Albany, NY – The New York State Assembly’s Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force and Chairwoman Assemblymember Grace Lee hosted the third annual New York State AAPI Summit in Albany on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, 2026. Now in its third year, the Summit has become a flagship statewide convening – bringing together Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community leaders, advocates, and partners from across New York.

This year’s Summit welcomed over 400 attendees, marking its largest gathering to date and underscoring the growing civic and political engagement of AAPI communities statewide. The two-day event featured an evening Welcome Reception followed by a full day of programming at the Empire State Plaza, including panels, workshops, and policy conversations.

“Gathering over 400 leaders in Albany today, our community isn’t just asking for a seat at the table – we are setting the agenda,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee, Chair of the APA Task Force. “From the state budget to the ethics of AI, representation means being present where the most critical decisions are made. With this summit we are ensuring our voices are not just heard, but are the ones leading the way.”

“The AAPI Summit continues to be an important opportunity to bring together voices from across New York to celebrate the strength, diversity and contributions of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “As the summit grows each year, it reflects the meaningful progress we are making through partnership and engagement. I look forward to continuing our work with APA Task Force Chair Grace Lee and our partners in government and the community to ensure AAPI New Yorkers are heard, supported, and represented.”

Centered on this year’s theme, “AI for ALL: AAPI Leadership for an Equitable Future,” the Summit explored how emerging technologies are reshaping economic opportunity, labor, education, public safety, and civic participation. Programming brought together legislators, academic leaders, advocates, and industry voices to examine both the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence for AAPI communities.

During the Welcome Reception, Sharon Lee was honored with the Trailblazer Award and Tazin Khan of Cyber Collective was honored with the Leadership Award. The Workshop Day featured keynote speaker Karan Brar, actor and artist, in a fireside conversation on storytelling, creativity, and navigating the future of work in an AI-driven world.

“For a long time, the goal for our community was simply to get through the door. But I’ve realized that we spend so long thinking about getting through the door, we don’t think about what to do when we’re in the room,” said Karan Brar, keynote speaker. “As an Indian American actor, we aren’t just here to fill a quota; we’re here to lead, to take up space, and to tell stories that are as complex and bold as we are. I’m honored to stand with a community that is no longer waiting for permission to lead the way.”

The legislative panels at the AAPI Summit included:

• AI and the future of work and labor protections
• The role of AI in public systems, including healthcare and census data
• Small business resilience and economic opportunity in a changing digital landscape
• Immigration, surveillance, and civil rights in the age of AI
• Youth mental health and technology
• Higher education leadership and innovation
• Civic engagement, representation, and coalition building

"From our small businesses to the halls of government, to the families and communities who call New York home, Asian Americans are shaping the fabric of our nation, and it is critical that we ensure they have a voice in the decisions that define our future,” said Senator John Liu. “This summit brings together leaders, advocates, and young people from across New York to the state capitol to ensure our voices are heard, our presence is seen, and our contributions are recognized."

“AAPI representation matters, especially as the fastest growing population in our state and across the nation,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney.  “New York is made great by its diversity and the countless cultures and heritages that flourish throughout our communities. This Summit is an opportunity to celebrate the AAPI community, discuss our ongoing needs, and plan for a brighter future across New York and I’m proud to help make this year’s event another huge success.”

"AI is already reshaping how we ensure labor protections, how our health data is used, how our small businesses operate, and how our communities are surveilled. With this transformation comes both immense opportunity and real risk. The decisions being made right now will define the future of every New Yorker,” said Assemblymember Karines Reyes, R.N., Chair of the Puerto Rican & Hispanic Task Force. “That is exactly why these conversations matter. AAPI communities deserve not just a voice in this new age, but agency over it. I am proud to stand with these leaders as we ensure that the future is built with us, not without us."

"I am proud to participate in this year's AAPI Summit and join community leaders, advocates, and colleagues from across New York in conversation about the future of our state. This Summit highlights the important role AAPI voices play in ensuring we are building opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all New Yorkers," said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.

“Now in its third year, the NYS AAPI Summit is a collaborative event that gathers leaders from across our state to discuss the needs of New York’s Asian American population and collaborate on substantive legislative policy. The discussions were thoughtful, energizing, and enlightening, and I want to thank the APA Task Force Chair Grace Lee and Task Force Executive Director Liya Thachil for organizing the event,” said Assemblymember Ed Braunstein.

“As a member of the APA Task Force representing the AAPI community in my district, I’m proud to once again participate in the AAPI summit,” said Assemblymember Chris Burdick. “Working alongside Dr. Teresa Hsu of S.P.E.A.K. in Mount Kisco, we held a workshop on AI and Youth Mental Health, with a particular focus on the AAPI community. Two of my district office interns, Emma Tong and Isabel Wang, were also able to come to Albany as panelists. I’m glad we were able to bring this important and timely topic to the summit, and I am grateful to Assemblymember Grace Lee and the Task Force staff for working so hard each year to bring this important event to Albany.

“This year’s AAPI Summit makes clear that representation is not just about being present, it’s about having a real voice in shaping the policies that will define our future,” said Assemblymember Steven Raga. “As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence transform every aspect of our lives, AAPI communities must not only be part of the conversation, but help lead it. As the first Filipino elected to the New York State Assembly, I am committed to ensuring our communities have that voice and leadership in these spaces. This summit created the opportunity for that, ensuring that innovation moves forward in a way that is equitable and inclusive.”

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the Assembly’s APA Task Force, supporting New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. “In my district, I’m fortunate to represent a vibrant and growing AAPI community whose culture makes our neighborhoods stronger. It is an honor to be part of the Task Force and its important work to ensure that our AAPI community is represented and empowered.”

“I commend the APA Task Force and Chairwoman Grace Lee for bringing together leaders from across New York to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration on the critical issues facing our communities,” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “This summit reflects the importance of strong representation and partnership across government and community organizations, ensuring that AAPI voices are included in the conversations that shape policy and opportunity throughout New York.”

“As a member of the New York State Assembly’s Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force, I was honored to help kick off the Third Annual New York State AAPI Summit,” said Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay. “This conference is available to New Yorkers thanks to the dedication and vision of APA Chairwoman Assemblymember Grace Lee; on behalf of my constituents and all residents of New York State, I thank her for her leadership and commitment to lifting the voices of AAPI New Yorkers. The summit brings together legislators, advocates, and leaders from the AAPI community, as well as key partners across New York, with discussions this year focusing on AI, immigration, education, economic opportunities, and more. As a representative of a district with a large and vibrant AAPI community, I am proud to support and partake in these discussions to better understand and navigate a future with further AI integration, while assessing the benefits and risks associated with it. I am impressed by the quality and creativity of many of the presenters and speakers, and congratulate the esteemed winners of the presented awards, including Sharon Lee and Tazin Khan. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the APA taskforce members and staff for hosting the summit and for engaging and empowering members of the AAPI community across New York.”

“As we gather for this year’s AAPI Summit, we come together to recognize the strength, diversity, and resilience of New York State's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” said Assemblymember Maritza Davila. “It is a powerful reminder that representation matters, not only in our institutions, but also in the policies we shape and the future we build together. With conversations around AI and emerging technologies growing, it is important that equity remains at the center, ensuring that innovation expands opportunity rather than deepening disparities. Through important conversations surrounding civic engagement, mental health, education, labor protections, and immigrant rights, I am proud to stand with my colleagues and community leaders in advancing a more inclusive, informed, and equitable future.”