Workshops
AAFC Winsor School 2026 Workshop and Affinity Group Information
We are so excited to share a preview of the 40 workshops and 14 affinity groups being offered at the Asian American Footsteps Conference this year. Please note that each conference attendee will go to one workshop in either Block A1 or Block A2 and eat lunch during the other block. All attendees will go to a workshop during Block B. Please keep an eye out for an email from us during the week of April 13th with more details about how to sign-up for workshops and affinity groups through Sched (download the app here). The full event schedule can be found at our website, aafc2026.org.
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Affinity Groups (11:05am-11:55am)
*Note: If you do not see an affinity group that fits your identity, please let one of your school chaperones know so that they can reach out to the Winsor AAFC team.
Asian-American
Suma Bogelli, Addison Lee, Jude Anderson-Song, Allison Luo, Mia Song
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Asian in America.
Central Asian and Middle Eastern
Hila Sardehi
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Central Asian or Middle Eastern. Countries in Central Asia and the Middle East include Mongolia, Tibet, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Jordan, UAE, Yemen, and more.
Chinese-American
Ella Luo, Winter Qiu, Sammi Zhu, Izzy Lai
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Chinese-American or being Chinese in America.
Chinese-International
Chloe Liu, Alexandra Cao, Alicia Feng, Helen Cao, Susan Zuo
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being an international student from China.
Filipino
Luke Velasco
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Filipino.
Hong Kong
Kaitlyn Yu, Demi Li, Miles Leung
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being from Hong Kong.
Japanese
Julica Hatabu, Ethan Li-Kato, Rikako Umezawa
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Japanese.
Korean
Claire Yoon, Max Choi, Aidan Song
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Korean.
LGBTQIA+
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being LGBTQIA+. Note: the names of students registered for this group will remain anonymous.
Multiracial/Multiethnic
Emma Birdsong, Aria Wang
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being multiracial or multiethnic.
South Asian
Zaara Mehra, Pahal Bhasin, Sia Reddy, Maya Shah
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being South Asian, which includes (but is not limited to) India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives.
Taiwanese
Mabelle Chen
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Taiwanese.
Thai
Angelini Benjavitvilai, Earn Rujanavej, Jetrin Chusacultanachai
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Thai.
Vietnamese
Annie Vo
This affinity group is for students who would like to connect about the experience of being Vietnamese.
Workshop Block A1 (12:05pm-12:55pm)
Storytelling Starts Here: How to Conduct Meaningful Interviews
JOSH CHUCK | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Join documentary film director Josh Chuck (Chinatown Rising (2020), Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America (2025)) to learn how to conduct meaningful and effective interviews. Drawing from hundreds of real-world interviews, Josh will introduce both foundational skills and advanced techniques for capturing powerful first-person stories with care and integrity. Students will explore how to ask thoughtful questions, build trust with interviewees, and ethically document lived experiences. This interactive session includes live demonstrations, group participation, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Whether you're interested in film, journalism, or storytelling, this workshop will give you practical tools to capture voices that matter.
Framing a Nation: Indian Stamps and the Politics of Representation
Bela Patel | The Winsor School
This workshop examines how Indian post-colonial stamps reflect the political and cultural legacies of colonialism. Drawing from my experience with curating an exhibit at the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History, I will introduce participants to philatelic history and explore how stamps function as tools of national identity and historical storytelling. The session will begin with a brief presentation on Indian stamps during and after British rule, along with insights from my curatorial process. Participants will then create an enlarged stamp through collage, each centered on a specific narrative (e.g., monarchy, colonial architecture, agriculture, labor, or independence). We will conclude with a group discussion analyzing which perspectives are highlighted or excluded and what that reveals about power and representation. By the end of the workshop, participants will better understand how even small, everyday objects can shape collective memory and historical narratives.
Matcha Made in Heaven
Jess Lin, Evana Jang | Miss Porter’s School
ARE YOU SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE (for friendships or MORE…)?? THEN SIGN UP. Students are often stuck in their school bubbles. Asian students experience that with the addition of being stuck in their cultural bubbles. Matcha Made in Heaven will allow students to mingle with others they match with based on a questionnaire at the beginning of the workshop, and matchings will be made specifically for those from different schools and backgrounds to interact based purely on their interests. They will then have to complete activities and challenges together–such as how many pushups you can get or eating an oreo off your forehead–hopefully bonding and creating a relationship with someone outside of their bubble.
