Join Ascend NorCal for our 2026 AAPI Heritage Month Networking Mixer, an evening focused on connection, reflection, and leadership.
This year’s theme, “Forward with Purpose,” centers on the idea that heritage is not only something we honor, but something we activate. In today’s evolving workplace, AAPI professionals are redefining leadership by bringing their full identities, experiences, and perspectives into how they show up, influence others, and create impact.
The evening will feature a fireside chat exploring how authenticity, visibility, and cultural identity can be powerful drivers of leadership and career growth. Through candid conversation and shared experiences, we’ll examine what it means to lead without feeling pressure to conform, and how to use your platform to open doors for others.
Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers across industries and career stages in a relaxed, networking-forward environment.
Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned leader, this event is designed to leave you with practical perspective, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose in how you lead.
Fireside Chat Theme
Forward with Purpose: Authenticity, Visibility, and Leadership in Action
Speakers
Dion Lim is an Emmy Award–winning journalist who has spent nearly two decades as a television news anchor and reporter, most recently with ABC7 San Francisco. Her groundbreaking reporting on anti-Asian violence helped spark a national conversation and was featured across Good Morning America, Nightline, 20/20 and many major national and international media outlets. She is the author of the forthcoming book AMPLIFY! My Fight For Asian America and currently serves as Chief Strategist for Garry Tan’s Asian American Voices foundation. Today Dion is a sought-after keynote speaker and media presence advisor, helping high-profile executives and politicians find their voice in defining moments. Her current client roster ranges from political heavyweights running for governor and for congress to preparing a tech executive for a global keynote. Dion lives in San Francisco with her husband and young son.
Eric Toda is a seasoned marketing executive and board leader with a career spent directing digital and brand strategies for some of the world’s most iconic companies, including Meta, Nike, Airbnb, Snapchat, and Gap Inc. Most recently, as the Director of Social Marketing at Meta, he also founded and led Meta Prosper, a community support program dedicated to uplifting API small businesses and creators. Beyond his corporate leadership, Eric is a fierce advocate for the AANHPI community, serving on the Advisory Council for The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and as a former board member for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and LAAUNCH. He is also an investor and board member for The Town FC, a professional soccer club in the East Bay. Recognized by Cannes Lions, Webbys, and Clios for his work, Eric focuses on combining purpose-driven creativity with business results.
Moderator
Richard Leong is a Program Manager of Culture & Development at Google, and an independent DEI consultant/ leadership development facilitator. He’s helped to build more equitable and inclusive teams at clients such as the New York Times - Games, Salesforce, Rockefeller Group, and more. A former public school teacher, Richard is deeply committed to championing historically marginalized communities, and has been a Board Member, advisor, and facilitator for multiple nonprofits serving the Asian Pacific Islander American community.
Event Time Zone: Pacific
Please read the Ascend Terms of Registration and Participation carefully.
