Roots & Wings Youth Symposium: A Powerful Beginning

The inaugural Roots and Wings Youth Symposium took flight on September 6, 2025—and what a launch it was! With more than 300 youth, families, educators, and community members in attendance, the day was filled with energy, hope, and a collective sense of possibility.

From the very start, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Attendees were welcomed with music from a special Asian American playlist curated by DJ Keith O, setting the tone for a day that celebrated culture and creativity. Information tables with giveaways and resources, but the real treasures were the spaces intentionally created for discovery, learning, and connection.

Thanks to the 30+ strategic sponsors and 20+ community partners who believed in this vision providing resources to offer the symposium free for all, ensuring that no one was left out. This generosity made it possible for us to build an inclusive space where everyone could feel a sense of belonging.

The program offered something meaningful for everyone. Youth explored their passions in interactive sessions with trailblazers across different professions, gaining inspiration and courage to dream big. Parents engaged in candid conversations about the unique pressures and cultural expectations that can affect the mental health of Asian American youth, leaving with new insights and tools to support their children. Meanwhile, educators took part in workshops on innovative ways to teach Asian American history, walking away with classroom strategies that bring overlooked stories to life.

See here for our incredible speaker and program lineup.

The day unfolded with a dynamic rhythm. Morning keynotes grounded the audience in the importance of Asian American identity and representation. Midday breakout sessions created intimate spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration. And the afternoon spotlight shone brightly on the arts, with the world premiere of two original short films created in partnership with the Asian American Education Project. In Joseph Ileto’s Eyes debuted at the symposium, honoring the memory of Joseph Ileto and his family confronting the ongoing fight against hate. Threads of Freedom, to be released next month,  tells the story of the landmark labor law case involving 72 Thai garment workers who were discovered working under sweatshop conditions in El Monte, California. This legal journey was led by our Trailblazer panel speaker Julie Su.

But beyond the panels and premieres, what made this day unforgettable were the human connections: students realizing they weren’t alone in their struggles, parents exchanging knowing nods as they shared experiences, and educators finding common purpose. It was a community at its best—lifting one another up and celebrating the beauty of our shared roots while encouraging the wings of future generations to spread wide.

As we reflect on this first symposium, we know it’s just the beginning. The stories told, the conversations sparked, and the friendships formed are seeds that will continue to grow. Together, we’ve begun a journey that will carry forward the mission of empowering Asian American youth with the power of community. 

Stay tuned, because this is only the start of something extraordinary.

In Joseph Ileto's Eyes, produced by the 1990 Institute and Asian American Education Project (AAEdu) premiered at the symposium. Click here to access the From Tragedy to Activism: The Case of Joseph Ileto Lesson Plan by AAEdu.

Playlist of Asian American artists on Apple Music by DJ Keith Okada