Connect | Educate | Give Back
ORIGINS was a huge success. The conference, featuring networking events, two keynote speakers, and storytelling workshops, spanned over two days. Keep reading for a recap of all things ORIGINS and stay tuned for more info on next year’s conference.
As a community and as entrepreneurs, storytelling is a key component in selling our brand to the world — be it, customers, investors, employees and sometimes family.
So this year the theme of our national conference was: “Origins”. We brought together story tellers and coaches in the API community to share their wisdom and knowledge so our members would be better equipped to express themselves and the value of their business.
This was the premier API gathering of millennial entrepreneurs and small business owners from all over America.
Sponsored by: Walmart & Southwest Airlines
Keynote Speaker
Andrew Yang is an entrepreneur and author. In 2011 he founded Venture for America, a national entrepreneurship fellowship, and spent the last 6 years creating jobs in cities like Cleveland, Detroit, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. When Andrew realized that new technology like artificial intelligence threatened to eliminate one-third of all American jobs, he knew he had to do something. In The War on Normal People (2018), he explains the mounting crisis and makes the case for implementing a universal basic income: $1,000 a month for every American adult, no strings attached. Andrew is running for President as a Democrat in 2020.
Keynote Speaker
Vanessa Paranjothy is one of the co-founders of an organization called Freedom Cups. Freedom Cups gets reusable menstrual products to women. They work on a Buy-1, Give-1 model where every purchase made allows them to gift a woman from an underprivileged community with clean periods.
Vanessa is also one of 12 who received an Obama Scholarship to study at Columbia University and do work alongside their Columbia World Projects Team. The Freedom Cups team has also been recognised in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list for 2017.
The Art of Business Storytelling
Kit Pang is a Communication Expert, TEDx, Inbound and Keynote speaker and the Founder of BostonSpeaks. He is on a mission to help individuals become exceptional communicators. Kit’s seminars and talks have been credited as super fun, engaging, soul-searching and insightful. His happy clients include individuals from organizations such as Dell, Delta, RE/MAX, Harvard or MIT.
Work like an Entrepreneur, Communicate like an Improviser
As a professional improviser for over 17 years, Courtney has led team building workshops and provided entertainment and entertainment programming for Fortune 500 companies. Since 2001, she has been a performer and educator with CSz Worldwide. She holds over a decade of experience in communication, public relations, analyst relations, social media and marketing.
#IAmRemarkable
Rebecca is a software engineer who builds products and communities. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Maryland, Rebecca currently works on Firebase, Google’s mobile development platform. When she’s not coding, Rebecca leads workshops for the women in tech community and celebrates diversity by planning Asian cultural events.
Between the Hashtag
Andrew Chau is co-founder of Boba Guys and Tea People USA. He has been featured as an top emerging business leader on CNN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and NPR. Prior to a career in Consumer Product Goods and corporate marketing, Andrew started and exited his first startup in 2011. Andrew is also a freelance writer and small business adviser. He has his undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC Berkeley. He and his wife Kelly live in San Francisco.
Buzz Marketing: How To Get Media Mentions
Telly creates leading-edge experiential and event marketing campaigns for such clients as McDonald’s, Lexus, HBO and Warner Bros. With an emphasis on cross-cultural and omni-channel campaigns, his work been recognized with honors by such leading industry organizations as PRSA, PR Daily and PR News. In 2016, he was named PR News’ Awe Professional of the Year.
The Social Responsibility of Founders: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace for All
Tammy Cho is co-founder and CEO of BetterBrave, a third-party nonprofit employees can safely turn to when they experience or witness workplace harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. BetterBrave is recognized as a trusted resource by global movements like TIME’S UP and by national outlets including Mashable, HuffPost, Fortune, and Forbes. Learn more at http://betterbrave.org.
Tammy has also been recognized as Georgetown Entrepreneur of the Year, Hubspot Inbound’s 22 Under 22, and a Power Woman in DC Tech. Her work has also been featured in Entrepreneur, Digiday, Bloomberg, and the Washington Post.
Interviewer
Anna Tsui is an executive and leadership coach and international writer, speaker and serial entrepreneur.
