{"id":1441,"date":"2025-07-27T00:20:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T00:20:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jianstv.com\/?p=1441"},"modified":"2025-08-15T15:27:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T15:27:21","slug":"acaesusa-2025-annual-conference-celebrates-culture-innovation-and-youth-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jianstv.com\/?p=1441","title":{"rendered":"ACAESUSA 2025 Annual Conference Celebrates Culture, Innovation, and Youth Leadership \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Theme: Rooted in Heritage, Growing Knowledge, Shaping the Future
Dates: June 23\u201324, 2025 | Extended Events: June 28, July 3 & July 4
Location: University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) & Online via Zoom <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) proudly concluded its 2025 Annual Conference\u2014a vibrant, multi-day celebration of Asian American heritage, education, STEM advancement, and youth leadership. Under the  theme Rooted in Heritage, Growing Knowledge, Shaping the Future, the event united students, scholars, educators, artists, and families across generations and disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Held at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) from June 23\u201324, with extended activities continuing through July 4, the conference featured over 100 contributors including speakers, performers, and youth moderators from across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Special Thanks to Mayor Jim Ross<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We were honored to welcome Mayor Jim Ross of Arlington, TX, who joined us in person to deliver a powerful keynote address. His inspiring words emphasized cultural pride, civic engagement, and youth empowerment\u2014energizing attendees and reinforcing ACAESUSA\u2019s mission to build leadership rooted in heritage and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honoring Our Supporters<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our deepest appreciation goes to SMU President Jay C. Hartzell, who, despite scheduling conflicts, sent warm congratulations and best wishes to the ACAESUSA community. We also extend gratitude to University Park City Mayor Thomas H. Stewart, who offered his support and encouragement, even though illness prevented him from attending. Their ongoing advocacy means so much to our organization and youth participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udde0 Conference Highlights<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf93 Day 1 \u2013 June 23, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The conference opened with welcome remarks by Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA, and Professor Shouyi Wang, who served as the 2025 Conference Chair. Professor Wang, a UTA expert in AI and analytics and an ACAESUSA Advisory Board Member, helped guide the  development of this year\u2019s academic focus and STEM track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were also honored to have Dr. Sampson Gholston, Chair and Professor in the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering at UTA, deliver a special welcome on behalf of the university. Dr. Gholston introduced UT Arlington\u2019s engineering programs and spoke on topics such as Engineering Statistics, Quality Engineering and Management, and Lean Six Sigma\u2014encouraging students to pursue innovation and excellence in STEM fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEM & Engineering Panels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Shuchi Deb \u2013 Innovation in Human-Machine Systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Baohong Yuan \u2013 Advances in Biomedical  Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Junzhou Huang \u2013 AI and Smart Systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Linda Wang \u2013 Data Science in Aerospace Engineering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AAPI Education & History<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Zhida Song-James \u2013 Teaching Asian American History in K\u201312<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Culture & Performance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaixin, Happy Dance Studio \u2013 Choreography and cultural storytelling through dance <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deborah Min, Alliant International University \u2013 Supporting Youth Mental Wellness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entrepreneurship & Business Skills<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jie Song, InnoFirst Capital \u2013 From Startup to Leadership in Tech<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Health & Wellness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Ji Qian, Texas A&M \u2013 Emotional Health & Public Awareness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Wei Tang, Baylor Scott & White \u2013 Neuromuscular Disease & Community Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Youth Leadership Panels 
Youth presenters led conversations on civic involvement, service, and cultural advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Storytelling & Impact<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Ji Qian \u2013 Shared stories of resilience and community voices<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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College Readiness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew Xu \u2013 Academic strategies for AAPI college-bound youth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing Remarks<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lo, Chair of AAUC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hua Wang, Chair of UCA  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Cultural Night Celebration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The day concluded with a festive Cultural Night, where attendees enjoyed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditional Asian BBQ and live hand-pulled noodle demonstrations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A vibrant Er Ren Zhuan<\/em> handkerchief dance workshop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performances, including classic folk songs such as \u201cRiding the Bridal Sedan\u201d<\/em>by members of the ACAE Fat Ni BBQ Chapter<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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World of Love Art Exhibition at UTA <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of Day 1, ACAESUSA