Roots Across Continents: The Intersectionality of Native American and Indigenous East Asian Cultures
Kaitlyn Yu | Choate Rosemary Hall
This workshop offers an exploration into East Asian Indigenous cultures, especially the Ainu people of Hokkaido, Japan, and their connections to Native American Indigenous experiences. Roots Across Continents features an informative presentation, an engaging group discussion, and hands-on activities such as craft-making and learning basic Ainu phrases. Through this experience, students will enhance their cross-cultural awareness, encouraging a common identity and understanding across cultures, history, and resilience.
How Much Asian Is Enough? Rethinking ‘White‑Washed’ and the Myth of Cultural Authenticity
Chloe Li, Logan Hoang | Suffield Academy
How Much Asian Is Enough? is an honest, energizing conversation about the label “white‑washed” and the pressure many Asian and Asian American students feel to prove their cultural authenticity. Too often, this term is used to shame people for the way they speak, act, or navigate American culture. But is being “white‑washed” always negative or is it more complicated than that? Through student stories, interactive activities, and open discussion, this workshop breaks down where the term comes from, why it sticks, and how it affects our sense of identity. Together, we’ll explore what it really means to belong, challenge the idea of being “Asian enough,” and create space for every student’s unique cultural journey. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself, your peers, and the freedom to define your identity on your own terms.
Stories through Stanzas: Poetry & Relating the Pan-Asian Narrative
Jerry Fan, Alex Choi | The Hotchkiss School
Poetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression, storytelling, and finding similarities with others – but even today, Pan-Asian voices are underrepresented. This workshop aims to examine the marginalized stories of Pan-Asians through active discussion and engagement regarding Pan-Asian poetry. By exploring the works of prominent Asian or Asian-American writers, as well as providing a chance for students to share poetry from their own life, the themes of Pan-Asian pride, subsidisation, and identity will be tackled through the art of language. We will warm up with a roundtable discussion analyzing a few works that capture the Asian experience. Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to share the poetry that relates to their own identities—whether an original work or that of another author. We hope that with this workshop, one will be able to use the power of poetry to inspire change within yourself and your community.
Stereotypes and Stardoms: The “Asian-American Dream” in Hollywood and Broadway
Alexandra Cao | St. Paul’s School
This interactive workshop explores how Hollywood and Broadway have portrayed Asians and Asian Americans immigrants in film and theater, and how these depictions shape cultural perceptions and identity. We will begin from some of the earliest movies shot in America's Chinatowns, followed by a deep dive into Chinese representation—and misrepresentation—in Hollywood’s Golden Era, and ending with discussions on the contemporary cinematic landscape. Participants will watch selected clips from works such as Mulan (comparing different film versions with traditional folklore), Madame Butterfly (1988), The Joy Luck Club (1993), Fresh Off the Boat (2015), Crazy Rich Asians (2018), etc. Through open-ended discussions, participants will evaluate media portrayals, examine the historical and social contexts behind them, and reflect on how these representations influence public perception or resonate with lived experiences. After this workshop, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Asian and Asian American identity in popular culture.
Seen, Not Heard: Dealing with Microaggressions in Predominantly White Spaces
Wonjun Jung, Takumi Shigeie | Kimball Union Academy
This discussion-based workshop explores how subtle stereotypes and microaggressions shape the everyday experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, particularly in predominantly white spaces. The session begins with a brief introduction to key ideas, including microaggressions, the Model Minority Myth, and AAPI diasporic identity, grounded in lived experience and short excerpts. To create a supportive environment, participants start with an icebreaker and shared discussion norms such as confidentiality, listening without interruption, and nonjudgmental engagement. Small-group reflections then lead into a Harkness-style circle conversation where students consider questions about feeling "seen but not heard," the pressures created by stereotypes, and what makes spaces safe to discuss race and identity. The workshop closes with a reflection on practical ways to respond to microaggressions, support peers, and strengthen awareness, belonging, and solidarity within school communities through honest conversation and shared responsibility.
Chinese Traditional Painting
Yufan Zhou, Tsz Mang Ye, Yuelin An | Walnut Hill School for the Arts
This workshop gives a calm and inspiring space where students can learn the art and history of Chinese traditional painting, often known as 国画 guóhuà. We will demonstrate techniques such as how to control brush pressure, creating fluid lines, and balancing color. Students can learn to paint subjects like bamboo, mountains, flowers, and birds, which all carry symbolic meanings in Chinese culture.
