Washington, D.C., USA: The Hindu American Foundation, alongside several other Asian American organizations, will co-host an important annual event focused on AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) unity.
The Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) is set to hold its 2025 Unity Summit on September 16–17 in Washington, D.C., bringing together hundreds of community leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across the United States.
Under the theme “Building Solidarity,” the summit is a key gathering for AANHPI communities to engage in discussions on public policy, celebrate cultural heritage, and take collective action.
The summit agenda includes sessions on civil rights, economic inclusion, religious freedoms, mental health, civic engagement, and recent federal executive orders. AAUC aims to ensure AANHPI perspectives are highlighted nationally, coinciding with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Participants will receive advocacy training, interact with members of Congress, and enjoy a series of multicultural performances showcasing the rich diversity of AANHPI culture.
Awards will be presented to notable figures such as Rep. Gene Wu (Dalip Singh Saund Award), Ambassador M. Osman Siddique (Norman Mineta Award), philanthropists Dr. Ellen Qiong Schicktanz and Dr. Surinder Sehgal (Philanthropist of the Year), as well as community leaders Mukta Bain, Dr. Junzhou Huang, the Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota, and youth leaders Oorja Manot, Akhil Venkatesh, and Adam Zhang.
Keynote speakers for the first day include Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, and serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Sandy Chau. The summit will conclude with a Congressional Reception and awards ceremony.
Dr. SK Lo, AAUC Board Chair, described the event as “more than a gathering—it is a movement,” emphasizing the coalition’s commitment to unity through shared goals, evidence-based advocacy, and storytelling.
AAUC President Angela Anand elaborated on the summit’s vision: “This is an opportunity to discuss effective strategies for community empowerment, address challenges, and generate solutions together. We aim to create a space where a diversity of voices is not just welcomed but actively celebrated.”
The 2025 AANHPI Unity Summit has received official recognition from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, while Washington, D.C.’s Mayor also praised the organizers: “On behalf of over 700,000 DC residents, thank you for your dedication to strengthening our communities. We wish you a successful and inspiring event.”
This year, the summit will also introduce two new resources: AAUC’s HUB, a centralized platform compiling data and statistics about Asian Americans, and the Asian American News Portal, a biweekly digest highlighting community stories and policy developments.
