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ACAESUSA 2025 Annual Conference: Celebrating Culture, Innovation & Youth Leadership
Theme: Rooted in Heritage, Growing Knowledge, Shaping the Future
Date: June 23–24, 2025 | Extended Events: June 28, July 3 & July 4
Location: University of Texas at Arlington & Online via Zoom

The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) successfully concluded its 2025 Annual Conference, gathering students, educators, professionals, and families to celebrate Asian American culture, education, STEM, and youth leadership.

Conference Highlights:
Mayor Jim Ross of Arlington opened with a keynote emphasizing civic pride and youth empowerment. Expert-led panels spanned STEM, mental health, entrepreneurship, public health, and AAPI education. Youth moderated sessions and led discussions on leadership, service, and college readiness.

Cultural Night & Art Exhibition:
The event featured traditional BBQ, hand-pulled noodles, and cultural performances. ACAESUSA debuted its World of Love Art Exhibition focused on “Support Autism & Mental Health Students,” showcasing powerful student artwork. The upcoming theme for 2025–2026 is “Brushes Blooming for the Girls.”

Extended Programming:

  • June 28: Artist Hong Yan hosted a creative family art workshop.

  • July 3: A STEM lab tour at SMU offered students insights into scientific research.

  • July 4: ACAESUSA proudly joined the Park Cities Independence Day Parade, marching in unity despite the rain.

Youth Leadership Spotlight:
Dozens of youth led and organized the event. Their contributions will be highlighted in upcoming announcements.

With Gratitude:
Thanks to UCA, AAUC, UGAAP Inc., and all volunteers, speakers, and partners. Full videos and resources will be available soon at www.acaesusa.org.

Contact:
info@acaesusa.org
UTA SWSH Building Room 104, Arlington, TX
#ACAESUSA2025 #AAPIYouthLead #STEM4All #RootedInHeritage #WorldOfLoveArt

For details, check out: https://jianstv.com/?p=1441

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Rain or Shine: ACAESUSA Celebrates July 4 with Spirit and Unity

Dallas, TX — July 4, 2025

Early on Independence Day morning, steady rain failed to dampen the patriotic spirit of the Asian American community, as members of the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) proudly participated in the Pack Cities 4th of July Parade. Their rallying cry—"Small Team, Big Spirit"—came to life through vibrant teamwork and heartfelt celebration.

The multigenerational ACAESUSA team, composed primarily of youth from chapters across the country, brought remarkable energy and unity to the event. ACAESUSA Advisory Board Member and SMU Professor Dr. Zhihao Wu led the procession by driving the decorated float through the rain. Behind the scenes, silver-haired volunteers provided steadfast support—preparing water and parade gifts for the youth to distribute. Adult team members marched alongside the float, while the youngest participants joyfully tossed candy and small gifts to the cheering crowd.
Even under gray skies, the sight of American flags waving in the rain, paired with the team’s beaming smiles, painted a heartwarming portrait of community pride and celebration.

Chapter Contributions:

ACAES-YFF (Youth FusionForge), led by President Julian Liu, and ACAES-YHP (Youth Highland Park) proudly walked the parade route.
ACAES-YF (Youth Frisco), led by President Chenrui Mi, and ACAES-YTH (Youth Tokyo Harbor), led by President Diana X. Chen, coordinated float assembly and logistics.
ACAES-YSI (Youth STEAM Innovators), led by President Mai Bai, hosted a fundraising silent auction to support the event.
ACAES-YM (Youth Minneapolis) generously sponsored parade giveaways.
ACAES-YF (Youth Frisco) also provided team uniforms for all participants.
“We weren’t the largest team, but we were certainly the most spirited!”
— Julian Liu, President of ACAES-YFF
This year’s celebration was more than tradition—it was a vibrant display of how Asian American families integrate into and enrich their communities. Interactive elements like the beloved candy toss brought smiles to faces of all ages and backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural connections and shared joy.
ACAESUSA President Jan Xie shared her gratitude:
“Our volunteer team showed extraordinary strength and dedication. We deeply thank our silver-haired volunteers, including Shengji Wu and Shixiang Zhou, for their invaluable support. The commitment of our youth and volunteers across the country fills us with pride. Special thanks to ACAES-YFF’s Julian Liu and Anya Liu, ACAES-YHP’s Amelia Peng, Shingling Du, Shenghe Du, and Catherine Wu. As we look ahead, we’re excited to expand partnerships with diverse cultural communities and warmly invite everyone to join us in future events.”
 