From Seoul to Soul: Finding Yourself in K-Dance
Youjin Choi | The Winsor School
In this workshop, we will explore choreography in K-pop to engage in movement and experience how we are able to share our stories through the language of dance. We will learn choreography ourselves, taking a moment from our hustle-filled lives to move and connect with each other. This connection through shared movement will empower dancers, celebrating the expression and joy that come with music and dance. By creating a space to dive into the world of dance in K-pop, we will be able to bond over shared music tastes, and more importantly, have fun! And absolutely no experience is required.
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Workshop Block A2 (1:00pm-1:55pm)
Fluent in Culture: Exploring Connection to Culture Through Language
Emma Birdsong | The Winsor School
Language is a key to cultural identity and connection, but what happens when you don’t speak your heritage language fluently, or even at all? What if, even if you do speak the language, you still don’t feel “Asian” enough? In this workshop, we’ll address common feelings of disconnection and exclusion due to communication challenges while also exploring the multitude of Asian languages. Beyond just common feelings, we’ll delve into how personal experiences shape our interaction with our native languages. Through open discussions and a mural activity, participants will reflect on the intersection of language and identity. Whether you’re multilingual, learning, or don’t speak your heritage language at all, this space is open to everyone! Cultural identity is not defined by language fluency, but instead by the connections we create and the stories we carry.
“You Met Me at a Very Chinese Time in My Life:” What it Means to be Asian in America
Arwen Zhang | Groton School
In recent years, East Asian culture—not just Chinese culture—has taken social media by storm, often appraised for its perceived idealism, aesthetic appeal, and distinctive cultural elements reflecting Chinese, Korean, and Japanese lifestyles. However, at the cost of this trend's popularity comes the oversimplification of the complex and personal Asian American experiences, particularly in the struggles around what it means to be Asian in an environment riddled with discrimination and demeaning stereotypes. In this discussion-based workshop, attendees will share and discuss their experiences of American life in the pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 era, broadening their understanding of both cultural appreciation and appropriation, and the cultural impacts of each across communities.
Spill the Tea: A History of Asian Drinks
Izzy Lai, Ella Luo | The Winsor School
Drinks like matcha, boba, and various other asian drinks have become mainstream worldwide, particularly in the US. Tiktok and social media are filled with influencers pushing the latest special edition drinks, new boba chains, matcha recipes, and more. However, like many other trends, this prevalence online makes people forget about the roots of these drinks. In this workshop, we’ll explore how drinks like milk tea, oolong, barley tea, and herbal teas evolved from ancient traditions and medicine to popular beverages today. We will discuss the history of these drinks, from trade to cultural exchange, and of course, have a taste test with various types of tea! Activities will include tasting stations, smelling tests, Kahoots, discussions, and other hands-on activities.
Techno-Orientalism: Yellow Peril & 20th Century Media
James Moon | Phillips Exeter Academy
This workshop focuses on the concept of Techno-Orientalism and its role in furthering the fear of the 'Yellow Peril' in modern society. Drawing inspiration from the book: "Techno-Orientalism: Imagining Asia in Speculative Fiction, History, and Media," this workshop seeks to condense a critically dense, theoretical book into something digestible to high school/postgraduate students. The objective of this workshop is to bring into light how the Cyberpunk genre and media writ large fetishizes being 'Asian' with cybernetics. The intended outcome is to encourage participants to think critically of the media they consume, and reflect on how media representation creates material effects on society/public policy. Case studies will be involved, including: Blade Runner, The Matrix, etc.
Rethinking Japanese Culture: Religion, History, and Narrative
Arisa Teramoto | Northfield Mount Hermon
Despite the global popularity of Japanese culture like anime, deeper aspects—especially religion and its historical context—have become less visible among younger generations. This workshop explores those overlooked dimensions through religion and history. We will examine misconceptions such as the romanticized image of the samurai and the Meiji era’s tension between modernization and Westernization. We will also address Japan’s colonial legacy and its lasting impact. The workshop then turns to war memory, including the atomic bombings and the attacks at Pearl Harbor, comparing how these events are understood in Japan and the United States. By exploring these differing narratives, we will consider how national identity is shaped. Finally, we will reflect on the U.S.–Japan relationship and broader cultural shifts in Asia, ending with a discussion on how to preserve cultural authenticity in a globalized world.
