INVOLVEMENT/ROLE(S): Event Planner

The Asian Student Leadership Conference (ASLC) will always hold a special place in Lillian’s heart. Throughout her years at university, there were always opportunities for high school students in Lincoln, NE, to attend the Black Leadership Symposium, Mexican Leadership Symposium, or Native American Leadership Symposium hosted by the university. However, there was no Asian Leadership Symposium. This absence was something Lillian felt strongly about, and it became her mission to fill that gap and provide a space for Asian and Asian-American students to come together and be inspired.

In 2017, as a member of the Asian Student Union (ASU), Lillian and her peers took the first steps toward creating an Asian-focused leadership event. With the support of the administration, they launched the idea, but it didn't come together as they had imagined. Despite this, Lillian and her team didn’t give up. They sought sponsorships, forged partnerships with other Asian/Asian-American student organizations, and worked tirelessly to re-envision the ASLC. By 2019, their vision finally came to life, and they successfully resurrected the conference in a way that truly reflected their original goals.

The ASLC was designed to engage high school students from the moment they arrived to the very end, fostering connections with current university students. Lillian and her team provided them with advice and wisdom that resonated deeply and helped prepare them for the challenges ahead. To Lillian, the event meant much more than just an opportunity to lead. It was a way to give back to the community that had shaped her and to ensure that future generations of students would have the resources and encouragement they needed to thrive.

In 2024, Lillian was honored with the opportunity to speak at the ASLC as the keynote speaker. It was a full-circle moment that brought her journey back to where it all started, allowing her to reflect on her own growth and the impact of the conference. Being able to return and share her experiences with the next generation of students was both humbling and meaningful. It reaffirmed her belief in the power of community and mentorship and reminded her of the importance of giving back to those who will follow in her footsteps.