#ACELing2026 ~ Topics and Descriptions

Conference Topics and Descriptions

1B. Present with Confidence and Make an Impact

Strong presentations are not only built well—they are delivered with confidence and connection. In this interactive working session, participants will learn how to create presentations with clear purpose, audience-centered structure, and a compelling point of view. The session will focus on practical delivery skills including voice, pace, pauses, presence, body language, and reading the room. Participants will practice with real presentation ideas, receive feedback, and build greater confidence as impactful communicators.

1C. Inverted Apprenticeship: Lexical Bridges for the AI-Native Workforce through an Asian American Cultural Lens

The rapid integration of AI is creating new challenges between traditional leadership approaches and AI-native ways of working. This session explores emerging AI behaviors, from productivity theater to agentic creativity, while examining cultural perspectives that influence communication and adoption. Participants will learn a framework of lexical bridges that helps leaders translate competing priorities into shared language, stronger collaboration, and an operating cadence that balances human dignity with measurable momentum.

2A. Know Your Worth: Compensation Strategies for Career Growth and Financial Success

Compensation conversations can be challenging at every stage of a career. In this interactive workshop, Shantel Love and Dr. Hui Wu-Curtis will share practical strategies to help participants understand their professional value, prepare for negotiations, and approach compensation discussions with confidence. Attendees will explore market positioning, effective communication techniques, and strategies for responding to common objections. Participants will leave with tools to advocate for career growth, advancement, and long-term financial success.

2D. The Human Algorithm: Leadership That No AI Can Replace

AI is already transforming today’s workplace—the question is how leaders choose to respond. This session explores what effective leadership looks like when AI becomes part of the team. Drawing from research and insights from leading organizations, participants will examine the uniquely human skills that drive trust, innovation, and performance. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and a 90-day implementation plan to integrate AI while strengthening the human leadership qualities that technology cannot replace.

3M. Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born

Join celebrity chef, author, and storyteller Katie Chin for a special featured experience at the 2026 ACELing In Leadership Conference. Through her presentation, Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born, Katie shares an inspiring journey through culture, identity, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Combining storytelling, humor, and personal reflection, she explores leadership, authenticity, and embracing cultural heritage. Attendees will enjoy an evening of inspiration, connection, and meaningful conversation with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

4A. What Legacy Means Now: Success Beyond Status

Success today is increasingly measured by more than titles, recognition, or financial achievements. This session explores how leaders are redefining legacy through purpose, impact, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to others. Speakers will share perspectives on building something that extends beyond personal accomplishments while balancing ambition with fulfillment. Attendees will reflect on their own leadership journey and consider how their choices, relationships, and actions can create lasting impact in their communities and organizations.

4B. Break Your Brain - Expand Your Vision. Elevate Your Leadership

Break Your Brain is a powerful session designed to challenge leaders to move beyond practical, incremental thinking and expand what they believe is possible. Participants will explore the invisible barriers that limit personal and organizational growth, examine how vision influences leadership decisions, and discover new approaches to innovation and transformation. Attendees will leave with greater clarity, fresh perspectives, and practical next steps toward creating a bigger future for themselves and those they lead.

4C. Creating Space: Building Communities That Empower Women to Lead

Strong communities create opportunities for connection, growth, and leadership advancement. This panel explores the importance of intentionally creating spaces where women can learn, collaborate, and support one another. Panelists will discuss how community-building strengthens leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal growth while sharing experiences and strategies for creating meaningful networks. Attendees will gain insights on fostering belonging, building relationships, and contributing to environments where women are empowered to lead and succeed.

4M. Keynote for Thursday Reception

Join us for the featured keynote address during Thursday evening’s reception. This special session will bring together conference attendees, leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an inspiring conversation focused on leadership, connection, and the ideas shaping the future. The keynote will provide meaningful insights, thought-provoking perspectives, and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of purpose-driven leadership while building relationships with fellow ACEL professionals and community leaders.

5M. Morning Session

Start the conference day with an engaging morning session designed to inspire reflection, learning, and leadership growth. This session will provide attendees with valuable perspectives and practical insights to help navigate today’s evolving professional landscape. Through meaningful conversation and shared experiences, participants will explore new ideas, strengthen connections, and prepare for the day’s leadership discussions, workshops, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

5A. Breaking Through the Corporate Ladder: Lessons from the Executive Level

What does it take to reach executive leadership within a Fortune 50 company? This session provides insight into the strategies, mindset, and leadership qualities that shape successful corporate journeys. Through personal experiences and lessons learned, attendees will explore how to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, increase visibility, and position themselves for advancement. Participants will gain practical guidance on career growth, leadership development, and creating long-term success in today’s evolving workplace.

