Asian American pioneers in media, tech, business, education, and mental wellness impart lessons on leadership, identity, and perseverance.
“Our speakers represent so many different paths to leadership and success, and we want young people to see that there is no single roadmap for their future.”— Lisa Hsu, 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium Co-ChairSAN MATEO, CA, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The 1990 Institute has unveiled the roster of speakers for its second annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium, assembling prominent Asian American figures from media, technology, entrepreneurship, education, mental health, and public service to engage with the upcoming generation on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the College of San Mateo.
Operating under the theme “Pathways to Empowerment,” this complimentary, all-day event is tailored for youth aged 14 to 21, as well as parents and educators. The agenda targets the real-life dilemmas young individuals encounter as they navigate identity, resilience, career decisions, financial literacy, and a swiftly evolving world.
The symposium kicks off with a Trailblazer Keynote Panel featuring Dion Lim, an Emmy-winning journalist, author, and activist; Deborah Liu, Co-Founder of Ember AI and former CEO of Ancestry; Evan Low, President and CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund; and Dave Lu, Founder of Hyphen Capital. This discussion unites leaders whose professional journeys span journalism, technology, entrepreneurship, and public service to recount the experiences and decisions that shaped their trajectories.
Throughout the event, attendees can select from career dialogues and interactive workshops centered on the obstacles and prospects confronting today’s youth.
Career Pathfinder Conversations introduce students and young adults to figures like Steven Kan, Other Bets Director at Alphabet; Rajen Sheth, Founder of Kyron Learning; Thien Pham, cartoonist, illustrator, and educator; Sora Lee, CEO of Korean skincare brand JIYU and Founder of Hustle & Heart, a functional wellness brand; Andrew Chau, founder of Boba Guys; Cameron N. Sasai, Mayor of Pinole, CA; Maggie Xie, Executive Director of Red Envelope Collective; and Hudson Liao and Zeien Cheung, co-founders of Asians Are Strong.
The symposium’s Life Skills Workshops transform these broader discussions into actionable tools for participants. Jia Jiang, CEO and Owner of Rejection Therapy, author, and entrepreneur, presents “The Pivot: Turning Rejection into Your Secret Superpower.” John Wang, author, podcast host of Big Asian Energy, and Founder of Mastery Academy, examines how culture and identity shape one’s authentic voice and personal brand. Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Founder of Mind Money Balance, facilitates an intergenerational conversation on financial narratives and building fiscal confidence.
Parents and educators also receive dedicated programming, with specialists including Dr. Rona Hu of Stanford Hospital; Dr. Helen Hsu of Stanford University Counseling & Psychological Services; Dr. Gwenn Lei of the San Mateo County Office of Education; Stacey Wang, CEO of Yu Ming Charter School; Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, Senior Advisor at The Asian American Education Project (AAEdu); and participants from YURI Education Project and GoodforMedia. These sessions delve into topics such as edu-tech, social studies, multilingual learning, and youth engagement with social media.
The event concludes with a keynote fireside chat featuring Yul Kwon, Vice President and General Manager, Paradigms of Intelligence at Google, a technology leader and the first Asian American winner of Survivor. Kwon ties together the day’s themes through a dialogue on leadership, identity, and forging a non-linear route to achievement.
“Our speakers represent so many different paths to leadership and success, and we want young people to see that there is no single roadmap for their future,” said Lisa Hsu, 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium Co-Chair.
“By connecting students directly with leaders who have navigated challenges, taken risks and built careers across industries, we hope they leave Roots & Wings with greater confidence in what’s possible—and practical tools and relationships to help them chart their own path,” added Sandra Pan, Co-Chair.
Beyond the stage, Roots & Wings is crafted to foster discussions that rarely occur in classrooms or at the dinner table. Youth, parents, and educators explore shifting notions of success, emotional health, identity, money, technology, and purpose while forging stronger intergenerational bonds.
The 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the College of San Mateo Theatre, starting with breakfast and registration at 8:15 a.m. and activities continuing until 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Youth, parents, and educators can reserve their spots by registering here. The first 60 youth registrants will also qualify for two tickets to the San Francisco Giants vs. Minnesota Twins game on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
MEDIA INFORMATION
Members of the media are welcome to attend the 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium. Credentialed press will have entry to designated event programming and photo opportunities, with select speakers, guests, and 1990 Institute representatives available for interviews during specified media-accessible segments. To maintain a safe environment for participants, certain breakout sessions and community conversations will remain private and off-limits to media coverage.
Media Arrival and Check-In: Saturday, September 19, at 8:30 a.m. at the registration desk in front of the College of San Mateo Theatre.
Interview and Photo Opportunities: Select speakers, guests, and 1990 Institute representatives will be accessible for interviews and photo ops during designated media-accessible portions, including breakfast and registration (8:15–8:45 a.m.); opening remarks (8:45–8:55 a.m.); the Trailblazer Keynote Panel (8:55–10:05 a.m.); special film presentation (10:05–10:25 a.m.); lunch (approximately 11:35 a.m.–12:25 p.m.); afternoon special film presentation (3:40–4:00 p.m.); and the Keynote Fireside Chat (4:00–4:45 p.m.).
To request media credentials, schedule an interview, or obtain further details, contact Sandra Pan at ys@1990institute.org with “2026 Youth Symposium Media Request” in the subject line.
ABOUT THE 1990 INSTITUTE
Rooted in its 36-year legacy, the 1990 Institute is a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the equitable treatment and advancement of Asian Americans and fostering a deeper comprehension of contemporary China through educational initiatives and collaborative leadership networks. Learn more at: www.1990institute.org.
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1990 Institute
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