News Summary
On March 28, 2025, Grand Rapids buzzed with excitement as it hosted the Second Annual Asian International Leadership Summit at the Goei Center. Organized by the West Michigan Asian American Association, the event focused on ‘Building Bridges to the Future’, featuring workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities that celebrated and empowered the Asian and international community, with over 300 attendees participating.
Grand Rapids Hosts the 2nd Annual Asian International Leadership Summit!
On March 28, 2025, the vibrant city of Grand Rapids was alive with energy and excitement, as the Second Annual Asian International Leadership Summit took place at the captivating Goei Center. This year’s event, organized by the West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc., focused on the theme of “Building Bridges to the Future”. The goal? To connect and uplift the Asian and international community in the region!
A Day Packed with Inspiration and Learning
The summit kicked off bright and early at 8:30 a.m. and continued all the way to 5 p.m., making for a full day of engaging activities. Attendees enjoyed a mix of workshops, networking opportunities, and keynote addresses that aimed to foster community connections and inspire future leaders. With over 300 participants flocking to the event, it was clear that the Asian American community is eager to make their mark in West Michigan.
Visionary Speakers Light Up the Stage
The opening keynote address was delivered by Dr. Anthony Chang, Ph.D., from BAMF Health, who focused on the exciting world of healthcare innovation. His insights set the tone for a summit that emphasizes the potential and power of knowledge in shaping the future.
During the luncheon, attendees were treated to a keynote by Kristin Meekhof, a nationally recognized speaker and advocate. She shared her personal story of resilience, drawing attention to essential themes such as mental health and social equity. Her heartfelt presentation resonated deeply with the audience.
Later in the day, expert Charles Elwood took the stage to discuss the potential of artificial intelligence in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership. His insights provided a thought-provoking perspective that sparked numerous discussions among attendees.
Workshops That Made a Difference
Attendees also had the chance to dive into two workshop sessions that focused on technology, education, civic leadership, and entrepreneurship. These interactive sessions were designed to equip participants with practical tools and insights to thrive in their respective fields. It’s all about
empowering leaders in the making!
A Flavorful Networking Experience
As the day came to a close, the atmosphere shifted to that of celebration during a happy hour and closing dinner featuring delectable cuisine from K-ROK Korean Barbecue. This was not only a fantastic way to wind down but also presented an opportunity to network with fellow attendees while savoring the delicious array of Asian culinary traditions.
Building a Vibrant Civic Community
Bing Goei, a prominent figure in the Grand Rapids community and CEO of Eastern Floral, opened the event with an important message about the necessity of learning from one another. He emphasized the long-overdue nature of such gatherings and pointed to the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining talent for Asian individuals in the region.
Civic engagement was also a hot topic, with representatives like Charissa Huang, the first Asian American candidate for the 17th Circuit Court Judge, showcasing growing local representation. The summit truly reflected the push for greater civic participation among West Michigan’s Asian American communities, particularly among new immigrants and naturalized citizens.
Preparing for Tomorrow
In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the City of Grand Rapids, the West Michigan Asian American Association is making strides to educate the community about civil rights—including vital topics like voting rights. The success of this year’s summit sets the stage for even bigger and brighter things ahead, with the next leadership summit already scheduled for March 28, 2026.
So here’s to the continued growth, unity, and empowerment of the Asian and international community in West Michigan! Stay tuned for more exciting developments and be ready to join in for the next leadership summit!
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Additional Resources
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Building Bridges to the Future
- WOOD TV: Asian Leadership Summit Fosters Community Connection
- WZZM 13: Local Asian American Groups Working to Increase Civic Engagement
- Fox 17: GR Comes Together for City’s First Asian International Leadership Summit
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Inaugural Asian International Leadership Summit Set to Commence
- Wikipedia: Asian American
- Google Search: Asian Leadership Summit
- Google Scholar: Asian leadership and community engagement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
- Google News: Asian American civic engagement
