ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
We are currently operating at a volatile intersection of political polarization, economic instability, and a fundamental social re-awakening. For younger professionals, entering this landscape means navigating unwritten rules and structural barriers that academia didn't prepare them for. For seasoned leaders, it means evolving from traditional management into a partnership model that honors authenticity and community responsibility.
But beyond these shifts lies a universal reality that work is hard. In 2026, hard work is no longer just about the volume of tasks, but it is the cognitive and emotional labor required to remain high-performing while the world feels like it’s shifting under your feet. This workshop addresses the grit required to manage constant disruption, the stamina to build a career in a perma-change economy, and the courage to advocate for excellence in a polarized environment.
Workshop Outcomes:
Identifying the unwritten expectations and social scripts that dictate success but are rarely explained.
Developing the mental and emotional fitness to sustain high performance amidst global and economic anxiety.
Moving from top-down authority to a partnership model that fosters resilience, transparency, and shared community responsibility.
How to build influence without losing your cultural identity or sacrificing your mental well-being.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Elaine Chiu
Program Manager
LEAP
Elaine Chiu (she/her) is an educator, facilitator, and community builder. Elaine has an educational background in Early Childhood Special Education, as well a second masters in Intercultural Studies with an emphasis on Asian American contexts. With her extensive experience as a classroom teacher for16 years, she is currently a Program Manager at LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). Elaine also serves as a co-director at AAJIL (Asian American Justice & Innovation Lab). AAJIL is a volunteer-run community racial justice incubator committed to education and community-building for incubating justice, practicing liberation, and cultivating collective agility for change.
Elaine’s lived experiences and work in the education field has led her to\dedicate her studies and efforts into rethinking and reimagining how we think about historical narratives and cultural identity to be a positive influence in our communities. As a lifelong learner, her commitment to learning fuels her dedication to studying, researching, and informing others, while fostering partnerships and communities who desire to make meaningful change. During her free time, Elaine loves eating, playing board games, and being in nature.