The Sacred Intersection: Reclaiming Heritage through Faith and Roots
Sherry Hernandez (Adult-led Workshop) | Phillips Exeter Academy
How do we reconcile the complex layers of our ethnic identity with our faith, sometimes inherited through colonization, that shape our lives? Following a transformative sabbatical, Dean Hernandez shares her personal journey of tracing her Filipino and indigenous roots alongside the Catholic traditions of Spain and Italy. This workshop is designed as a brave space for participants to explore the intersections of their own race, ethnicity, and spirituality. Rather than viewing faith as a point of division, we will discuss how deeply understanding our own roots can actually build a bridge toward embracing the faiths and traditions of others. Through storytelling and reflective prompts, attendees will learn how to honor their ancestral history while leaning into a more inclusive, expansive sense of self.
Thriving Asians: Mental Wellness Expanded
Sia Reddy, Ethan Li-Kato | The Hotchkiss School
The workshop explores how various family norms, generational pressure, and stereotypes may lead to a distorted image of mental wellness in ourselves and our loved ones. The conversation then turns to a more positive light and explores how we can use our ethnic identities and cultural practices to foster a safe and positive environment for the discussion of mental wellness and self-care. We feel as though having an open discussion about mental health is especially important because in many Asian households, there is stigma around mental health as it is seen as a weakness or failure. By the end of the workshop, students should have a deeper understanding of how cultural expectations shape perceptions of mental health. They will gain the language and strategies to discuss mental wellness openly and build supportive environments within their own communities.
Beyond the Model Minority: A Hip-Hop/Jazz Workshop CANCELLED
Renee Tse | The Governor's Academy
Taking up space physically can feel especially meaningful in communities where we may sometimes feel pressure to minimize ourselves or conform to certain standards. The focus of the workshop, therefore, is to create an inclusive, low-pressure environment where participants can discover what their bodies are capable of, move freely without judgment, and simply enjoy the experience of dancing together. Above all, the goal is to have fun, build confidence, and leave feeling energized and empowered.
Between Worlds: Navigating Asian Family Dynamic and Identity
Wendy Xue, Sophie Zhou | Tabor Academy
This lecture-based workshop invites students to explore the complexities of Asian family relationships and how to navigate conflict within them. Through guided discussion, participants will engage with themes such as biracial identity, intersectionality, home, and belonging. The workshop creates a safe space for diverse perspectives and experiences to be shared and heard. By reflecting on personal and cultural dynamics, students will examine how social norms and expectations shape relationships across generations. Ultimately, the workshop encourages thoughtful dialogue about human connection, helping participants better understand both themselves and their loved ones.
Boston's Chinatown: Who, when, why?
Vivian WuWong (Adult-led Workshop) | Chinese Progressive Association
As a creation of the Chinese diaspora, Boston’s Chinatown is a uniquely American neighborhood with a history that spans over 150 years. While it continues to serve as a center for commercial activity, thousands of immigrant and working-class families still call it home. Come find out more about how Cantonese bachelors created such a remarkable community that continues to evolve and thrive as it fights for its own survival.
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Workshop Block B (2:40pm-3:30pm)
Documentary Storytelling & Asian American Voices
JOSH CHUCK | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Join documentary film director Josh Chuck for an inspiring session featuring impactful excerpts of his feature films Chinatown Rising (2020), Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America (2025), and his upcoming project Dragon Boat (2027). Discover powerful stories of badass Asian Americans from the Civil Rights era as well as current high school students fighting for inclusion of Asian American Studies in their school communities. Learn what it takes to bring overlooked histories to the screen and how storytelling can strengthen movements and combat racism. Q&A will give you the opportunity to gain insights from an independent filmmaker dedicated to amplifying Asian American voices.
Asian Americans in Cinema (Hollywood)
Claire Liu, Ashley Wu, Zoe Chen | Choate Rosemary Hall
This workshop will look at how Hollywood movies have portrayed Asian Americans. It will also talk about how this representation affects identity, belonging, and how others see them in public. We will look at how representation has changed over time, from early villain stereotypes and “yellow peril” narratives to the rise of figures like Bruce Lee and modern movies with Asian American stars. We will also talk about where it still falls short. Additionally, the participants will watch film clips, discuss ideas of the "Good American" and the "model minority," and think about how the media affects how they see Asian American identity. The goal of the session is to provide a place where people from different backgrounds may talk to each other and share their own experiences with how media represents them. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a better knowledge of how movies tell stories about Asian Americans and how we may question and confront those stories.