 
 

(ACAES-YFF Julian Liu, Anya Liu, ACAES-YHP Amelia Peng, Shingling Du, Shenghe Du, Catherine Wu)

 

 

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Arlington, TX – On June 23–24, the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) hosted its 2025 Annual Conference at the University of Texas at Arlington, bringing together students, educators, and community leaders under the theme “Rooted in Heritage, Growing Knowledge, Shaping the Future.”

The two-day event featured expert speakers in fields like AI, public health, and biomedical engineering, along with powerful youth-led sessions on leadership and advocacy. Mayor Jim Ross delivered the keynote address, and the Cultural Night Showcase highlighted student talent and cultural pride.

ACAESUSA President Jan Xie emphasized the coalition’s mission to unite youth and adult chapters for lasting impact. The conference closed with renewed inspiration and a shared commitment to empowering AAPI youth across the nation.

We will share a full event report soon—thank you for your patience as we just wrapped up the conference.

A joyful moment with Mayor Jim Ross and ACAESUSA President Jan Xie at the 2025 Annual Conference. Full event highlights coming soon!

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Nearly 400 Gifts Delivered to Local School, Orphanage, and Senior Center

Mexico City, Mexico – May 2025 – The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) recently completed a meaningful cultural and humanitarian mission to Mexico, fostering friendship and understanding through people-to-people exchange and heartfelt community outreach.

As part of ACAESUSA’s ongoing international cultural exchange efforts, the delegation visited Colegio Senda, a local school, as well as a senior care center and an orphanage. Nearly 400 thoughtfully prepared gift packages were delivered, including toys, school supplies, new shoes, toiletries, cosmetics, and original artwork by ACAESUSA’s young artists. These gifts were warmly welcomed by children and elderly residents, serving as symbols of care, respect, and cultural connection.

At Colegio Senda, the delegation interacted with students and educators, placing special emphasis on the school’s inclusive support for children with autism and other special needs. The classrooms were filled with bright smiles and joyful exchanges between students and their American guests.

The visit to the senior care center brought warmth and dignity, as the team shared gifts and meaningful conversations with the elderly—many of whom were deeply moved by the thoughtful gestures and personal attention.

At the orphanage, the children excitedly opened their gifts, expressing gratitude and joy. The moment underscored the power of cross-cultural compassion and kindness.

The delegation concluded their journey with a visit to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s national theater, where they attended a spectacular performance of traditional Mexican music and dance. The show celebrated the richness of Mexican heritage and left a lasting impression on all attendees.

“This journey demonstrated the power of cultural understanding and the deep impact of even small acts of kindness,” said Jian Xie, President of ACAESUSA. “We are grateful for the warm hospitality of our hosts in Mexico and look forward to deepening collaboration in cultural exchange and community service.”

Katelyn Hu, Youth Ambassador for ACAESUSA and Miss Asian Culture and Education Society USA 2025–2026, also reflected on the experience:

“Spending time with children my own age in another country helped me realize how connected we all are, no matter where we come from. Sharing art, smiles, and stories reminded me how important it is to build friendship through kindness and culture.” 

ACAESUSA extends sincere thanks to the volunteers from both the United States and Mexico who made this exchange possible. Special appreciation goes to Youth Ambassador Katelyn Hu the leadership, Annie, Monica, Rosa, Lleana Gonzalez, Jian Xie, Arthur Pei, Cecilia Li, Ian Song, and Amelia Peng for their dedication and support. Special thanks to Blue Bonnet Meadows RV Park for their generous sponsorship of this mission.

With renewed energy and commitment, ACAESUSA will continue to champion global youth development, cultural exchange, and charitable outreach—building unity through mutual respect and shared humanity.

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ACAESUSA, an American Nonprofit Organization, Invited to Participate in the2025 UN CSW Parallel Forum: Uniting Forces to Safeguard the Future of the Autism Community and Wins Two Prestigious Awards

March 17, 2025, New York

The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA), a dedicated American nonprofit organization, was invited to participate in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) Parallel Forum, which was successfully held in New York on March 17, 2025. As one of the distinguished nonprofit organizations attending the event, ACAESUSA actively advocates for cultural education, community empowerment, and the well-being of underserved populations.

