SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 9, 2024


SIMMONS UNIVERSITY

BOSTON, MA


The conference for Asian American women leaders of all ages



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Get Tickets

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ON THE FIRST 50 TICKETS

WITH CODE: EARLYBIRD20

What’s Aawil Conference?


Connect. Inspire. Grow Together.


The AAWIL Conference is the first and largest conference dedicated to career and leadership development for Asian American girls and women.

First held in 2004 by ASPIRE, the Asian American Women in Leadership (AAWIL) Conference is a vibrant one-day conference that draws Asian American women and girls to connect, inspire, and grow together.

Through talks, workshops, and discussions, the conference provides a forum for a cross-generational community of Asian American girls and women to share experiences and learn from one another.

Photos from past AAWIL conferences
Limitless Courage

2024 theme: Limitless Courage


Our 14th AAWIL Conference celebrates the limitless courage of Asian American women leaders - past, present, and future.


Asian American women have been breaking the bamboo ceilings for centuries, but it has been especially prominent the past decade. From actors to politicians, CEOs to champions, we will offer a unique space to nurture and amplify our collective courage. Together, we'll inspire, empower, and uplift one another - proving that our potential knows no limits.


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2024 Agenda

01

KEYNOTE / FIRESIDE CHAT


Helen Zia, renowned journalist, author, and activist, will lead us all to imagine our shared tomorrow as Asian American leaders.

Our favorite MC, Trish Fontanilla, returns with her professional wisdom and clever humor.


Helen Zia

Helen Zia

Trish Fontanilla

Trish Fontanilla


Morning

Choose one from the following breakout sessions
Please note, schedule and timing are subject to change

11:30-12:30

02 ACTIVISM

From Bystander to Upstander: Taking Action for Positive Change


Join Tram Nguyen, Nicole Eigbrett, Jessica Tang, and Emily Goroza, moderated by Danielle Kim, as they discuss effective strategies for driving positive change in your community. Learn how to identify issues, mobilize resources, and take meaningful action to create lasting impact beyond the workplace.


Tram Nguyen, Nicole Eigbrett, Jessica Tang, Emily Goroza, Danielle Kim (moderator)



03 MENTAL HEALTH

Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness in AAPI Communities


Courtney Pong and Catherine Vuky, moderated by Susan Chinsen, will guide you through culturally sensitive approaches to mental health. Gain valuable insights and practical tools for fostering well-being in AAPI communities, addressing stigma, and promoting open conversations about mental health.


Courtney Pong, Catherine Vuky, Susan Chinsen (moderator)



04 PUBLIC SPEAKING

Speak Up and Be Heard: How to Speak Up at Work Without Fear Of Being Judged


Led by Mary Cheyne, this workshop addresses the challenges faced by Asian-American women in professional settings. Learn powerful techniques to speak up confidently, bypass your inner critic, and express your ideas without fear of judgment. Discover strategies to overcome interruptions, claim credit for your contributions, and advocate for yourself effectively. Gain practical tools to enhance your visibility and influence in the workplace, even under pressure.


Mary Cheyne



05 CAREER PATHS

Charting Your Course: Navigating Career Crossroads


Sandra Ma shares her expertise on making informed career decisions. Discover strategies for identifying your strengths, aligning your passions with professional opportunities, and creating a fulfilling career path that resonates with your personal and professional goals.


Sandra Ma


06 PERSONAL BRANDING

You, Inc.: Crafting Your Authentic Personal Brand


Lee Ann Chan guides you through developing a compelling personal brand, with a special focus on LinkedIn and online strategies. Learn how to showcase your unique strengths, values, and experiences to stand out in your field and create lasting impressions in the digital professional landscape.


Lee Ann Chan


Past AAWIL conference attendees

06

NETWORKING LUNCH

Seize this unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders and changemakers. Engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and build valuable relationships that can shape your professional journey and community involvement.


Afternoon

Choose one from the following breakout sessions
Please note, schedule and timing are subject to change

2:20-3:20

07 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Navigating Your Leadership Journey: Personal Stories of Growth and Impact


Candice Wu, Grace Lee, and Irene Li, moderated by Chareeda Rustanvil, share their personal leadership journeys. Explore the challenges, growth opportunities, and pivotal moments that shaped their paths. Gain insights into developing your authentic leadership style and making a meaningful impact in your field.