Her company, Anna Tsui International, LLC., specializes in helping unique, high-performing individuals identify and implement their unique form of leadership.
She helps business owners and executives generate more revenue in their business by deeply engaging their ideal clients and markets and leveraging their brand offerings. She calls this Intuitive Entrepreneurship. More importantly, her work facilitates in a more productive and joyful work environment that fosters growth and innovation.
Kick-off Party @ Google
Catered Welcome Breakfast
Entrepreneurs Luncheon
Closing Ceremony & Afterparty
Andrew Chau, Boba Guys
Rebecca He, Google
… and more
Personalized Peer Mentorship
Professional Headshots
FRIDAY OCTOBER 12
5:00-6:30 VIP HOUR: AAPI Female Entrepreneurs Reception sponsored by Walmart @ PAGU
There will be special raffle prizes sponsored by Walmart
6:00-9:00 Origins 2018 Kick-off Reception @Google at Kendall Square
SPECIAL GUEST: Ha Nguyen – Owner of 7leaves CAFE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 13
8:30 – 9:00 Registration/Breakfast
9:00 – 9:45 Andrew Yang
9:45 – 10:50 Workshop Group 1
Buzz Marketing: How To Get Media Mentions
10:50 – 12:00 Workshop Group 2
The Social Responsibility of Founders: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace for All
Between the Hashtag
Storyboard Your Business
12:00-1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30-2:30pm Peers Mentorship Circle
2:30 – 3:40 Workshops 3
#IamRemarkable
Crazy Rich Storytelling
Work like an Entrepreneur, Communicate like an Improviser
3:40-4:00 ACE Venture
4:00-4:15 Walmart Introduction by Jamie Chung
4:15-5:00 Vanessa Paranjothy
7:00-10:00 Closing Ceremony at Carrie Nation
SUNDAY OCTOBER 14
Dim-sum 11:00-1:00
Andrew Yang – Founder of Venture for America (VFA)/Author
2012 Champion of Change by the Obama White House
Presidential Candidate 2020
Vanessa Paranjothy – CEO/Co-Founder Freedom Cups
30 Under 30 ASIA 2017: Social Entrepreneurs
Emerging leader of Singapore Supported by Obama Foundation
Buzz Marketing: How To Get Media Mentions by Telly Wong – Senior Vice President & Chief Content Officer, IW Group
The Social Responsibility of Founders: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workplace for All by Tammy Cho – Co-Founder of BetterBrave
Between the Hashtag by Andrew Chau – Co-Founder at Boba Guys / Tea People USA
Storyboard Your Business by Michael Tow – Actor/Producer
Learn more about these speakers below.
#IamRemarkable by Rebecca He – Software Engineer, Google Inc.
Crazy Rich Storytelling by Kit Pang – Communication Expert, TEDx, Inbound and Keynote speaker and the Founder of BostonSpeaks
Work like an Entrepreneur, Communicate like an Improviser by Courtney Pong – Owner and General Manager, CSz Boston
If you are a tourist, driving in Boston is NOT recommended since the city was established before modern day street planning. You will get lost even with navigation and parking in the city is pretty difficult, especially if you don’t have a masters in parallel parking. Boston drivers are also notoriously aggressive and very inclined to step out of their vehicle to yell at you or flip the bird.
Best way to get around: Subway and walking. Boston is best seen on foot.
Freedom Trail – It is a 2.5mile pedestrian trail marked by red bricks that lead you to 16 sites that have historical significant for the US. It starts in Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Popular sites along this trail include Faneuil Hall, Old City Hall, State House, Paul Revere House, USS Constitution, North End district etc.
