.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Don't forget the culture and heritage of the part of Asia that your family came from as we spread out into the world. There's tremendous value in our customs, our values, our language, our history that should be remembered and celebrated and passed on.

Eugene Lee Yang is one of the most recognizable Asian American faces online as a comedic performer, most notably in his viral docu-comedy series The Try Guys from Buzzfeed. His videos that he’s produced, directed, edited, and starred in have been viewed billions of times over, with a strong commitment to sharing authentic Asian American, queer perspectives, and unmatched progressive fashion sense. In 2018, Eugene left Buzzfeed to focus on acting, develop his own Asian American scripted series, write features, and form a production company with his fellow Try Guys to launch an online channel and develop unscripted shows for traditional studios.

On the future of industry:

It may sound trite, but in this tumultuous day and age, the children are, indeed, the future, because they can see right through the bullshit, and the most poignant lesson learned from gaining insight as a viral media star is how much the younger audience, who have a direct connection to the creators, fervently demands diverse voices without apologizing for it. The gap between the Internet and traditional Hollywood closes steadily every second, and much of what comes from the online world - unfiltered, uncompromising stories from people of underrepresented communities - is steadily being reflected in major studio projects. I aim to be a major part of that important seismic shift as Asian-Americans take charge of their own narratives and strongly believe that our time as universal storytellers will massively expand over the next few years, because at this point the only question I have to those who doubt our selling power is, "why the fuck not?"

On the secret to success:

I wake up after delaying my alarm an average of four times. I take out my retainer because I grind my teeth at night. I try to remember the rigorous daily skincare routine my sisters and mother forced upon me. Then I stare at myself in the mirror, shrug, and quip, "I guess that'll do." In all seriousness, I've not only learned how to embrace my demons, but trained myself to channel all of those flaws and negative emotions into something constructive, creative, and most importantly, relatable. As an Asian-American, both in our personal and public lives, there's an immense amount of pressure to achieve, and my success lies in treasuring areas where I fail spectacularly. I was the black sheep of the family: the strange, emotional artist riddled with insecurities. Instead of hiding it, I channeled it. There is a huge difference between people who consistently act on their potential and those who merely believe in it. I guarantee all of you know that one person - let's call him Chad - who thinks he's the shit without doing a damn thing. Chad sucks. Don't ever be Chad. Strive for perfection, sure, but learn how to appreciate your bizarre, beautiful, fucked up self.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I've been quoted saying this before: our ethnic identities inform countless aspects of how we're perceived, including how we view ourselves. However, there comes a pivotal point in everyone's life when we must begin to inform universal racial perception through unique, concerted action. That doesn't necessarily mean denouncing stereotypes or starting Twitter fights: that means representing your true self without shame. We all land somewhere across a massive spectrum of ethnic identity, and the more shades of Asian-American the world sees, the more our representation evolves.

On how Asians can amplify society:

I'm going to call us out for a moment: we all avidly denounce the model minority myth, but we have to fight it from our homes and in our daily lives. We cannot progress without actively recognizing how we have both suffered and benefited from shitty, outdated ideas about Asian-Americans. That includes recognizing the intersectionality and diversity of Asian-American culture when the rest of the country does not, which includes the erasure of non-East Asians, the LGBT+ community, the mentally ill, lower income Asian families, and continued patriarchal attitudes towards women. This also bleeds into our political relationships with other marginalized people of color. You better believe me and my sisters got into regular heated debates with our parents, who have always been very conservative, on a number of these topics. If you can't even engage your family on these important issues, how can you expect to hold your own in a public forum? It's taken over thirty years, but I just took my dad to his first gay bar to see his first drag show where he met my drag mother. He fucking loved it. That didn't come from him being magically open-minded. That came from a constant, often times painful discourse that we've had about how times are changing and we, as Asian-Americans, can no longer sit idly on the sidelines while lamenting about our invisibility. Show the fuck up. Engage your family and friends on important issues. Educate yourself on today's political landscape and get involved. And if you're an introverted, shy kid, like I was, find a way to channel your thoughts and passion into something that contributes to this change, whether it be art, clubs, or even a group of confidantes you can begin to feel empowered around. We're all part of this movement together.

Eva Chen is a first-generation Taiwanese-American who grew up in New York City. She blames her deviation from pre-med at Johns Hopkins University on a love of fashion and beauty instilled in her by her mother, whose perfect bob and signature scarlet lipstick made a permanent imprint on her impressionable young mind. After interning at Harper’s Bazaar and working at ELLE, she spent seven years at Teen Vogue. In 2013, she was hired by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour as the youngest Editor-in-Chief ever of a Condé Nast publication. She has also contributed to Vogue, Vogue China, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and has been a contributor to Good Morning America and a fashion correspondent to Entertainment Tonight. She is currently the head of fashion partnerships at Instagram. Chen lives in Manhattan with her husband and two rapscallion children. Chen is adored and respected by both industry and consumers worldwide for her unforgettable style, distinct vibe, and pure élan.

Fareed Zakaria is an acclaimed global affairs journalist who hosts Fareed Zakaria GPS for CNN Worldwide, writes a column for The Washington Post, and serves as contributing editor for The Atlantic. He has been named a “Top 100 Global Thinker” by Foreign Policy magazine and has been called “the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation” by Esquire magazine. Week after week, Zakaria courageously provides thoughtful analysis to important contemporary issues facing our world.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Fareed Zakaria hosts Fareed Zakaria GPS for CNN Worldwide. Since its debut in 2008, GPS has become a prominent television forum for global newsmakers and thought leaders, earning the prestigious Peabody Award in 2011 and an Emmy® Award nomination in 2013. Widely admired for his relentlessly incisive and balanced style, Zakaria also regularly hosts primetime specials for CNN Worldwide, such as “Blindsided: How ISIS Shook The World,” “Why Trump Won,” and “Putin: The Most Powerful Man in the World.” He frequently contributes his thoughtful analysis of world events and public affairs to CNN.com; Fareed’s Global Briefing, a daily digital newsletter; and other programming across CNN’s multiple platforms. Zakaria is also a columnist for The Washington Post; a contributing editor for The Atlantic; and an author of three highly-regarded and New York Times bestselling books: In Defense of a Liberal Education (2015), a commentary on the importance of a well-rounded education; the international bestselling The Post-American World (1st ed. 2008, 2nd ed. 2011), a discussion of the rise of non-Western powers; and The Future of Freedom (2003), a study of “illiberal democracy” in various countries, also an international bestseller. In 2017, Zakaria was awarded the Arthur Ross Media Award by the American Academy of Diplomacy. Previously, he was named a “Top 100 Global Thinker” by Foreign Policy magazine, and Esquire magazine once called him “the most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation.” Zakaria serves on the boards of the Council of Foreign Relations and New America. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a doctorate in political science from Harvard University, and has received numerous honorary degrees.

Gordon Ho is Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at Princess Cruises, the world’s #1 premium cruise line. There, he’s launched Princess Cruises’ first product offering into China (now the best ship in China), exclusive Discovery Channel experiences onboard, original broadway shows with Stephen Schwartz (composer of Broadway hit, Wicked), and exclusive restaurants at sea with celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Previously, Gordon founded the Walt Disney Company’s multi-billion dollar direct-to-video category with Return of Jafar and created the first Studio loyalty & direct sales platform with Disney Movie Rewards and the Disney Movie Club.

On the future of industry:

The vacation and cruise industry continues to rapidly grow as people seek experiences over things. And, cruising gives you 1/3rd more vacation time as the ship travels to your next destination while you sleep!

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Early on, I faced bouts of racial discrimination and that was hard. But, my family’s work ethic has really helped me deal with challenges and make a difference at work and home. Now, with so few Asian executives in many big companies (like Disney), I find my ethnic identity helps me get noticed quicker.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Asians should speak up more and not be afraid to make mistakes or say the wrong thing – while our upbringing may reinforce the need to be “perfect”, we need to learn that you can always course correct.

Congresswoman Grace Meng is the first Asian American elected to Congress from New York. In Congress, she’s created the first comprehensive federal legislative agenda to promote the health of women and girls by making menstrual hygiene products safer, more affordable, and more accessible. It’s since been used as a model for state and local policy across the country. Congresswoman Meng is also Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee.

On the future of industry:

I’m thrilled to see the exponential growth of Asian American candidates running for office at all levels of government. I see a future where our elected officials truly represent the diversity of the American people, and that includes Asian Americans.

On the secret to success:

My grandmother is the real pioneer in my family. She was the first person in my family to immigrate to the United States, and she raised me and my siblings while my parents worked seven days a week. My grandmother raised me to be a woman of faith and is to this day one of the most important influences in my life. She taught me how important it is to be kind, to give back to your community, and to treat everyone with respect. I try to tell young people how important it is to develop and maintain relationships with the people you meet. I also make sure they know that when they achieve success, that they make sure they mentor those who want to follow in their footsteps.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

As an Asian American woman, I have a lifetime of unique experiences and a perspective that is not always shared by the majority of the population. Being able to bring those experiences and insights to the table, especially in policymaking, is invaluable.

On how Asians can amplify society:

The single most important effort Asian Americans should pursue is to register people from all communities to vote and advocate for those who are disenfranchised.

As GGV Capital’s Managing Partner, Hans Tung focuses on consumer mobile internet, cross-border ecommerce, IoT, and mobile social communication investments in both China and the U.S. Hans led GGV’s investment and serves on the boards of Wish, Poshmark, and OfferUp, among others, and he has invested in musical.ly, Slack, and LimeBike. Consistently ranked on the Forbes Midas List since 2013, Hans is a personal investor in leading Indian e-commerce companies Flipkart and Snapdeal, and was one of the earliest investors in, and a former board member of, Xiaomi.

In 2017, comedian Hasan Minhaj had a breakout year, rising to prominence by hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where he deftly balanced race, politics, and the First Amendment while roasting the President, politicians and media. Minhaj followed-up a month later with the debut of his Netflix special, Homecoming King, in which he told touching and funny stories of growing up Muslim in northern California. Hasan has been a senior correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show for several years, and will launch his own weekly talk show on Netflix later this year.

Indra Nooyi is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo–and one of the only female and Asian CEOs in the Fortune 500. In its global food and beverage portfolio, PepsiCo boasts 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo’s main businesses include Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola. With nearly $63 billion in annual net revenue, PepsiCo makes hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are beloved throughout the world. More recently, she’s pushed Pepsi toward healthier offerings (including taking advantage of the booming sparkling water market with Bubly) while maintaining the storied brand’s relationship with its loyal soda drinkers. Nooyi continues to endeavor to cut sugar, salt, and fat from many Pepsi products by 2025. In addition to being a member of the PepsiCo Board of Directors, Mrs. Nooyi serves as a member of the boards of Schlumberger Limited, The Consumer Goods Forum, Catalyst, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Tsinghua University. She is also a member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

One of the most prominent names in horror, filmmaker James Wan is best known as the creator of the Saw, Insidious, and Conjuring franchises, which together have grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide. Thanks to the inventiveness of filmmakers like Wan, the horror category became one of the few genres in between $200 million+ tentpoles and indie films to survive–and thrive-in -the past decade. Recently, Wan has branched out to direct other blockbuster fare, including the seventh installment of The Fast and the Furious (the franchise’s most successfull entry both critically and commercially), and DC Films’ upcoming Aquaman.