Candice Wu, Grace Lee, Irene Li, Chareeda Rustanvil (moderator)



08 STEM ENTREPRENEURS

STEM the Tide: Women Leaders in Science and Tech


Elizabeth Wu, Will Cao, and Sally Wang Liang, moderated by Lesley Chan, offer insights into thriving in STEM fields. Be inspired by their success stories and learn strategies for overcoming barriers in male-dominated industries.


Elizabeth Wu, Will Cao, Sally Wang Liang, Lesley Chan (moderator)



09 WEALTH-BUILDING

Wealth Wisdom: Financial Empowerment for Asian American Women


Minki Jung leads this session on essential financial planning and investment strategies. Gain knowledge on building wealth, managing finances, and securing your financial future with considerations tailored to Asian American women.


Minki Jung



10 LION DANCING

Roar with Pride: Embracing Cultural Heritage through Lion Dancing


Gund Kwok introduces you to the art and significance of lion dancing. Experience the joy and energy of this traditional performance, understanding its cultural importance and how it connects us to our heritage.


Gund Kwok




Final


Choose one from the following breakout sessions
Please note, schedule and timing are subject to change

3:30-4:30

11 YOGA & SOUND BATH

Mindful Moments: Rejuvenation through Yoga and Sound Bath


Led by Gigi Kim, this session offers a rejuvenating experience through guided meditation, stretching, and sound therapy. Learn practical techniques to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.


Gigi Kim


12 HOMEOWNERSHIP

Home Sweet Home: Navigating the Path to Homeownership


Bonnie Lai, Nancy Lee, and Wenfei Chen guide you through the home buying process. Understand financial considerations, navigate potential challenges, and learn strategies for achieving homeownership, with insights specific to the Asian American community.


Bonnie Lai, Nancy Lee, Wenfei Chen


13 ART & NARRATIVES

Art as Activism: Reclaiming Narratives through Creativity


Tran Vu Arts and Alison Yueming Qu, moderated by Audrey Paek, explore the intersection of art and social change. Discover how creative expression can be a powerful tool for amplifying marginalized voices and driving cultural transformation.


Tran Vu Arts, Alison Yueming Qu, Audrey Paek (moderator)


14 IMPOSTER SYNDROME

Silencing the Inner Critic: Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome


Farah Bala leads this empowering session on combating self-doubt and building confidence. Learn practical techniques to recognize and overcome imposter syndrome, enabling you to fully embrace your capabilities and achievements in your professional life.


Farah Bala



Closing Remarks


Join your newfound friends for an optional casual dinner after the closing remarks!

4:30-5:00


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2024 Speakers

Our diverse lineup reflects the multifaceted lives of Asian American women. From career insights to personal growth, relationships to mental health, our speakers address the full spectrum of experiences that shape our identities and aspirations.

Helen Zia

Helen Zia

American journalist and activist

LinkedIn logo
Trish Fontanilla

Trish Fontanilla

Community / Customer Experience Professional

LinkedIn logo
Link
Tram Nguyen

Tram Nguyen

MA State Representative - 18th Essex District

LinkedIn logo
LinkedIn logo
Nicole Eigbrett

Nicole Eigbrett

Co-Executive Director at the Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW)

LinkedIn logo
LinkedIn logo
Jessica Tang

Jessica Tang

President at Boston Teachers Union

LinkedIn logo
Emily Goroza

Emily Goroza

UX Designer, Software Engineer

LinkedIn logo
Diana Hwang

Danielle Kim

Executive Director, Asian Community Fund

LinkedIn logo
LinkedIn logo
Courtney Pong

Courtney Pong

Owner & General Manager, CSz Boston

LinkedIn logo
LinkedIn logo
Catherine Vuky

Catherine Vuky

Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology Department & Director, Asian Mental Health Concentration at Williams James College

LinkedIn logo
Susan Chinsen

Susan Chinsen

Creative Producer at ArtsEmerson & Director of the Boston Asian American Film Festival

