As higher education continues to evolve, there’s an increasing demand for diverse voices and perspectives on college campuses. The spotlight is currently on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, as colleges actively seek speakers who can offer unique insights and experiences to their student body. From thought leaders and activists to artists and entrepreneurs, AAPI speakers are leading the charge in addressing pressing issues, celebrating cultural richness, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Join us as we delve into the top trending AAPI speakers making waves in college circuits nationwide, sparking crucial conversations and empowering students to embrace diversity and inclusivity in all its forms.
Roy Choi: Korean American Chef
Roy Choi was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Los Angeles, California. Choi is known as one of the architects of the modern food truck movement through Kogi BBQ by merging food and social media with community and honoring the street food culture that laid the path before him, and for his civic minded TV show ‘Broken Bread’ on KCET/Tastemade, which in 2020 won him a James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Host in a television series. On a global scale, Roy is co-host in the full blown Netflix cooking series ‘The Chef Show’ with Jon Favreau. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. In 2010, Food and Wine magazine named him Best New Chef. His cookbook/memoir L.A. Son was a NY Times Bestseller in 2013. In 2016 he was named TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World. And in 2017, LocoL in Watts, received the first ever LA Times Restaurant of the Year award. Roy resides in Los Angeles where he is a voice and advocate for street food culture past, present, and future, and the co-owner, co-founder, and chef of Kogi BBQ, Chego!, Best Friend at Park MGM Las Vegas, and LocoL.
Owen Han: Food Content Creator Based Out Of Los Angeles
Owen Han is a culinary content producer, social media celebrity, and self-proclaimed professional eater based in Los Angeles. Owen has accumulated over 4 million followers and billions of views and impressions across his library of sandwich-making content. He draws his inspiration for recipes from his Italian and Chinese heritage in conjunction with tireless research on what hungry people all over the world are craving.
Elizabeth Yu: American Actress
Elizabeth Yu is an up and coming actress from New Jersey, New York. She started acting in elementary school and later continued her passion throughout high school.
Yu has been acting professionally for the past two years and has already racked up a couple of acting credits to her name like Netflix’s Avatar : The Last Airbender Live Action adaptation.
Avantika Vandanapu: Independent Actress in Indian and Hollywood Films with Superstar Experience
Avantika, a multifaceted artist driven by a passion for storytelling, stars and executive produces Disney+’s ‘Crown of Wishes’, marking the platform’s first Indian Hindu mythology-based series. Simultaneously, she’s immersed in shooting a groundbreaking Bollywood series for Amazon Prime, championing female empowerment. Her recent venture includes wrapping up filming for Sony Entertainment’s chilling ‘Horrorscope’. Avantika’s breakthrough role in Disney’s ‘Spin’ earned her a place on VARIETY’s 2021 Power of Young Hollywood “Up Next” list. She continues to make her mark with recurring roles in ‘Diary of a Future President’ and voicing ‘Kamala’ in Disney Channel’s ‘Mira, the Royal Detective’. Before conquering Hollywood, she honed her craft in the Indian entertainment industry for three years. A skilled dancer in ballet, contemporary, and Indian classical forms, Avantika is based in Los Angeles, where she strives to amplify marginalized voices and supports causes close to her heart, such as aiding teens battling cancer.
Eddite Huang: CELEBRITY CHEF | BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FRESH OFF THE BOAT | HOST FOR VICE AND MTV
Celebrity chef. Charismatic host of Huang’s World on VICE. Bestselling author of Fresh Off the Boat—adapted into the groundbreaking hit ABC sitcom—as well as Double Cup Love. Yes, entrepreneur EDDIE HUANG is many things, but beneath each incarnation is an irresistible story of entrepreneurship and self-made success. He speaks on how embracing cultural diversity—your own story—is vital if we want to grow as people, and as a society.
Marisa Hamamoto: Disability Inclusion Changemaker, Speaker, Dancer | Founder, Infinite Flow Dance |
Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer named People Magazine “Women Changing the World.” A leading authority on disability inclusion and building a culture of belonging, Marisa was recently named LinkedIn Top Voice, and has been featured on Good Morning America, NBC Today, Forbes, Fast Company, amongst other media outlets. As a sought-after international speaker and performing artist, Marisa has shared the stage with Tim Cook at Apple HQ’s Steve Jobs Theater, and her clients and partners include Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Red Bull, Deloitte, adidas, PayPal, Farmers Insurance, Kaiser Permenente, among other forward-thinking brands. Marisa is a stroke survivor, a late-diagnosed Autistic, and a proud fourth-generation Japanese American. She is the founder of Infinite Flow, an award-winning dance company and nonprofit that employs disabled and nondisabled dancers with a mission to create a more inclusive world, one dance at a time.