Jamie Chung is the first Asian American & Pacific Islander general counsel of a Walmart division in the United States. She is responsible for all legal matters affecting Walmart’s eCommerce properties–often cited as insuring the future of the world’s biggest retailer–including Jet.com, Hayneedle, Shoebuy.com, Moosejaw, and ModCloth. Jamie holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Pomona College. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship.

On the future of industry:

eCommerce will continue to change rapidly, fueled by technological advancements. eCommerce is moving towards a true omni-channel experience, both digital and physical matter. Customers will be looking for an increasingly targeted and personalized experience.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Having to overcome ethnic stereotypes in my job has made me more resourceful and resilient. As general counsel of a large company, I am often the exact opposite of what people expect, being a small Asian women. In any situation, I need to be able to overcome any preconceived notions and earn people’s trust and confidence.

On how Asians can amplify society:

We need to come together as a group and use our collective powerful voice to advocate for underrepresented groups, including ourselves.

Taiwanese American Jensen Huang is leading the artificial intelligence revolution. A rare co-founder who still runs his company 25 years later, Huang is President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors at Nvidia. Starting out in PC graphics, NVIDIA helped build the gaming market into the largest entertainment industry in the world today. Its invention of the GPU in 1999 made possible real-time programmable shading, which defines modern computer graphics, and later revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing — with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Huang is a recipient of the Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award from the Global Semiconductor Association in recognition of his exceptional contributions to driving the development, innovation, growth and long-term opportunities of the fabless semiconductor industry. He has received the Daniel J. Epstein Engineering Management Award from the University of Southern California, an honorary doctorate from Taiwan’s National Chiao Tung University, and the EB Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Oregon State University. He was named to the U.S. Immigrant Entrepreneur Hall of Fame when it was established in 2012. In 2017, he was named Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year and Harvard Business Review ranked him No. 3 on its list of the world’s 100 best-performing CEOs over the lifetime of their tenure.

Jeremy Liew is a prominent venture capitalist, frequently named on both the Forbes Midas List and The New York Times List of Top Venture Capital Investors. He made the first institutional investment in several companies that have become part of popular culture including Snapchat, The Honest Company, Bonobos, Affirm, GIPHY, Playdom, and HQ Trivia. Unlike many venture capitalists, Liew is also a seasoned operator: at AOL, he was SVP of corporate development and chief of staff to the CEO, and then general manager of Netscape. Jeremy joined AOL from InterActiveCorp (originally USA Networks), where he was VP of strategic planning. While there, he was responsible for acquisitions, divestitures and investments in TV Networks, consumer Internet companies and online travel companies. A graduate of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, Liew is also a founding trustee at Presidio Knolls School, a progressive Mandarin-immersion PreK-8 school in San Francisco.

On the future of industry:

Neil Stephenson once said that the future exists, it is just unevenly distributed. The job of a venture capitalist is to find those pockets of the future that exist and to help them expand. As the pace of change of both technology and popular culture accelerate, this role is becoming more difficult and more important.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Although Asians are overrepresented in the tech industry in the U.S., we are underrepresented as CEOs, founders, and venture capitalists. I hope to serve as a pioneer that will lead to greater representation for Asian Americans in positions of technology leadership.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Historically, Asian Americans, like many immigrant communities, have focused first on establishing a safe foothold for their families in the U.S. They have not been fully immersed in U.S. culture, politics or broader civic engagement. As the population shifts from FOB ot ABC, we are seeing far greater societal engagement, a vital precursor to societal improvement. This trend will and must continue for the sake of both Asian Americans and broader civic society.

“Jess Lee dreamed of being an artist when she grew up, but fell in love with computer science at Stanford and has tapped both sides of the brain ever since. She was a gifted product manager at google maps when she jumped ship to join Polyvore, one of the first social commerce platforms, where her user-focused approach attracted a passionate community and a loyal following inside the company. She quickly rose from product manager to VP Product to CEO and led the company through its acquisition by Yahoo. Last year, she became the first female general partner at Sequoia, one of the most storied VC firms in the Valley, where she is investing in the next generation of founders re-imagining our world” – Susan Lyne

Director Jon M. Chu’s latest film, Warner Bros.’ Crazy Rich Asians, is the first all-Asian cast Hollywood studio film in 25 years (since The Joy Luck Club). His other movies, including G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Now You See Me 2, The Step Up series, and Justin Bieber’s documentary-defining Never Say Never, have grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide. Jon is also the founder of a dance company called the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (The LXD) which has performed at the Oscars, TED, and many prestigious venues around the world. His other work like the inventive and beloved Virgin America In-Flight Safety Video, Microsoft Surface commercials, and Justin Bieber music videos have more than a billion views all together. Chu is widely adored and respected for being a fun, inventive, and accessible creative.

On the future of industry:

Streaming, theatrical, broadcast, VR: there are so many ways to tell your story these days that I think the regular development process will be inverted where we figure out the characters, story, and universe first, then decide what’s the best medium to share them in. I also think more diverse stories with diverse point of views we haven’t heard from before is what is going to bring the next golden age of storytelling.

On the secret to success:

My parents inspire me endlessly. They came to this country not speaking the language and worked their butts off pursuing a dream and accomplishing it. They are the epitome of the American dream and passed that passion on to us (their kids). Witnessing that rigor teaches you that success begins with unrelenting persistence, hard work and having a great family and friend support system has been the key to allowing me to pursue my dreams. Anyone with filmmaking dreams should write everything down. Document it. Organize it. You’re gonna want all your ideas and thoughts accessible when you need to tap into your journey one day. A director once told me: You are what you do everyday. If you write everyday then you’re a writer, if you make movies everyday then you’re a movie maker, no one is going to give you that label. You just are or you aren’t.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Being Chinese and growing up in a Chinese restaurant has always been such a big part of my life. I could not ask for more support and love from a family. The dual identity of being American and Asian is complex and it only made me stronger and more resolute on who I want to be. Feeling different and trying to find your place is a great recipe to make an artist.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Be bold. Be honest. Tell your story. Let go of your fear. The world will see you.

Justin Chon is the Sundance-winning multi-hyphenate director, writer, and star of GOOK, an incisive and distinctively rare portrayal of the LA riots from a layered Korean American perspective. His directorial debut immediately catapulted him into the upper echelons of indie Asian filmmaking. He is also a series regular on the new ABC crime drama, Deception as well as a star of 21 & Over and the Twilight series. In contrast to many in traditional media, Chon also deftly navigates digital media, co-producing and often starring in several digital series–including being a part of superstar comedian Ryan Higa’s K-pop group, Boys Generally Asian.

On the future of industry:

The future of my industry looks extremely bright. There is a lot of room to grow for Asian Americans representation in film. I plan to be a huge part of that growth.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

My ethnic identity has given me a very specific lense through which I view the world, represented in the american films I make. I approach the work with great sensitivity for others.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Supporting people and groups in our community that have big visions for change, not just financially but also through public support.

WIRED has called filmmaker Justin Lin “a spectacularly skilled [craftsman] with a perplexingly low profile that belies his blistering box office track record.” Lin is the director and creative force behind four films in The Fast and the Furious franchise. He has reinvigorated the series with fresh storytelling, clever stunts and the strength of a diverse and talented cast. Most recently, Lin directed Star Trek Beyond, the latest film of the rebooted series, and serves as executive producer on CBS’ popular procedural Scorpion. Lin got his big break directing 2002’s Sundance-favorite, the groundbreaking Better Luck Tomorrow, which was acquired and distributed by Paramount/MTV Films.

Senator Kamala D. Harris is one of the most influential, outspoken, and admired politicians in the country. As Attorney General of California, she instated the first implicit bias procedural justice training, “Principled Policing: Procedural Justice and Implicit Bias,” for law enforcement in the state through the California Department of Justice. This training was designed to help law enforcement officers overcome barriers to effective community policing and rebuild the relationship of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. To date, over two thousand police officers have been trained to recognize that everyone carries biases–and how to surmount them. In 2017, Harris was sworn in as a United States Senator for California, the first South Asian American senator and the second African American woman in history. She serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on the Budget.

Kamala has spent her life fighting injustice. It’s a passion that was first inspired by her mother, Shyamala, an Indian American immigrant, activist, and breast cancer researcher. Growing up in Oakland, Kamala had a stroller-eye view of the Civil Rights movement. Through the example of courageous leaders like Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley, and Charles Hamilton Houston, Kamala learned the kind of character it requires to stand up to the powerful, and resolved to spend her life advocating for those who could not defend themselves. 

On the future of industry:

In the United States Senate, my mission is to fight for the rights of all communities in California, especially the most vulnerable. Since taking office, I have introduced and In the United States Senate, my mission is to fight for the rights of all communities in California, especially the most vulnerable. Since taking office, I have introduced and cosponsored legislation to raise wages for working people, reform our broken criminal justice system, make healthcare a right for all Americans, address the epidemic of substance abuse, support veterans and military families, and expand access to childcare for working parents. I’ve also support the DREAM Act and other efforts to provide protection to our immigrant families.

On the secret to success:

I was born in Oakland, California, among and in a place where people also spoke up in their fight for justice. My parents met when they were graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley and they were active in the Civil Rights Movement. So my sister and I joke we grew up surrounded by a bunch of adults who spent full time marching and shouting. And growing up, the heroes of my youth were the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Lawyers like Thurgood Marshall, and Charles Hamilton Houston, and Constance Baker Motley. If anyone ever steps in your way and tells you to not follow your dreams, don’t listen. But do not travel your path alone. Make good friends. Choose wisely. Encourage them and make sure they encourage you. Challenge each other. Encourage each other. And know that you are powerful, you are gifted, and you can change the world.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

For me, it starts with my mother Shyamala Harris. She arrived at the University of California Berkeley from India in 1959 with dreams of becoming a scientist. The plan, when she finished school, was to go back home to a traditional Indian marriage. But when she met my father Donald Harris, she made a different plan. She went against a practice reaching back thousands of years, and instead of an arranged marriage, chose a love marriage. This, an act of self-determination, made me and my sister Maya. And - like millions of the children of immigrants before and since - it made us Americans.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Register to vote, get engaged, vote and make sure others in the AAPI community vote.

