The Top AAPI Heritage Month Speakers for 2026

Jeff Chang

We’ve all heard of Bruce Lee. But do we really know him? In his book, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, this social historian uses Bruce’s story as a new lens for the story of our country. It was named a best book of 2025 by Kirkus, NPR, and Publishers Weekly, which writes that “this definitive account cements Chang as a preeminent chronicler of Asian American history.”

Hua Hsu

This New Yorker staff writer is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the memoir Stay True, which Vulture calls “an evolutionary step for Asian American literature.” In talks, he draws on the story of his university friendship with another student to show how staying open to difference and disagreement can help us develop our own vibrant, complex identities.

Laura Huang

What sets the most successful people apart? It’s not just hard work. It’s intuition. In her brilliant new book, You Already Know, this celebrated Northeastern business professor reveals how Asian Americans can combine external data and personal experience—successes, challenges, even inaccurate biases—to hone and leverage their intuition.

Vijay Gupta

At 19, this violinist became the youngest person to join a top-tier American orchestra—but when he realized that America’s largest population of unhoused people was just streets away, he turned his attention to fostering real connection with audiences of all kinds. His forthcoming memoir, Restrung, is “honest, heartfelt, and powerful” (Seth Godin).

Wajahat Ali

It’s tempting to give up on the fight for inclusion. But this hilarious speaker and author says that if we invest in hope today, we can still create the future we want. In talks, he draws on his memoir of growing up as a Pakistani-American Muslim, merging inclusion with storytelling and laughter: “Because boring an audience is a sin, I think, in all world religions!”

Candy Chang

What do you want to do before you die? What secrets are you keeping? What can you lend that your neighbors might need? This world-renowned artist and TED Fellow has spent her career exploring creative ways to ask and answer questions together. In talks, she shows how AAPI communities can foster spaces of belonging at home and beyond.

Watch an exclusive highlight reel of just a few of our AAPI Heritage Month speakers:

What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed in May, is a celebration of the rich history and diverse cultures of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This month, we recognize the significant contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders on the history, culture, and achievements of our country. AAPI Heritage Month events, which take place nationwide, help us dive into the stories and legacies of AAPI trailblazers, drawing inspiration from their experiences to forge a more inclusive future.

What’s the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

In 1978, a joint resolution was passed by the House and the Senate to commemorate “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” It was initially a week-long celebration during the first 10 days in May, to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (largely built by Chinese immigrants) on May 10, 1869. In 1990, the week was expanded into a month-long observance, officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. This month serves as a reminder of the perseverance and strength of the AAPI community, recognizing their struggles and triumphs throughout American history and highlighting their enduring cultural impact.

Why book an AAPI Heritage Month speaker?

Lavin is proud to exclusively represent the world’s top AAPI Heritage Month speakers. Their compelling stories and practical advice are essential for anyone looking to embrace diversity, promote solidarity, and build a more inclusive community. Contact us today to bring one of our speakers to your May event!

Jeff Chang

We've all heard of Bruce Lee. But do we really know him? In his book, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America, this social historian uses Bruce's story as a new lens for the story of our country. It was named a best book of 2025 by Kirkus, NPR, and Publishers Weekly, which writes that “this definitive account cements Chang as a preeminent chronicler of Asian American history.”

Hua Hsu

This New Yorker staff writer is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the memoir Stay True, which Vulture calls "an evolutionary step for Asian American literature." In talks, he draws on the story of his university friendship with another student to show how staying open to difference and disagreement can help us develop our own vibrant, complex identities.

Laura Huang

What sets the most successful people apart? It's not just hard work. It's intuition. In her brilliant new book, You Already Know, this celebrated Northeastern business professor reveals how Asian Americans can combine external data and personal experience—successes, challenges, even inaccurate biases—to hone and leverage their intuition.

Vijay Gupta

At 19, this violinist became the youngest person to join a top-tier American orchestra—but when he realized that America's largest population of unhoused people was just streets away, he turned his attention to fostering real connection with audiences of all kinds. His forthcoming memoir, Restrung, is "honest, heartfelt, and powerful" (Seth Godin).

Wajahat Ali

It's tempting to give up on the fight for inclusion. But this hilarious speaker and author says that if we invest in hope today, we can still create the future we want. In talks, he draws on his memoir of growing up as a Pakistani-American Muslim, merging inclusion with storytelling and laughter: "Because boring an audience is a sin, I think, in all world religions!"

Candy Chang

What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

What’s the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

In 1978, a joint resolution was passed by the House and the Senate to commemorate "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week." It was initially a week-long celebration during the first 10 days in May, to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (largely built by Chinese immigrants) on May 10, 1869. In 1990, the week was expanded into a month-long observance, officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. This month serves as a reminder of the perseverance and strength of the AAPI community, recognizing their struggles and triumphs throughout American history and highlighting their enduring cultural impact.

Why book an AAPI Heritage Month speaker?

The right Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month speaker can have a powerful impact on your May event. The top AAPI Heritage Month speakers bring a wealth of knowledge, personal stories, and insights that can enlighten and inspire your audience. Whether your goal is to foster diversity and inclusion, gain a deeper understanding of AAPI history, or spark meaningful discussions about racial justice and cultural identity, our AAPI speakers offer invaluable perspectives for any audience. Lavin is proud to exclusively represent the world's top AAPI Heritage Month speakers. Their compelling stories and practical advice are essential for anyone looking to embrace diversity, promote solidarity, and build a more inclusive community. Contact us today to bring one of our speakers to your May event!