Asian Culture is Not a "Trend” : Reclaiming Our Identities and Community Through Art
Arabella Chong, Melanie Lok | Northfield Mount Hermon
This workshop explores the gap between social media “trends” and lived cultural experience. We will begin by briefly viewing trending videos that feature Asian culture, using them to spark reflection on visibility, appreciation, and appropriation. Participants will then consider how increased recognition does not erase the long histories of racism and discrimination faced by Asian communities worldwide. A guided discussion will create space for participants to share thoughts and personal perspectives. The session will then shift to a collaborative art activity: each participant will receive a watercolor puzzle piece to visually express what Asian culture, heritage, or identity means to them. To conclude, the pieces will be assembled into a collective collage and photographed, symbolizing unity and connection. The collage will be disassembled afterward, allowing everyone to take their piece home as a reminder of personal identity and community.
The Influence of Asian Media on Western Culture
Maxwell Choi, Hansen Zheng | Groton School
This workshop is aimed to discuss how media stemming from Asian countries has exploded in popularity within the U.S through exploring how Asian media’s storytelling styles, aesthetics, and themes resonate with diverse Western audiences while also shaping Asian and Asian-American cultural identity. This will be achieved through analyzing specific examples of popular works that are widely recognized within American society. Hansen and I will also examine how media exports function as soft power (the ability of a country to influence other countries through cultural appeal rather than through military or economic means), how fan communities build cross-cultural connections, and how representation in pop culture influences perceptions of Asia within the Western World.
Beyond “Athlete or Nerd?” — Challenging Stereotypes About Asian Athletes
Anna Matsuyasu | The Governor's Academy
In this workshop, we will explore the stereotypes surrounding Asian athletes, with particular attention to the common assumption that Asian athletes are “geeky” or naturally unathletic. We’ll start by reflecting on our own experiences and perceptions of Asian representation in sports, then listen to stories from professional athletes who have faced these stereotypes — including figures like Jeremy Lin, Naomi Osaka, and Shohei Ohtani. Next, we’ll highlight notable Asian athletes who challenge these narratives and expand ideas about athletic identity. Finally, we’ll brainstorm practical ways to help destigmatize Asian participation in athletics and create a more inclusive, supportive sports environment. This workshop will help others understand the challenges of being an Asian student athlete, as well as hear about other’s experiences.
Born There, Raised Here, Confused Everywhere: A Comparative
Sin Ting Cheng, Theodore Wong | Proctor Academy
At home, you’re too American; at school, you’re too Asian. Have you ever wondered how these standards shape the way you see yourself? Our workshop aims to create understanding between being Asian-born in America and Asian-American. How do we see each other? Led by someone from Hong Kong and from California, we want to create a space for discussion focused around acceptance where participants walk out more confident in their identity. In shaping the discussion, we will play games that ask participants to reflect on their own experiences, and hopefully share them with the group. Understanding our differences strengthens the AAFC community, further bringing us together.
Confucius to Plato: The Bridge Between Western and Asian Philosophies
Katherine Lu, Khloe Kim | The Hotchkiss School
By learning from both Eastern and Western philosophers, we can find ways to implement their teachings in our daily lives and enhance our mindset. Learning from different perspectives that are rooted in different cultures help build a holistic approach to life by realizing what values one resonates with the most. We will use a t-chart / venn diagram to compare prominent philosophers from East and West and pick out the differences in their emphasis. For example, Eastern philosophy focuses on harmony, balance, and inner peace while Western philosophy focuses on individualism and reason. Living in a boarding school during our years of self-discovery and development, our lives are a crossover of East and West cultures, allowing discussion about Eastern and Western philosophies. We will also be discussing similarities between Eastern and Western philosophies despite differences in cultures and time periods.
Between Two Worlds: the First Generation Asian American Experience
Julianna Shi, Isha Raikar | The Winsor School
For many first-generation Asian American teens, identity isn’t just a single narrative – it’s a constant back and forth between two opposite halves of the world. Despite making up over 57% of all Asian Americans, their stories often go unheard. Whether raised by foreign-born parents or having immigrated to the United States at a young age, these students navigate various academic, social, and cultural obstacles. In this workshop, we will explore these aspects in detail and talk about how growing up between two cultures influences our own individual experiences. Finally, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from some panelists and participate in fun group discussions and activities. Anyone is welcome to attend, whether it be to connect with other first-generation teens or to explore how Asian American culture shapes all our lives in both similar and different ways.