“Katrina is the founder and CEO of Stitch Fix, a $2.5B profitable retail technology company providing a personal styling service powered by machine learning to 2.5 million active clients. Last year, Katrina took Stitch Fix public and was the first female founder-CEO to take a consumer internet company public since Care.com nearly 4 years ago; she is, to date, the youngest female founder and CEO to take a company public. Katrina founded Stitch Fix around a novel retail experience, but further evolved and grew the company by successfully identifying and incorporating machine learning. In 2018, Stitch Fix ranked 13th on Fast Company’s Most Innovative List as well as #1 on Fast Company’s Data Science List.” – Jerry Yang

On the future of industry:

Consumer expectations have shifted. We’ve just scratched the surface of what’s possible with personalization, there are lots of products and experiences that could be improved if they could be better personalized to the individual.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I grew up in a bi-lingual, bi-cultural household. My mom only spoke Japanese and my dad spoke English, so I speak both. As kids, we’d alternate between bringing onigiri and sandwiches to school, which was normal for me. In San Francisco, I went to predominantly Asian public schools. When we moved to Minnesota in my teens, I went to a fantastic private school but was one of just a few Asian people in my class. It really changed my perspective to experience and better understand feeling like a minority. My family is an inspiration to me. I’ve been lucky to have been surrounded by role models who took big risks and achieved impossible things.  My mom immigrated to the US for graduate school and would later help my grandmother achieve her lifelong dream of coming to America as well.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Make possibility real and visible.  I believe we can have a big impact by helping people believe in a wide lens of possibility, by showing and celebrating a diverse view of success we can inspire many to come.

Kehlani is a singer, songwriter, and dancer, whose first major-label album SweetSexySavage debuted at #3 on the Billboard charts in 2017. Her unwaveringly honest music delivers the straight truth about her life, pain, passion, love, triumph, and everything in between, with collected calm and confidence. Her 2015 mixtape, You Should Be Here, debuted at #1 on the iTunes R&B chart, was called “the year’s first great R&B album” by Billboard, and was nominated for a Grammy. Once without a home and forced to crash on friends’ couches, Kehlani’s recent success speaks to her incredible perseverance, which allows her to inspire others through her music.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

The Oakland-born R&B singer and songwriter, Kehlani, was born a unique blend of ethnicities including Filipino, African American, Caucasian, Native American, and Spanish. Months after her birth, Kehlani lost her father, never properly meeting him. Mired in drug addiction, her mom shuffled her to an aunt. She initially found solace in dance—ballet in particular—but a knee injury sidelined her what might’ve been a budding career as ballerina. “That’s when I started singing,” she recalls. “When I was living with my aunt, she played me all of these powerful women and love songs. It was that Neo Soul-R&B, and I couldn’t get enough of it. It felt right to sing from the moment I began.” Kehlani’s 2014 mixtape, Cloud 19, introduced her to the world. Immediately, tastemakers and audiences alike wholeheartedly embraced her brutally raw pain, passion, love, and triumph. Complex showcased the songstress in a piece entitled “How R&B Saved 2014,” Pitchfork dubbed the mixtape one of the “Overlooked mixtapes of 2014,” Vice proclaimed her an “R&B Artist on the Verge of Blowing Up,” BuzzFeedpegged her at #4 on their “41 SXSW 2015 Artists You Need In Your Life,” and she ended up being one of SXSW’s “Top 5 Most Tweeted Artists.” In late April she shared You Should Be Here with the world. Upon its release Billboard immediately called this project “The year’s first great R&B album”. Amongst their great review,You Should Be Here has seen quite a bit of success on the charts. Aside from being the top R&B debut of the week, it also came in at #1 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart and #2 on both the Overall R&B Albums and Current R&B Albums chart.

Keli Lee has been one of the longest-standing pioneers of diverse representation in media history–and one of the originators in TV’s most recent Renaissance. In her previous role as Executive Vice President/Head of Talent and Casting at ABC Network & ABC Studios, she made a career of casting, championing and providing opportunities to diverse talent. In 2001, she founded a live showcase program to address the lack of diverse talent on television. She then evolved this program into a much larger suite of initiatives including mentorships, high school programs and workshops which were later named ABC Discovers. This program provided early opportunities to actors such as Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, Jesse Williams, Randall Park, Alexandra Shipp, Meghan Markle and countless other amazing actors, writers and directors working in television and film today.

On the future of industry:

This is an exciting time for TV: the demand for content is growing exponentially and there is no sign of this slowing down. I am incredibly excited about the future of the industry, as the opportunities for diverse talent are growing along with the demand for representative content, so I feel very positive about the direction in which the TV industry is going.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I was born in South Korea, and as an immigrant in the US, I definitely feel that my Korean heritage and family have helped define who I am as a person today. I also feel defined by my time living in New York: New York is one of the most diverse places in the world, and I was constantly inspired growing up in such a diverse society. This exposure to such a variety of people impacted my diversity of thought, and ultimately drove my ambition to install better inclusive practices within the TV industry.

On how Asians can amplify society:

When I first started out in the TV industry, there were few opportunities available, but there were a few people who took a chance on me, which led me to the position I am in today. This is what I want to be able to give back; I want to give those opportunities to people who may not have the easiest way in, and I think this practice of giving back is important, not only for Asians, but everyone in society.

Kevin Iwashina is an agent at Endeavor Content, a division of global entertainment leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG). In his role, Iwashina identifies financing opportunities, handles sales and provides advisory services for media companies and content creators in the non-fiction space. In non-fiction, recent film and television projects include: “Chef’s Table,” “Le Mans,” “The Grand Tour,” “Gleason,” “Step,” “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story,” and “Long Strange Trip,” among others. Previously, he served as Founder & CEO at Preferred Content (PC), a film, television and digital sales, production and advisory company. During his tenure, he oversaw the representation of fiction and non-fiction content creators behind the documentaries “78/52” and “Unrest,” which both premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, “Small Town Crime,” which premiered at the 2017 SXSW Festival, the Netflix Original Documentary short film “Long Shot,” directed by Jacob LaMendola and Rodney Ascher’s cult documentary “The Nightmare.” Iwashina was the lead producer of the hit documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” the precursor to “Chef’s Table.” Prior to launching PC, Iwashina was a senior agent in CAA’s Independent & International Film Groupm, making him one of the first Asian American Agents at a major Hollywood talent agency. There, he assembled financing for and sold “Crash,” which went on to be the first Best Picture Oscar won by an Independent Studio. He holds a B.A. in English literature with a specialization in French language and culture from U.C.L.A. and is active in the nonprofit sector. In addition, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Documentary Association (IDA).

On the future of industry:

Premium non-fiction and independent film is poised for growth. Quality content is more relevant today as it is what drives consumers to engage on platforms, spend time in a theatre or download a video.

On the secret to success:

I follow much of the advice given by Jiro Ono the subject of a documentary I produced. Here is one example:  ...do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more ... continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is. I also reference Patrick Lencioni’s “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” as a daily resource to manage and lead.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

It has forced me to evaluate how my cultural upbringing has provided me a fresh perspective that others may not have.

Kevin Lin is one of the two pioneering founders of Twitch, the world’s largest live social video platform for gamers and creators. Having sold Twitch to Amazon in 2014 for over $1 billion cemented Lin’s position as one of the most successful Asian American founders in technology history. As its long-time COO, Lin brought live social video to hundreds of millions of people around the world, helping thousands of creators make a living building their communities around live, shared experiences. As one of the most respected and adored entrepreneurs and executives in digital media, Lin and Twitch function as a center of gravity to the multi-billion dollar esports industry that is reimagining gaming, traditional sports, content, and other interactive technologies. An avid angel investor and advisor, Lin is also a consistently deep patron to his hometowns of New Orleans and Taipei, as well as to Asian American founders and creatives.

On the future of industry:

The television living room experience will live on, but through digital media. Live, appointment viewing will return to culture as the young generation begins to crave more shared experiences. Esports will be one of the most popular competitive spectator experiences on the planet. Professional esports players will be recognizable in the mainstream. Gaming will continue to grow as the biggest entertainment industry. Gaming, and esports, will act as the world’s neighborhood playground, bringing people around the globe closer through shared passion and friendly competition.

On the secret to success:

Neverending curiosity. I read constantly--whether it’s news, blogs or books (which I often buy too many of before I finish the last set! My favorite is The People’s History of the United States). I’m inspired by people like Bing Chen (the Asian Oprah) and Mike Morhaime (CEO of Blizzard) who are both creative visionaries but savvy operators, distinctive personalities but grounded and accessible. I think that’s rare these days: humans being excellent to each other.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Taiwan #1!

On how Asians can amplify society:

Embrace your own identity and speak openly about it.

Sundance Film Festival has been the preeminent showcase for U.S. independent film and has provided a platform for diverse storytellers for over 30 years. As a programmer for Sundance for the last 10 years, Yutani helped discover and launch the careers of many filmmakers, including Dee Rees, Jill Soloway, Damien Chazelle, Ava Duvernay, and is particularly proud to have supported the work of Asian American writer-directors like Jennifer Phang (Half-Life, Advantageous), Andrew Ahn (Spa Night), and Christina Choe (Nancy).

On the secret to success:

I don’t have a formal film school education, but my own version of film school has been watching as many films and TV shows as I can, from all different genres, eras, and national cinemas. There’s no limit to how “good” or “bad” a film I will watch is, though I do spend a lot of time catching up on classic films on FilmStruck. Because film festivals and the work we show are informed by and reflect the times we live in, equally important as a programmer is understanding cultural trends and being familiar with all forms of art, so consuming all types of media is essential.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

As a Japanese-American who grew up in suburban southern California, I always felt like an outsider and what I saw in the media was not part of my personal experience. As a result, I always had to adjust to others’ experiences, which I think taught me empathy but also made me more inquisitive. This has directly influenced my broad range of interests as a film programmer, but it’s also inspired me to make it a personal mission to discover and put forth more complex representations of Asian-Americans and support the visions of Asian-American artists.

Kumail Nanjiani is the star of The Big Sick, the romantic comedy-drama he co-wrote with his wife Emily Gordon that was the darling of Sundance last year and acquired by Amazon for $12 million. The Big Sick was nominated for a screenwriting Oscar, won numerous accolades including the Audience Award at SXSW, and was named one of the 10 best films of the year by the AFI. Kumail is recognized by audiences as a series regular on HBO’s Silicon Valley, and hosts the podcasts The Indoor Kids and The X-Files FIles, where he and a special guest provide commentary on every single episode of Fox’s ‘90’s classic.

“Lisa Ling is a premier documentary journalist. She created a new, unique, distinctive style of documenting previously unknown stories with her intelligence and depth. There are no comparable journalists. I admire her greatly.” – Connie Chung

Lisa Ling is an award-winning journalist and one of the most influential and longest-standing Asian journalists in history. In her CNN Original Series, This is Life, Ling goes on a gritty, breathtaking journey to the far corners of America, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. The show makes her one of the first and only to have produced over 80 episodes of nonfiction television that have never been fronted. Before coming to CNN, Ling was a field correspondent for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and contributor to ABC News’ “Nightline” and National Geographic’s “Explorer.” She has reported from dozens of countries, covering stories about gang rape in the Congo, bride burning in India and the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, among other issues that are too often ignored. Ling got her start in journalism as a correspondent for Channel One News where she covered the civil war in Afghanistan at 21 years of age. She later went on to become a co-host of ABC Daytime’s hit show “The View,” which won its first daytime Emmy during her time at the show. Ling has also served as a special correspondent for CNN’s “Planet in Peril” series and is a contributing editor for USA Today’s USA Weekend magazine. In 2011, her acclaimed documentary journalism series, “Our America with Lisa Ling,” was created and began airing on OWN. Ling is the co-author of “Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood” and “Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home,” which she penned with her sister, Laura. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the California Museum. Widely respected and loved for her incisive empathy, Ling is an icon to journalists and creatives everywhere.

