D’Lo (he/they) is a queer/transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American actor/writer/comedian whose work range includes stand-up comedy, solo theater, plays, films and music production, poetry and spoken word. Rooted in social justice, D’Lo brings the fierce with the funny through his stories and stand-up comedy.
Rashmi Airan is a captivating speaker, transformation expert, and Ivy League-educated attorney. As a former Wall Street investment banker and independent law practitioner, she faced a federal prison sentence that reshaped her life. Now, she inspires leaders to embrace vulnerability and resilience through her RISE THROUGH IT™ framework. With her story of overcoming unimaginable challenges and over 30 years of experience, Rashmi has collaborated with Fortune 100 companies, empowering others how to break free from fear and turn setbacks into success.
Kanika Chadda Gupta is a seasoned CNN television journalist turned podcaster and mother of three (including twins). As a television personality and seasoned journalist, Kanika knows how to deliver as a live speaker, moderator, and emcee. She speaks on topics including modern motherhood, women’s empowerment, DEI, guiding corporations to better serve their employees who are parents (parental leave, benefits, etc), living a life of purpose (discovering your dharma), AAPI & South Asian heritage, lifestyle and entertainment.
Angela Chee is a media expert, speaker, and coach who helps leaders and changemakers build strong, authentic communication skills. Drawing from her background in television, she teaches clients to refine their on-camera presence and connect with audiences effectively. Through her YOU, Amplified!® program and The Power of The Only podcast, Angela empowers individuals to embrace their voice, overcome limitations, and amplify their influence in their industries.
Jessica Chen is a global communication expert and sought-after speaker who has taught over 2 million people how to enhance their workplace communication skills. An Emmy-Award Winner and bestselling author of “Smart, Not Loud,” she empowers individuals from “Quiet Culture” backgrounds to stand out without being aggressive. As the Founder & CEO of Soulcast Media, she collaborates with top organizations, including Google and Microsoft, to elevate communication standards and foster diverse voices in the workplace.
Dr. Chiao began his professional career as a chemical engineer, and his passion for space exploration led him to NASA. Following a stellar 15-year astronaut career, he moved on to leadership positions in entrepreneurial startups, applying his space experience to the business world.
Misa Chien, CEO & Founder of The Authentic Asian and Autopilot Reviews, is an authentic leader known for inspiring and helping people through positivity and transparency. Her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial style make her a sought-after speaker, podcast host, and TV personality. She has been featured in Inc. Magazine's 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs, Forbes Women to Watch, and LinkedIn Top Voices. Misa has spoken at industry-leading events including CCW and TEDx.
Jin-Ya Huang founded Break Bread, Break Borders, a social enterprise. She's a published writer, and TIME Magazine-featured Community Uniter focusing on equity, design, and social justice. A PLS Presidential Leadership Scholars fellow, Huang excels in bridge building, women's empowerment, and race relations for lasting social impact.
John Iino is a proven change agent, global law firm leader, diversity professional, and executive coach. He founded Cumbre Alta Advisors, providing DEI consulting, training, and coaching. As Chief Diversity Officer for Reed Smith, he increased the number of diverse lawyers by 79% and improved the firm's ranking in the American Lawyer's Diversity Scorecard from #120 to #22. Currently, John is the Interim ASVP for Alumni Relations at USC and a frequent keynote speaker on DEI, leadership, and effective management.
Rising to notoriety with his most-viewed TED Talk (top 200 out of 60,000), What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection, which became the basis for his bestselling book and #1 audio book, Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection, Jia Jiang has become the world’s foremost expert on rejection. A top-booked speaker, Jia is the sought-after authority on empowering confidence and resilience, overcoming one’s fear of rejection, and daring to be bolder in both life and career. His upcoming book, The Art of Achieving Ambitious Things (Simon & Schuster, May 2026), expands on his mission to help anyone overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams and goals by adopting his breakthrough One Action Goal system.
Recognized as one of the most influential women in technology, top NeuroGeneration and innovation speaker, Tan Le, is the founder and CEO of Silicon Valley-based EMOTIV, the leader in EEG-Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. Her work on non-invasive 'brainwear' offers groundbreaking potential to transform various aspects of human life, shedding light on current and future transformative technologies. Her talks provide unique insights into how these advancements will redefine our existence and work.
Michelle Lee is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert and CEO of Obsidian Strategies. With experience at MIT AI Lab, Amazon, and Google, she helps business leaders understand practical AI implementation. As a computer scientist and Silicon Valley veteran, she shares real-world examples and insights to inspire action. Her leadership in technology, law, business, and government adds critical perspectives for successful AI applications.
Lorraine K. Lee is an award-winning keynote speaker and bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career, which was also recognized as a must-read by Next Big Idea Club. She is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with hundreds of thousands of followers, and has a decade of experience leading editorial teams at top tech firms. Her insights have appeared in outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fast Company.
Bianca Mabute-Louie is a keynote speaker, award-winning sociologist, and forthcoming author. Her speaking, publishing, and research centers Asian Americans in the national discourse on race and politics. Her first book, UNASSIMILABLE, comes out January 2025 with Harper Collins.
Mita Mallick is a corporate change-maker with a track record of transforming businesses and cultures. Mita is a passionate storyteller who believes in the power of diversity to spur creative strategic thinking which can ultimately transform brands.
Neil Sahota (萨冠军) is an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations (UN) Advisor, Artificial Intelligence (AI) subject matter expert, Faculty at UC Irvine, and author of Own the A.I. Revolution. With 20+ years of business experience, he works with organizations to create next-generation products/solutions powered by emerging technology.
Dona Sarkar is the Chief Troublemaker of Microsoft’s AI Extensibility Program, a BIPOC woman in tech leader, Multi-published author, and Owner of the ethical luxury fashion brand Prima Dona Studios. She was recently named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Productive People and Cosmopolitan magazine's Businessperson of the Year.
John Wang is the author of Big Asian Energy (Penguin Random House, 2025), a leadership and communication coach with 15+ years of experience. He has spoken on stages at TEDx, McKinsey, and leading colleges, sharing insights on breaking internal barriers to success. An engaging and uplifting speaker, John shares relatable stories of breaking free from our cultural and social barriers, and gives tangible techniques to help audiences speak up boldly and authentically, even when facing imposter syndrome, inner-criticism, or self-doubt.
Jerry Won is the Founder & CEO of Just Like Media, an Asian American storytelling company, home to popular shows Dear Asian Americans, The Janchi Show, and more. He is a leading voice in the Asian American community and speaks to global audiences on authentic storytelling, the Asian American experience, and his personal journey. He is also Founder & CEO of Always Be Creating, the premier community and events platform for Asian content creators.