5C. Mental Health, Burnout, and Sustainable Success

Success should not come at the expense of personal well-being. Many professionals face high expectations, workplace pressures, cultural influences, caregiving responsibilities, and the constant pursuit of achievement. This session explores the realities of burnout and the importance of sustainable leadership practices. Speakers will discuss strategies for maintaining resilience, building healthier approaches to performance, and creating balance while continuing to pursue meaningful professional and personal success.

6A. AI and the Future of Leadership: What Leaders Need to Know Now

Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations operate, innovate, and compete. This panel explores the impact of AI on decision-making, leadership, workplace dynamics, and organizational strategy across industries. Speakers will discuss both opportunities and challenges, including how leaders can adapt, remain competitive, and prepare their teams for the future. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating an increasingly technology-driven world while maintaining the human skills essential for effective leadership.

6B. The Power of Possibilities - The Hidden Key to Breakthrough Leadership and Performance

Leadership performance is shaped not only by circumstances, but by how individuals interpret and respond to those circumstances. This engaging session explores how assumptions, perspectives, and conversations influence decisions, relationships, and results. Participants will learn practical tools to identify limiting viewpoints, create more empowering conversations, and approach challenges with greater clarity and resilience. Attendees will leave with new perspectives to unlock potential and lead with greater possibility.

6C. Quiet Power: Leadership for Introverts, Builders, and Thoughtful Operators

Leadership does not always require the loudest voice in the room. Many successful leaders create impact through listening, preparation, expertise, and consistent execution. This session explores how introverts, builders, and thoughtful operators can leverage their strengths to influence others and achieve meaningful results. Participants will discover strategies for building credibility, increasing visibility, and leading authentically while honoring the values of humility, reflection, and intentional leadership.

6M. Katie Chin Live Cooking Demonstration Luncheon

Experience a unique conference luncheon featuring celebrity chef, author, and storyteller Katie Chin. During this interactive cooking demonstration, Katie will showcase her signature culinary style while sharing techniques, personal stories, and cultural influences behind her dishes. Blending food, storytelling, and heritage, this session offers attendees an opportunity to connect through cuisine while celebrating creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. Guests will enjoy an engaging experience that highlights leadership through culture and personal expression.

7A. Forged in Service: Leadership Across Sectors

From West Point to Capitol Hill, from Walter Reed to the executive offices of a global defense company, Jason Pak’s leadership journey spans military service, recovery, public policy, and industry. A combat-wounded Army Veteran, Congressional Fellow, Virginia political appointee, and defense executive, Jason will share lessons learned across diverse environments. This session explores resilience, adaptability, and leading through adversity while demonstrating how service, purpose, and leadership continue to evolve throughout a career.

7B. The Evolving Leader in the Age of AI (v2.0): Because Leadership, Like Software, Needs Regular Updates

Leadership, like software, requires continuous updates. Building on the “Magic 5” traits—Resiliency, Other-Centeredness, Quality Execution, Empathy, and Realistic Thinking—this session explores how leaders can adapt in an AI-powered workplace. Participants will learn a practical roadmap across three levels: Foundation, Fluency, and Forward, including prompt literacy, human-AI collaboration, and strategic integration. Attendees will discover how to work alongside AI effectively while continuing to lead with confidence, empathy, and purpose.

7C. Leading Without the Title: How Emerging Leaders Build Real Influence

Leadership begins long before receiving a formal title. Many AAPI professionals have built influence through expertise, collaboration, relationships, and delivering meaningful results. This panel explores how emerging leaders can develop credibility, strengthen their voice, drive initiatives, and create impact regardless of organizational hierarchy. Attendees will gain practical strategies for increasing visibility, advocating for themselves, building trust, and positioning themselves for future leadership opportunities.

8D. Lean Into Your Strengths: Show Up as a Lighthouse An AAPI Leadership Workshop

This interactive, creativity-based workshop is designed for AAPI professionals ready to embrace their strengths, honor their experiences, and lead with greater authenticity. Through hands-on exercises and strengths-based exploration, participants will identify leadership qualities shaped by their backgrounds, challenge limiting narratives, and develop practical tools for showing up with confidence. Attendees will leave with a personalized action statement and a creative reminder of the unique strengths they bring to leadership.

** Program Note: Session topics, speakers, schedules, and program details are subject to change without notice.