1990 Institute Hosts 2nd Annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium to Empower the Next Generation of AAPI Leaders

The 1990 Institute brings AAPI youth, parents and educators together in San Mateo for leadership development, mentorship and intergenerational learning.

SAN MATEO, CA, UNITED STATES, August 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the 1990 Institute will host its second annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium, bringing together Asian American youth, along with those most influential to their success – parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders – for a full day of learning, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue centered around this year’s theme, “Empowerment Through Community Collaboration.”

Taking place from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the College of San Mateo Theatre in San Mateo, California, the symposium is designed for youth ages 14–21, and the adults who support them everyday, for an intergenerational experience designed to help participants explore identity, leadership, resilience, and future opportunities. The event is offered at no cost through the support of the 1990 Institute and its generous sponsors.

In addition to keynote conversations featuring accomplished Asian American leaders, the symposium includes career pathway discussions, interactive life skills workshops, and dedicated breakout sessions for youth, parents and guardians, and educators. Participants will learn together through shared sessions while also benefiting from breakout discussions tailored to each audience. Together, these experiences help participants strengthen emotional resilience, authentic leadership, financial confidence, community engagement, and the partnerships that empower young people to thrive in today’s increasingly complex world.

This year’s keynote panel features Dion Lim, Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and community advocate; Deborah Liu, technology executive and former CEO of Ancestry; Evan Low, President & CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund; and Dave Lu, Founder of Hyphen Capital. Additional speakers include leaders from organizations such as Alphabet, Stanford University, Stanford Hospital, Kyron Learning, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky, Boba Guys, The Asian American Education Project, AAPI Youth Rising, Red Envelope Collective, and other organizations spanning technology, education, entrepreneurship, public service, healthcare, and the arts.

The 1990 Institute’s mission is to promote fair and equitable treatment for Asian Americans while fostering constructive U.S.-China relations. As Asian American youth navigate an increasingly complex social, academic, and professional landscape, Roots & Wings provides a space to explore identity, leadership, and belonging alongside their stakeholders.

“Our hope is that every young person leaves more firmly rooted in who they are, with greater confidence to spread their wings and embrace the future, knowing they are surrounded by a community that believes in them – their parents, guardians, educators, mentors, trailblazers, and community leaders,” said Sandra Pan, 2026 Roots & Wings Youth Symposium Co-Chair. “By learning alongside one another and engaging in meaningful intergenerational conversations, we deepen understanding, build resilience, and cultivate lasting and supportive relationships that we hope will continue long after the symposium – empowering the next generation of Asian American leaders,” added Lisa Hsu, Co-Chair.

Youth, parents and guardians, and educators may reserve their spots by registering here. The first 60 youth participants who register will be eligible to receive two tickets to the San Francisco Giants vs. Minnesota Twins game on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Members of the media are invited to attend. For additional information or to RSVP, please contact Sandra Pan at ys@1990institute.org with “2026 Youth Symposium Media Request” in the subject line.

ABOUT THE 1990 INSTITUTE
Rooted in its 35-year history, the 1990 Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing the equitable treatment and advancement of Asian Americans and promoting a deeper understanding of contemporary China through educational programming and collaborative leadership networks. Learn more at: www.1990institute.org.

Press Team
1990 Institute
media@1990institute.org

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