ASIAN FOCUS · CAREER CONFERENCE RECAP
Navigating Career Transitions in the AI Era
On April 18, 2026, a full day of keynotes, expert panels and interactive sessions explored how to adapt, grow and thrive as artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce — for students, early-career professionals and seasoned leaders alike. Here's a look back at the day.
Strategic networking
Relationships remain the most critical asset. Building intentional networks through referrals and consistent follow-up — well before you need help — pays off most.
Mindset over readiness
Success comes from "learning in motion" rather than waiting to feel fully prepared. Adaptability, curiosity and a willingness to experiment matter more than a perfect plan
Proof of skills
Credentials alone aren't enough. Candidates stand out by demonstrating ability through portfolios, case studies and STAR stories — and by optimizing résumés for AI screening.
Speaker Bios
Meet our speakers: nine accomplished voices from research, industry, and entrepreneurship, each bringing unique experiences and insights on careers, innovation, and leadership in the AI era.
NC State University
Dr. Huiling Ding
Huiling Ding is Professor of Technical Communication at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence and society, health and environmental risk communication, technical communication, labor market analytics, intercultural communication, and social justice. She received two large NSF grants to work on AI and workforce development. She serves as Director of Labor Analytics and Workforce Development, Data Science and AI Academy at NC State University as well as Elected Chair of SIGDOC, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Executive Director at Leadership Triangle
Kristine Sloan
A Triangle native, Kristine brings a deep commitment to justice, interdependence, and authenticity into all of her work. She’s an entrepreneur, organizational leader, facilitator and strategist. As the Executive Director of Leadership Triangle, Kristine works to connect local leaders to their values, purpose and vision, in service of greater regional collaboration and impact. Prior to joining Leadership Triangle, Kristine was the CEO of StartingBloc, where she supported 3200+ entrepreneurs, activists, and organizational leaders as they made significant social change. Earlier in her career, Kristine led a multimillion dollar grant project in Burundi for All Across Africa, designed cross-cultural programming for NC State University, worked on water advocacy rights with indigenous populations in South India and co-founded a social enterprise in West Africa. She holds three degrees from NC State, including a Masters of International Studies with a specialization in Rural Development.
Lenovo Talent Acquisition
Marybeth Caulfield
As Lenovo’s Senior Manager of Global University Recruiting & Employer Brand, I’m focused on building bold futures—starting with yours. I lead strategy and storytelling that connects top early-career talent with meaningful opportunities at Lenovo, where we don't just imagine smarter technology—we build it. Using data, creativity, and tech-savvy tools, I craft engaging experiences that spotlight our culture, our people, and our purpose.
Founder and Chief Strategist of Sparkle Insights
Iris Yim
Iris Yim is the founder of Sparkle Insights, a boutique market research consultancy based in Chapel Hill that helps organizations understand diverse consumer and community perspectives. She has more than a decade of experience in marketing strategy, multicultural research, and consumer insights, working with brands and institutions seeking to better understand evolving audiences. In addition to her professional work, Iris is an active community leader and volunteer with Asian Focus, a North Carolina nonprofit dedicated to supporting Asian immigrant and multicultural communities through education, cultural programs, and professional development initiatives. At the Asian Focus Career Conference, Iris will co-present a session on how artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace and how professionals at different career stages can begin integrating AI tools into their work and career development. Drawing on her experience using AI in research, strategy, and creative projects, she explores how individuals can combine human insight with AI capabilities to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
Co-founder of Grow by Design
Hao Dinh
Hao Dinh is an AI transformation leader dedicated to helping organizations turn artificial intelligence into measurable business value. He has led AI initiatives across global companies including GE, Electrolux, PwC, and Hitachi, applying AI to manufacturing, supply chain, and operations to improve productivity, reduce costs, and drive growth. Hao is also the founder of Grow by Design, a nonprofit focused on practical AI learning that empowers people who are not technical, or who feel intimidated by AI, to confidently use it in their everyday work. (www.growbydesign.ai)
Cisco Systems
Naveen Chapa
Naveen Chapa is a CX Senior Technical Leader at Cisco Systems who spends his days helping large companies keep their networks fast, stable, and hopefully drama-free. With 15+ years in networking, cloud, and data center technologies, he has supported various organizations like Nike, BNY Mellon, Oracle and Cerner in solving complex tech problems (and occasionally explaining why “turning it off and on again” actually works). He enjoys mentoring, sharing real-world experiences, acting, traveling, and creating scenic travel content for his Youtube. His goal is to help students break into tech,and prove that networking is more than just plugging in cables.
