#ACELing2026 ~ Mental Health, Burnout, and Sustainable Success

Mental Health, Burnout, and Sustainable Success

Success should not come at the expense of well-being. Many professionals, including AAPI leaders, navigate high expectations, cultural pressures, caregiving responsibilities, and the pursuit of achievement. At the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference, the panel “Mental Health, Burnout, and Sustainable Success” will explore burnout, workplace pressures, and practical strategies for building sustainable careers. Leaders will share insights on maintaining resilience, strengthening workplace well-being, and creating healthier approaches to leadership, performance, and long-term success.

Meet the Moderator

Claira Dresher, Psychotherapist & Consultant, Arizona Trauma Therapists

Claira is a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in trauma, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions. Before entering clinical practice, she spent more than 20 years in executive leadership roles at global financial institutions and healthcare organizations, giving her firsthand insight into the pressures of high achievement, burnout, and identity. Claira is passionate about helping individuals and communities build resilience through culturally responsive, evidence-based care. She enjoys fostering meaningful conversations that bridge leadership, mental health, and personal growth while helping others develop healthier approaches to navigating professional and personal challenges.

Meet the Panelists

Elizabeth Greene, Senior Director of Organizational Learning and Development, Lam Research

Elizabeth is a seasoned talent development leader with more than two decades of experience driving learning strategy, leadership development, and organizational growth in fast-paced global environments. She currently serves as Senior Director of Organizational Learning and Development at Lam Research, a Fortune 500 semiconductor equipment company. Elizabeth holds an MBA, a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies, and the SHRM-SCP certification. Beyond her professional role, she serves as a Make-A-Wish volunteer, ACEL mentor and speaker, and advisory board member for Northern Arizona University’s workforce development committee focused on the semiconductor industry.

Chris Hao, Professor, ASU Law & Bar Counsel, State Bar of Arizona

Chris is a full-time professor at ASU Law and serves as Bar Counsel at the State Bar of Arizona, where he investigates and litigates lawyer ethics violations. Prior to transitioning to public service, Chris was a partner at a national law firm. He has been actively involved with the Arizona Asian American Bar Association since law school, serving in leadership roles including treasurer, vice president, president, and ex-officio. A graduate of the State Bar of Arizona’s Bar Leadership Institute, Chris is a strong advocate for mentorship and believes in developing the next generation of leaders within the legal and professional communities.

Sam Castro, LAC,, Associate Experience, Belonging & Wellbeing Partner, Choice Hotels International

Sam is Associate Experience, Belonging & Wellbeing Partner at Choice Hotels International, where she leads initiatives focused on employee experience, wellbeing, associate engagement, and leadership development. She partners with leaders and manages Choice Resource Groups (CRGs) to strengthen workplace culture, foster connection, and support employee growth. As a Licensed Associate Counselor, Sam brings expertise in mental health and psychological safety that informs her approach to workplace wellbeing, leadership, and belonging. Her work focuses on creating environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.

Tommie Ho, Director of Business Intelligence, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Tommie is Director of Business Intelligence at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, where he leads enterprise BI, AI modernization, and data strategy initiatives that transform complex challenges into measurable outcomes. He is passionate about building high-performing teams and enabling organizations to leverage AI and data for smarter decision-making. Beyond his corporate role, Tommie is an entrepreneur, consultant, and content creator sharing insights on leadership, technology, career growth, and innovation. He believes the best solutions begin with clear outcomes and empowering people with the right tools to achieve meaningful impact.

Building Sustainable Success

Leadership is not only about achieving results—it is about building the resilience, balance, and well-being needed for long-term success. Join us at the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference for an important conversation on navigating burnout, strengthening mental wellness, and creating sustainable approaches to leadership, performance, and career growth.

2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference

Theme: Shaping What’s Next: Influence. Innovation. Impact.

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