On the future of industry:

There will always be a market for news and content. Perhaps it’s because of the climate in which we are living, but the numbers for television news are quite high at the moment. Streaming services have given new life to those of us who produce documentary series.

On the secret to success:

I’m inspired by ordinary people whom I profile who do extraordinary things. This career has taught me the virtue of staying focused and--above all--being a good listener. I think that wonder comes from my favorite book, A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn; it propelled me to want to question everything. Witnessing these ordinary heroes has also taught me to stand up for what you’re worth. To be willing to do anything. To get out of your comfort zone. And, of course, to write constantly.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

On the one hand, I think that having an Asian face has been a benefit. On the other, I’m not sure I have been taken as seriously because I’m an Asian woman. I think I’ve been discounted a few times despite having numbers that were/are commensurate to my male counterparts.

On how Asians can amplify society:

It would be nice to see more Asians who have reached a high level of success really give back. We rarely hear of Asian philanthropists stepping u in ways that non-Asians do and have.

Nishimura joined Netflix in 2007, back when it was still in the DVD-by-mail business–and long before streaming was a foregone conclusion. She has been a critical leader in its growth to 109 million subscribers worldwide, making it the world’s dominant streaming platform. Nishimura oversees two ostensibly disparate categories–documentaries and comedies–which she blends through the belief that both are “truly social commentators of the day” (THR, 2018). She was a primary force behind documentary features like the Oscar-nominated The Square (2013), Virunga (2014), What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015), Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (2015) and 13th (2016), as well as this season’s Oscar-shortlisted Chasing Coral, Icarus, One of Us and Strong Island; documentary shorts like the Oscar-winning White Helmets (2016) and this season’s Oscar-shortlisted Heroin(e) and Ram Dass, Going Home; documentary series like the Emmy-winning Making a Murderer (2015); and stand-up comedy specials like the Emmy-winning Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping (2016). A former medical school aspirant, Nishimura got her start working for Chris Blackwell at Island Records.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I’m the child of immigrants. My parents lived through World War II in Japan and came to the U.S. because my father received a Fulbright scholarship to Berkeley; my mom was a classical violinist. English was never spoken at home. A lot was instilled in me with respect to the value of the arts and sciences together. There’s explicit bias and implicit bias. There have been plenty of rooms where I’ve been the only person of color and you feel it. And when you look at images of boardrooms, it’s almost always men. It’s great that we’re in a moment in time that we’re starting to talk about it. (Source: LA Times 2016)

One of the rare digital stars who can surmount traditional realms, Liza Koshy has starred in everything from several YouTube Red shows (including her own forthcoming, Liza on Demand) to playing Violet Adams in the Hulu original series Freakish to co-hosting MTV’s Total Request Live. Koshy got her first start on Vine in 2013; by 2017, Koshy became the fastest YouTube personality to reach 10 million subscribers with her sharp, witty humor and positive messages. Today, the Streamy and Teen Choice Award winner boasts more than 14 million subscribers and 1.5 billion views.

A 16-year veteran of the league, Mark Tatum is responsible for the NBA’s business operations, including overseeing the Global Marketing Partnerships, Global Operations and Merchandising, and Team Marketing and Business Operations departments. He also oversees the Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League, as well as the league’s Communications, Content and Marketing groups. Tatum is credited with pioneering the NBA’s largest international partnership with Tencent; the league’s landmark nine-year agreements with Disney and Turner; the first-ever NBA game in Africa; launching the first seven NBA Academies around the world; the NBA G League, the first U.S. professional sports league to name an entitlement partner; and most recently the NBA 2K League, the first official esports league operated by a professional sports league in the U.S. Tatum received a bachelor’s in business management and marketing from Cornell University in 1991 and is a 1998 graduate of Harvard Business School, where he was elected President of the Harvard Business School Student Association. He is on the Cornell College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Deans Advisory Council, the Cornell Athletic Alumni Advisory Board and the Harvard Business School Club of New York Board. Tatum also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Board of Directors for USA Basketball, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Central Board, and the Board of Directors for The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. He serves as a trustee at the Princeton Day School and most recently became a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a national organization that empowers African American corporate leaders to make significant and impactful contributions in the global marketplace and their communities. He is consistently named to SportsBusiness Journal’s Most Influential People in Sports.

On the future of industry:

Augmented and virtual reality, in addition to OTT, digital and social media, are going to continue to change the way our fans consume our games and content. Our league is more global than ever before, with 25 percent of our players having been born outside of the U.S. and our games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in 50 languages. The ability for our fans to watch our games, and their favorite players - anywhere, at any time - is crucial to the continued growth of the NBA and the sport as a whole.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

My mother is from Vietnam and my dad is from Jamaica. My family and ethnicity have shaped who I am today because I lived in a household that celebrated different cultures.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Continue to support and embrace diversity and inclusion to bridge cultural divides.

“Melissa has distinguished herself in a male-dominated journalistic arena. The financial world would do well to take a cue from that!” – Connie Chung

Melissa Lee is the host of CNBC’s Fast Money, the popular post-market recap and roundtable with top traders, as well as Options Action, and co-host of Power Lunch. In addition to her daily hosting duties, Melissa also reports and anchors special CNBC documentaries, for which she has been awarded numerous accolades including two Emmy nominations.

On the secret to success:

“Preparation. I keep a spiral notebook and I write things down so they stay in my brain and find them quickly. Most things I write down, I don’t use that day, or even that week. But when a story breaks, the information is in my head or I know where to find it. You develop an institutional memory and knowledge base that goes beyond what you can absorb in one day. That’s the demand of financial journalists these days. I also think it is important for you to be your own judge. Take criticism. Factor it all in, but, at the end of the day you live with yourself. You live with your own decisions. You are your own ultimate judge. Just keep that in mind with anything you do. Especially in this day where there is Instagram and Snapchat and a lot of fear of missing out and comparing your life to others. That is not how you should live your life at all. At the end of the day, it is all about if you think you did a good job and if you think you are a good person and that you are living up to your true potential.” - Interview with Benzinga and Long Island Press, 2017

Michelle Lee is Editor-in-Chief of Allure which, under her transformative leadership, was named Magazine of the Year by Adweek in 2017. Evolving the 27-year-old “Beauty Expert” into an innovative multimedia brand that champions diversity and challenges antiquated beauty standards also earned her the coveted title of AdWeek’s Editor of the Year. Lee is leading a new wave of next gen editors who live and breathe digital, social, video, and branded content as well as print across generations. Recently, she declared that Allure would stop using the term “anti-aging,” which sparked a movement around how we view aging in the United States–a particularly prescient move, given the sizeable and aging Baby Boomer population. Prior to joining Allure, she was Editor-in-Chief and Chief Marketing Officer at NYLON, where she was in charge of editorial content as well as the ideation and execution of native advertising. The Renaissance woman is also a former ballerina and speaks sign language.

On the future of industry:

I'm at the intersection of two industries: media and beauty. While the beauty business is rapidly expanding (a $445 billion industry!), the media business is evolving as we speak. There's a movement toward higher quality journalism now, on whatever platform, which is exciting.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

In the town where I grew up, we were the only Asian family—and one of the only minority families. At the time, I didn't see any Asian role models in media or entertainment. So my standards of beauty were people like Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss. I didn't grow up believing that I was beautiful, and that has impacted me immensely as an editor. I see how much representation matters, and have committed to showcasing diversity on our covers and across all of our platforms. This past year, Allure had the most diverse covers of any magazine. We were the first major women's magazine to feature a woman in a hijab on the cover. My own ethnic identity helped me see how beauty and one's appearance is directly tied to culture, politics and so many other things.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Be visible. It's a bit of a cliche but there's still a feeling in parts of Asian culture that we should just be silent, hard-working, and not cause trouble. I hated being in the spotlight when I was younger, and it's still something I struggle with today. But it's important—not only for your own growth but also for the development of Asian culture as a whole—that you be loud and visible. Stop trying to blend in and realize that being called "the model minority" is not a compliment.

Actress and writer Mindy Kaling first rose to fame on the workplace sitcom The Office in 2005, where she was both an actress and writer. Her work earned her six Emmy Award nominations. Bolstered by its success, Kaling went on to develop her own series, The Mindy Project, which debuted in the fall of 2012, making it the first sitcom in TV history to star an Indian American. In addition to writing, producing, and starring in her own show, Kaling has made multiple appearances in several hit films. She’s appeared in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Unaccompanied Minors, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, A Wrinkle In Time, and Ocean’s 8; while lending her voice to animated films like Wreck-It Ralph and Inside Out.

“Nathan Chen caught the eyes of many skating fans when he burst onto the scene in 2010 at the age of 10 years old, winning his first U.S. Figure Skating National Championship as a novice level skater. Since then he has continued to wow fans and judges as he competed in the Junior and Senior level and smashing records as he rose to stardom. Chen was heavily favorited going into the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games–Chen, along with his fellow teammates, took home the bronze team medal and in his individual event finished fourth place. His individual performances didn’t bring him the gold but his free skate performance smashed records that will probably never be broken: being the first skater to attempt and land six quadruple jumps in one program at the Olympics and skating a performance that will be remembered forever. One month after the Olympics at the World Championships, Chen broke another record, being the first skater to land eight quadruple jumps in a competition and claiming his first World Title. At the age of only 18 years old he has made an indelible mark in the sport of figure skating and is no doubt the future of men’s figure skating for the years to come.” – Michelle Kwan, Most-Decorated Figure Skater in U.S. History

Neeraj Khemlani is an experienced media executive and investor operating at the intersection of digital, media and technology. He oversees Hearst’s investments in entertainment companies, from cable networks like ESPN and the A+E Networks (A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, VICELAND and its investment in VICE Media); digital video entertainment companies, including co-investments with Verizon in AwesomenessTV and Complex Networks; cable television and digital video production through NorthSouth Productions; subscription video on demand services for emerging markets through iflix; streaming music publishing and platform services through Kobalt Music, and comics syndication and character licensing through King Features. He serves on the boards of A+E Networks, North South, AwesomenessTV, Complex Networks, iflix, Kobalt Music and is a senior vice president and member of the board of directors of Hearst. Khemlani’s diverse background across journalism (he began his career in network news, producing stories for the late Peter Jennings at ABC News and then Dan Rather, the late Bob Simon, Steve Kroft and other correspondents at 60 Minutes) and digital technologies (prior to Hearst, Khemlani was vice president and general manager of Yahoo! News & Information as well as head of Yahoo! Originals) has molded Khemlani into one of the savviest and most forward-looking pioneers in media.

