Grand Rapids to host inaugural Asian International Leadership Summit

Feb 23

Photo courtesy of West Michigan Asian American Association

Tickets for the West Michigan Asian American Association's (WMAAA) first-ever Asian International Leadership Summit are now on sale. With a theme of "Casting the Vision," the summit was created by the WMAAA board of directors, led to Bing Goei, to champion diversity, foster community spirit, and showcase Asian leadership in various sectors. The Asian International Leadership Summit will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at the Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St. SW, in Grand Rapids.

"The goal of the inaugural Asian International Leadership Summit is to grow our West Michigan global economy through the attraction and retention of our Asian and international students studying at our colleges and universities," said Bing Goei, Board Member, West Michigan Asian American Association. "We also want to support our young Asian and international professionals in pursuing their American Dream and encourage them to stay in West Michigan."

The Summit will feature keynote speeches from George Aquino, Vice President/Managing Director at AHC + Hospitality, and Michelle Li, Journalist and Co-Founder of The Very Asian Foundation. Additionally, attendees will benefit from workshops led by professionals, including:

Technology: Charles Elwood, Founder, SolisMatica LLC, Microsoft AI MVP
Education: Jesse M. Bernal, Equity & Inclusion Leader, Grand Valley State University; Debra Kue, Ph.D. student, Syracuse University; Le Tran, Michigan Art Education Association Secondary Art Teacher of the Year and National Secondary Art Teacher of the Year
Entrepreneurship: Karla Velis-Brito, Director, Spring GR; Khara DeWit, Co-Founder, South East Market; Kavy Lenon, Zini Creator and Supply Diversity Manager, Meijer; Shirward Punches, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Bridge Commercial Realty
Civil Leadership: Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor of Grand Rapids; Michigan Senator Stephanie Chang; Long Ho, City of Grand Rapids intern; Kim Koeman Global Manager of Social Innovation Steelcase and Nominations & Distribution Committee Chair of Women of Color Give; Saleem Usmani, Senior Database Administrator at Gentex Corporation

Registration for the Summit is $100, with an early bird discount of $10 available using the code SUMMIT until March 12.

Through sponsorships, the WMAAA will bring hundreds of Asian American and Pacific Islander students to the Summit, providing them with inspiration and networking to excel in their careers while contributing to the local community. For sponsorship opportunities, individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact Bing Goei or Jennifer Pascua. To register for the Asian International Leadership Summit, visit https://weblink.donorperfect.com/asianleadershipsummit2024.