The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) extends its heartfelt thanks to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Assistant
Professor Zhihao Wu for their continued support in empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth. On July 3, 2025, nearly 50 students and parents joined a special campus and lab tour at SMU, hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences.
Led by ACAESUSA President Jan Xie, the visit gave students a rare and meaningful opportunity to engage directly with faculty members, tour cutting-edge research labs, and explore future paths in science, medicine, and higher education.
Exploring Science Firsthand
The tour included visits to three key labs, hosted by:
Dr. Richard Jones, Chair and Professor
Assistant Professor Jonathan Hibshman
Assistant Professor Zhihao Wu
Students were introduced to a wide range of exciting research:
The Wu Lab, which investigates neurodegeneration and mitochondrial quality control using fruit fly models.
The Schretter Lab, opening in 2026, which will explore how sensory cues like smell and hunger influence social behaviors.
The Hibshman Lab, which uses tardigrades and C. elegans to study biological survival under extreme stress for biomedical applications.
Each lab showcased real-world applications of science and highlighted how young people can begin their journey toward careers in research and medicine.
At the conclusion of the program, three 12th-grade student officers presented flowers to thank the guest speakers for their time and inspiration. The presenters were:
Zachary Huang, President of ACAE-Youth Medical Branch
Diana X. Chen, Co-President of ACAE-Youth Medical Branch
Keira Yang, President of ACAE-Youth DDYA
Their gesture symbolized deep appreciation and highlighted the leadership and gratitude fostered within the ACAESUSA youth community.
Patriotism and Leadership
After the tours, students and families gathered for lunch and participated in a student officer oath ceremony and flag presentation. One of the most touching moments came when a recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played—performed by ACAESUSA youth.
During the officer oath ceremony, each of us received a rose from ACAESUSA. It wasn’t just a flower — it felt like a symbol of trust, encouragement, and a reminder that we are now leaders.“When I received the rose, I felt seen and supported,” said Zachary Huang, “It reminded me that I’m not alone, and that I have a whole community cheering me on.”
This simple but meaningful moment made the ceremony even more special — and gave us the confidence to step forward and serve.
(From Left to Right: Jason Li, Zachary Huang, Keria Yang, Yutong Hua, Julian Liu, Sara Ye )
“This event helped our students build confidence and leadership while connecting them to the possibilities of science,” said President Jan Xie. “We’re thankful to SMU and Professor Wu for opening doors for our future leaders.”
The full list of ACAESUSA Youth Officers will be published on our official website soon.
Community Encouragement
The event was further strengthened by encouragement from community and university leaders:
University Park Mayor Tommy Stewart and
University of Texas President Jay Hartzell
Both leaders shared warm regards and expressed their support for the youth and families in attendance.
A Meaningful Farewell
After the tour, many students were reluctant to leave, moved by what they had experienced. Some stayed to enjoy meals at SMU’s cafeteria, while others gathered with peers for group photos to commemorate the day – a symbol of friendship, inspiration, and a bright future ahead.
Looking Ahead
This event is part of ACAESUSA’s broader mission to support education, civic engagement, and cultural identity among AAPI youth. The organization has held similar programs with institutions like UT Arlington, and looks forward to future collaborations.
ACAESUSA 衷心感谢来自美国和墨西哥的志愿者，是他们促成了此次交流活动。Special appreciation goes to Youth Ambassador Katelyn Hu the leadership, Annie, Monica, Rosa, Lleana Gonzalez, Jian Xie, Arthur Pei, Cecilia Li, Ian Song, and Amelia Peng for their dedication and support.
Nearly 400 Gifts Delivered to Local School, Orphanage, and Senior Center
Mexico City, Mexico – May 2025 – The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) recently completed a meaningful cultural and humanitarian mission to Mexico, fostering friendship and understanding through people-to-people exchange and heartfelt community outreach.
As part of ACAESUSA’s ongoing international cultural exchange efforts, the delegation visited Colegio Senda, a local school, as well as a senior care center and an orphanage. Nearly 400 thoughtfully prepared gift packages were delivered, including toys, school supplies, new shoes, toiletries, cosmetics, and original artwork by ACAESUSA’s young artists. These gifts were warmly welcomed by children and elderly residents, serving as symbols of care, respect, and cultural connection.
At Colegio Senda, the delegation interacted with students and educators, placing special emphasis on the school’s inclusive support for children with autism and other special needs. The classrooms were filled with bright smiles and joyful exchanges between students and their American guests.
The visit to the senior care center brought warmth and dignity, as the team shared gifts and meaningful conversations with the elderly—many of whom were deeply moved by the thoughtful gestures and personal attention.
At the orphanage, the children excitedly opened their gifts, expressing gratitude and joy. The moment underscored the power of cross-cultural compassion and kindness.
The delegation concluded their journey with a visit to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s national theater, where they attended a spectacular performance of traditional Mexican music and dance. The show celebrated the richness of Mexican heritage and left a lasting impression on all attendees.
“This journey demonstrated the power of cultural understanding and the deep impact of even small acts of kindness,” said Jian Xie, President of ACAESUSA. “We are grateful for the warm hospitality of our hosts in Mexico and look forward to deepening collaboration in cultural exchange and community service.”
Katelyn Hu, Youth Ambassador for ACAESUSA and Miss Asian Culture and Education Society USA 2025–2026, also reflected on the experience:
“Spending time with children my own age in another country helped me realize how connected we all are, no matter where we come from. Sharing art, smiles, and stories reminded me how important it is to build friendship through kindness and culture.”
ACAESUSA extends sincere thanks to the volunteers from both the United States and Mexico who made this exchange possible. Special appreciation goes to Youth Ambassador Katelyn Hu the leadership, Annie, Monica, Rosa, Lleana Gonzalez, Jian Xie, Arthur Pei, Cecilia Li, Ian Song, and Amelia Peng for their dedication and support. Special thanks to Blue Bonnet Meadows RV Park for their generous sponsorship of this mission.
With renewed energy and commitment, ACAESUSA will continue to champion global youth development, cultural exchange, and charitable outreach—building unity through mutual respect and shared humanity.
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)