This year’s forum, themed "Empowering Women's Leadership in Philanthropy and Supporting the Development of Children with Autism," highlighted the critical role of women in public welfare initiatives and advocated for increased support for children with autism. ACAESUSA's participation reinforced its mission of fostering inclusivity through education and the arts.

During the event, ACAESUSA President Jan Xie was honored with the "Outstanding Contribution Award in International Philanthropy" in recognition of her long-term commitment to cultural education and her dedicated efforts to support individuals with autism. Expressing her gratitude, Jan Xie stated: "I sincerely thank mentors Ellen Schicktanz, Anne Pu, and Tai Yin Tsang for their guidance and encouragement in ACAESUSA’s youth-led autism awareness and art initiatives! Moving forward, ACAESUSA will continue to expand cross-disciplinary collaborations in art therapy, creating a more inclusive and loving world for children with autism."

In addition, ACAESUSA collectively received the "Outstanding Artwork Award," recognizing the organization’s exceptional contributions to amplifying the voices of children with autism through artistic expression. The award-winning artworks, centered around the theme of love and inspired by paintings created by children with autism, vividly depict the inner world and emotions of this unique community.

ACAESUSA extends special appreciation to the following ten outstanding young artists and volunteers for their dedication and creativity: Adam Zhang, Cecilia Zhang, Esther Zhou, Ebony Chen, Hanyu Ma, Keira Yang, Arthur Yang, Molly Li, Andy Li, and Yefeng Lin. Their works, along with those of other artists, are currently part of a touring exhibition, further spreading awareness and advocacy for autism through art.

As an American nonprofit organization dedicated to cultural education and community empowerment, ACAESUSA remains committed to using artistic expression and cross-cultural collaboration to advocate for greater awareness and support for individuals with special needs. The organization will continue working towards a more inclusive society through education, philanthropy, and artistic initiatives.

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Asian Culture and Education Society Concludes “Cultural Torchbearer” Youth Ambassador Pageant Competition

— Showcasing the Wisdom and Responsibility of a New Generation


(February 22, 2025, Dallas, USA) — The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) successfully concluded its inaugural “Cultural Torchbearer” Youth Ambassador Pageant Competition

today. Breaking away from traditional beauty pageant norms, this competition embraced the core philosophy of “Beauty in Character, Wisdom in Responsibility”, incorporating cultural heritage, social responsibility, and well-rounded competencies to select outstanding youth representatives, awarding them the title of Cultural Ambassadors.

This competition went beyond external beauty, emphasizing intelligence, talent, and social awareness, providing young participants with a platform to showcase their confidence and charisma. Tonight, the stage was not graced by professional performers but by passionate young individuals dedicated to cultural preservation. With unwavering confidence, they embodied five millennia of civilization, delivering a cultural spectacle that transcended time and space. As the first-ever Youth Cultural Heritage Celebration hosted by ACAESUSA, the event demonstrated how Generation Z carries forward traditions through action and revitalizes heritage with youthful energy.

Throughout the competition, contestants showcased their unique charm and comprehensive abilities through talent performances, impromptu Q&A sessions, and thematic speeches. They addressed critical issues such as school friendships, mental health, social service, environmental awareness, autism advocacy, and responses to California wildfires, offering thoughtful insights into pressing societal concerns.

This event was not just a competition of beauty—it was a profound exchange of intellect and spirit. Contestants exemplified confidence, grace, and a positive outlook, embodying the essence of modern youth leadership.
"True beauty lies in the courage to challenge stereotypes with kindness and to bridge cultural divides with creativity," said Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA, in her closing remarks. "These youth ambassadors were not merely chosen; they were selected by civilization itself to be its voice."

ACAESUSA remains committed to hosting similar events, offering young individuals more opportunities to express themselves and enhance their overall development, encouraging them to grow into well-rounded leaders who embody both beauty and wisdom.