L&D Consultant/Coach/Speaker
Ronda Bowman
With a 20+ year background in L&D, Sales Enablement, & Coaching in Fortune 500 companies, coupled with her experience in sales and technical roles, Ronda Bowman brings deep expertise in developing & coaching teams, executives, & individuals across diverse industries. Her journey includes technical, sales, and leadership roles, always with a focus on people development. She has designed and delivered award-winning programs driving impact & fostering career advancement. Ronda is President of the ICF-Raleigh Charter Chapter, and believes that true leadership is about inspiring and motivating others to reach beyond their perceived limits. “My mission as a leader and coach is to help others uncover what’s possible by removing roadblocks and creating a clear line of sight to their goals,” she says. Her approach is rooted in curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to helping clients ignite creativity and innovation. Ronda, author of the newly released book, Lost in the Numbers: Cutting Through the Noise to Prove Business Impact, is passionate about unlocking human potential and has dedicated her career to empowering others to grow, lead, and achieve meaningful results.
Co-founder of Sutchilee Productions
PreShus Lee
SutchiLee Productions, co-led by filmmaker and editor PreShus Lee, is where storytelling, culture, and purpose collide. Writing is her jam, and storytelling is her passion, a philosophy that flows through everything the studio creates. A 26-year Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) warrior and two-time heart attack and heart failure survivor, PreShus has turned pain into purpose, transforming her journey of resilience into stories that heal, educate, and connect.
Co-founder of Sutchilee Productions
Andrea Vargas Moreno
SutchiLee Productions is co-led by Co-CEO and Co-Founder Andrea Vargas Moreno, a proud Colombian-American entrepreneur and filmmaker from Cali, now based in North Carolina. Her work spans creative direction, producing, editing, design, and marketing, allowing her to guide projects from the first spark of an idea to the final cut. Shaped by her immigrant journey and multidisciplinary experience, Andrea centers Black, Latinx, and global pop cultures in stories that are meaningful, intentional, and built to connect, creating work that not only speaks to real-world problems but also points toward solutions.
Agenda
9:00 – 9:10 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speaker: Yun Chuu, Asian Focus
Welcome and opening remarks introducing Asian Focus, the conference theme, and an overview of the day.
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9:10 – 9:45 AM
The Future of Work: Navigating Career Transitions in the Age of AI
Speaker: Dr. Huiling Ding, NC State University
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and redefining the skills needed in today’s workforce. Dr. Ding will share insights from her research on AI’s impact on the labor market and how professionals can prepare for career transitions in a rapidly changing economy.
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9:45 – 10:25 AM
The Triangle Job Market: Where Opportunities Are Emerging
Speaker: Kristine Sloan, Executive Director, Leadership Triangle
This session explores current workforce trends in the Triangle region, including where job growth is happening and what skills employers are seeking. The presentation concludes with an interactive “Ask Me Anything” discussion about career strategy and navigating today’s job market.
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10:25 – 10:40 AM | Networking Break
Time for attendees to connect, meet speakers, and build professional relationship
10:40 – 11:20 AM
What Employers Are Looking for Today
Speaker: Marybeth Caulfield, Lenovo Talent Acquisition
Hear directly from a recruiter about how employers evaluate candidates today, including tips for resumes, LinkedIn positioning, and interview preparation in a competitive hiring landscape.
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11:20 AM – 12:00 PM
AI Is Not Optional: How to Work, Learn, and Grow in the AI Era
Speakers: Iris Yim, Sparkle Insights, Inc. & Hao Dinh, Grow by Design
This session explores how professionals can begin integrating AI into their work and career development. Through practical examples, the speakers demonstrate how AI tools can enhance productivity while highlighting the human insight and creativity that remain essential in the modern workplace.
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking
Enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow attendees and speakers.
1:00 – 1:35 PM
From Campus to Corporate: How to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market
Speaker: Naveen Chapa, Cisco Systems
Learn practical strategies for navigating today’s hiring landscape, including how to optimize your resume, strengthen your LinkedIn presence, and communicate your value effectively to employers.
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1:35 – 2:15 PM
Career Reinvention and Leadership in Times of Change
Speaker: Ronda Bowman,
L&D Consultant/Coach/Speaker
Career paths are rarely linear. This session explores how professionals can navigate career transitions, build resilience, and develop leadership skills that support long-term growth.
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2:30 – 3:10 PM
Entrepreneurship and Creative Careers
Speakers: PreShus & Andrea, Sutchilee Productions
The founders of Sutchilee Productions share their journey building a creative business and discuss how professionals can transform passion and creativity into sustainable career paths.— A look at alternative career paths, sharing lessons from building a creative business and turning passion into opportunity.
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3:10 – 3:50 PM
Panel Discussion: Conference Speakers
Conference speakers share perspectives on how AI, evolving industries, and new workplace expectations are shaping career
opportunities today. Topics include:
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Skills for the future workforce
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How AI is changing hiring and career development
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Strategies for career pivots and lifelong learning
3:50 – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks
Closing remarks summarizing key insights from the conference and final reflections.
Partners
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Contact
Talley Students Union (Room 4101)
2610 Cates Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
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