Convention Dates: October 4-5, 2024
As we gather for the 2024 Convention, we are embraced by the theme 'Homecoming: Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan,' a Filipino proverb that gently reminds us of the importance of honoring our roots as a guide to our future. This theme prompts us to reflect deeply on our journey, acknowledging and celebrating our origins not as anchors that hold us to past grievances, but as beacons that illuminate our path forward. It underscores the significance of understanding where we have come from, recognizing how our collective history shapes our quest for knowledge, identity, and advancement as a community.
The concept of 'Homecoming' is deeply woven into the ethos of our diverse and vibrant Asian, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Desi (APINHD) communities. It serves as a reminder that the tapestry of our histories, with all its dreams, struggles, and triumphs, is not a ledger of old scores to settle but a rich foundation upon which we stand together today. Our ancestors navigated through vast waves of challenges—ranging from exclusion and discrimination to the battles for civil rights and recognition. Their resilience and hope are not just legacies of their victories but are also guideposts for us to forge a future that honors their sacrifices by fostering unity and understanding within our diverse community.
The last few years have tested our communities in unprecedented ways. The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, which unfortunately did not receive sustained mainstream attention despite our efforts, along with the challenges of a global pandemic and the ongoing fight for social justice across all societal spectra, have underscored the urgency of our work. Yet, during these challenges, we have also seen remarkable acts of courage, unity, and advocacy. Our communities have rallied to support each other, to inform, to heal, and to stand firm against hate, indifference, and injustice. This resilience, perseverance, and solidarity are the very essence of our "Homecoming" theme.
This year, as we convene in the great city of Atlanta, we do so in the spirit of homecoming: a return to the essence of who we are and the legacy of those who came before us. We are reminded that every step we take forward is a step taken on the shoulders of giants. Our convention is a celebration of this legacy, a recommitment to the values of kindness, diligence, peace, justice, and solidarity that guide our work in psychology and beyond.
As we look ahead, the convention will focus on the themes of healing, empowerment, action, peace, and love. We will return to meeting face to face, and in a place whose community wants to reclaim a narrative outside of spa shootings. We will explore innovative approaches to mental health and well-being, delve into research that advances our understanding of the APINHD experience, celebrate the cultural wealth that defines us, and foster an environment of peace and love that supports our collective well-being. This event will provide spaces for reflection, learning, and connection, building bridges among all of us.
"Homecoming" is an affirmation that our past informs our present and lights the way to our individual and collective future. It is a commitment to carry forward the legacy of our predecessors, to honor their selfless sacrifices by continuing the work of building a more rational, just, and compassionate world.
We invite you to join us on this journey to celebrate our collective heritage and envision a future that is peaceful, compassionate, and productive, guided by the invaluable lessons from our past. Together, let us embark on this path collaboratively, strengthened by the wisdom of our ancestors and uplifted by the promise of new horizons ahead.
Speaker: Dr. Debra M. Kawahara
Asian Americans comprise 6% of the U.S. population, and a staggering 50% of high-tech professionals. However, Asian Americans are heavily underutilized and under leveraged, as the most-hired but least-promoted individuals in Corporate America.
This is a problem and an opportunity. According to Pew, Asian Americans are the U.S.' fastest-growing racial group. This also means they are the fastest-growing workforce as well as the fastest-growing business and consumer markets. Furthermore, Asian Americans are connected to the majority of the world's markets.
This keynote will discuss the factors that influence the career advancement of Asian American professionals. Dr. Kawahara will explore ways to support the advancement of Asian American professionals in organizational settings. The presentation will explore:
* Psychological and other factors that contribute to the success of Asian American leaders;
* How organizations can support their professionals of Asian descent; and
* Psychological and other strategies of self and collective empowerment toward leadership roles.
Lastly, Dr. Kawahara will speak about her upcoming role as the 2025 APA President and some of her exciting presidential initiatives.
Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, is the 2025 American Psychological American (APA) President and is the first Asian American women to lead the association in its 132-year history. She is also Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. She assists in the management of over 20 programs in psychology and mental health across six campuses in California and online. In addition, she has an independent practice where she sees individuals, couples, and families as well as conducts trainings for organizations.
Known as a feminist and multicultural scholar whose work centers on intersectionality, women issues, Asian American mental health, and the application of feminist and multicultural values and social justice principles. She is widely published and has presented at the state, national, and international levels. Her most recent scholarship is focused on connecting the foundations of Early Buddhism to the current practices of mindfulness and meditation used in psychotherapy.