About ACAESUSA

The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, educational development, and social integration among Asian American communities and beyond. Through various cultural and educational initiatives, the organization empowers young people with cross-cultural understanding and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Media Contact

For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact: info@acaesusa.org, Official Website: www.acaesusa.org

 

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It was a profound honor for the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) to co-host the 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit. This gathering provided a unique platform to address the collective experiences, challenges, and aspirations of the AANHPI communities. I was deeply moved by the powerful discussions, particularly the Youth Seminar, which ACAESUSA helped facilitate. Witnessing young leaders from diverse backgrounds passionately engage in conversations about their future left a lasting impression on me. Their energy, courage, and desire to contribute to meaningful change encapsulated the very essence of why we do this work. Pictures

A highlight of this year’s summit was the ACAESUSA art exhibition at Capitol Hill, showcasing artistic talent from around the world. This year’s theme, World of Love, brought together international art submissions. The exhibit not only celebrated cultural expression but also fostered cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of art. It was inspiring to see how art can serve as a bridge to connect and empower communities. The art pieces from the 2024 ACAESUSA International Art Exhibit & Contest will raise funds to support students with autism and mental health challenges. I invite all summit attendees to visit https://acaesusa.org/art-exhibit-%26-contest for more information on how to donate and participate in this impactful event.

The joy and camaraderie shared at the summit banquet were elevated by the ACAESUSA team’s performance of traditional songs. Their heartfelt singing brought a celebratory spirit to the evening, showcasing the beauty of cultural traditions and reinforcing the importance of joy and unity in our work. It was a touching moment that highlighted the deep connections between art, culture, and community.

I also feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak at the White House during this summit. It was a humbling experience, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who made this possible. During my speech, I shared my wish to end anti-Asian hate, which has deeply affected our communities. It is my hope that through our collective efforts, we can build a society that stands against hate and discrimination in all its forms.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to President Biden for his thoughtful letter to this conference, which added immense significance to the event. I am also grateful to Erika for sending this letter and to the AAPI White House staff (Emily , Krystal and Kota for giving us the opportunity to have a voice at such a prestigious platform.

The unity displayed at the Summit was not only inspiring but also served as a testament to the strength of our communities when we stand together. The themes of advocacy, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding resonated strongly, reminding me that, as leaders, we have the responsibility to continue paving the way for future generations.

While I am pleased with how the Summit unfolded, particularly with the impactful youth engagement and cultural exhibitions, there are always opportunities to grow. For future events, I suggest expanding the Youth Seminar to provide even more interactive workshops where young participants can collaborate on actionable plans they can take back to their communities. Creating additional opportunities for mentorship and cross-generational dialogue would also further enrich the experience.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Chang for capturing the Summit’s essence through film. These recordings will serve as valuable resources for reflection and inspiration in the years to come.

As we look forward to the 2025 Summit, ACAESUSA is eager to continue our partnership and contribute to the ongoing mission of strengthening unity among AANHPI communities. We are fully committed to this shared vision and will work tirelessly to ensure that the next summit builds upon the successes of this year.

Thank you to the organizing committee, fellow co-hosts, and all participants for making this summit an unforgettable experience. Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Warm regards,
Jan Xie
President, Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA)

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In July 2024, students from the Asian Culture and Education Society USA had the exciting opportunity to visit Southern Methodist University (SMU) labs during their summer break. The students were thrilled and inspired, eager to apply their newfound knowledge and pursue research at prestigious institutions like SMU.

During the visit, Professor Zhihao Wu guided the students on a tour of his modern biological research lab. He explained the functions of various equipment in simple terms, making complex scientific concepts accessible to everyone. Professor Wu also shared fascinating insights, such as the reality that, contrary to what movies often portray, lab benches are typically messy due to the numerous reagents required for experiments.

After exploring the main lab, Professor Wu introduced the students to his fruit fly (Drosophila) lab, where he conducts genetic modifications on fruit flies to study disease-related phenotypes. This research could potentially lead to breakthroughs in curing Alzheimer's disease. The tour concluded with a demonstration of a state-of-the-art laser confocal microscope, which can examine molecules layer by layer and display the results on a computer screen.

The visit to SMU’s biology labs was both educational and engaging, leaving everyone with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for scientific research.

Fun Facts:

  • Thomas Morgan pioneered systematic genetic experiments with fruit flies around 1910-1920.
  • Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.
  • The refrigerators in SMU's Biochemistry Lab are kept at around -80°C to store experimental samples long-term.
  • Fruit flies, with their short lifespans, are ideal for genetic experiments because results can be observed quickly.
  • SMU uses mice for experiments, and the Animal Research Center is located in the building's basement.
  • The lab features an exceptionally powerful microscope for examining molecules.

