Notable Asian American figures in journalism, tech, business, education, and mental health offer insights on leadership, personal 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/ — On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the 1990 Institute will host its second annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium at the College of San Mateo, featuring a roster of prominent Asian American leaders from media, technology, entrepreneurship, education, mental health, and public service who will engage with the next generation.
The free, day-long event, centered on the theme “Pathways to Empowerment,” targets youth aged 14 to 21, as well as parents and educators. Its programming tackles real-world issues young people encounter, such as navigating identity, building resilience, making career decisions, achieving financial confidence, and adapting to a fast-evolving world.
The symposium kicks off with a Trailblazer Keynote Panel that includes 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. These individuals—whose careers span journalism, technology, business, and public service—will discuss the experiences and decisions that shaped their professional journeys.
Attendees can select from career conversations and interactive workshops throughout the day, all designed around the hurdles and prospects facing young people today.
Career Pathfinder Conversations introduce students and young adults to figures such as Steven Kan, Other Bets Director at Alphabet; Rajen Sheth, Founder of Kyron Learning; Thien Pham, a 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.
Life Skills Workshops at the symposium turn broad discussions into actionable takeaways. Jia Jiang, CEO and Owner of Rejection Therapy, author, and entrepreneur, will present “The Pivot: Turning Rejection into Your Secret Superpower.” John Wang, author, podcast host of Big Asian Energy, and Founder of Mastery Academy, will examine how culture and identity shape one’s authentic voice and personal brand. Lindsay Bryan-Pvodin, Founder of Mind Money Balance, will facilitate an intergenerational dialogue on money narratives and building financial confidence.
Parents and educators have their own dedicated track, featuring experts such as 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 will explore topics like edu-tech, social studies, multilingual learning, and youth engagement with social media.
The day concludes with a keynote fireside chat by Yul Kwon, Vice President and General Manager, Paradigms of Intelligence at Google, technology leader, and the first Asian American winner of Survivor. Kwon will weave together the event’s central themes through a discussion 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 designed to create space for conversations that don’t always happen in classrooms or around the dinner table. Youth, parents and educators will explore evolving ideas of success, emotional well-being, identity, money, technology and purpose while building stronger connections across generations.
The 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the College of San Mateo Theatre, beginning with breakfast and registration at 8:15 a.m. and programming through 5:00 p.m. Attendance is free.
Youth, parents and educators may reserve their spots by registering here. The first 60 youth participants who register will also be eligible to receive 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 invited to attend the 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium. Credentialed press will have access to designated event programming and photo opportunities, with select speakers, guests, and 1990 Institute representatives available for interviews during designated media-accessible portions of the program. To preserve a safe space for participants, certain breakout sessions and community conversations will remain private and closed 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 available for interviews and photo opportunities during designated media-accessible portions of the program, 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 receive additional information, please 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 history, the 1990 Institute is a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing the equitable treatment and advancement of Asian Americans and promoting a deeper understanding of contemporary China through educational programming and collaborative leadership networks. Learn more at: www.1990institute.org.
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1990 Institute
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