The LEAD 2021 conference's theme was "Stronger When Together, Together While Apart.” We chose this theme because it embodies our goal in unifying our communities even when we are socially distancing and in virtual spaces. The conference focused on topics of identity, uniting the APIDA community, and being in solidarity with other historically underrepresented communities. Through all of this, we hoped to foster and grow leaders in the APIDA community who will initiate social change. 

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LEAD 2021's keynote speaker was Jason Lee and took place April 9-10, 2021.

The conference was developed to foster identity growth and enhance the collegiate experience for Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American (APIDA) students in the Aggie community. The theme for the conference was “Making History: Looking into the past to build a brighter future.” For the conference’s second year, APC staff members wanted to focus on social identity and the role it plays in shaping campus representation, leadership, and the experience of students.

 

“This year, APC is determined to enhance the Aggie experience for all attendees,” said LEAD Conference Director Janelle Bianca Mendoza. “With the execution of LEAD, we give every Aggie an opportunity to partake in critical dialogues and leadership development to facilitate a positive social impact.”

View the full article here: https://dms.tamu.edu/2019-lead-conference-to-focus-on-social-identity/

The theme for the LEAD 2020 Conference was ‘Shattering Expectations.’ In essence, Shattering Expectations is the act of rising above people’s expectations. The people of the community constantly experience pressure to conform to stereotypes and are expected to perform according to set standards. Our goal was to break these stereotypes and make fellow APIDA members feel involved. 

 

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the LEAD 2020 Conference was unfortunately canceled.

The conference theme is 'Setting the Standard,' which coincides with the brand new APC initiative. The organization sought to create a conference that not only celebrates its diversity, but to also give students a way to network as leaders who often experience campus life through a different lens. 

 

"Though APIDA students are the fastest growing ethnic group at Texas A&M, many students feel that there still aren’t enough resources for them on campus. People also often overlook the APIDA community as a minority group," said Jessica Hsu, APC Vice President. "We want APIDA students to know that leadership resources are available to them and for them to have a self-realization of who they are and what they want to do in life."

 

LEAD 2018 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Srividya “Srivi” Ramasubramanian

View the full article here: https://dms.tamu.edu/asian-presidents-council-to-host-inaugural-lead-conference/