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 to discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, belonging, inclusion, and advocacy. Hosted by Randy Cannavale of the University of North Texas, the panel featured Daniel Suit (SMU), Kelly Sled (TCU), and Fawn Liebengood (UNT).<br /><br />Each panelist shared how personal background shaped their path into higher education. Daniel spoke about being a Vietnamese, biracial, transracial adoptee and how that experience led him to student and alumni engagement work. Kelly described growing up Hmong American in rural Arkansas, where her family’s limited English and lack of representation made education and belonging especially important. Fawn discussed her journey through higher education in Hawaiʻi and her commitment to community, volunteering, and connection.<br /><br />The conversation highlighted how belonging is built through trust, listening, collaboration, and inclusive programming. The panel also addressed barriers facing AAPI communities, including assumptions, invisibility, lack of understanding about diverse identities, and pressures to appear strong or self-sufficient. Daniel emphasized the need to support students through affinity boards and scholarships, while Fawn and Kelly stressed empathy, education, and creating safe spaces.<br /><br />Overall, the panel underscored the importance of uplifting AAPI voices and ensuring students, staff, and alumni feel seen, supported, and included.

Keywords

AAPI voices

higher education

belonging

inclusion

advocacy

Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage

student engagement

inclusive programming