How to Move Forward with Affinity—Joint or Separate?: Exploring Asian Affinity Groups from the NMH Archives
Joelle Yang | Northfield Mount Hermon
This workshop explores the long-going debate regarding the structure of Asian Affinity Groups: join or separate? It will dive into affinity group history from NMH archives, affinity frameworks by diversity consultant Rosetta Lee, and primary perspectives from student and faculty. Throughout the workshop duration, students will be asked to engage in small group discussions about how affinity groups are structured in their school and their opinions on how to best approach Asian Affinity—having a joint Asian-American association, separate affinity groups, or both.
Boba Talk: Discussing Mental Health in Asian Communities
Ashley Chen, Katherine Luo, Emma Li | Phillips Exeter Academy
Join our workshop to explore the vital topic of mental health in Asian communities and enjoy a cup of boba! This workshop will center around the topic of how Asian communities deal with mental health and its surrounding stigma. During this discussion, students will participate in a boba-making activity. We aim to provide students with an opportunity to explore cultural attitudes toward mental health in Asian households. Through a collaborative boba-preparation activity, we plan to facilitate open discussions about students' personal experiences while connecting through a shared love of food. Students will also be able to enjoy their boba at the end, serving as a sweet reward for their in-depth conversations.
I Solemnly Swear to Stop Watching Mukbangs
Helen Cao, Arthur Peng, Alicia Feng, Shri Prasanna | The Hotchkiss School
In an age of constant digital stimulation, many of us have grown used to eating alone, often alongside our screens. This workshop explores the rise of the “loneliness epidemic” through mukbangs, a genre of online content that began in South Korea and has evolved into a form of digital companionship. Through interactive activities such as reflections on meaningful food memories, small group discussions, and collaborative games, we will examine why mukbangs are so appealing and what they reveal about how we cope with isolation. We will also discuss how modern habits contrast with traditions of communal eating. By connecting personal experiences to broader cultural patterns, we hope that participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their own habits and new ways to make eating a more intentional, shared experience.
Mahjong; tradition, strategy, and play
Eileen Chi, Addison Chiang | Milton Academy
The workshop is geared towards learning culture, embracing differences, learning how to play, and reflection. Learning the history behind both American and Chinese mahjong, how the rules differ, and why there are two versions is a key part of the workshop. The workshop is mostly interactive, making the environment collaborative and fun. For the last part, there will be a reflection about what you learned and how American and Chinese mahjong have common ground.
More Than a Meal: Food & Asian Beauty Standards (CANCELLED)
Aim Wanglee | Loomis Chaffee
Food plays a big role in many Asian communities, carrying social expectations and cultural memory. The dinner table is often where many children learn the values of discipline and restraint through lessons about weight, skin, and portion size. The food that connects us to our roots can also carry expectations about how we should look, including Asian beauty standards such as thinness and pale skin. By understanding this connection, participants will learn how body image is shaped by cultural expectations and will learn to redefine body positivity without rejecting their heritage.
Queer Currents: Spotlight, Subtext & Identity in the Hallyu Wave
Irene Seo | Groton School
“What does it mean to navigate queerness through pop culture?” This workshop explores how queer Asian American youth engage with Hallyu (modern Korean popular culture) as a space of both visibility and contradiction. In many social and cultural contexts, particularly within Asian communities, LGBTQIA+ identities have faced limited acceptance. As a result, the global prominence of K-culture in media has created both change and conflict— within and without the self. Through discussion of internet case studies— idols, online fanbases, queer-coded media— and shared learning, participants will investigate how individuals across queer and K-culture communities interpret, connect with, and find meaning in those often subcultural spaces. This workshop will aim to foster connection among participants while exploring how media shapes identity, asking what it means to think about who you are… as an Asian-American teen in the 5th K-pop generation.
