New York, NY — September 22, 2025 — As fall approaches and the days and nights stand nearly equal in length, a symbolic balance of light and darkness set the stage for a historic first: the DOI250AA Invitational Asian American Leadership Retreat. For three days, from September 19–21, Asian American leaders and allies gathered in New York City for an intensive program of storytelling, collaboration, and strategic planning to prepare for Asian American participation in the America250 Commemoration in 2026.
The retreat’s theme, “Beyond Limits, Toward Our Brighter Future,” reflected a shared commitment: to move Asian Americans past the stereotype of “forever foreigners” and into the clear light of belonging as equal American stakeholders.
Why DOI250AA Exists
Throughout American history, Asian Americans have endured exclusion and marginalization. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 not only curtailed Chinese immigration but effectively restricted migration from numerous Asian countries. Discriminatory laws excluded Asians from owning property, obtaining citizenship, and integrating fully into American life. Even in the modern era, despite major contributions in business, technology, culture, and civic service, Asian Americans have often been perceived as outsiders.
The retreat acknowledged two intertwined facets of foreignness:
- Imposed exclusion — when society treats Asian Americans as not belonging.
- Self-limitation — when Asian Americans internalize doubt and choose hesitation or isolation over engagement.
The DOI250AA movement exists to break both patterns. It is not an organization and not the America250 commission. Rather, it is a collaborative effort of Asian American citizens — joined by allies — working together to encourage participation, visibility, and contribution in America250.
“The purpose of DOI250AA is not to advocate for equality as if it were missing,” said DOI250AA’s lead initiator Dr. Xiaoyan Zhang. “The purpose is to show, by our participation, that we already belong. Asian Americans are not guests in this country; we are part of its fabric.”
Three Days of Retreat
Friday Evening — If You Know Me
The retreat began with If You Know Me, a session led by Awaken Inner Voices that set the tone for the weekend. More than introductions, it was an awakening exercise asking: Why did I become a leader? What motivates me? What struggles shaped my path?
In a safe space, participants shared defining moments — the joy of seeing ideas grow, milestones that proved their voices mattered, childhood lessons in responsibility, faith that nurtured humility, and challenges that pushed them into leadership. Listening was as meaningful as speaking, as many found comfort in hearing their struggles reflected by others.
By the end of the evening, leaders were no longer just names and titles, but individuals connected by shared stories of awakening, resilience, and perseverance.
Saturday — Leadership & Bonding
Saturday was the heart of the retreat — a full day of reflection, leadership sharing, history, and forward planning. Dr. Xiaoyan Zhang reminded the group that DOI250AA is a national movement to elevate Asian Americans and affirm their equal stake in America’s 250th commemoration. He called participants to focus on their “American moments” — times of belonging, pride, and responsibility — and to celebrate what is good while claiming space as leaders.
Following this, Weihaur Lau guided a storytelling circle where participants reflected on the joys and accomplishments of leadership, the struggles faced in their communities, and their hopes for the future. With honesty and conciseness, each voice added to the shared fabric of the morning.
Thematic Discussions
- Asian American Contributions — Qian Huang reminded the group that Asian Americans have a long legacy of contributions, from railroads to local civic life. She urged leaders to ensure these stories are remembered, preserved, and passed down to future generations.
- Outreach — Jack Hanna, an Arab-descendant ally and retired lawyer, emphasized that unity comes when groups extend hands to other coalitions as well as tell their own story. His comments highlighted that DOI250AA is about bridge-building as much as self-recognition.
- Intergenerational Leadership — (Ages 22 – 86) The group turned to cross-generational dialogue, including the voices of youth, elders, and the “sandwich generation” balancing both family and community responsibilities. The circle format — youth speaking first while elders listened silently — created breakthroughs of mutual understanding.
Sunday — Action & Legacy
Sunday carried the spirit of the retreat into a day of action.
- Outreach First — Jack Hanna opened by leading a conversation on outreach and programming, urging participants to consider how engagement can be broadened and sustained.
- Connection to America250 — Dr. Ji Su followed, underscoring the importance of joining America250 programs and committees as a way to ensure Asian Americans not only contribute but also add richness to national commemorations.
- Remembrance & Education — Qian Huang then presented on linking with Asian American museums and landmarks, framing them as shared acts of remembrance, pride, and education for younger generations.
Local leaders later joined for a press conference, asking questions and encouraging their communities to participate.
In the afternoon, participants turned to planning. Subcommittees were formed in outreach, programming, promotion, finance, legal, logistics, and documentation, each defining scope and next steps. Timelines were reviewed with milestones tied to the Winter Solstice, Lunar New Year, Asian American Heritage Month, and July 4th, anchoring inspiration into a practical framework for 2025 and 2026.
American Citizens & Residents, Asian Descendants
All participants were American citizens and permanent residents of Asian descent, joined by allies from other communities. Each brought heritage, perspective, and commitment to building a collective future.
- Dr. Xiaoyan Zhang — (PA) Chinese descendant, sociologist, advisor to various prominent organizations, and lead initiator of DOI250AA, advised everyone to acknowledge the moments where they feel proud to be an American. He emphasized that DOI250AA is not led by a single organization but is a collective effort where every planning committee member has one vote. The movement works transparently with advisors and honorary chairs, and welcomes participation both individually and through organizations.
