As Lunar New Year 2026 begins, NAAAP New York brings together professionals across industries to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead.

Inspired by the Year of the Horse, symbolizing energy, momentum, resilience, and progress, the evening features a dynamic panel discussion and networking reception with food and drink provided.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location : Prime Produce, 424 W 54th St, NY
• Doors Open: 5:30 PM
• Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Networking Reception & Activity: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Program & Theme

The Year of the Horse represents forward motion, ambition, and perseverance—qualities especially relevant as professionals navigate an evolving workplace landscape. The panel discussion will focus on:

• Building and sustaining career momentum during periods of uncertainty
• Leading with confidence, agility, and purpose
• Strategic risk-taking and long-term career positioning
• Lessons learned from pivotal career transitions and inflection points

The conversation will be followed by an interactive audience Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with panelists and apply insights to their own professional journeys.

Speaker Bios:

Elaine Sheng is a senior consumer insights and brand management consultant with extensive experience leading global, domestic, and regional teams. Elaine is a partner at Beyond Insights, a consumer research and strategy agency, and has held significant roles at corporations including, Shiseido Americas and L’Oréal USA. Elaine is also actively involved in AAPI volunteer initiatives, and serving as the New York Asian Film Foundation Associate Board Co-Chairperson. She holds an MBA from Duke University and a BA from Wellesley College. Elaine is passionate about travel, arts, culture, and mentorship.

Jane Yue is Head of Client Analytics at Invesco, where she leads global teams and owns enterprise-wide client intelligence strategy, driving AI-enabled distribution and measurable revenue impact. Her career spans banking, insurance, and asset management, with prior leadership roles at American Insurance Group and CapitalOne, where she managed large P&Ls and scaled advanced analytics to improve profitability and underwriting performance. A graduate of Peking University, Jane combines rigorous training with commercial leadership, bringing a disciplined, results-oriented perspective on how analytics drives competitive advantage in financial services.

Yuko Kudo is a NY based Japanese Artist, Solidarity Economy Practitioner. Community engagement artist and Teaching Artist. Using Art & Creative Activities for the wellbeing of people and the community. Global Arts in Medicine Fellow 2026. She is a member of Prime Produce Apprentice Cooperative and served as a Board Chair and a Director of Love from 2022 to 2025.

Moderator: Tian Wu, NAAAP-NY, VP of Programming