Public Garden
Charles River Esplanade & the Hatch Shell
Newbury Street/Back Bay
Acorn Street in Beacon Hill
North End
Fan Pier/Seaport Boston Harborwalk
$$$ – Grill 23, Abe & Louie, Moo, Boston Chops, Del Frisco (great view of the harbor), Atlantic Fish Co, O Ya, Oishii, Uni, L’Espalier, Ostra, Mistral, Davio’s, Top of the Hub (food sucks but it got a great view or just go up for a drink)
$$ – Barcelona in South End, Toro, Neptune (long wait), Daily Catch in Seaport (great view of the harbor), Maggiano, Douzo, Stella, the Salty Pig, Gaslight, Legal Seafood Harborside (ask to be on the 3rd Floor)
$ – Gourmet Dumpling House (longish wait), Regina Pizzeria, Windsor Dim Sum Cafe in Chinatown (also long wait), Wai Wai on Oxford Street, Taiwan Cafe, Pho Basil (not the best pho in town but they are the only decent one that is in the city).
Lobstah Roll – Eventide Fenway, Neptune
Clam Chowdah – Neptune, Legal Seafood
Donuts @ Blackbird
Cannolis – Modern Pastry or Mike’s Pastry
Breakfast sandwich at Mike & Patty’s
Ice coffee @ Dunkin’
WARNING: Lines can be long
Gyu-Kaku – Japanese grill
Shabu Zen – Hot pot
TeaDo or Kung Fu Tea – Boba
Crave – Korean fried chicken and a popular hang out spot
Taiwan Cafe
Holly Crab or Loui Loui – cajun crawfish
Andrew Chau – Co-Founder: Boba Guys, www.bobaguys.com
Bill Imada – Chairman: IW Group, www.iwgroup.agency
Chewy Jang – President: Kid’s Dream, www.kidsdreamus.com
Chiling Tong – President: National ACE, www.nationalace.org
Dale Ting – President: Wild Ting Enterprises, www.wildting.com
Ian So – CEO: Chicken & Rice Guys, www.cnrguys.com
Lavanya Jawaharlal – President: www.stemcenterusa.com
Rebecca Lee – Partner/CMO: Dawn Design Studios, www.dawndesignstudios.com
Kat Pham – Community Manager, ACE NextGen
Daniel Oliver – Business Development, National ACE
Juleen Wong – Head of Business Development: Food For All, www.foodforall.com
Le Zhang – CEO: Squadle, www.squadle.com
Rita Ng – Owner: Boston BonBon, www.bostonbonbon.com
Tristan Nguyen – Chief Number Cruncher: Tristan CPA, www.tristancpa.com
Tuan Pham – CEO: Boston Tech Networks, www.techboston.com
Lakhi Siap – Super Connector: East Wave Group
Nareth Yin – Owner: Sach Ko Restaurant Group, www.sachko.com
Brandon Lee – Co-Owner, Fengshui
Jesse Nandhavan – Partner: Conjugate Group, www.conjugategroup.com
Amy Chang – CEO: Delta Nutrassentials, www.deltanutra.com
Diana Yuan – Co-Founder & VP of Talent/Ops: Indico Data Solutions, www.indico.io
Gee Tran – Owner: Banh Mee Restaurant/Food Truck, Bahnmeee.com
David Xiao – Owner: Bensen AI, www.bensen.ai
Ha Nguyen – Owner: 7 Leaves, www.7leaves.com
Jason Li – Owner: Net Acquisitions
Long Nguyen
Lukas Dow – Co-Founder, Bridgeside Entertainment
Matt Shinners – Chief of Staff, Yang2020
Michelle Inn – Board Member, National ACE
John Victoria – Owner: Polianna, www.polianna.net
Kit Pang – Founder, Boston Speaks, www.bostonspeaks.com
Courtney Pong – Partner: Comedy Sports Boston, www.cszboston.com
Michael Tow: Actor/Film Maker, Tow-Arboleda Films
Cheuk Shian – Partner: Keyshore Investments, www.keyshore.com
Mealea Chan-Polcari – Invested, Vested
Kevin Felix Chan – Co-Founder: Best Delegates, www.bestdelegate.com
Rebecca He – Software Engineer: Google
Elizabeth Yang – CEO & Founder: Better With Company, www.betterwithcompany.com
