The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) delivered gifts this week to children in special education programs, bringing joy and comfort to youth with special needs.
Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA, attended the United Chinese Americans Community Foundation (UCACF) Benefit Gala in San Francisco as a supporter and guest, representing the organization as a community partner. Part of the donated treats received by Jan Xie remained in California for local distribution. The remainder was personally transported by her from San Francisco (SFO) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to benefit children in Texas.
Earlier this year, ACAESUSA also donated clothing and masks to support communities in California affected by wildfires—further reaffirming the organization’s commitment to service and compassion wherever it is needed most.
This charitable initiative was made possible by the generous support of UCACF and individual donors from the Dallas-Fort Worth community. ACAESUSA extends heartfelt thanks to: Lily, Theresa Li, Ellie Wong, Sharon Chang, Ge Qian, Qifei, Jun Yi, Diwen, Yong Mei, Sara He, Hui Zhang, and Tiffany.
ACAESUSA also expresses deep appreciation to the volunteers who helped make the delivery possible: Shirley Ma, Haipei Shue, Hua Wang, Steven Lin, Winston Lee, Parker Shu, Sandy Shu, Qun Li, Hui Zhang, Meihua Zhou, Diana Chen, Ebony Chen, Adam Zhang, Zach, Julian, Anya, Ruimi, Yulun Shen, Mr. Gipson, Mrs. Henry, Jessica, Guanyan Li, Samuel, Mei, Amber, Shenghe, Amy, Lucy, Andy,Fiona, Sara, Jonina,Yong Chen,Cecilia, Emily Wang, Keria Yang, and Katelyn Hu.
This meaningful act of kindness highlights the power of collaboration and community in creating positive change.
The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) proudly recognizes Katelyn Hu, President of the ACAESUSA Houston Youth Chapter, for her participation in the prestigious Miss Texas Teen USA 2025 pageant. Held from May 2–4, 2025, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak in Houston, Texas, the event brought together nearly 50 talented and confident teens from across the state.
Katelyn represented Miss Richmond Teen USA in the competition, showcasing her poise, passion, and dedication. ACAESUSA members Annie Hu, Jason Hu, and Jan Xie were honored to attend and cheer for Katelyn, witnessing firsthand the effort and commitment she brought to the stage.
More than a pageant, this experience was an opportunity for Katelyn to further ACAESUSA’s mission: celebrating Asian heritage, promoting cultural exchange, and empowering Asian American youth. Her participation reflected her deep commitment to building cross-cultural understanding and giving back to the community.
As a dedicated volunteer and ACAESUSA Youth Ambassador, Katelyn continues to serve as a role model for young people across the nation. She also holds the honorary title of Miss Asian Culture and Education 2025, using her platform to advocate for diversity, cultural pride, and youth involvement.
ACAESUSA is proud of Katelyn’s journey and applauds her for using her voice and talents to represent the organization’s values. We look forward to seeing all the incredible things she will achieve in the future!
Last week, I had the pleasure of discovering a fantastic bubble tea shop in Flower Mound, Texas — TeaLabo. I was introduced to this wonderful place by President Xiu of the Shandong Association, and it turned out to be an absolute gem!
Located at 2701 Cross Timbers Rd, Suite 238, Flower Mound, TX 75028, TeaLabo offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a wide variety of flavorful drinks. Whether you’re craving classic milk tea, fruity infusions, or creative specialty drinks, they have something for everyone.
What impressed me most was the quality of the ingredients and the care put into each drink. The tapioca pearls were perfectly chewy, the flavors were well-balanced, and the presentation was beautiful. It’s clear that the owner is passionate about tea and committed to providing an exceptional customer experience.
If you’re in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, I highly recommend stopping by TeaLabo for a refreshing treat. Let’s support this local business and enjoy some of the best bubble tea around!
Check out these beautiful photos from my visit — and be sure to visit TeaLabo when you’re in town!
A Decade of Arts and Culture Celebrated by ACAES-ZCAS and Community
Plano, TX — On May 3rd, the stage at Plano came alive with light, color, and music as the Zhang Chen Art School 10th Annual Performance 2025 captivated an enthusiastic audience. This milestone celebration honored a full decade of artistic excellence and community impact, falling proudly within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
Under the inspired direction of Mrs. Zhang Chen, students took to the stage with grace and confidence, delivering performances that ranged from elegant traditional dances to powerful vocal solos and polished piano pieces. Each act demonstrated not only technical skill, but also deep passion and dedication, leaving the crowd in awe.