Stuck in the Middle: The South Asian Struggle to Fit Into The Western Idea of Race
Nikhil Luthra | Groton School
What box do South Asians check off on a census? What counts as South Asia? Are South Asians even “Asian?” This workshop, combining a mix of education, discussion, and interactive collaboration, will dive into the history and roots of the South Asian identity in the western world and where the group “fits” into Western society. After that, we will continue with both small and large-group questions, wrapping up with a guided discussion, line game, and some fun trivia. Students will be able to think about their own Asian identity and cooperate with peers while also learning more about one of Asia’s largest subcategories.
The History of Ramen
Nausicaa Chu, Mackenzie Barrette, Mabelle Chen | St. Paul’s School
Ramen takes many forms. It’s a midnight snack, a staple in Asian households, and a feature in your favorite Asian dramas. But it’s also a cultural phenomenon that has recently boomed in America. Brought to you by the presenters of the past three years’ hit workshops “The History of Hot Pot,” “The History of Fried Rice,” and “The History of H-Mart,” this workshop will explore how ramen went from its origins in Japan to a mainstream food around the world. “The History of Ramen” will feature an ACTUAL RAMEN TASTING, with Japanese, Korean, Asian-American, and Indonesian-style ramen. We’ll have a ton of toppings, including kimchi, seaweed, eggs, cheese (trust us, it’s good!), and bok choy. Workshop attendees will leave with full stomachs and an understanding about how ramen has shaped modern Asian-American culture. Join in for new knowledge and delicious food!
The Intersection of Asian and Western Daily Philosophies: how do different cultural traditions shape our thoughts and actions?
Benjamin Jiang, Steve Ma | Middlesex School
In a multicultural setting, we might experience a subtle tension between the ideals of our Asian cultures and philosophies and the mainstream values of America. This is a collaborative discussion reflecting upon the impact of different Asian cultural ideals on our lives and identities. We recognize that mediating different philosophical ideals is often challenging. We ultimately want to raise the idea that it is possible to have a coexistence of these values. Learning how to blend these values can ultimately aid and inspire the development of our own worldviews.
When Cinema Goes to War: India-Pakistan Conflict in Bollywood
Bhumika Prem, Laavanya Rasiah | Phillips Exeter Academy
In this workshop, we want to explore how the India–Pakistan conflict is portrayed through Bollywood films and how cinema influences the way people understand this history. Instead of looking at the conflict only through textbooks or news, we’ll analyze how popular movies present themes like patriotism, nationalism, war, sacrifice, and cross-border relationships. We’re interested in examining how films shape emotions and opinions, especially how they create ideas of the “hero,” the “enemy,” and national identity. We’ll look at specific scenes and discuss how storytelling can simplify or dramatize complex political realities. The goal of this session is to build critical thinking about media and representation. By the end, participants should be able to question how entertainment shapes public perception and recognize how Bollywood plays a role in influencing attitudes toward conflict and identity.
Building Communities Through Food and Memory
Harper Bolton, Esther Zhang, Neo Wang | The Winsor School and Middlesex School
This interactive workshop serves to explore how food builds common ground for Asian communities and connects us to our identities as well. Drawing from our own experiences growing up in Asian households, we will explore the stories, memories, and traditions behind Asian dishes, as well as trying to go beyond the plate to understand their cultural significance. Participants will engage in personal narrative as well as cultural context. Presenters will be touching on the history behind certain dishes and how immigration as well as the distribution of culture have shaped the way these foods are made and remembered today. This workshop will feature guided discussions and some interactive activities, including a kahoot. Through these activities, we aim to create an inclusive space where everyone can appreciate the role of food in building connection. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a deeper connection to each other.
Beyond the Beat: The Connection between K-pop Culture and Black American Hip-Hop and R&B
Rikako Umezawa, Stella Liao, and Alex Jiao | The Hotchkiss School
K-pop has become a global phenomenon, drawing heavily from Black American musical traditions—especially hip-hop and R&B of the 80s and 90s. Its rhythms, vocals, choreography, and fashion reflect styles pioneered by Black artists, later adapted and reintroduced on a global stage. While often labeled simply as “Asian” music, K-pop is shaped by diverse cultural influences. In this interactive workshop, participants will analyze two performances (one K-pop and one hip-hop) through elements like beat, choreography, fashion, and lyrics. We’ll then discuss how these connections influence the way Asian culture is presented in America. What does K-pop’s global rise reveal about access to the mainstream? Can it still be considered authentically Korean, or has it been commodified? This session invites participants to think critically about cultural exchange, power, and the responsibilities that come with global influence.