Sam Hyun

The Invisible Race

While awareness of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community continues to grow, deep misunderstandings and monolithic stereotypes still obscure its rich diversity. For many AAPI youth navigating an environment where their community has historically been “othered,” finding a grounded sense of self can be challenging. In this transformative program, activist and speaker Sam Hyun guides participants through the foundational historical pillars that shape the modern AAPI experience—including the Yellow Peril, the Perpetual Foreigner narrative, and the Model Minority myth. Through compelling storytelling and vital historical context, Sam reframes what it means to be AAPI today, examines urgent contemporary issues, and empowers students to embrace their shared heritage. Attendees will walk away with actionable frameworks for self-discovery, cultural pride, and a clear understanding that the AAPI community has never been invisible—we have always mattered.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in this session will:

• Trace Origins & Evolution: Understand the historical roots, political significance, and evolving meaning of the “AAPI” umbrella term.
• Deconstruct Harmful Narratives: Critically analyze how historical frameworks—such as the Model Minority myth and Perpetual Foreigner trope—impact contemporary identity and mental health.
• Mobilize for Action: Identify tangible steps for students, leaders, and allies to advocate for community equity, solidarity, and lasting visibility.

Impacting Change: Through Politics and Social Movements

Now more than ever, we are seeing the impact and importance of getting involved in the movements for change in politics and social movements. However, where do you even begin? How do you make the change from both inside and outside of government and social movements? This program will take you through what it is like to make a difference by illustrating the truth behind working in politics and social movements.

Students today are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but they are increasingly becoming the changemakers of today. Sam Hyun’s approach is to provide the truth behind what it takes to get involved and make an impact. In this keynote, Sam provides students with insider information and explains the process through knowledge gained from experience. As a result, audience members will be empowered, motivated, and determined to be the leaders we deserve.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this program, students will learn:

• The ins and outs of government and steps to get involved
• About the political process and ways to build social movements
• How to advocate and make changes through politics and social movements

Breaking Barriers: Going from are you viable to being undeniable

We have all heard of the “glass ceiling”, the metaphor used to explain the discriminatory barriers that prevent women from rising to positions of power or responsibility and advancing to higher positions within an organization simply because they are women. But have you heard of the “bamboo ceiling?”

Asian Americans are more likely to be considered for leadership positions when a company/organization is failing and less likely to be considered when a company or organization is thriving. Additionally, Asian Americans are consistently passed over for promotions and stuck in mid-level positions. However, the truth is Asian Americans have been some of the most outstanding leaders in US history. From Grace Lee Boggs, to Patsy Mink, to Michelle Wu, we have made considerable contributions, and it is long past time that the stereotypes and the bamboo ceiling are broken.

In this program the audience will learn to understand why that is and how they can work to dismantle the discriminatory barriers and identify ways to support their Asian American colleagues.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of attending this program, students will learn:

• The bamboo ceiling: What it is and why it exists
• How to better support your Asian American colleagues
• Where do we go from here and the next steps the community and allies should take