Sam Hyun

The Invisible Race

The building of the Trans-Atlantic Railroad was one of the most monumental infrastructure achievements in U.S. history. Yet it also serves as a powerful reminder of how the contributions and importance of Asian Americans get erased in this country. Approximately 90 percent of the workforce was Chinese migrant workers. Yet, their legacy has been erased, and the credit was given to white men.

Despite the increase in awareness regarding the AAPI Community, there is more that people don’t understand than do, and in spite of the stereotypes, the AAPI community is not monolithic. However, many AAPI youth struggle to discover their identity in a country that has long “othered” AAPI, this program will provide frameworks to develop who they are as AAPI.

Sam Hyun accomplishes this by laying out critical pillars of AAPI History. The Yellow Peril, Perpetual Foreigner Narrative, and the Model Minority Myth. He takes participants through a journey of discovery using historical context, reframing what it means to be AAPI, and where the community currently stands on issues directly impacting the people.
In this program, participants will learn to understand the intersections of AAPI Identity and the community’s impact in the United States and find pride in who they are. That the AAPI Community is no longer invisible. We matter, as we always have.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT:

• The origins and meaning behind AAPI
• AAPI history and how we have come to understand what being AAPI means today
• Where do we go from here and the next steps the community and allies should take

Impacting Change: Through Politics and Social Movements

Now more than ever, we are seeing the impact and importance of getting involved in the movements for change in politics and social movements. However, where do you even begin? How do you make the change from both inside and outside of government and social movements? This program will take you through what it is like to make a difference by illustrating the truth behind working in politics and social movements.

Sam Hyun’s approach is to provide the truth behind what it takes to get involved and make an impact. In this keynote, Sam provides the audience with insider information and explains the process through knowledge gained from experience. Audience members will be empowered, motivated, and determined to be the leaders we deserve.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT:

• The ins and outs of government and steps to get involved
• About the political process and ways to build social movements
• How to get advocate and make changes through politics and social movements

Breaking Barriers: Going from are you viable to being undeniable

We have all heard of the “glass ceiling”, the metaphor used to explain the discriminatory barriers that prevent women from rising to positions of power or responsibility and advancing to higher positions within an organization simply because they are women. But have you heard of the “bamboo ceiling?”

Asian Americans are more likely to be considered for leadership positions when a company/organization is failing and less likely to be considered when a company or organization is thriving. Additionally, Asian Americans are consistently passed over for promotions and stuck in mid-level positions. However, the truth is Asian Americans have been some of the most outstanding leaders in US history. From Grace Lee Boggs, to Patsy Mink, to Michelle Wu, we have made considerable contributions, and it is long past time that the stereotypes and the bamboo ceiling are broken.

In this program, Sam Hyun, the audience will learn to understand why that is and how they can work to dismantle the discriminatory barriers and identify ways to support their Asian American colleagues.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT:

• The bamboo ceiling: What it is and why it exists
• How to better support your Asian American colleagues 
• Where do we go from here and the next steps the community and allies should take