St. Paul – Asian Talk: What It Means To Be Human vs AI

Asian Talk is a series that immerses participants in thought-provoking conversations through the perspective of Asian American scholars, professionals and culture bearers on the topic of Artificial Intelligence. Each event blends story, scholarship, culture and even some humor to explore how technology is shaping our shared future through the grounding lens of the humanities. All are welcome, especially young professionals and college students. Our first event is sponsored and co-hosted by HAP.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly shapes our world, transforming how we work, learn, create, and connect, it also challenges us to reflect deeply on our shared humanity. What does it mean to be human when machines can write, speak, and even appear to feel? How do we ensure that technology serves people, cultures, and communities and will never replace it?

Through engaging community conversations, and hearing from local leaders and national speaker Dr. Mai Lee Chang, participants will explore the intersections of culture, technology, and what it means to be human. The program will conclude with a reflection by distinguished author Kao Kalia Yang and a powerful drumming performance by TaikoArts Midwest.

Program Schedule:

• 4:30pm – Check-in & Appetizers
• 5:00pm – Program Starts
• 7:00pm – Social Networking
• 7:30pm – End

Keynote:
Dr. Mai Lee Chang is a research scientist specializing in human-AI collaboration. Her work encompasses a range of AI technologies including robots, conversational agents, and other embodied AI. Her research focuses on aligning AI behavior with human values, such as algorithms that optimize for both efficiency and fairness within human-robot teams. She investigates these dynamics in complex, multi-stakeholder domains including healthcare and aging. Dr. Chang recently completed her postdoctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University. She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and previously worked as an engineer at NASA-Johnson Space Center.

Honorary Guest:
Kao Kalia Yang is an award-winning writer, teacher, and speaker whose work explores identity, loss, resilience, and the depths of the human experience. Her acclaimed memoirs, The Latehomecomer, The Song Poet, and Somewhere in the Unknown World have received national recognition, including honors from the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and the National Book Critics Circle, for their powerful storytelling. Through her children’s literature she creates tender narratives that help readers of all ages understand hope, belonging, and the meaning we make of our lives. Yang is widely regarded as a leading and distinguished literary voice on what it means to be human.

Event Co-host, Sponsor, and Emcee:
May yer Thao is President & CEO of HAP whose mission is to catalyze economic prosperity through education, community support, and entrepreneurship, working with all individuals, while uplifting Hmong & Southeast Asian American communities.

Featured Thought Leader Panelists:
Dani Thao is a marriage and family therapist whose work is shaped by her Hmong refugee family background and a deep understanding of multigenerational systems. She supports individuals, couples, and families in navigating culture, identity, communication, and healing within their relational and cultural ecosystems. As President of ACEL Minneapolis–St. Paul, Dani leads initiatives that elevate Asian American leadership and strengthen community connection across the Twin Cities. Her approach blends cultural humility, systems thinking, and compassionate leadership, empowering communities to grow with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Shajive Jeganathan is a technology leader specializing in AI governance and digital innovation across MedTech, e-commerce, FinTech, and legal tech. He holds several prominent leadership and board roles, including President and Co-Founder of the India Chamber of Commerce Minnesota, President of the Hindu Society of Minnesota, Board Chair of the Lankan Professionals Network, a Governor-appointed board member of the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (AELSLAGID), and an Executive Advisory Board member at GBJets. He recently received an honorary listing in Marquis Who’s Who in America. In addition to his professional and civic leadership, Shajive is the winner of Mister South Asia 2025, with an international modeling career that includes runway appearances in New York, New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week, Italy, and he also hosts the Prime Talks podcast.

Community Contributors: Asian Corporate and Entrepreneur Leaders, Hindu Society, India Chamber of Commerce, and TaikoArts Midwest

Registration

Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org

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