A Night to Remember
The evening began with a touching video retrospective chronicling ten years of artistic growth and memorable moments at Zhang Chen Art School. Families and friends watched proudly as the screen highlighted milestones and memories from previous performances, showcasing the school’s evolution and heart.
Sophisticated lighting, beautiful costuming, and creative stage design enhanced each performance, immersing the audience in a vibrant celebration of Asian arts. The applause was loud, frequent, and heartfelt.
Community in Harmony
The concert was brought to life through the tireless work of the ACAES – ZCAS Chapter, led by President Junxi Xu and a strong team of volunteers. From organizing rehearsals to managing logistics and backstage coordination, their dedication ensured the smooth execution of this celebratory event.
Mrs. Zhang Chen extended heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, performers, families, and supporters for helping make the 10th anniversary performance a tremendous success.
Words of Praise
“Celebrating 10 years of commitment to cultural education is no easy task,” said Jian Xie. Asian Culture And Education Society USA (ACAES USA) is proud that the ZCAS Youth continues to nurture young talent and promote Asian culture. President Junxi Xu and his team have set an inspiring example of leadership, service and creativity. Also attending in the event were ACAES-Frisco Youth Co-President Chenrui Mi and ACAES-CBS Youth Vice President Jodie Lin.
Looking Ahead
With a full decade behind them, Zhang Chen Art School is poised to enter its next chapter with even greater passion. Their dedication to cultivating young artists and strengthening cultural appreciation in the Plano community continues to inspire.
On September 14th and 15th, in celebration of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, the Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival, hosted by the Tianli Cultural Foundation, took place at 99 Ranch Market with great festivity! The event featured activities such as riddles, raffles, food tastings, charity sales, and performances. The performances were scheduled for three sessions at 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM, each packed with excitement and surprises!
Founded in 2017, the Tianli Cultural Foundation has been dedicated to serving the community and promoting Chinese culture. Its annual Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival and Spring Festival Gala bring joy to the local Chinese community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
This year’s festival was co-organized by 99 Ranch Market, Zhang Chen Art School, Xizi Guzheng Arts Center, and the Dallas Guzheng Association. 99 Ranch Market not only provided the venue but also offered generous cash cards worth $10, $100, $200, and $500.
The first performance was hosted by Tianle Tong, founder of the Tianli Cultural Foundation, along with Songmei. Tianle introduced the foundation and thanked the co-organizers for their support. She praised every participant and volunteer, whose collective efforts made the festival truly captivating. She then invited teachers Zhang Chen and Xizi to the stage to offer their Mid-Autumn blessings. Teacher Zhang wished everyone happiness and togetherness, while Teacher Xizi wished peace and joy for all.
The first performance was by the MaiZi Dance Troupe, founded in 2022. Their dance, Tang Yin, transported the audience to a beautiful scene reminiscent of ancient China. Little Ivy Liu then brought the song “My Homeland, the Sea,” evoking feelings of nostalgia for the homeland. With a beautiful voice and graceful stage presence, Ivy Liu, a silver medalist in the children’s group of the 2024 “Cultural China Water Cube Cup,” captivated the audience. Next, the Dallas Guzheng Association performed the ensemble “Crossing the Red Dust,” showcasing the beauty of traditional culture. Nine-year-old Anni Zhu from Star Light Studio performed a solo dance, “Flower in the Flute,” portraying a playful girl with her beloved flute. Sisters Wenya Hu and Anya Hu from Zhang Chen Art School sang “Blank Space,” delivering a harmonious and lively performance. Veteran magician Xiyun Yang wowed the audience with his incredible tricks and humor, earning thunderous applause. The first session concluded with a live calligraphy demonstration by teacher He Sanhe, who wrote festival blessings like “Full Moon” and “Happy Mid-Autumn,” much to the delight of the crowd.
