EmpowHer Summit: Uniting Leaders, Empowering Voices, Inspiring Action

On February 25, 2024, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The Association for the Protection of Asian Women in America hosted a summit titled “EmpowHer Summit: Asian Women at the Forefront”. This event drew the attention of scholars, researchers, and public figures alike, all gathered to focus solely on the contributions and influence of Asian women in shaping the future of global impact. In the spirit of collaboration and discourse, the summit fostered an atmosphere of elegance and intellectual exchange among MIT dean, professors, and trailblazing Asian women from various sectors.

The summit featured three distinguished speakers: Dr. Miao, President of The Association for the Protection of Asian Women in America, Prof. Agustin Rayo, Dean of MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences(SHASS), and Ms. Yu Yu, the Matsutaro Shoriki Chair, Art of Asia at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Professor Rayo is a prominent figure in Philosophy, with expertise in logic, metaphysics, and language. His significant contributions have led to the creation of “Rayo’s number,” a concept named in his honor. At the summit, Professor Rayo delivered a stimulating speech, highlighting the pivotal role of Asian women in tackling global challenges and asserting that they embody the future. Leveraging insights from AI technology, forthcoming regulations, and the global influence of Asian women, he provided compelling arguments on the indispensable nature of their contributions to global progress.

Ms. Yu, born and raised in China, commenced her undergraduate education at Wellesley College, followed by earning her master’s degree from Boston University and completing her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. Her doctoral research delved into the art of China’s Yuan dynasty, demonstrating her profound knowledge of art history. At the summit, Ms. Yu recounted her individual odyssey as an Asian woman, discussing topics such as achieving equilibrium between work and personal life and fostering empowerment. Her compelling narrative emphasized the significance of self-empowerment and uplifting others, leaving a profound impact on the audience.

During the fireside chat featuring Dr. Miao, her profound wisdom and scholarly insights illuminated the entire event. With a diverse background as a spiritual growth mentor, author, educator, philanthropist, and composer, Dr. Miao brings a wealth of experience, particularly in guiding Asian women to surmount cultural barriers and embrace abundance in their lives.

Dr. Miao underscored the significant impact of maternal mitochondrial DNA inheritance on individuals’ traits and energy levels, supported by scientific research. Additionally, she emphasized the pivotal role of maternal emotional management in shaping children’s emotional well-being within families. Acknowledging the pervasive challenges encountered by women in Asian societies, Dr. Miao emphasized the necessity of empowering women within both familial and societal contexts.

Furthermore, Dr. Miao advocated for Asian women to embark on a journey of self-healing, mindset transformation, and embracing life to the fullest—an ethos that resonates with the mission of The Association for the Protection of Asian Women in America (PAWA). PAWA actively promotes self-protection awareness among Asian American women and raises social consciousness regarding the protection of Asian American rights through free training, charitable initiatives, and fundraising events. Moreover, PAWA provides financial support for protection initiatives benefiting Asian American women on a global scale.

During the roundtable discussion, Datin Seri Haflin Nazri Aziz, Chairperson of Perwakilan Washington DC and Deputy Chairwomen of ASCWDC; Ms. Eva Ye, CPA, Founder of Sunshine Home Group and VIC Real Estate Investment Club; and Ms. Grace Shi, Director of the International Institute of Well-Being (IIWB), with an educational background in Psychology and Business Management. Each offered deep insights from their unique perspectives on the influence of family upbringing on women’s development.

Datin Seri Haflin Nazri Aziz highlighted the direct link between women’s insight and the closeness of their family relationships, pointing out the critical influence of maternal behavior patterns, home environment, and the example set by elders on women’s brain development and cognitive patterns. Ms. Eva Ye discussed how women, when forming their own families in adulthood, need to adopt innovative thinking to address the impact of their upbringing, demonstrating the courage and ability to change. Ms. Grace Shi encouraged women to break free from the constraints of their family backgrounds, establishing new cognitive frameworks to foster personal growth and future development. She emphasized that being a person of purpose is not only an embodiment of personal achievement but also a responsibility to society, meaning that realizing one’s self-worth also contributes to others and the community at large. The forum attracted a diverse group of experts and public figures from multiple disciplines, all actively engaging in the discussions. They collaboratively sought solutions and inspiration, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The environment was vibrant and illuminating, encouraging participants to share insights on the role of family in shaping women’s identities and paths towards personal and professional fulfillment. The discussions underscored the potential for women to leverage their family influences as a foundation for growth and breakthrough achievements.

Lastly, Ms. Sofronie Dun was bestowed with the EmpowHer Award in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the fields of art and filmmaking, highlighting her exceptional leadership as a young woman. Dr. Miao, presiding as the award presenter, offered her sincere congratulations to Sofronie while expressing her hope for the emergence of additional young female leaders who will grow, thrive, and make meaningful contributions, thereby enriching our world.

The EmpowHer Summit is reported that the theme of this forum will become a research topic at several renowned universities in the United States, expected to inspire more in-depth studies on gender, family, and societal development. This summit was not merely an academic discussion on the development of women’s insight; it was a profound reflection on the challenges and opportunities women face in today’s society, signalling a push towards broader recognition and practice of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Attendees expressed their admiration and gratitude for the meaningful event, eagerly anticipating future summits hosted by PAWA. Moving forward, PAWA remains dedicated to organizing additional events in the near term and pledges to offer ongoing support and services to the Asian American women community. For more information, please contact: The Association for the Protection of Asian Women in America http://www.pawaus.org info@pawaus.org