Healing Hope Solidarity Youth Conference Returns for 3rd year
Keynote speaker Izzy Ngov—a creative at heart who got her start at 16. As an Asian American woman she had to believe in herself when no one else did, and focused on paving new paths in marketing, film, and beyond —showing others that it is possible, and that passion can turn into profit.
SIPA’s 3rd Annual Healing Hope: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Youth Solidarity Conference was created to bring together youth to build solidarity within the AAPI community and across all communities we are part of. This year, the conference focused on youth advocacy and healing. Equipping youth with practical tools to take action, and creating space to care for themselves and each other.
Our goal was to hold an inclusive, supportive environment where attendees can share their stories, learn new skills, and build lasting connections. By coming together in this way, we remind each other that collective care, resilience, and justice go hand in hand.
We had the honor of hosting Izzy Ngov as the keynote speaker. She shared her journey as a young creative in film and media, offering insight on navigating identity, challenges, and growth in the industry. There were also many workshops for participants to engage in throughout the day including:
Youth Townhall: SIPA’s Youth Development Interns held space for youth to share their voice, lived experiences, and bold ideas to shape future programming and opportunities for our local community.
Leadership is Our Legacy: Led by the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Community Action Network (CAN) Program leaders, this workshop explored the power of leadership and how young people can drive social change.
Serve the People! Filipino Youth Respond to Los Angeles Fires: Presented by Anakbayan Los Angeles, this workshop dove into how youth can mobilize and support their communities in times of crisis such as the recent Los Angeles fires and in broader social issues like immigration.
Health and Homeland: 2024 Medical Mission Reportback: The National Alliance for Filipino Health Concerns shared stories and insights from their 2024 medical mission in the Philippines. Participants learned how community-based health initiatives in barangays can make a difference in public health approaches in the US and across the diaspora.
Youth can stay involved with SIPA through our other programs. Scan the QR code fore more information.
Roots, Remembrance, and Restorative Justice Circles: Pilipinx in Wellness led a discussion around cultural stigmas, altar offerings, sound healing, and meditation to explore the origins of restorative justice circles.
Build Better Bonds: SIPA’s Mental Health Counselor, Krystal Fermin, guided a group centered on the experiences of the AAPI community. This safe and inclusive space invited participants to share, reflect and connect around issues impacting mental health and well-being.
Breaking the Silence: Mental Wellness in AAPI Communities: Led by Yellow Chair Collective, this workshop examined how cultural values, historical experiences, and family expectations shape mental health in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
How to Respond to Harassment and Practice Resilience when People Experience Anti-Asian Harassment: The Asian Youth Center shared how to develop resilience in the face of hate and harassment. Through restorative justice circles and open discussion, participants explored how identity influences their experiences of harassment and community dynamics.
Thank you to all of our presenters, performers (Storm, Ashley Lanuza, Aiana Shaw), partners and sponsors (HiFi Kitchen, Cafe 86) and our interns and SIPA staff who put together a successful conference.
