Theme: Rooted in Heritage, Growing Knowledge, Shaping the Future
Dates: June 23–24, 2025 | Extended Events: June 28, July 3 & July 4
Location: University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) & Online via Zoom
Arlington, TX – June 24, 2025 — The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) proudly concluded its 2025 Annual Conference at the University of Texas at Arlington—a vibrant, multi-day celebration of Asian American heritage, education, STEM advancement, and youth leadership.
Under the theme Rooted in Heritage, Growing Knowledge, Shaping the Future, the event brought together students, scholars, educators, artists, and families from across the nation.
Beyond the main conference, ACAESUSA hosted extended programming: an art workshop on June 28, an SMU STEM lab tour on July 3, and spirited participation in the Park Cities July 4 Parade.
Four award categories recognized exceptional contributions:
Outstanding Youth Leadership Chair Award – Highest honor for exceptional leadership, initiative, and impact
Ian Song · Bryan Zhao · Adam Zhang · Julian Liu · Meihua Zhou, Amy Wang
Distinguished Youth Leadership Chair Award – For strong commitment and consistent leadership excellence
Zachary Huang · Zihan Huang · Diana Chen · Jason Li · Sara Ye · Keira Yang · Ethan Wang · May Bai, Maddock Zhang
Youth Leadership Chair Award – Acknowledging service and dedication as appointed youth leaders
Christopher An · Park Shu · Ebony Chen · Anya Liu · Matthew Yang · Jake Jin · Yongchen Long · Melanie Bai · Samuel Li · Jonina Ouyang · Isabella Lou · Chenrui Mi · Yihan Cheng · Fiona Ye · Jodie Lin, Arthur Yang, Guanyan Li.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award – Recognizing quiet yet powerful service to the community
Veera Panday · Amber Wang · Sophie Wang · Katelyn Hu · Austin Yao · Ethan Li · Howard Li · Qianhang Bao · Yutong Hua · Grace Wang · Hanyu · Junxi Xu · Hannah Yu Leng · Huiki Chen · Jefferson Chiu · Molly Li · Shenghe Du · Emily Wang · Amelia Peng · Cathrine Wu
Conference Highlights
- STEM & Innovation Panels with experts including Dr. Shuchi Deb (Human-Machine Systems), Dr. Baohong Yuan (Biomedical Engineering), and Dr. Junzhou Huang (AI and Smart Systems).
- AAPI Education & History led by Dr. Zhida Song-James, advocating for the inclusion of Asian American history in K–12 curricula.
- Cultural Night Celebration featuring traditional Asian BBQ, hand-pulled noodles, and live performances such as Er Ren Zhuan dance.
- World of Love Art Exhibition with the 2024–2025 theme Support Autism & Mental Health Students, praised by Mayor Ross for its vision and emotional impact.
- SMU STEM Lab Tour hosted by Dr. Zhihao Wu and SMU faculty, offering students hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research.
- 4th of July Parade Participation, where ACAESUSA members marched in unity despite the rain, earning community praise for cultural pride and resilience.