David Chen – Managing Director: David Chen CPA, www.davidchencpa.com
Ray Chou – Partner: Mythopoeia, www.mythopoeia.us
Susan Chinsen – Founding Director: Boston Asian Film Festival, www.baaff.org/
Daniel Chau – CEO/Founder: Courage Only, www.courageonly.com
Suzanne Wong – VP of Pilot Success: Nanigans, www.nanigans.com
Teja Arboleda: Producer, Tow-Arboleda Films
William Huang: Realtor/Investor, Coldwell Banker, www.helpingyouwithrealestate.com
Alex Gao – CEO: Moment 3D, www.moment3d.space
Ken Ma – Director: Mott Optical, www.mottoptical.com
April Chen – Babson College, Co-founder, Gentle
Michelle Yu – Wellesley College, Co-founder, Gentle
Weini (Bhavini) Pa – Babson College
Hari Mahesh – Babson College, exclusive.ai and Co-founder, DrinkPass
Lida Tang – Co-Owner: ForkOut Media, www.forkoutapp.com/
Ray Chang – CEO: Motorsport Labas, www.motorsportlab.com
Moadth Bas – Founder, Globr
Nurlan Temirbulatov
Pui San Tam
Richard Kang
Amy Chase – Founder & CEO: The Crescendo Group
Lamar Heystek – Program Development Officer: Asian Inc, www.asianinc.org
Vanessa Paranjothy – Co-Founder: Freedom Cups, http://www.freedomcups.org/
Andrew Yang – Founder, Ventures for America, Manhatten GMAT Prep, Presidential Candidate 2020
Chutze Chou – Prouducer, Boston Orange, www.bostonorange.com
Kevin Tang – Photographer
Belinda Lei – Consultant, Tyton Partners, www.tytonpartners.com
Sam Shih – Owner, 9tailors, www.9tailors.com
Katie Nguyen – Owner, Pho Palace, www.phopalace.com
Janak Sanariya: BU Adjunct Professor – Entrepreneurship
Bill Imada – Chairman: IW Group, www.iwgroup.agency
Mariko Carpenter – VP of Strategic Community Alliances, Niesel
Susan Jin Davis – Chief Sustainability Officer, Comcast NBC Universal
Terrez Thompson – Vice President, Global Supplier Procurement
Marty Lorenzo – VP of Legal Affairs, PETCO
Jamie Chung – SVP and General Counsel, Global eCommerce Walmart
Joanne Tabellija-Murphy – National Director, Corporate Affairs, Walmart
Tammy Cho – Founder of BetterBrave, www.betterbrave.org
Anna Tsui – Life & Business Coach, www.annatsui.com
Jonathan Huang – Founder, Savory Cater, www.savorycater.com
Jon Lau, Owner of The Vape Shop, https://tvsboston.com/
Richard Gill
Rosemary Hua – CEO, Empathy FX International
Shau-wai Lam -Chairman Emeritus, DCH Autogroup
Simon Nguyen
Stephanie Shen – Director, Prudential Capital Partners
Brian Wang, Startups Entrepreneur/Venture Cafe Foundation
Ryan Kwan, Co-Founder, Boston Night Market, www.nightmarketboston.com
Anita Yip, Co-Founder, LevelUpr
Grace Nguyen, Co-Owner, Adara Spa, www.adaraspaboston.org
Doan Nugyen, Co-Owner, Adara Spa, www.adaraspaboston.org
Doan Nugyen, Co-Owner, Adara Spa, www.adaraspaboston.org
Norman Eng, Public Information Officer, U.S. Small Business Administration
Ivy Chung,Santa Clara University
Jason Chu, Artist, Jason Chu Music,http://www.jasonchumusic.com
David Yee, GM of China Blossom/Team WC
Sheila Lee
Ronald Semuyaba
Vienne Cheung
Frances Luong
Roland Rasos
Lindsey Lo
Helen Zhou
CL Tian
Richard Le
Mariya Layurova
Windy Pham
Annie Le – President, Networking Organization for Vietnamese Americans
Chris Castillo – Software Engineer, Walmart Labs
Chris Law
Hongyu Chen
Jennifer Wong – Senior Associate, Bain Capital
Jimmy Liu
Jing Rogers – American Education Specialist
Lilian Hung – Founder, Lyra Vega Bridal
© 2019 ACE NextGen | Powered by Skizzar