Embark on an inspiring journey of aspiration and celebration throughout May with NAAAP’s Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month under the powerful theme, “Grit & Grace: API Narratives of Resilience, Strength, and Identity.” We invite you to join us for a month-long exploration that promises to uplift, empower, and illuminate the incredible stories of resilience within the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. Our diverse range of events is designed to not only showcase the remarkable narratives of Grit & Grace but also to inspire and connect individuals from all walks of life.

Let’s celebrate Grit & Grace, shaping a narrative of triumph and resilience that resonates across the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora. Your presence is not just welcomed; it’s an essential part of the story we’re crafting together.

South Asian Voices in the Creative Landscape
May 8, 2024 | 1PM ET | Online

A moderated panel discussion on community visioning and the value of a creative mindset featuring prominent South Asian Canadian and American artists. The panelists will share their artistic journey, reflecting on their insights, successes, and challenges while navigating and responding to uncertainty and change.

Moderatore:
Dr. Nitin Deckha

Panelists:

• Sherry Bahl
• Heidi McKenzie
• Meera Margaret Singh
• Tazeen Qayyum

Channeling Qi Gong for Personal Growth & Leadership
May 8, 2024 | 8PM | Online

Experience the transformative power of Qi Gong to align your centres of energy and move towards a more holistic and harmonious state of being. Through a guided session, you will learn how to integrate coexisting perspectives and differing elements, enabling the emergence of a more authentic and complete self. Elevate your presence in your family, community, and business endeavors as you embody the best version of yourself, radiating harmony and authenticity. What is Qi Gong? Dating back thousands of years as a foundation of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) involving the concept of meridians or energy channels within the body, Qi Gong is the study and practice of cultivating life force energy. Combining breathwork, mind regulation and coordinated physical movements, Qi Gong optimizes energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being.

AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival
May 19, 2024 | 11AM ET 
Whiterock Lake
521 E. Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75218

The City of Dallas and NAAAP-DFW present the first Annual AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival! This family-friendly event features live performances, hands-on workshops, art, food, vendors, and an exciting Dragon Boat race..

To P Or Not To P
May 22, 2024 | 5PM ET | Online

You grew up watching The Rock on WWE. Your partner finds Jason Momoa attractive. You just learned how to pronounce Taika Waititi. Despite the rise in visibility of AAPI communities in recent years, PI communities continue to go unseen, unheard, and underrepresented. As a result, deep structural inequities persist that manifest as economic injustice, disproportionate health risks, lack of political representation, barriers to educational access, and more. As we navigate PI narratives and identities together, participants will (1) increase their awareness around NH/PI communities and (2) gain an understanding of cultural values.

Presenter:

• Estella Owoimaha-Church

Navigating Two Worlds: The Experiences of Asian American Transracial Adoptees
May 23, 2024 | 7PM ET | Online

Mission Statement: Educating the public about transnational and multiracial Asian American adoptees through their own personal journeys. 

Goal: Safe space for adoptees to share stories where it’s open for everyone who wants to enter that space and exposure.

Join NAAAP in the celebration of APIHM on May 23rd at 7pm EST to celebrate and bring awareness to the value and respect of the complex adoptee experience.

Moderator:

• Shane Carlin – Korean Adoptee

Panelists:

• Cosette Eisenhauer – Chinese Adoptee
• Kris Rao – Indian Late Discovery Adoptee
• Riley Woods – Vietnamese Adoptee

Confident Communication Workshop 
May 29, 2024 | 6PM ET
Keiser University Auditorium
5002 W. Waters, Avenue, Tampa
RVSP: Jenny Cheng
813-495-4665

Join us for an exciting and interactive workshop using “improv” techniques to empower leaders toward speaking up in the moment!

Resilience & Pride: Breaking Barriers with Nikki Barua
May 30 | 7:30PM ET | Online

As we close out Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and kick off Pride Month, join us for a profound virtual fireside chat with CEO & Co-Founder of Beyond Barriers, Nikki Barua. Her extraordinary journey as an immigrant, serial entrepreneur, board director, and innovation thought leader is a testament to ambition, resilience, and determination to shatter barriers. As an Asian American queer woman, Nikki has triumphed over significant challenges to carve her path to success in both corporate and entrepreneurial realms. Her story of courage and empowerment is a guiding light, inspiring us to embrace our authentic selves and realize our fullest potential. Moderated by NAAAP Pride Director Noelle Blanco, this enlightening discussion will delve into Nikki’s experiences navigating intersectional identities and empowering women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace.

Presenter:

• CEO & Co-Founder, Beyond Barriers

Moderator:

• Noelle Blanco – NAAAP National Pride Program Director

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