Modern Day Heroes: AAPI Voices Shaping Community & Connection-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar “Modern Day Heroes: AAPI Voices Shaping Community and Connection” brought together higher education leaders from UNT, SMU, and TCU to discuss identity, belonging, inclusion, and the impact of AAPI voices in alumni and student engagement. Moderator Randy Cannavale opened with remarks on Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the importance of honoring changemakers who strengthen communities.<br /><br />Panelists Daniel Suit, Kelly Sled, and Fawn Liebengood shared personal stories about how their backgrounds shaped their paths into higher education and inspired their commitment to creating belonging. Daniel spoke about being a transracial Vietnamese adoptee and how that experience influenced his work in alumni engagement and affinity groups. Kelly described growing up Hmong in Arkansas and becoming a voice for those who feel isolated or overlooked. Fawn shared how her experiences in Hawaii and work with community and environmental nonprofits deepened her sense of stewardship and inclusion.<br /><br />The panel also explored what inclusion looks like at their institutions, the importance of trust, collaboration, and relationship-building, and the challenges AAPI students, staff, and leaders still face, including assumptions, invisibility, and lack of understanding about diverse AAPI experiences. The discussion highlighted the power of affinity networks, scholarships, and volunteer engagement in supporting students and alumni.

Keywords

AAPI voices

higher education

belonging and inclusion

alumni engagement

student engagement

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

affinity groups

identity and representation

community building