LinkedIn logo
Link
Mary Cheyne

Mary Cheyne

Transformational Public Speaker Trainer & Coach, Author, TEDx & Keynote Speaker

LinkedIn logo
LinkedIn logo
Bonnie Lai

Sandra Ma

Co-founder & CEO, Jovial

LinkedIn logo
Link
Lee Ann Chan

Lee Ann Chan

Professional “Career Matchmaker” & Super Connector

LinkedIn logo
Candice Wu

Candice Wu

Owner & General Manager, CSz Boston

LinkedIn logo
Link
Grace Lee

Grace Lee

Executive Vice President, Regional President Eastern MA, M&T Bank

LinkedIn logo
Irene Li

Irene Shiang Li

Co-founder, Mei Mei Restaurant Group & Prepshift

LinkedIn logo
Link
Chareeda Rustanavibul

Chareeda Rustanavibul

Startups & VC Community Builder; Ex-VP of New England Early Stage Startups at SVB

LinkedIn logo
Elizabeth Wu

Elizabeth Wu

Cofounder & COO, Scismic

LinkedIn logo
Link
Will Cao

Will Cao

Co-founder, CEO, Pando Bioscience, Inc.

LinkedIn logo
Link
Sally Wang Liang

Sally Wang Liang

Life Sciences VC Investor of $3.8B AUM Global Fund

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Lesley Chan

Lesley Chan

Senior Director, CMC lead of Sickle Cell Disease Program, bluebird biro

LinkedIn logo
Minki Jung

Minki Jung

Product Manager, Meta; Founder, WINii

LinkedIn logo
Link
Gund Kwok

Gund Kwok

The first Asian Women's Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe in the United States

Link
Gigi Kim

Gigi Kim

Yoga Instructor

Link
Bonnie Lai

Bonnie Lai

Realtor/Broker/CRS--REMAX Real Estate Center

LinkedIn logo
Courtney Pong

Nancy Lee

Owner and Real Estate Attorney, Lee & Associates

LinkedIn logo
Wenfei Chen

Wenfei Chen

Owner & General Manager, CSz Boston

LinkedIn logo
LinkedIn logo
Ngoc Tran Vu

Ngoc Tran Vu

Founding Principal and Creative Director, Tran Vu Arts

LinkedIn logo
Link
Alison Yueming Qu

Alison Yueming Qu

Director, Creative Producer, Dramaturg

Link
Audrey Paek

Audrey Paek

Nonprofit Leader, Community Activist, and Podcast Host

LinkedIn logo
Link
Farah Bala

Farah Bala

Founder & CEO, FARSIGHT

LinkedIn logo
Link

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Tickets

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ON THE FIRST 50 TICKETS


Use this code at checkout:

EARLYBIRD20


Student


High School

$30 $10


Higher Education:

College, Masters, PhD

$60 $40



  • Ticketing for current students with a valid school ID
  • Access to keynote and all interactive workshops & talks
  • Lunch included





Professional



$120 $100



  • Ticketing for current working professionals
  • Access to keynote and all interactive workshops & talks
  • Lunch included










Get Tickets

Our tiered ticketing is intended to keep this conference accessible to all who are interested. For group ticketing and other inquiries, please contact us here.


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Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for being a pivotal part of bringing the 2024 AAWIL Conference to life!
If your organization aligns with our mission,
become a sponsor!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Simmons University’s Asian Students Association fosters friendship and community through events, resources, and more. Come join us!

GOLD SPONSORS

Brown Advisory works to provide first-rate investment performance, strategic advice, and the highest level of client service.

Rockland Trust Bank is your full-service Community bank. At Rockland Trust each relationship matters. No matter large or small, old or new, we are committed to serving and meeting every customer’s needs.

BRONZE SPONSORS

Dedham Savings provides a complete array of banking services for individuals and businesses, as well as a sophisticated set of digital banking and cash management services.

Asian Pacific Islander (APIA) Scholars provides resources that increase access to higher education for Asian American and Pacific Islander students. 

Rozzie Square Theater builds communities and unites people through laughter while making improv accessible and useful.


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