On the future of industry:

The future of the media industry is streaming. Whether it’s premium content in direct to consumer services or short form advertising based content across social media and owned platforms, the best content and brands with strong connections to audiences will prevail. We are also constantly being reminded of the power and importance of strong journalism, now more today than ever before.

On the secret to success:

Being part of a strong management team that is committed to investing in the future and thoughtful and deliberate about the risks it’s willing to take. I’m constantly inspired by Steve Swartz (CEO of Hearst) and Frank Bennack (executive vice chairman of Hearst). They have taught me about the importance of having a diversity of management teams, long-lasting commitment to our partners, and the relentless pursuit of strong talent and business models for the future. Jeff Fager, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, is another person. He taught me the art of storytelling and how to make a larger impact on the world. Success is bred from strong habits, as well--two things, in particular. First, making time every day to talk to someone new from a company we haven’t invested in. It provides new perspectives and outlooks that can be brought to bear against our current assets. Second, being present when I am with my wife, Heather, and children, Ian & Samantha. They remind me that my personal strength comes from a strong, loving home base. Finally, my parents always told us: never stop learning! Be curious. If you ask lots of good questions, you will discover your passion faster. And if you discover your passion, you will be successful.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

How has your ethnic identity impacted you? I was born in Singapore, the crossroads of Southeast Asia, with large Indian, Malay and Chinese populations—all disciplined to focus on family and the future. That, combined with my Indian background and American upbringing that focused on the power of equality, patriotism and the first amendment, has helped me become a global citizen with some of the best attributes of both East and West.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Embrace and empower the growth of the Asian middle class, to help drive down poverty and raise overall living standards, with a responsible impact on the environment.

Nina Yang Bongiovi is the powerhouse producer with a flawless 5-for-5 record of critically-acclaimed but monetarily successful films by auteur filmmakers of color–all of which premiered in competition and were successfully acquired at Sundance Film Festival. A twenty year veteran filmmaker, she partnered with Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker in 2009 to create Significant Productions; together, they have produced Fruitvale Station (2013), Dope (2015), “Roxanne Roxanne” (2017), “Sorry to Bother You” (2018), and several other critically-acclaimed films. Previously, Nina Yang Bongiovi was a fixture in Hong Kong for Chinese films–an expertise and network that she still uses to this day. Many take diverse representation for granted in today’s zeitgeist; but Bongiovi has been pioneering those voices –both in front and behind the camera–for decades.

On the future of industry:

I feel the film industry is just beginning to align itself with a belief that Forest and I [at Significant Productions] have always had since we joined forces 8 years ago: that stories written by, directed by, and starring people of color are underserved, but have a large and loyal audience, which equates to profitability. It’s just good business. Films like Black Panther, which was written and directed by Ryan Coogler, whose first film - Fruitvale Station, we produced, is proof that the paradigm is shifting.

On the secret to success:

I’m not sure if I would call it a “secret" to success, but I trust my instincts (and that comes from experience). I urge emerging talent to trust her/his instincts. If someone hurts your soul to be around, pivot and get out. Life’s too short. There have been plenty of times where folks have said to me, “you should do this film with so and so attached, and it's a nice check,” but I would have to make a conscious decision to pass because it doesn't feel right and it didn’t contribute to my company’s [and my life’s] mission. However, I know first hand that for those of us who don’t come from money, we have to take on unfulfilling projects/jobs in the early years to make ends meet — but see those as valuable lessons in growth. If you want to get into film, know your worth and don’t give up if it’s your passion (alongside some God-given talent). Hollywood is starting to change, but it’s a long way from being inclusive so you’ll have to fight and stand up for your films/stories when others tell you that movies about people of color don’t make money (thus have less value), don’t travel, and don’t have a wide enough audience— Lies! That’s part of systemic racism. My films counter that prejudice, and if we all continue to fight by making great films and telling authentic stories, we will become the norm.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

As an Asian American woman, I feel empowered due to the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment business. When I have a seat at the table, I get to represent my fellow creatives of color and substantiate my conviction for equality. I get to voice my thoughts and perspectives, and educate those who don’t understand where we come from. My ethnic identity allows me to speak up not only for Asian talent, but for my Black and Brown brothers and sisters who face extreme struggles in getting their voices heard.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Unity. Be inclusive. Create solidarity amongst all people of color. Do not segregate yourself from other Asian ethnicities and other minority communities. In order to advance in this world (especially in the entertainment industry), we need to support and uplift each other.

For over 25+ years, Nita Song has led the IW Group to become one of most successful Asian ad agencies, with billings over $33 million. With a reputation for creativity, industry thought leadership and results, she’s guided the expansion and evolution of the agency from its early PR roots to become a force in advertising and integrated marketing, earning the agency recognition as “the most awarded Asian agency” by the Association of National Advertisers. With a constant focus on staying ahead of the industry, IW Group became one of the first multicultural agencies to expand into Total market, creating work that leads with Asian influence and creates impact that goes well beyond Asian and multicultural consumers, and ultimately progresses culture.

On the future of industry:

The advertising and marketing industry has gone through significant shift in the past few years. The growth and influence of multicultural consumers, the expansion of digital, and rapidly changing consumer behavior, has redefined our business. The agencies that will thrive and grow will pivot from traditional marketing offerings to guide clients more effectively in experimentation, integration and customization. That’s the agency we’re building.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Asian identity has been central to what we do. It’s been the core theme of our agency business and my career and I’ve had the privilege to showcase, celebrate and integrate Asian identity into our work. It’s also been a key factor in building our agency’s resilience, strength and vision as we continue to elevate visibility and inclusion of Asian American consumers. Asian Americans may be small in numbers but our growth is exponential and our accomplishments, buying power and influence is mighty and we should leverage and celebrate that!

On how Asians can amplify society:

Be loud and be proud: Increase visibility of our power, influence and progress as a vital, valuable population.

Peter Kang is one of the first three Asian American creative executives to rise to the level of President of a film studio. At Fox, he recently launched the acclaimed Planet of the Apes and Maze Runner franchises with several other groundbreaking films in tow. Specializing in book-to-film adaptations, he acquired the rights and packaged such bestsellers as Gone Girl, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Blind Side, among others. Later this year, Kang will unveil a new slate of exciting films from Lionsgate. Over his 20 year career, he has worked with such filmmakers as Robert Zemeckis, Oliver Stone, Paul Feig, Matt Reeves, and Baz Luhrmann among others. He was also instrumental in the casting of Jamie Chung, Ki Hong Lee, and Henry Golding early in their careers.

On the future of industry:

The movie business is undergoing massive change and consolidation. The goal though is still the same: to help the best storytellers and artists in the world bring their visions to the big or small screen. Embracing originality, diversity and risk has become essential to the relevancy of the medium.

On the secret to success:

Try to understand the context of a situation or problem before making a specific decision. Make time to read and process new ideas. Finally, nobody “makes it” by themselves. Your mentors will show you the path.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

From childhood, being Korean American made me think about what made me similar, and different, from my friends. I also realized being fast was the great equalizer.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Challenge the status quo.

15-year-old Peter Wang sacrificed himself to save dozens of his friends and classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. Few, in this lifetime, are able to translate their passion into a career; even fewer are able to transform their career into a legacy; and yet even fewer are able to establish a legacy so meaningful that it is literally given to–and carried by–others. Peter is one of those very few, demonstrating a courage and humility that most of the world only knows through fictitious literature. Peter loved being in the Junior ROTC program and dreamed of attending West Point after high school to become a fighter pilot; he was posthumously admitted for his heroic act. He was a fan of the Houston Rockets, hip-hop music, playing basketball, swimming, track, taekwondo, and spending time with his friends. Wang’s legacy lives through his mother Hui and his father Kong; his brothers Jason and Alex and extended family; as well as the culture-defining #NeverAgain movement that he helped inspire.

On the secret to success:

From Wang’s mother, Hui: To treat others as one would want oneself to be treated. Peter believed in the golden rule. He always wanted to treat others as he would have wanted to be treated.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

From Wang’s mother, Hui: Peter was an American-born Chinese (ABC). Although the Chinese culture was emphasized in the family, he identified strongly as an American and he believed the United States was his country.

As the founder and editor of the most widely-read, longest-running independent blog covering the news and perspectives from the Asian American community, Phil Yu informs, entertains and activates his readers on AngryAsianMan.com and his podcast They Call Us Bruce, co-hosted with Jeff Yang. For over 15 years, AngryAsianMan.com has been a center of gravity for Asian America, winning countless new media awards and honors along the way.

On the future of industry:

The tools will change. The tools must change. But people with something to say will always find their voice.

On the secret to success:

One day, I started writing. The next day, I did it again. And I kept on doing that for 17 years. Do it because you love it. Also, never read the comments. Finally, to anyone who wants to “be the next me”--don’t. Don't be the next me. Be the next you.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Everything good I've ever accomplished is because of the incredible community that surrounds me.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Stand up, speak up and get angry. Because that's how shit gets done.

Wong Fu Productions has given a voice to the next generation of Asian American & Pacific Islanders by creating a community of millions around their YouTube channel of over 3M subscribers and 500M views. Working at the forefront of “new media” since the beginning in 2005, they have established a brand and identity on the digital front as the only Asian Americans from the YouTube world committed to long-form narrative content. The digital powerhouse has also successfully incubated and launched multi-million dollar consumer product lines as well as live, interactive experiences. From traditional TV and film actors to new media stars, Wong Fu Productions has consistently asserted and enabled the importance of representative Asian voices in front of and behind the camera. Phil also dances well.

On the future of industry:

Social media and digital creators will be the future of Asian Americans joining the mainstream and continuing to make progress. As more people enter the space, more talent will be found and Asians creators must be part of this movement. Asian capital & investors must take chances on these artists. Asian consumers must proactively seek to support Asian projects so mainstream can take our market power seriously.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Growing up, I never thought being Asian American had that much impact on me, because it was just, life. It wasn't until I saw that the world does see me as different, that I realized how special/unique my background is in this country. I realized that this country, this industry, saw me as "other" and therefore kept us out, or kept us as an option. I decided to take pride in my "otherness", instead of seeing it as an impediment. I want to share with the world what makes us special, and also what makes us similar.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Asians need to start caring about Asians. The mainstream world is never gonna do the work for us, they'll do the bare minimum to make it seem like they're inclusive and that they care. It has to be our own that takes care of our own first instead of being passive and waiting for things to change for us. Stop seeing Asian support as lesser. Start seeing Asian support as powerful, powerful enough to make our own systems.

