We’ve all heard the phrase "model minority"—but what happens when a myth becomes a limiting box? Join us for an eye-opening, energizing and spicy conversation as we debunk the Asian minority myth and dive into the complex realities that define our communities today. This event isn’t just about breaking stereotypes—it’s about building new, authentic narratives that reflect the richness, resilience, and diversity of Asian identities with...
- Real Talk – Unfiltered conversations on career, culture, and community challenges
- Beyond the Label – Candid conversations about identity, representation gaps and redefining and reshaping the narrative of worth and impact
- Breaking the Box – Why the "model minority" myth limits us—and how we can break free from it with courage and clarity
- Culture, Code-Switching & Calling It Out – From quiet rooms to boardrooms, let’s talk about what we’ve navigated and what’s next
- Actionable Insights – How to champion representation by dismantling harmful assumptions
Whether you’ve questioned the "model minority" label, lived in its shadow, or want to amplify authentic AAPI stories—you won’t want to miss this celebration of truth, strength, and possibility.
Introducing special guest panelists...
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Arlene Chan...  Arlene Chan is a renowned author and award-winning historian specializing in the history, culture, and traditions of the Chinese community in Canada. With a distinguished 30-year career at the Toronto Public Library, Arlene has also authored seven books exploring the multi-generational experiences and rich heritage of Chinese Canadians. Arlene holds a bachelor's degree in English and Psychology and a master's degree in library sciences from the University of Toronto. Arlene serves as the President of the Jean Lumb Foundation, is a member of the Ontario Infrastructure Heritage Interpretation Working Group, and is an advisory member of the Toronto Public Library's Chinese Canadian Archive. Arlene's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award (2013), the Heritage Toronto Special Achievement Award (2017), the Woman of Achievement Award from the Tri Delta Convention in Dallas, Texas (2018), the Chinese Canadian Legend Award (2022), and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award (2022).
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Justin Poy... Justin Poy is the President & Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency Inc., a full-service award-winning advertising agency based in Toronto. Established in 1993, the Agency is considered one of the pioneers in Canadian multicultural advertising. Justin is also the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month for the Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture. His passion for culture and history led him to be an Executive Producer for a documentary about the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act called “Exclusion: Beyond the Silence”, which was selected by the 2024 Toronto International Reel Asian Film Festival. Justin is the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Chinese Canadian Legend Award.
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Introducing session moderator...
 Ben Hum | President - NAAAP Toronto
An award winning serial entrepreneur and IT professional, Ben is no stranger to the startup world having been involved with a number of early stage companies and organizations. With the last 30 years being involved in the technology space, his current roles include Cofounder at ReactForge.and Board Member at AR Medical Technologies. Fostering a new generation of entrepreneurial and community leaders, Ben serves as Toronto Chapter President at the North American Association of Asian Professionals, York Region Chapter President at Keiretsu Forum Canada and Chair of the Young Entrepreneurs Group at the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs.
Thursday, May 22, 2025; 7;00 pm
Hosted online via Zoom
Complimentary guest registration for NAAAP Members with priority access
Complimentary guest registration for Non NAAAP Members
REGISTER ONLINE by or before Thursday, May 22, 2025; 6:00 pm
Register early - subject to capacity
NAAAP Toronto's collaborated event presentations with corporate and community partners are designed to be your community forum for personal growth. Enjoy lively conversation, mix and mingle, build new contacts while getting re-acquainted at some of Toronto's top corporate and evening venues.
Inquiries & Questions: connect@naaaptoronto.org
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