The second session kicked off with a lively performance of “Marketplace” by the young students of Xizi Guzheng Arts Center. Multiple award-winners Kunlu Wang and Yintiao Yin from Zhang Chen Art School followed with their duet, “Stars and the Sea,” filling the room with positive energy. Kailie Poon from Liu Dan Dance Arts School performed the graceful dance, “Grass in the Water.” Special thanks were extended to Teacher Liu Dan for her support of community events. Friends Mia and Bella teamed up on piano and guzheng to perform the serene piece, “Big Fish,” evoking the purity of nature. Soloist Li Li from Zhang Chen Art School delivered an outstanding performance of “Left Hand Points to the Moon,” her soaring vocals captivating the audience. Regular community performer Weiping Lu brought blessings with his rendition of “The Moon on the Fifteenth.” Finally, sisters Izabella and Kayla from Xizi Guzheng Arts Center performed “The Call,” demonstrating their harmonious connection. The second session closed with the energetic guzheng duet “Fuxi Divine Sky Echo” by brothers Kevin and Keson, showcasing their incredible speed and skill.
The third session began with Bohan Xuan from Zhang Chen Art School, who won the gold medal in the children’s group of the Water Cube Cup in Dallas. He performed “Orchid Pavilion,” a song that captures the beauty of classical Chinese culture. The guzheng trio Keson, Kevin, and Keegan performed the powerful pieces “A Man Should Be Strong” and “Dreams of Sword and Saber,” filling the room with heroic spirit. Students Nuo Xuan Yang and Weili Lin, under the guidance of Teacher Zhang Chen, performed the duet “Shouldn’t Have,” beautifully conveying the sorrow of unrequited love. Students Mia Xiao and Xueru Luo from Xizi Guzheng Arts Center followed with the moving guzheng duet, “Yu Meiren,” presenting a timeless narrative. Summerly Yin, Sarah Shi, and Jessalyn Wang from Xingji Dance Schoolperformed the enchanting dance “Dunhuang,” embodying the rebirth of ancient sculptures from the Dunhuang Caves. The third session host, Mingxia Qin, demonstrated her talents in singing, dancing, calligraphy, and painting. Accompanied by guzheng, she painted and wrote the phrase “Blossoms and Full Moon,” bringing the festival to a perfect close.
Over 500 people attended the two-day Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival. The riddle activity attracted many families, with parents and children working together. Youth organizations like AYLUS, YAAMHA, and the Asian Portrait Project participated, showcasing the talents of Asian youth. The food stalls were bustling, with handmade mooncakes being particularly popular. Saturday’s raffle awarded six $100 and two $200 cash cards, while Sunday’s prizes included one $500 card and ten $10 cards, all redeemable at 99 Ranch Market.
The 2024 Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival, hosted by the Tianli Cultural Foundation and co-organized by 99 Ranch Market, Zhang Chen Art School, Xizi Guzheng Arts Center, and the Dallas Guzheng Association, concluded successfully. Thanks to all participants and volunteers! Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Mid-Autumn Festival!
It was a profound honor for the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) to co-host the 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit. This gathering provided a unique platform to address the collective experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the AANHPI communities. I was deeply moved by the powerful discussions, particularly the Youth Seminar, which ACAESUSA helped facilitate. Witnessing young leaders from diverse backgrounds passionately engage in conversations about their future left a lasting impression on me. Their energy, courage, and desire to contribute to meaningful change encapsulated the very essence of why we do this work. Pictures
A highlight of this year’s summit was the ACAESUSA art exhibition at Capitol Hill, showcasing artistic talent from around the world. This year’s theme, World of Love, brought together international art submissions. The exhibit not only celebrated cultural expression but also fostered cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of art. It was inspiring to see how art can serve as a bridge to connect and empower communities. The art pieces from the 2024 ACAESUSA International Art Exhibit & Contest will raise funds to support students with autism and mental health challenges. I invite all summit attendees to visit https://acaesusa.org/art-exhibit-%26-contest for more information on how to donate and participate in this impactful event.
The joy and camaraderie shared at the summit banquet were elevated by the ACAESUSA team’s performance of traditional songs. Their heartfelt singing brought a celebratory spirit to the evening, showcasing the beauty of cultural traditions and reinforcing the importance of joy and unity in our work. It was a touching moment that highlighted the deep connections between art, culture, and community.
I also feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak at the White House during this summit. It was a humbling experience, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who made this possible. During my speech, I shared my wish to end anti-Asian hate, which has deeply affected our communities. It is my hope that through our collective efforts, we can build a society that stands against hate and discrimination in all its forms.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Biden for his thoughtful letter to this conference, which added immense significance to the event. I am also grateful to Erika for sending this letter and to the AAPI White House staff (Emily , Krystal and Kota for giving us the opportunity to have a voice at such a prestigious platform.
