I had the honor of being a panelist at Luminary's AAPI Month event, sharing the stage with incredible women leaders from various industries. Together, we explored the multifaceted roles we play as women—building businesses, mentoring others, and balancing our professional and personal lives.

Our conversation tackled the unique challenges faced by AAPI women, particularly the struggle to balance cultural expectations with the pursuit of success in an increasingly diverse landscape. We underscored the critical need for continuous dialogue surrounding AAPI issues, women’s health, and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of support and empowerment beyond just a designated month. It was a privilege to serve as a panelist at Luminary's AAPI Month event, sharing the stage with remarkable women leaders from various industries. Together, we explored the complexities of building businesses, navigating corporate America, and mentoring others while prioritizing our well-being. Many of us shared our journeys from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, illustrating how we forged our own paths in pursuit of our passions. We candidly discussed the pressures of managing our professional ambitions alongside familial expectations rooted in our Asian heritage, navigating the often conflicting norms of both Asian and American cultures. We also confronted the imposter syndrome that many of us experience, emphasizing the power of speaking up and advocating for ourselves as resilient women. A heartfelt thank you to Luminary for creating this vital platform that amplifies our voices and enriches our shared experiences.

Speakers (from left to right):

- Carol Cho, Financial Advisor, IRC Wealth

- Michelle Lam, Founder & CEO, Bklynite Media Inc.

- Jenny Xiao, Managing Director, Global Head of Rates Trading, BlackRock

- Lindsay Chock, Managing Director, Global Head of ETD Electronic and FX Algo Execution, UBS