Preeti Sriratana built Apex for Youth into the largest pan-Asian nonprofit serving Asian American youth in the United States (measured by operating budget and youth served). Since becoming Chairman in 2010, Apex has grown 20X, providing incomparable mentoring, athletic programs, and educational development to Asian youth in the New York City area. He also co-founded Central Queens Academy, an award-winning charter school. In addition, he is the Co-Founder of Sweeten, a renovation marketplace managing $1B in deal flow, and is a Partner at the leading architecture firm, MN Architects. Preeti received a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, and holds an Official Commendation from the City of New York.

On the future of industry:

We want to see more Asian American leaders represented across all categories, e.g. for profit, not for profit, government, entertainment, sports, etc., and we believe we can achieve this by working with our youth and the young professionals that volunteer with Apex to support them. Apex is raising the visibility of Asian American needs and is becoming a movement in New York City. Our future is to be properly represented.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I grew up the son of Thai immigrants in a small rural town in central Illinois in the 70s and 80s. There weren't many minorities, let alone Asians, and every day was a constant reminder of why I was different. It's terrible to spend your childhood watching your parents work long hours in a town that treats your family like second class, and it's worse when you see vestiges of it today exemplified by model/silent minority stereotypes and second class treatment for opportunities or visibility. Yes, we are--generally--a hard working, well educated demographic that doesn't face some of the challenges our fellow minorities do. However, why do we lack so many opportunities to break through? My commitment to having our people break through is demonstrated in my two companies, Sweeten and MN Architects, both rapidly growing game-changers in the architecture/construction industries, whose teams are very diverse and actively work with the Asian American community to provide opportunities to grow; and via Apex for Youth, our country's largest supporter of our kids.

On how Asians can amplify society:

If you're complacent you're complicit. Too many of us believe we're in a good place, meaning their jobs are solid or prestigious, and they are accepted by others. However, if where you work or what you do does not have people like you well represented among its senior management/leadership, you must speak out and get your fellow Asians to do so too.

Priyanka Chopra is one of the few international stars who’s successfully crossed over to multiple cross-cultural audiences. Born in Jamshedpur, India, Chopra won the Miss India pageant while still in high school, soon followed by becoming one of five Indian women to become Miss World in 2000. Chopra has starred in over 50 international films, and is currently most recognized for her breakthrough lead performance on ABC’s Quantico.

Rachel Lam is a legendary investor and cultural enabler. In 2003, she launched Time Warner Investments, the in-house venture capital arm of Time Warner Inc., where she was head of this group for 14 years. There, she invested over $325MM in 54 companies that struck numerous strategic partnerships with Time Warner operating divisions while also producing strong financial returns. In 2017, Lam, alongside Dick Parsons (the former CEO of Time Warner Inc.), founded Imagination Capital (www.imaginationvc.com), an early stage venture capital fund targeting esports, digital media and big data/machine learning. Her inspiration stemmed from a desire to improve the diversity equation of decision makers at venture firms, making Imagination Capital one of the only venture capital firms whose founding partners are an Asian American woman and an African American man. Rachel also serves on the Board of Directors of Telaria (NYSE: TLRA), a leading independent video sell-side software platform, and is a member of the Board of Directors for The Center for Reproductive Rights.

On the future of industry:

I think that early stage venture capital will continue to be an important source of funding for entrepreneurs who are trying to build large scale businesses. Also, the hidden optimist in me does believe that there will be more female and diverse partners at venture firms in the coming years, and while the shift will not be sudden, I do think it will happen and the industry will see more diverse perspectives yielding even more creative and innovative businesses.

On the secret to success:

I am a perpetual planner, and I think that characteristic allows me to see potential obstacles down the road that might hinder me getting to whatever end goal I am seeking. My brain naturally plans around those obstacles, whether it be finding a creative way to diligence a potential investment risk or bring on a new board member or executive to address a capability gap at a portfolio company, so that I can get stuff done in a timely manner. I'm a 'GSD' kind of gal. I'm also inspired by the underdog who overachieves: I'm always amazed by great founders who can build great products with so little capital and so much brain power, innovating around the much larger incumbent market leaders with a fearlessness that I find truly inspiring. I think it comes from my dad. He was such a source of inspiration for me, as the eldest son of a "third wife" in 1940 China, he immigrated to the US alone in 1958 with $300 to his name and got an education at Berkeley and built a business and a family life that was the epitome of the American Dream. And my mother always inspired me with her resilience and unconditional love. Finally, don't worry so much about being liked, not everyone will like you, particularly if you have to make some difficult decisions--spend more time doing great work, don't be shy about tooting your own horn so you get credit for it, and earn the respect of your peers and bosses. The best advice I've ever received is that 'if it's not a little bit fun then it's not worth doing--it doesn't have to be fun ALL of the time, just some of the time, otherwise you're not living, just surviving.' When I've been in these situations, I know it's time to make a change.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I think being Chinese has greatly influenced my values and thus defined what I think is important in life. Prioritizing family, education, hard work and making my own luck (but still believing in luck). The fortitude of the Chinese through the ages-- I feel like I have had it so easy compared to my Dad and Mom and the generations that have come before me, so how could I do anything but try to make them proud.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Speak up more and get more involved in government/running for political office to put those great educations to use in enacting social change. But running for political office isn't everyone's cup of tea, so a more practical suggestion is that self-made Asian Americans should be less modest and tell their success stories, success that has been achieved in many different realms--business, the arts, entertainment, media, scientific research and technology to create more visible role models for others to see that it can be done in a lifetime--the American Dream still lives.

Radhika Jones is Editor-in-Chief of Vanity Fair magazine and the first person of color to be named to the post since the magazine was founded in 1913. She formerly served as the editorial director for the books department at The New York Times, deputy managing editor of TIME (where she managed the TIME 100 and Person of the Year efforts), and the managing editor of The Paris Review. A cultural omnivore who’s deeply versed in books, art, politics, and more, Jones holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia.

Randall Park is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director. He is known for playing Louis Huang, Eddie Huang’s father and the patriarch, on ABC’s hit television show, Fresh Off the Boat–the first all-Asian sitcom since Margaret Cho’s All American Girl in 1994. He has also appeared in a host of other TV shows and films including playing Minnesota Governor Danny Chung in the multi-Emmy-winning Veep. Park is also a seasoned writer, whose work has won numerous awards from the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, and by the NBC Shortcuts Film Festival for Short Films. Park received a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing and a Master’s degree in Asian American Studies from UCLA.

On the future of industry:

No one really knows the future of film/tv is going to be like, but I’m hoping for more storytelling from new voices and perspectives.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

It’s impacted me in good ways and bad ways. It is an essential part of me but it does not define me.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Empathy.

Reshma Saujani is th​e Founder and CEO of​ ​Girls Who Code, a national​ ​non-profit​ ​organization working​ ​to​ ​close​ ​the​ ​gender​ ​gap​ ​in​ ​technology​ ​and​ ​change​ ​the​ ​image​ ​of​ ​what​ ​a​ ​programmer looks​ ​like​ ​and​ ​does.​ ​With​ ​their​ ​7-week​ ​Summer​ ​Immersion​ ​Program,​ ​2-week​ ​specialized Campus Program,​ ​after​ ​school​ ​Clubs,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​13-book​ New​ ​York Times​​ ​best-selling​ ​series,​ ​they are​ ​leading​ ​the​ ​movement​ ​to​ ​inspire,​ ​educate,​ ​and​ ​equip​ ​young​ ​women​ ​with​ ​the​ ​computing​ ​skills to​ ​pursue​ ​21st​ ​century​ ​opportunities.​ ​The​ ​results speak​ ​for​ ​themselves:​ ​88%​ ​of​ ​alumni​ ​have​ ​declared​ ​a​ ​CS​ ​major/minor​ ​or​ ​are​ ​more​ ​interested​ ​in CS​ ​because​ ​of​ ​Girls​ ​Who​ ​Code. By​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​2018​ ​academic​ ​year,​ ​Girls​ ​Who​ ​Code will​ ​have​ ​reached​ ​over​ ​90,000 ​girls​ ​in​ ​all​ ​50​ ​states​ ​and​ ​several​ ​US​ ​territories and is on the way to reaching gender parity in entry-level tech jobs in the US by 2027.​​ ​Previously, Saujani was the first Indian American woman to run for Congress, after graduating from the University of Illinois, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and Yale Law School. She’s been named one of Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, a WSJ Magazine Innovator of the Year, one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in New York by the New York Daily News, CNBC’s Next List, Forbes’s Most Powerful Women Changing the World, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People, Crain’s New York 40 Under 40, Ad Age’s Creativity 50, Business Insider’s 50 Women Who Are Changing the World, City & State’s Rising Stars, and an AOL / PBS Next MAKER.

On the future of industry:

The future is in the hands of our girls! We’re teaching girls to code and giving them the tools they need to unlock their power and potential to change the world.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I grew up as one of the few Indian families in my neighborhood, and at an early age I experienced racism and prejudice. I often felt like I didn't belong. This experience is what led me to be an activist and to fight for diversity, inclusion and racial justice in every space I have been in.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Voter registration. It's so important for our community to participate in the political process and to make sure we have a voice.

Rich Lui became the first Asian American male to anchor a daily, national cable news program in America during his time at CNN. Today, he is a news anchor for his own MSNBC and NBC News show, where he has consistently made it a point to engage and highlight Asian American stories in a compelling and representative manner. Previously, the Renaissance man also boasted a successful business career, having founded, patented, and sold the first bank-centric payment network that was funded and incubated by Citibank. Lui has spent 25 years in community service in Africa, Asia, and the United States, volunteering for organizations like the United States Capitol Historical Society, the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, and APIA Vote. He is also deeply active in the corporate and political Asian American sectors, and a highly sought-after ambassador to several global organizations.

On the future of industry:

AI’s deep learning will finally commercialize one-to-one. IF media, marketing, and business harness this properly, we will get correct, real, fact-checked information, but also products and information relevant to how and where we live real-time.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I used to question being Asian. It’s probably why I almost flunked twice in high school. It’s probably why I only pitched one story every two years about Asian American and Pacific Islanders at CNN. Because, of course, nobody would know I was Asian if I didn’t pitch stories about Asians. LOL. Why did I change? I started embracing my illegal background--my grandfather who bought the name Lui to come to the U.S. He wanted me, not to be him--not to be a farmer from Southern China. He died before I met him. But Grandpa, thank you. I am not you. I am a national news anchor, because you made that tough decision as a brave, young Asian man.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Do things that make you stretch to accept who you are. Do things that make you stretch to know your community. Do things that make you stretch to embrace those not like you.