proudly presented the debut of its annual \u201cWorld of Love Art\u201d exhibition at the University of Texas at Arlington. This meaningful showcase uses visual art to spark awareness, empathy, and advocacy among youth and the broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 2024\u20132025 theme, \u201cSupport Autism & Mental Health Students,\u201d focused on raising visibility for neurodiverse children and students facing emotional health  challenges. Through powerful and personal works, young artists illustrated the importance of inclusion, understanding, and compassion\u2014especially in educational and social environments. The upcoming 2025\u20132026 theme, \u201cBrushes Blooming for the Girls,\u201d invites artists of all ages from around the world to celebrate girlhood, promote well-being, and honor resilience. This year’s exhibition carries a deeply emotional message: a gentle remembrance of children\u2014especially girls\u2014whose lives were lost too soon due to disaster, hardship, or violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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During his visit, Mayor Jim Ross praised the World of Love Art exhibition for its vision, purpose, and emotional power. He commended ACAESUSA and the student artists for channeling creativity into healing and advocacy, making a lasting impact through the arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 28: Art Workshop with Artist Hong Yan <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renowned artist Hong Yan led a hands-on art session encouraging creativity and mindfulness through apple-themed painting. Families and students explored traditional brush techniques while embracing artistic self-expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udd2c July 3: STEM Lab Tour at SMU<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A highlight of the extended programming was a special STEM-focused campus and lab tour at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Nearly 50 students and  parents participated in this immersive educational experience led by ACAESUSA  President Jan Xie and Dr. Zhihao Wu, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at SMU and ACAESUSA Advisory Board Member. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faculty Hosts Included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Richard Jones, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Assistant Professor Jonathan Hibshman<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Assistant Professor Dr. Zhihao Wu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Participants explored:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wu Lab: Research on neurodegeneration and mitochondrial quality control using fruit fly models<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hibshman Lab: Investigations into stress survival using tardigrades and C.elegans<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preview of Schretter Lab (opening in 2026): Studying sensory cues and social behavior   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 ACAESUSA Joins 4th of July Parade<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In celebration of  Independence Day, ACAESUSA proudly participated in the 2025 Park Cities 4th of July Parade organized by the Rotary Club of Park Cities. Despite steady rain, our multigenerational team\u2014including students, adult volunteers, and seniors\u2014marched with enthusiasm and unity, led by Dr. Zhihao Wu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At the parade\u2019s conclusion, ACAESUSA President Jan Xie had the honor of meeting Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, who warmly praised the group\u2019s spirit and impact.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We are especially grateful for the kind words from Dr. Glynis Worthington, Rotary member and Ms. Senior World 60s 2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Your involvement made one of our community\u2019s most beloved traditions even more memorable\u2026 Your participation truly matters.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We look forward to returning next year to celebrate America\u2019s 250th birthday with even greater joy and unity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Empowering the Next Generation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACAESUSA recognized youth leaders who played vital roles throughout the event\u2014from moderating panels and introducing speakers to managing logistics and virtual programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four award categories recognized exceptional contributions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfc6 Outstanding Youth Leadership Chair Award<\/strong> \u2013 Highest honor for exceptional leadership, initiative, and impact<\/em> Ian Song \u00b7 Bryan Zhao \u00b7 Adam Zhang \u00b7 Julian Liu \u00b7 Meihua Zhou, Amy Wang<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Distinguished Youth Leadership Chair Award<\/strong> \u2013 For strong commitment and consistent leadership excellence<\/em> Zachary Huang \u00b7 Zihan Huang \u00b7 Diana Chen \u00b7 Jason Li \u00b7 Sara Ye \u00b7 Keira Yang \u00b7 Ethan Wang \u00b7 May Bai<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf96 Youth Leadership Chair Award<\/strong> \u2013 Acknowledging service and dedication as appointed youth leaders<\/em> Christopher An \u00b7 Park Shu \u00b7 Ebony Chen \u00b7 Anya Liu \u00b7 Matthew Yang \u00b7 Jake Jin \u00b7 Yongchen Long \u00b7 Melanie Bai \u00b7 Samuel Li \u00b7 Jonina Ouyang \u00b7 Isabella Lou \u00b7 Chenrui Mi \u00b7 Yihan Cheng \u00b7 Fiona Ye \u00b7 Jodie Lin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award<\/strong> \u2013 Recognizing quiet yet powerful service to the community<\/em> Veera Panday \u00b7 Amber Wang \u00b7 Sophie Wang \u00b7 Andy Li, Katelyn Hu \u00b7 Austin Yao \u00b7 Ethan Li \u00b7 Howard Li \u00b7 Qianhang Bao \u00b7 Yutong Hua \u00b7 Grace Wang \u00b7 Hanyu \u00b7 Junxi Xu \u00b7 Hannah Yu Leng \u00b7 Huiki Chen \u00b7 Jefferson Chiu \u00b7 Molly Li \u00b7 Shenghe Du \u00b7 Emily Wang \u00b7 Amelia Peng \u00b7 Cathrine Wu<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEmpowering youth to lead is not just symbolic\u2014it equips them to be tomorrow\u2019s changemakers,\u201d said ACAESUSA President Jan Xie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Gratitude<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our sincere thanks go to our generous partners and supporters. Special recognition to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n