What Will Your Story Be?
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About the event:
We all have a story. But the chapters ahead are ours to write.
Drawing on his experiences growing up between cultures, Simon will explore how family, cultural identity, and the expectations we inherit shape our aspirations and the choices we make. His keynote invites us to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves, discover our own voices, and imagine new possibilities for the future.
Following the keynote, Janet Yang will join Simon for a conversation exploring personal storytelling, cultural identity, and the experiences of diaspora communities. Together, they will consider how our stories shape our sense of belonging, influence our aspirations, and connect us across cultures and generations. An audience Q&A will follow.
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About the speakers:
Simon Alexander Ong is a British-Chinese bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and executive coach specializing in personal development, leadership, and human potential. His book, Energize: Make the Most of Every Moment, won the Wellness and Wellbeing category at the 2023 Business Book Awards. Drawing on his transition from a career in financial services to entrepreneurship and coaching, Simon encourages individuals to rethink conventional definitions of success, discover their own potential, and pursue lives of greater purpose and fulfillment.
Janet Yang is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning film producer, former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Board Chair of the Committee of 100. The first Asian American to lead the Academy, she has been a pioneering advocate for Asian and Asian American representation in film. Her credits include The Joy Luck Club, Empire of the Sun, and Over the Moon. Through her work in entertainment and civic leadership, she champions storytelling as a means of amplifying underrepresented voices, strengthening Chinese American civic engagement, and building connections across communities. Janet served as UC Irvine's inaugural Lunar New Year Cultural Ambassador in 2026.
Special Offer: The first 100 guests who attend will receive a signed copy of Simon Alexander Ong's book, Energize.
This special event is made possible through the generous support of Lisa Iannini and Nick Goddard.
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