In 2018, she became the editor of Women & Therapy. Under her leadership, she has been able to commission special issues geared toward BIPOC and historically marginalized groups from a feminist perspective. Some recent issues are Anti-Racist Feminist Practice, Advocacy and Activism; Feminist Therapy with Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender Expansive People; and Special Issue on BIPOC and LGBTQ Feminist Radical Visionaries. In addition, she has served as chairperson on many dissertations and enjoys mentoring aspiring feminist and multicultural psychologists.
Her previous leadership roles include serving as a member-at-large on the APA Board of Directors, a representative on the APA Council of Representatives, an APA Finance Committee member, an Advisory Committee member for the Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology, a Divisions of Social Justice representative, and a National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology delegate.
In addition, Dr. Kawahara is a fellow of APA and the Asian American Psychological Association. In recognition of her work, she was awarded an APA Presidential Citation and the Shining Star Award at the National Multicultural Conference & Summit. Further, she received Div. 45's Distinguished Career Contributions for Service Award, and Div. 35's Pioneer Award (Section 5, Asian Pacific Islander Women).
Crystal Bui
Crystal Bui is an EMMY-nominated Vietnamese-American news reporter who's covered some of the biggest stories in the last decade including investigations into hate crimes following the deadly Atlanta spa shootings where eight people were killed including six Asian women. She is the author of the memoir, "More To Tell." Crystal Bui's memoir became an Amazon bestseller for biographies of journalists. She is now CEO of Spotlight Communications Group, a video production and media relations firm promoting women-ran organizations and supporting mental health and wellness causes.
Travel:
The restaurant is about 20 miles away from our Convention location (Georgia State University College of Law).
FREE bus service to and from the convention venue (GSU School of Law) and the convention hotel (Hilton Atlanta) will be provided. Bus schedules will be available at the Registration Table when you check in.
Please let us know if you are requesting special accessibility accommodations so that we may be specific in our request to the banquet location.
Banquet menu:
Delicious banquet-style menu featuring multiple courses will include vegetarian and vegan options...dim sum hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Please note that we will not be providing lunch at the convention. However, there are several wonderful lunch options nearby! Here are a few we identified:
1. Aviva by Kameel - Atlanta 225 Peachtree St NE Ste B-30 Atlanta, GA 30303 | 6. Lobster Banh Mi 57 Forsyth St SW Unit R7 Atlanta, GA 30303 |
2. Alma Cocina - Atlanta 191 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 | 7. Saigon Bites 231 Peachtree St NE Ste FC-04 Atlanta, GA 30308 |
3. The Food Shoppe 123 Luckie St NW Ste 108 Atlanta, GA 30303 | 8. Baraka Shawarma 68 Walton St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 barakashawarma.com |
4. Blossom Tree 64 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 | 9. Pho King Express 18 Park Pl NE S Atlanta, GA 30303 phokingexpress.com |
5. Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken 231 W Peachtree St NE Ste A-05 Atlanta, GA 30303 | 10. NaanStop 64 Broad St NW Atlanta, GA 30303 naanstop.com |
There are plenty of lots as well as street parking around the Georgia State University College of Law campus. You can park at a cost of $10/space on T-Deck (42 Auburn Avenue), per availability.
Map of Convention Location
Hotel Accommodations:
Convention Partner Hotel: Hilton Atlanta
255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Negotiated Rate: $119/night/room + taxes for rooms with one king-size bed or two full-size beds.
Booking Link: Hilton Atlanta Booking Link
Why book through this link?
Book Early! The offer expires once our room block is full.
Thank you, and please feel free to contact us at convention@aapaonline.org with any urgent questions.
Convention Co-Chairs Teresa Hsu |
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Mentor/Mentee Committee: Sue Kim My-Linh Luu Shimei Nelapati convention.mentoring@aapaonline.org | Program Committee: Teresa Hsu convention.program@aapaonline.org | Book Sales Committee: Annalisa Chu Kaela Liddle Ally Fukada convention.booksale@aapaonline.org |
Poster/Sessions Committee: Rajika Mehra Amanda Sheu Dina Al Ghabra Ness Mehta Jane Yang convention.sessions@aapaonline.org | Registration Committee: Sue Kim Stephanie Yu Julia Zhong convention.registration@aapaonline.org | Volunteer Committee: Wenbo Zhang Yuxuan Zhao convention.volunteer@aapaonline.org |
AVI/Refreshments Committee: Aimy Paulsen | Banquet Committee: Marijo Villano Michelle Mendoza convention.banquet@aapaonline.org | Media Committee: Akanksha Das Anna Vu Lauren Yang |