Jian Xie, President of the Asian Culture and Education Society USA, expressed deep gratitude to Professor Wu for providing such an inspiring and educational tour. She noted that SMU is an excellent institution, and this experience will encourage students to apply to such prestigious colleges with top-tier research opportunities. Jian Xie emphasized that this tour is part of the society’s summer training project, designed to motivate students to pursue their interests in science and work diligently toward their goals. 

Tokyo Harbor volunteer

Julian. Jefferson, Howard, Diana, Ebony, Jiayi, Meihua, ChenRui, Professor Zhihao and Jan

 

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The Asian Cultural and Educational Society USA (ACAESUSA) Conference was successfully held in Washington, D.C., and virtually on June 27-28, 2024. The conference, themed "Bridging Cultures, Empowering Future," aimed to promote cultural understanding, empower youth, facilitate networking, and inspire positive change.(For more details about the conference, please visit the ACAESUSA website. https://acaesusa.org/acaesusa-conference

The Asian Cultural and Educational Conference thrived thanks to the dedication of the ACAES Conference Preparation Committee members and volunteers. As a community partner of UCA, we are particularly grateful for the commitment of Mrs. Sharon Chang, a founding member of United Chinese Americans (UCA) and a member of the UCA Community Foundation (UCACF) Executive and Review Committees. Mrs. Chang's presence throughout the conference infused the students with encouragement. She actively participated in the awards ceremony, celebrating the young participants' achievements, and provided guidance for their future philanthropic efforts.

The UCA Community Foundation’s commitment to empowering the Chinese American community extends beyond this conference. They offer vital financial assistance through microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000, specifically targeting innovative and impactful initiatives. These projects encompass civic engagement, mental health support, cultural heritage preservation, and youth development. Additionally, the UCA Community Foundation recognizes the importance of fostering understanding and building bridges between the Chinese American and American communities, a critical effort in combating hate crimes.

To be eligible for a UCA Community Foundation grant, projects must be sponsored by a 501(c)(3) local community organization and align with the Foundation's mission. Projects with significant and broad social impact are prioritized. The UCA Community Foundation champions innovative and creative approaches that hold the potential to generate positive social change on a large scale.

We were deeply honored to have Mrs. Chang address the conference and share her encouraging words with both children and parents. The UCA Community Foundation’s unwavering commitment and support are a testament to the power of philanthropy in enriching lives and building a stronger community.

Congratulations to the students who received the 2024 Outstanding Volunteer Commitment Award! Jia Qi, Nuotong Chi, Ethan Wang, Cindy Liu, Esther Zhou, Junxi Xu, Julian Liu, Howard Li, Yihan Cheng, Alex Lin, Sophia Wang, Ethan Li — honored for their exceptional contributions and dedication in supporting AAPI youth at the 2024 Chinese American Convention and Asian Culture and Education Conference, held in Washington, DC, from June 27 to June 30, 2024.

As the president of the Asian Culture and Education Society, Jan Xie, said, "We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support and dedication of our volunteers and the UCA Community Foundation (UCACF). Your tireless efforts and commitment have been instrumental in making the Asian Cultural and Educational Conference a resounding success. The enthusiasm and hard work of each volunteer, combined with UCACF's generous support and guidance, have created an inspiring and enriching experience for all participants. Together, we have fostered a spirit of community, learning, and cultural celebration that will have a lasting impact. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, and we look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater milestones in the future."

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Our team prepared the show board for the upcoming ACAESUSA Conference 2024 at Faini BBQ on June 23rd. We're grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable help.

Event Details:

Date: June 27-28, 2024
Venue: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC (2500 Calvert St NW)
Registration: Register here

Highlights:

  • Diverse speakers from finance, music, law, medical research, science, and engineering
  • June 27:
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST: Registration
    • Congressional office visit at Capitol Hill
  • June 28:
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST: College STEM lab tour
    • 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM EST: Meeting and Award Ceremony

Note: This event is part of the 4th Chinese American Convention (June 27-30). We highly recommend our attendees register for the convention.

Hotel: $195/night (before tax) for single/double rooms. We highly recommend our attendees reserve their rooms early.