The Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) is set to host the 3rd Annual AANHPI Unity Summit on Sept. 16-17, bringing together more than 150 leaders, nonprofit representatives, policymakers, and allies from across the nation.
The annual event, which alternates between policy dialogue, cultural celebration, and collective action, is considered a cornerstone gathering for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
“This Summit is not merely a gathering; it’s a strategic initiative designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and address the critical challenges facing our communities. We have been blessed to live in this land that has provided us with all the best opportunities that any immigrant could wish for themselves and their families,” noted Angela Anand, president of AAUC, in an official statement.
The two-day summit features a robust agenda, with sessions on civil rights, economic equity, religious freedom, mental health, political participation, and the implications of recent executive orders. Attendees will take part in advocacy training, meet with members of Congress, and experience multicultural performances showcasing AANHPI heritage.
This year, AAUC is also launching two new initiatives: AAUC’s HUB, a centralized platform for Asian American data and statistics, and the Asian American News Portal, a biweekly digest amplifying community stories and policy developments.
In line with the nation’s upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the coalition emphasized its commitment to elevating AANHPI voices in the national narrative.
Among the headliners are Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate; Helen Zia, acclaimed activist and author; and KaYing Yang, president of RedGreen Rivers, who will join a fireside conversation on the future of AAPI advocacy.
Rep. Gene Wu of Texas will speak on the growing role of Asian Americans in policymaking, while entrepreneur and philanthropist Sandy Chau will deliver the evening keynote on civic leadership.
Several prominent community leaders are also slated to take the stage. Thu Nguyen of OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates, Quyen Dinh of SEARAC, and Thaomee Xiong of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders will highlight pressing policy priorities and challenges facing AANHPI communities. Meanwhile, Haipei Shue of United Chinese Americans, Kevin Hirano of APIAVote, Cindy Tsai of the Committee of 100, and Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, will bring perspectives on community mobilization and organizational leadership.
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The summit will also recognize outstanding contributions to the community. Rep. Wu will receive the Dalip Singh Saund Award; Ambassador M. Osman Siddique will be presented with the Norman Mineta Award; and Dr. Ellen Qiong Schicktanz and Dr. Surinder Sehgal will be honored as Philanthropists of the Year. Community service awards will go to Mukta Bain, Dr. Junzhou Huang, and the Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota. Youth honorees include Oorja Manot, Akhil Venkatesh, and Adam Zhang.
Programming begins Sept. 16 at the Holiday Inn National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, with a Welcome Dinner featuring Chau and Sharma as keynote speakers. The summit continues Sept. 17 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., and will close with a Congressional Reception and Awards Ceremony.
“This is more than a gathering, it’s a movement,” said AAUC Board Chair Dr. SK Lo. “We are building unity through shared purpose, data-driven advocacy, and the power of storytelling.”
Participants will have the opportunity to network, exchange successful strategies, and engage directly with elected officials on Capitol Hill. Central topics include immigration, social justice, hate crimes, economic equality, healthcare, and civil rights.