- Weihaur Lau & Jeannie Chong — (CA / NY) Chinese-Malaysian descendants, of Awaken Inner Voices & LGBT advocate, led communication and generational, cultural leadership dialogue.
- Mingli Chen — (NY) Chinese descendant, iLead Law, emphasized that impact and service to the community matter more than money. He shared how, in the American legal system, even opposing parties personally supported him—showing professionalism and etiquette that elevate not just one case, but the integrity of the entire legal community.
- Qian Huang & Dr. Zhida Song-James — (NY / NV) Chinese descendants, contributors to USDandelion.com, historians and pioneers to Asian American History in K-12 Curriculum, shared Chinese American historical narratives.
- Rawisara (Bell) Pansap — (SC) Thai descendant, pre-law student and E-Board at several FIU student clubs and Thai American Association of Florida, disability advocate, engaging with humility and collaboration.
- Dr. Ji Su — (VA) Chinese descendant, materials scientist at a national research center, offered strategic insights.
- Lewis Liu — (NY) Chinese descendant, executive in financial services and public communications, highlighted past collaborations and collective efforts.
- Jack Hanna — (PA) Arab descendant, retired lawyer with Asian American Unity Coalition, shared unity insights.
- Margaret Yee & Siulin Santee — (UT) Chinese descendants, of the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendant Association, linked the Golden Spike story to the broader American narrative and pledged local support through Asian festivals and other community events.
- Wenbin Yuan — (WI) Chinese descendant, entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, encouraged humility and service, served as a grounded voice and sounding board for others.
- Dr. Abdoulaye Mbengue — (AL) Senegalese descendant, Xelkom leadership coach, author, World Conference of Mayors, urged cultural intelligence and common ground, noting that despite differences in language and dress, we are all American citizens who must grow comfortable in unfamiliar spaces to truly belong.
- Steve Hugh — (IL) Chinese descendant, of the Asian American Leadership Council, advanced diversity in planning and urged broader participation from across the Asian community.
- Wilson Wong — (NY) Chinese descendant and immigrant entrepreneur, emphasized that true belonging is fostered not only through generosity, but through genuine care and integrity—qualities that inspire trust and strengthen community.
- Hongbing Liu — (LA) Chinese descendant, American Chinese United Association, applauding the ambitious vision and pledging support.
- Local leaders: Steven Huang (Hotel Chinese Association of USA, NY), Mary Tong (environmental advocate), Jun Shen (Shanghai Hometown Association) joined the press conference to encourage their community to participate.
- Joshua Ho — (FL) Korean descendant, Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board, observed the retreat and applauded the efforts, noting potential local support.
- Tai Vaz — (FL) Thai descendant, Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board, Thai American Association of Florida, with leadership and cross-cultural collaboration background, saw the group’s good approach and applauded the pro-thinker spirit.
- Jarret Zundel — (CA) Chinese-American descendant, student at Cornell, shared reflections on identity, belonging, and leadership as a young mixed-race Asian American.
- May Eng — (NY) Chinese descendant, Local teacher, contributed thoughts on education, youth engagement, and the role of schools in cultural awareness.
- Tonya Liu — (NY) Chinese descendant, School teacher and caretaker, offered perspective on youth, family, and the importance of support in education.
- Fragrance Chen — (NY) Chinese descendant, Finance professional and church leader, brought insights from both financial and faith-based perspectives on leadership and service.
- George Wang — (CA) Chinese descendant, computer science engineer, LGBT advocate, encouraged younger participants to explore and define the kind of voice this generation will bring to the Asian American community.
- Carmen Wong — (CA) Chinese descendant, entrepreneur, property management, holistic healing and LGBT advocate focused on effective communication for the Asian American network.
- Gauri Yadav — (IL) Indian descendant, encouraged Asian Americans to pursue their interest and passion and not be confined to just their day jobs or titles.
- Celine Fang — (FL) Chinese descendant with Indonesian lineage, empowerment leader at Busi-Boost and Executive Director for DOI250AA, underscored how equality and access are woven into American daily life. She invited everyone to take part in the DOI250AA movement in whatever way they feel able—without hesitation, comparison, fear of overshadowing others, or fear of lacking readiness or competence—because here, every voice and contribution is welcome and valued as it is. Together, she noted, we can achieve meaningful progress through efforts that feel natural rather than overwhelming, guided by social and cultural sensitivities, respect for norms, and a shared commitment to understanding.
Participation and Continuity
Participants joined both in person and via Zoom, some attending the entire weekend while others took part in specific sessions. Each presence, whether partial or full, added value to the collective effort. Recognizing that not everyone was aware of this first retreat or able to adjust their schedules to attend, we affirmed our commitment to continue holding future retreats. These gatherings will create more opportunities for Asian Americans and allies to experience uplifting leadership, share their voices, and contribute to the DOI250AA movement.
The retreat was hosted at iLead Law Group, facilitated by Weihaur Ralph Lau, Advisor of DOI250AA Committee, founder of Awaken Inner Voices Leadership Training, and the DOI250AA Planning Committee convening the effort as part of its ongoing commitment to preparing for 2026. A true collective effort we deeply value, ongoing support and donations are welcomed to carry this work forward.
For more information or to opt in to future retreats and updates, individuals are encouraged to connect through our website. www.doi250aa.net