Discover the power of unity and redefine your journey at the Breaking Barriers Summit on Friday, May 3, 2024. This year's event combines an immersive in-person and virtual experience, offering a unique opportunity to address the specific challenges faced by Asian Americans: bias, imposter syndrome, and the delicate balance of multiple cultures.

The Details

This summit is more than an event; it's a movement. Be part of a transformative day where you'll learn from those in the community, whether breaking into the industry, overcoming challenges, or forging a unique path. Join us for real talk, authentic connections, and genuine empowerment. Your registration unlocks exclusive access to a full day of enriching experiences, including breakfast, lunch, professional portrait photography, and insights from incredible industry leaders.

Engage in dynamic community sessions covering branding, mental health, and crafting a meaningful life brief. Plus, take advantage of our dedicated career corner for personalized resume and portfolio reviews. Join us in breaking barriers, sharing experiences, and building a community that propels us forward. This isn't just an event—it's a commitment to shaping a more inclusive and empowered future. Your presence is more than attendance; it's an active role in redefining our narrative. We can't wait to see you at the summit! ➡️ Reimbursement Letter Template

Tickets are limited. Get yours today!

Event Speakers

Keynote: Susie Nam

CEO Publicis Creative US
Lopaka Purdy

President/Owner, Waldinger Creative
Ambika Pai

Head of Brand, TIAA
Bill Imada

Chairman and Chief Connectivity Officer, IW Group
Emily Chang

CEO, VML West
Mita Mallick

Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact, Carta
Jay Kamath

Founder and Chief Creative Officer, HAYMAKER
Lauren Smith

Executive Creative Director, 72&Sunny
Steven Moy

Chief Executive Officer, L&C NYC
Senna Bayasgalan

Managing Director, GPCA
Shane Santiago

President, Chief Experience Officer at Bravely
Christina Lu

SVP Strategy at Carat
Laura Lee

Founder & CEO at LL Consulting
Joe Ambrocio Le Carolino

Chief Creative Officer at Thesis
Grace Moss

Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Warner Bros. Discovery
Dan Matthews - MC

Head of Partnerships & Creative Producer, Transparent Arts
Tina Biswas

Group Vice President, Client Partner at Razorfish
Azalea Wang

Client Partner at Meta
Jenny Huang

Director of B2B Marketing, Gannett / USA TODAY
Dennis Yao Yu

Vice President of Revenue StrategyVice President of Revenue Strategy, Firework
Lisa Bull

Asians in Advertising Board Member
Bernice Chao

Founder, Asians in Advertising

We Love Our Sponsors

Great News - AIA has 501(c)3 status, another huge step in our vision to create positive and lasting change for AANHPI professionals at every level. Learn more

Join us for a morning of networking over breakfast and engaging icebreakers for those joining us in person. Start your day connecting with fellow attendees in a lively and interactive setting.
Icebreakers by: Paramount Advertising
Breakfast: Paris Baguette
Coffee: IW Group
Bernice Chao, President and co-founder of Asians in Advertising, sparks change by championing diversity in her opening remarks, urging industry-wide inclusion and amplification of diverse voices.
MC by Dan Matthews, Head of Partnerships & Creative Producer at Transparent Arts
Susie Nam - The newly appointed CEO of Publicis US Creative, who most recently served as the CEO of the Americas for Droga5, Nam is lauded for her adept ability to design agency systems and cultures that yield breakthrough ideas and best-in-class talent.
Lopaka Purdy, President of Waldinger, and Joe Carolino, CCO of Thesis, lead an empowering discussion on navigating the professional landscape of fair compensation. Gain insights and strategies to understand your value and confidently negotiate for what you deserve.
Moderated by: Christina Lu, SVP Strategy at Carat
Explore the transformative impact of mentorship and sponsorship on professional success with Bill Imada, Chairman, Chief Connectivity Officer, and founder of IW Group and Emily Chang, CEO of VML West. Discover strategies and insights to leverage these relationships for personal and career growth in today's competitive landscape.
Moderator: Senna Bayasgalan, founding Asians in Advertising board member and Managing Director at GPCA
Join us for a dynamic afternoon packed with opportunities! Enjoy lunch, engage in community sessions, expand your network, participate in portfolio reviews, and explore many enriching activities and offerings. There's something for everyone—be a part of it all!
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1:10 - 1:50 (virtual) Reimagine Inclusion—Join Mita Mallick in a conversation moderated by Lisa Bull about her book Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths. Explore workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion and gain practical tips for building inclusive environments.
2:10 - 2:50 (virtual) Matchmaking Session
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1:00-3:00 (in-person) Workshops Details Below - Moderated by: Jennifer Kong and Suzie Bao
This talk explores the innovative frontiers of advertising, unveiling strategies and visionary insights that challenge conventions and shape the future of creative advertising. Join industry experts Jay Kamath, Founder and CCO of Haymaker, Lauren Smith, ECD at 72&Sunny, and Tina Biswas, GVP, Client Partner at Razorfish, as they push boundaries and redefine how we perceive and engage with advertising.
Moderated by: Shane Santiago, President and Chief Experience Officer at Bravely
Delve into the innovative frontiers of advertising with Steven Moy, CEO of L&C New York, Laura Lee, Founder & CEO of LL Consulting, and Dennis Yao Yu, VP of Revenue Strategy at Firework, as they share insights that challenge conventions and shape the future of marketing. Join industry experts pushing boundaries to redefine how we engage in this forward-thinking discussion.
Moderated by: Lisa Bull, Asians in Advertising Board Member
Unlock the secrets to creating an unforgettable presence with Ambika Pai, Head of Brand at TIAA, Grace Moss Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Warner Bros. Discovery, and Jenny Huang, Director of B2B Marketing at Gannett/USA Today, in this engaging talk. Discover the art of leaving a lasting impression as they share insights and strategies to master the craft of being memorable. Join us for an illuminating session on how to stand out and make a lasting impact in both personal and professional settings.
Moderated by: Azalea Wang, Client Partner at Meta
Closing remarks