Riz Ahmed is an actor, rapper, and activist. He is the first man of Asian descent and first Muslim to win an Emmy for acting (for his role in The Night Of), and has been nominated for a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and three British Independent Film Awards. He has a long history in independent film through The Road to Guantanamo (2006), Shifty (2008), Four Lions (2010), Trishna (2011), Ill Manors (2012), and The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2013), before his break-out role in Nightcrawler (2014). In 2016, he starred in Una, Jason Bourne, and as Bodhi Rook in the first Star Wars Anthology film, Rogue One. Ahmed, also known as Riz MC (a member of the Swet Shop Boys), has earned critical acclaim with his hip-hop albums Microscope and Cashmere, and commercial success featuring in the Billboard 200 chart topping Hamilton Mixtape, with his song “Immigrants (We Get the Job Done)” winning an MTV Video Music Award. As an activist, he is known for his political rap music, has been involved in raising awareness and funds for Rohingya and Syrian refugee children, and has advocated representation at the House of Commons. In 2017, he was included on the front cover of the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.

Robert Lopez is the youngest of only twelve people who have won the prestigious EGOT (an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award), the quickest (10 years) to win all four. As of 2018, Lopez is the only person to have won all four awards more than once, making him the only EGOT2r in the world. He is a composer-creator of Broadway musicals and animated films, including Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon, Frozen, and Coco, and the writer of the Oscar winning songs “Let It Go” and “Remember Me.” Now, your children know who to thank.

On the future of industry:

When I graduated college in 1997, musical theater was slipping into cultural irrelevance. As the internet and streaming technology have disrupted most other media, Broadway, because of its live aspect, remains outside its reach. And thanks to our generation of creators, Broadway musicals have a very bright future indeed. Some would say they now occupy the center of the culture.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

So far, not enough. I have never really delved into it in the stories I’ve told. But my background, which is Filipino-American mixed with lots of European races, represents a conundrum and a subject I want to tackle in my work in the future.

On how Asians can amplify society:

I think Asians need to demand more visibility and credit for the things they achieve.

Sanjay Sharma is a digital media pioneer, as part of the founding team of Machinima, Inc. the first and largest YouTube multi-channel enterprise network, backed by Redpoint and Google, and acquired by Warner Bros. Most recently, he was CEO, Board Director, and founding team leader with Russell Simmons of All Def, Inc., the fastest growing programming brand in urban youth culture with over 7M subscribers and 300M monthly video views, backed by Greycroft, WPP, Advancit, Bryant Stibel, Third Wave and Universal Music Group. Sharma is a member of the Los Angeles tech startup and content world, advisor/board member of Vidme, EmoJam, Mucker Labs, Fourth Wave Blockchain Incubator, CJ Entertainment, Skybound Entertainment and CAPE.

On the future of industry:

Film, TV, digital video, and advertising are all in the midst of a tectonic plate shift because of three key forces: technology, demographics and the role of brands. More content than ever is created and consumed outside of the traditional theatrical and broadcast models; new platforms touch their customers directly, leverage data & analytics to source, program and market; and, are built largely on subscription or other lifetime value models rather than ticket sales or media ad dollars. 21 of 25 DMAs are minority/majority, as is all of the American youth demographic; this segment is at once the largest/fastest adopters of new technology, over-index on streaming content consumption, and the arbiters of cool; yet, traditional models and gatekeepers have largely locked them out or see the category as niche when in fact it drives all mainstream culture. Lastly, we are demanding (finally) that all brands, media included, and the people behind them be authentic and mission-driven -- that they stand for something -- and, because media brands can now be direct to consumer brands, this becomes more critical than ever.

On the secret to success:

We all stand on other people's shoulders big and small. I'm inspired by a ton of creative and tech leaders, Donald Glover to Dan Kwan, Reed Hastings to Satya Nadella, Royal Dog to Mark Bradford, Jeff Bezos to Masayoshi Son, Jay Z to LeBron. But I'm also inspired on a daily basis by my wife and two sons, my parents, my father-in-law -- they all make me possible. My daily habits for success: meditate in the morning, pick 3 things that move the needle that day, read (or listen to) one long piece about something entirely unrelated to my work, and try not to be distracted by things outside my control (this last one is a work in progress). Book that changed my life: Orientalism by Edward Said, overdue to be re-read given the current climate.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I have a deep rooted mix of values and tastes taken from my Indian parents and my upbringing in the Deep South - this is what makes America unlike any other country in the world. It's given me a great appreciation for and insight into the value of cultural intersectionality. Also, there's nothing like being complimented on your English, or mistaken for the I.T. guy, to make you doggedly driven to force the country to live up to its promise and potential.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Speak up about your experiences and show unity and understanding with all marginalized people. Use your influence, your network, your voice and your work to lift up those around you.

As CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella has transformed not only the business strategy, but also the culture of the fading desktop software behemoth into a relevant technology leader again. The company’s strategy now emphasizes cloud computing and collaboration, and its products are built with empathy for the user at the forefront. Since Nadella has taken the helm, Microsoft has generated more than $400 billion in market value in four years—more value growth over that time than some of Silicon Valley’s shiniest stars–Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Spotify, Snapchat, WeWork–combined. Nadella is widely respected for his affability and collaborative style.

On how Asians can amplify society:

“In these times, to me only two things really matter as a leader. The first is that we stand for our timeless values, which include diversity and inclusion. The second is that we empathize with the hurt happening around us. At Microsoft, we strive to seek out differences, celebrate them and invite them in. Our growth mindset culture requires us to truly understand and share the feelings of another person. Together, we must embrace our shared humanity, and aspire to create a society that is filled with respect, empathy, and opportunity for all.” - Fast Company interview, 2017

The Harvard University swimmer, who was assigned female at birth, is the first openly transgender athlete to compete in any sport on any NCAA Division 1 men’s team. Bailar was originally recruited as a member of the Harvard Women’s Swimming and Diving team. After transitioning during a gap year, Bailar was also offered a spot on the men’s team by coach Tyrrell, allowing Bailar the choice of either team; he elected to swim on the men’s team. Bailar is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ rights, inclusion, and representation. He has assisted with and is featured in the USA Swimming cultural inclusion guides for both LGBTQ and Asian American athletes. Most recently, Bailar was featured as one of Out Magazine’s 2017 OUT 100.

Seung Bak is a cultural bridge builder, as the founder and former CEO of DramaFever, the leading online destination for Asian television shows and movies. Bak’s platform helps millions of mainstream Americans discover and embrace TV shows from throughout Asia while also developing six other branded premium OTT services for major American media companies (e.g. Boomerang with Turner/WB). The company was acquired by SoftBank Internet and Media, Inc. in 2014, and most recently by Warner Brothers.

On the future of industry:

Entertainment media industry will see the pace of technology-driven changes accelerate in the coming years. Consumers will see an ever expanding array of entertainment options, and it will be a war of attrition among the companies competing for attention. Expect more consolidation, lots of new formats, and seemingly endless number of shows to watch and games to play.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

My ethnicity and bicultural upbringing afforded me the unique insights that drove the decisions that ultimately made DramaFever successful.

On how Asians can amplify society:

It would be great to see more Asian Americans get more involved in their local communities at large and serve their civic duties.

“I met Shan Lyn Ma on my first day of work at Gilt.com, the ecommerce innovator that introduced flash sales in the US. Shan was Gilt’s first product manager, and a gifted one, who spent her days exploring what would delight customers and what would move them to buy. In time she became GM of Gilt Taste, where she developed the strategy and business model for a drop-ship food and cooking site. Shan brought both those experiences to her current role, as co-founder and CEO of Zola, the fast-growing wedding planning and registry platform that combines great business fundamentals with a customer-centric experience. She’s a unicorn in the world of entrepreneurs: a creative thinker who’s also a master of execution.” – Susan Lyne

Shan-Lyn Ma is the CEO and Founder of Zola.com. Since creating Zola in her Brooklyn living room in 2013, Shan-Lyn Ma’s built her startup into the fastest growing wedding registry in the U.S. With a valuation of more than $220 million and over 500,000 users, Zola’s on track to become a New York unicorn. Shan’s proven to be a natural founder, adept at both selling big ideas to investors and shrewdly managing low operating costs during rapid growth. Previously, Shan-Lyn was the Chief Product Officer of Chloe + Isabel and prior to that, the General Manager of Gilt Taste, Gilt’s entrance into the food and wine arena. The third culture heritage kid holds a BCommerce with First Class Honours from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia and an MBA from Stanford University.

On the secret to success:

“I would remind myself that it’s completely normal to feel like an imposter CEO, but also that I am the right person for the job. Self-doubt is going to creep in occasionally. Most founders are new to the game they’ve signed up for, and we’re all figuring it out as we go. Be confident in yourself.”

Shiva Rajaraman is a multi-threat product, marketing, and community legend who’s successfully built teams, products, and platforms that have helped millions of creators realize their aspiration and enrich people’s lives. At YouTube, he was instrumental in both the company’s creator and consumer businesses; at Spotify, he forged their video product efforts; and now, at WeWork, he’s reimagining both work spaces and communities–most recently with their $200 million+ acquisition of Meetup.com.

On the future of industry:

An entrepreneurial generation is entering the workforce and they seek not only purpose but community and impact in everything they do. In the future, all workplaces will be responsive to their professional, stylistic, and creative needs. When individuals start a venture or join an established enterprise, they will realize the benefits of design, community, and services to help them succeed in work and life.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I was raised on a literal island in Texas and admittedly was quite detached from my ethnic heritage putting aside the food my parents fed me, the stories they told me, and some classical music they played on the weekends. I loved these golden tidbits of culture but I also didn't fully embrace my roots either. I was as much Texan as anything else in my mind. That said, there was always a tinge of being different and not always in a pleasant way. That sentiment was motivating for me personally to fulfill my goals with plenty of luck but also has instilled in me tremendous empathy for anyone that feels like an outsider. When I choose where to invest my time or attention I choose to support missions where a guiding principle is to give everyone a fair chance.

On how Asians can amplify society:

I was lucky to have such a strong and supportive family. And, every family is filled with it's fair share of misfits and miscreants and I mean that with affection..I'm certainly one of them. I believe it is important for all of us to help society realize that we are one all-encompassing family on this sweet Earth and we need to all work together to reach our full potential if not our survival.

Steven Yeun is widely loved as one of the few Asian actors who’s been able to successfully penetrate mainstream audiences and the broader zeitgeist. He is known for his role as Glenn Rhee on AMC’s critically-acclaimed horror drama television series, The Walking Dead. Yeun has also starred in several films including Bong Joon-ho’s action-adventure film, Okja, and Joe Lynch’s action horror film, Mayhem. Yeun is also a seasoned voice actor in both animated series and films, with roles including Avatar Wan in season 2 of The Legend of Korra; Keith in Voltron: Legendary Defender; Steve Palchuk in Trollhunters; Nathan Park / Wingspan in Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters; and Little Cato in Final Space; the latter four of which are still active roles. Yeun can most recently be seen in powerhouse producer Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Sundance-winning film, Sorry To Bother You.

On the future of industry:

I think the future of the acting world will be great for Asian Americans. The next generation seems poised and ready to jump in, the industry seems to also recognize that Asian American talent is viable and available. It’s exciting.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I think it formed a lot of my value systems and helped me to be able to look at the world from an outsiders perspective while still maintaining the ability to live on the inside. It is a privilege, this is for sure. At this point, I feel like my ethnic identity can sometimes be a social stumbling block for others to see outside of just the ethnic aspect but I feel that once our stories get out there it’ll be much easier to just be ourselves.