The unity displayed at the Summit was not only inspiring but also served as a testament to the strength of our communities when we stand together. The themes of advocacy, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding resonated strongly, reminding me that, as leaders, we have the responsibility to continue paving the way for future generations.
While I am pleased with how the Summit unfolded, particularly with the impactful youth engagement and cultural exhibitions, there are always opportunities to grow. For future events, I suggest expanding the Youth Seminar to provide even more interactive workshops where young participants can collaborate on actionable plans they can take back to their communities. Creating additional opportunities for mentorship and cross-generational dialogue would also further enrich the experience.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Chang for capturing the Summit’s essence through film. These recordings will serve as valuable resources for reflection and inspiration in the years to come.
As we look forward to the 2025 Summit, ACAESUSA is eager to continue our partnership and contribute to the ongoing mission of strengthening unity among AANHPI communities. We are fully committed to this shared vision and will work tirelessly to ensure that the next summit builds upon the successes of this year.
Thank you to the organizing committee, fellow co-hosts, and all participants for making this summit an unforgettable experience. Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.
Warm regards, Jan Xie President, Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA)
ACAESUSA Co-Hosts 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit: Celebrating Advocacy, Art, and Youth Leadership
The Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) hosted the 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit, co-organized by ten organizations, including the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA). This summit brought together community leaders, activists, and advocates to discuss significant issues faced by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Held in Washington, D.C., from September 19-20, 2024, the summit served as a powerful platform for advocating for community rights and addressing racial discrimination.
As part of the Unity Summit, on September 19th, a delegate group of 70 individuals attended a White House Briefing to discuss issues concerning our diverse communities, followed by a White House tour for 100 Summit attendees. In the afternoon, representatives of the DOJ met with and listened to our community voices at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was followed immediately by a youth session discussing racial bias in school and cross-cultural identities.Erika L. Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to President Biden, conveyed the president’s congratulatory message during the summit’s welcome dinner, further adding significance to the event.
Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA, delivered an emotional speech at the White House, calling on the community to unite against anti-Asian hate crimes. She expressed her vision for a society free of discrimination, stating, “I hope that through our collective efforts, we can build a society that stands against hate and all forms of discrimination.”
A highlight of the summit was the “World of Love” art exhibition and competition, organized by ACAESUSA, which was successfully held in the Capitol Hill conference. Jan Xie expressed her gratitude to Dr. SK.Lo, Chairman of the AAUC Board, UCA President Haipei Shue and United Chinese Americans Community Foundation Sharon for their support. The exhibition showcased the artistic talents of global artists, promoting cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of art. The proceeds from the exhibition will be used to raise funds for students with autism and mental health challenges, demonstrating the summit’s commitment to inclusivity and supporting vulnerable groups.
The summit also focused on youth empowerment. ACAESUSA organized a highly anticipated Youth Seminar, where young leaders from diverse backgrounds discussed pressing issues such as racial bias in schools and cross-cultural identity. Youth speakers included Shivya Vig and Katelyn Hu, representing ACAESUSA. Jan Xie praised the energy and courage of the young participants, and proposed that future youth seminars include more interactive workshops and mentorship opportunities. The distinguished guests included ACAESUSA Advisor and Filmmaker Chang Changfu, UCA President Haipei Shue, ACAESUSA’s representative Shiv Vig, and Kavita Sekhsaria from the Hindu American Foundation. In addition, the ACAESUSA team performed traditional songs like “Jasmine Flower” and a scene from the Henan opera Hua Mulan, adding cultural richness to the summit.
Other key parts of the summit included meetings with U.S. Congress members and representatives from the Department of Justice, where discussions centered on civil rights, immigration, and hate crime prevention. The ACAESUSA team brought forward suggestions to Senator from Texas, including introducing Asian American history education and repealing the outdated Alien Land Laws—both critical steps to advancing the civil rights of the AANHPI community.
Several distinguished individuals were honored during the summit for their contributions:
● US Rep. Judy Chu received the Political Leadership Award.
● US Rep. Andy Kim was given the Public Service Award.
● Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society, SEWA-AIFW, Team Aids, and Elizabeth de Leon-Gamboa were honored with the Community Service Award.
● Mr. Evan Chen was recognized as Philanthropist of the Year.
● Ms. JencyMalena Mesik and Mr. Suraj Kulkarni received the President’s Young Person and Youth Awards, respectively.
At the conclusion of the summit, Jan Xie reflected on the spirit of unity showcased throughout the event, stating, “The themes of advocacy, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding resonated deeply.”
The following ACAESUSA parents and students were recognized during the 2024 AANHPI Unity Summit:
Diana X. Chen (ACAE-Youth Mental Health Co-President)
Samuel Wu （ACAE-Executive Director）
Jessica Wu (ACAE-Youth Leadership Council Chair)
Zichang (Lucy) Zeng (ACAE-Youth STEM President)
Shivalika Vig (ACAE-Youth Frisco Co-President)
Shivya Vig (ACAE-Youth Frisco Officer)
Yihan Cheng (ACAE-Youth UCADFW Co-President)
Wanrong Cheng (ACAE-Youth STEM VP)
ACAESUSA 2024 Parent of the Year Award: Chuyan Bi, Li Qun, Dan Jiang, Rongmei Zhang, Annie Hu, Linglin Ye, Guiqiao Chen, Shiv Vig, Zhengang Cheng.
We also express our heartfelt appreciation to the “World of Love” art exhibition and competition committee members for their hard work and the beautiful art displayed. Additionally, we are deeply grateful for the support of the following organizations for our youth programs: AAUC, North Texas Chinese Cultural Promotion Association (NTCCPA), UCA WAVES, UCACF, DFW IT Association (DFWIT), Warburton Investment LLC, Seapot, and MT Jewelry Studio LLC.
Looking ahead to the 2025 summit, ACAESUSA remains committed to strengthening unity within the AANHPI community and continuing its role in youth engagement, cultural advocacy, and the fight against discrimination.
On May 19th, the ACAES-GAHD Youth Chapter proved their dedication to the GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team extended far beyond cheers at the White Rock Lake Race in Dallas.(The city of Dallas hosted its first Asian Heritage Festival and Dragon Boat race over the weekend.)Their hard work played a crucial role in securing an impressive second-place finish.
Building a Dream Together: Pre-Race Collaboration
Months before the race, a blossoming collaboration saw the GAHD Chapter, led by President Guanyan Li, delve into the world of dragon boating. Not only did they learn the sport’s intricacies, but they also actively participated in developing the GAHD Dragon Boat Team’s training program. Their after-school hours were dedicated to researching, creating a detailed and scientifically sound training schedule in collaboration with the team’s coaches.
Rigorous Training: Dedication and Support
The training itself was demanding. The ACAES-GAHD Chapter joined the dragon boaters for grueling physical conditioning and technical drills. Their support went beyond sweat and exertion. They handled essential logistics, from preparing water and checking equipment to recording training data to optimize future sessions.
Learning by Experience: Honing Skills and Building Bonds
This wasn’t just observation for the youth team members. They actively participated in paddling practice, experiencing the challenges and thrills of the sport firsthand. As they honed their own paddling skills, they learned valuable strategies and techniques from the seasoned dragon boaters, forging a strong bond between the two groups.
Race Day: Enthusiasm and Teamwork Fuel Near Victory
Race day saw the ACAES-GAHD Chapter arrive early, their enthusiastic cheers providing a welcome morale boost to the dragon boat racers as they assisted with final equipment checks. The GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team delivered an exceptional performance, narrowly missing first place by a mere 0.01 seconds.
Celebrating Perseverance and Teamwork: Recognizing Contributions
The near victory was a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance. GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team Captain Jin Li praised the youth team’s unwavering support and positive energy, acknowledging their vital role in the impressive race result.
A Transformative Experience
For the ACAES-GAHD Chapter, the experience was transformative. They gained valuable insights and skills, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors. ACAES USA President Jan Xie stated, “Guanyan Li and the youth team had a great opportunity to grow and learn, with significant improvements. We hope they continue to serve the community.”
A Shining Example: Inspiring Young People
This successful collaboration between the GAHD Dragon Boat Racing Team and the ACAES-GAHD Chapter serves as a shining example for young people. It highlights the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, inspiring them to embrace sports and contribute to future achievements.
