Breakout Sessions

This plenary will explore the consequences of the backlash that began in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and the War on Terror through the lens of South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Sikh communities. Speakers will explore the role of coalition building and solidarity, the ongoing impact of post 9/11 policies on national security and immigration, and the needs of organizations and communities in today’s environment.

On the 250th anniversary of our country's founding, the Constitution and rule of law continue to be called into question by those seeking to push minority communities out to the fringe - or exclude them completely. The civil rights movement, including OCA, has spent the last 18 months defending our Constitution through impact litigation that continues today. How close are we to a truly multiracial democracy, and what can we do in the coming months and years to defend our civil liberties?

Featuring APIAVote, AALDEF, Rising Voices, and Pew Research Center, this discussion will review the latest polling data of AAPI sentiments, messaging for voter outreach and civic engagement, and how we can all participate in election protection.

Hear how legal professionals, advocates, and families are responding to complex civil liberties challenges affecting both immigrants and citizens. Gain insight into the evolving intersection of immigration policy, constitutional rights, and the human stories behind the headlines — and leave with a deeper understanding of how advocacy organizations are working within the legal system to protect individuals and communities.

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being throughout every stage of life. This workshop brings together five speakers to explore mental health challenges, resilience, and coping strategies among Asian Americans from childhood through older adulthood. Attendees will gain insights into how cultural values, family relationships, life transitions, and community experiences influence mental health across the lifespan.

Dr. Angela Chen will discuss mental health and well-being among children and families, while Dr. Fei Sun will examine mental health, aging, and caregiving among older Asian American adults. Christeen Nguyen and Arienne Patano will share perspectives on the experiences of Asian American young adults, including navigating identity, academic and career pressures, family expectations, and self-care. The final speaker will provide practical information on seeking professional mental health support, overcoming barriers to care, and accessing culturally responsive services and resources.

Through a combination of research, professional expertise, and lived experiences, this workshop will equip participants with practical strategies to strengthen mental well-being, build resilience, and access support throughout the life course. Participants will leave with greater awareness of mental health needs across the lifespan and resources that can support individuals, families, and communities in promoting lifelong well-being.

This space will be dedicated to AANHPI persons who are being challenged by Racial Imposter Syndrome.

Do you feel like you’re not enough or can’t identify with your ancestral heritage because you don’t speak the language, didn’t grow up back home or don’t fit the ethnic stereotypes? Then this is for you! Join me as we deep dive into what RIS is, how it’s impacting AANHPI persons, and how to build coping skills to combat these feelings!

Academics from Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan present their latest findings on gun violence, gun ownership, and mental health in the Asian American community. This will be followed by a discussion by co-founders of the Asian Americans Against Gun Violence Coalition on how we should be talking about gun violence prevention and what our community needs to do next.

Since its founding in 1972, the Association of Chinese Americans — OCA-Detroit — has been a vital thread in the civic and cultural fabric of metro Detroit, navigating the region's economic transformations, demographic shifts, and community milestones. This panel brings together voices from business, government, and community organizations to illuminate the partnerships that have sustained and expanded the APA community's presence and influence in the region.

In 2025, the Liu Pursuits Foundation and OCA launched Liu Pursuits: Aperture Project, an ambitious 10-year storytelling initiative created to capture the stories and oral histories of OCA chapters and their members. Over the past year four inaugural Aperture Project Fellows—Claire Choi, Ethan Johanson, Kristyna Le, and Rehana Morita—traveled to Chicago, Boston, New York, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. to interview dozens of chapter members, board members, and past presidents. Their work will anchor the first Aperture Project documentaries featuring the OCA - Greater Chicago and OCA - Greater Washington, D.C. chapters.

Join this workshop to hear from Jean Liu, Executive Director of the Liu Pursuits Foundation, and a panel of OCA members interviewed for the Aperture Project documentaries. They will discuss their experiences with the project, the value of first-hand accounts capturing OCA accomplishments and you can learn how your chapter can participate in Aperture Project - Year 2.

This panel will feature a slate of Asian American storytellers and discuss their experiences uplifting the community's stories through broadcast media, documentaries, journalism, and freelance writing.

It's common for AANHPIs to want to gravitate towards "traditional" careers, whether through familial or stereotypical pressures, but those fields are not for everyone—and that's okay! This workshop will feature a panel of working professionals who've paved non-traditional paths in their professional journeys and will share their knowledge and expertise so that you can walk away with a better understanding of the wonderful possibilities out there.

In times of overwhelm and confusion, it can be challenging to figure out how we can most effectively and sustainably show up for our communities. In this session, writer and strategist, Deepa Iyer, will introduce participants to the Social Change Ecosystem framework and facilitate a workshop to support individuals in identifying the roles they can play to support their communities and causes.  More information about Deepa’s work is at www.socialchangemap.com.

Join Neon One for a hands-on introduction to their all-in-one nonprofit CRM platform and learn how OCA chapters can leverage technology to streamline operations, strengthen member engagement, and support sustainable growth. In this interactive session, a Neon One representative will provide an overview of how to integrate your chapter’s current structure with the Neon One framework, as well as the tools for membership management, fundraising, communications, and events that you will have access to. This session will also highlight the exclusive benefits that OCA chapters gain access to through the Network Advantage Program.

Being the second oldest civil rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, we have the privilege of having members participating in the advancement of our same mission spanning generations for more than 50 years. To bridge this gap and encourage conversations between the generations, we invite you to a knitting and crocheting class led and guided by a local artist. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with your fellow OCA members and learn from their life experiences.