On how Asians can amplify society:

I think we should recognize the privileged position that we are in--not apologize for it, but recognize it. Then we can start to tell stories that are truthful and honest; without agenda. Ultimately, I think the goal of Asian Americans should be to express ourselves as honestly as we can.

Sundararajan Pichai is CEO of Google Inc. Prior to ascending to CEO, Pichai is credited with leading the product management and innovation efforts of Google’s client software, most notably Google Chrome, Chrome OS, and Google Drive that he shepherded into global prominence. He also oversaw Android, the world’s largest mobile operating system. Pichai is widely loved for his collaborative decision making style and approachability, likely stemming from his humble beginnings. His mother, Lakshmi, was a stenographer and his father, Regunatha, was an electrical engineer at GEC, the British conglomerate. Sundar grew up in a two-room apartment in Ashok Nagar, Chennai and is now reportedly worth over $1.2 billion.

A highly experienced and well-regarded television executive, Susette Hsiung is currently responsible for overseeing the television production companies that create live-action series, animated series and movies for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. Over the course of her 30+ year career, Hsiung has been an outspoken champion for women and minorities in the entertainment business–on both sides of the camera. Among the titles under Hsiung’s remit over the past two decades are Disney Channel’s hit series “Hannah Montana,” “Phineas and Ferb” and “Kim Possible,” along with more than 100 Disney Channel Original Movies. This list includes the Emmy® Award-winning “High School Musical” and its record-breaking sequel “High School Musical 2”; Disney’s “Descendants” and its sequel “Descendants 2”; “Teen Beach Movie” and its sequel “Teen Beach 2”; “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”; “How To Build a Better Boy”; and “Adventures in Babysitting.” Hsiung and her team shepherd production companies for current live-action series; which include “Raven’s Home,” “Stuck in the Middle,” “Andi Mack,” “K.C. Undercover,” “BUNK’D,” “Bizaardvark” and “Walk the Prank”; as well as Disney Television Animation properties; which include “Elena of Avalor,” “Star vs. The Forces of Evil” and “Sofia the First”; and the third party production companies for “Doc McStuffins” and “Miles from Tomorrowland.” For the past five years, Hsiung has supervised the production of “Disney Channel Presents the Radio Disney Music Awards,” including an immersive virtual initiative which invited consumers to experience the red carpet excitement and on stage performances in 360 degrees via computer and mobile devices.

Hsiung leads several workplace initiatives, including a program for aspiring crew members which, through a partnership with West L.A. Community College, offers training for women and minorities interested in craft and technical positions. She also oversaw the development of a director’s program to provide opportunities for women on Disney Channel series and movie productions. She’s also an executive leader of Disney ABC Television’s Global Workplace & Women’s Initiative, where she advocates for the career advancement of female employees and an enhanced workplace for all employees.

On the future of industry:

Exciting! There is so much great content available and more choices coming. It is a great time for consumers.

On the secret to success:

Sleep. I need 7-8 hours to be healthy, happy and productive. As well, People, People, People--from all walks of life, with all proximities to you. Do not underestimate the potential of your children. My husband and my son teach me every day about joy and resilience. And make sure you try everything before you have a mortgage and a baby.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I realize that my rich cultural background is something I should lean into and not away from.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Public service and leadership roles.

Susie Nam has led and managed the growth of Droga5 from a 35 person crew to 650 strong in only 9 swift years. As COO, Nam oversees all business operations of the agency—from oversight of key accounts to marshaling departments to scale and adapt to growth to designing systems and culture to deliver breakthrough ideas—all in an effort to drive influence for clients on their businesses. Nam has also consistently served as a senior leader, champion, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. She is Executive Advisor to D+iQ, Droga5’s diversity and inclusion initiative, and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of ADCOLOR, the premier organization celebrating and promoting professionals of color and diversity in the creative industries. She began her career at George magazine following the presidential campaign trail, then went to The New York Times as Features Editor for their first-ever online edition.

On the future of industry:

The only certainty in this business is change. New formats, converging channels, new players coming into the industry have been forecasted for years. Think the new element now is the fierce velocity of that change.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

Like many Asians, we are bred to code switch in the interest of progression. Our families expect it and consider it to be the price of success. However, the two worlds collide despite those efforts. For example, Asian American women are taught to be demure and largely conciliatory - as a result I think we can have a windy path to find then cultivate our voices.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Coming together meaningfully. There is not enough celebration and sense of community to lift one another up. Perhaps centuries of suppressing meant keeping to ourselves. I hope now is a time when bringing as much of our true and complete selves to work can be prized and powerful - for ourselves and for one another.

Suzy Ryoo has worked at the intersection of technology, entertainment and media in Los Angeles for the past 10 years. She is a Partner at Atom Factory and Cross Culture Ventures, where she finds, invests in and builds alongside entrepreneurs who create next generation companies. Over the past 7 years, Atom Factory and Cross Culture have invested in companies such as Spotify, Lyft, Dropbox, Warby Parker, TheSkimm, Gimlet Media, Girlboss, Blavity, Yumi, Fair and Thrive Market. Ryoo is originally from South Korea and arrived in the United States 25 years ago thanks to the immigrant hustle of her entrepreneurial family. Her venture fund, Cross Culture Ventures (that she runs alongside Troy Carter and Marlon Nichols), has backed nearly 100 entrepreneurs changing the world through tech or tech-enabled companies in media, finance, commerce, education and healthcare.

On the future of industry:

The future of my industry (entrepreneurship, venture capital, entertainment, music) will look be more equal, more diverse and more inclusive through the hard work we are putting in now. Times up.

On the personal impact of being Asian:

I arrived in the United States at age 5 in 1992, only weeks after the LA Riots. I started school in the middle of kindergarten, only knowing the word 'Banana' and as a burden to my teacher and classmates. A decade later, I came to realize how my parents endured obstacles and barriers to survive as entrepreneurs. They embody immigrant hustle. Today, there's a direct, innate correlation between my gratitude and my drive.

On how Asians can amplify society:

Fight for inclusion and equality for the underrepresented and underestimated. And, like said in the Bible and by Kendrick Lamar, be humble.

In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Duckworth as assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2012, she was elected to Congress, representing Illinois’ 8th District, making her the first differently-abled woman ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Four years later, she was elected a U.S. senator, thereby becoming the first differently-abled woman and the second Asian-American woman in the Senate. In April 2018, Duckworth became the first female senator to give birth while holding office.

While attending Northern Illinois University for a Ph.D. in political science, Duckworth enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with the Illinois Army National Guard. Trained as a Blackhawk pilot, Duckworth left NIU in 2004 to Iraq. There, Duckworth flew Operation Iraqi Freedom combat missions until her helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in the autumn of 2004. The explosion took both of Duckworth’s legs and robbed her of full function in her right arm. Still believing in the worthiness of her mission amid questions of whether she felt her sacrifice was for naught, Duckworth responded, “I was hurt in service for my country. I was proud to go. It was my duty as a soldier to go. And I would go tomorrow.” For her bravery and service, she was promoted to major and awarded the Purple Heart.

A third culture child, Duckworth grew up in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Hawaii.

Ted Chung is the Founder of Cashmere Agency and drives the company’s business development and creative strategy. Established in 2003, Ted has led Cashmere Agency to accumulate a diverse client roster, including: Snoop Dogg, Red Bull, Netflix, Overstock.com, Hot Pockets, Colt 45, Grenco Science, NAMCO Bandai, adidas Originals, The Weinstein Company, Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, Interscope Records, RCA Records, BET, EA Sports and more. Ted holds a BA in Business with a specialization in Entertainment Marketing from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He’s been a guest speaker at Harvard University, Babson School of Business and the Directors Guild of America Music for Film & TV Conference. Ted has been featured in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Ad Week, XXL and VIBE, as an expert on multicultural youth lifestyle and marketing. Ted Chung was recently nominated for the prestigious 2014 ADCOLOR Rockstar Award, which recognizes the top leaders and visionaries in their industry.

Tina Tchen heads Buckley Sandler’s Chicago office, and draws on more than 30 years of experience at the highest levels of private practice and government service. Over the course of her extensive career, Ms. Tchen has handled complex civil litigation and enforcement matters in both state and federal courts in Illinois and across the country. She has represented major global corporations and their officers and directors in a wide range of matters, including consumer class actions, corporate investigations, government enforcement actions, executive compensation, and breach of contract litigation. Ms. Tchen also has represented public agencies in state and federal class actions, and successfully argued before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of the State of Illinois. From 2011 until 2017, she served as Assistant to President Barack Obama; Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama; and Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls. From 2008 until 2011, she was Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Ms. Tchen has been instrumental in spearheading the Time’s Up movement’s Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal support to women who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Ms. Tchen was also recently named Chair of the Recording Academy’s diversity and inclusion task force.

Vishnu Menon leads the West Coast office for Warburg Pincus, a private equity fund that has invested over $60 billion in more than 800 companies in 40 countries around the world. He focuses on investments in the software, media, and information sectors. Prior to joining Warburg Pincus, Mr. Menon worked at Perry Capital and Texas Pacific Group focusing on investments in public and private technology and media companies. Prior to that, he worked at Symphony Technology Group and J.P. Morgan Capital focusing on investments in similar sectors. Mr. Menon is a Director of Slickdeals, DocuTAP, Intelligent Medical Objects, Neogov, and Quikr. He received a B.A. with distinction in international relations from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Walter has been a senior executive and producer at New Line Cinema for several years and has shepherded some of its most successful films (FRIDAY the 13th, the CONJURING series, ANNABELLE, IT, and the upcoming SHAZAM!). His experience as both an active producer and a studio executive makes him uniquely qualified to be a creative guide, as well as a seasoned navigator of the studio system. As the new President of DC FILMS, Walter has been chosen to transfer his immense talent and focus to Warners’ vitally important DC Comics universe. Being charged with guiding DC Comics’ film division means Walter will be working to shape a younger generation’s perceptions of heroes, heroines and pop culture. Walter is highly regarded as a creative, dedicated and responsible executive, and equally important, he’s known as a genuinely great guy!” – Bonni Lee

Growing up in the Seattle suburbs, Yoon Ahn grew up fascinated with youth culture because it was so different from her experience. Now a street style icon in her own right, Yoon is the designer and visual director of AMBUSH, a jewelry and apparel line co-founded with Verbal that has been counted among “Tokyo’s most coveted clothes” by Vogue. Her recent collaborations include a “playbutton” wearable with Louis Vuitton, a limited-edition hoodie with Amazon for Tokyo Fashion Week, a capsule cosmetics collection with Shu Uemura, and a forthcoming jewelry collection for Dior Homme. YOON was a finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize in 2017, and was named ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at VOGUE Japan’s Women of the Year Awards 2017.