CAREER CONFERENCE | Asian Focus NC

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Meet the Speakers

NC State University

Dr. Huiling Ding

Professor of Technical Communication and Director of Labor Analytics and Workforce Development at NC State’s Data Science and AI Academy, will share insights from her research on how AI is disrupting the labor market and reshaping hiring practices.

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

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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

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).

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.

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.

Schedule

9:00 – 9:10 AM | Speaker: Yun Chuu, Asian Focus

Welcome and opening remarks introducing Asian Focus, the conference theme, and an overview of the day.

9:10 – 9:45 AM | Speaker: Dr. Huiling Ding, NC State University

The Future of Work: Navigating Career Transitions in the Age of AI — Insights into how AI is reshaping industries, hiring practices, and career paths, and how professionals can adapt through continuous learning and transferable skills.

9:45 – 10:25 AM | Speaker: Kristine Sloan, Executive Director, Leadership Triangle

The Triangle Job Market: Where Opportunities Are Emerging — A look at regional job market trends, growing industries, and the skills employers are seeking in the Triangle area.

10:25 – 10:40 AM | Networking Break

Time for attendees to connect, meet speakers, and build professional relationships.

10:40 – 11:20 AM | Speaker: Marybeth Caulfield, Lenovo Talent Acquisition

What Employers Are Looking for Today — A recruiter’s perspective on how companies evaluate candidates, including tips for resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interview preparation.

11:20 AM – 12:00 PM | Speakers: Iris Yim, Sparkle Insights, Inc. & Hao Dinh, Grow by Design

AI Is Not Optional: How to Work, Learn, and Grow in the AI Era — Practical insights on how professionals can use AI tools to improve productivity, generate ideas, and enhance their career development.

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking

Enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow attendees and speakers.

1:00 – 1:35 PM | Speaker: Naveen Chapa, Cisco

From Campus to Corporate: How to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market — Strategies for navigating applicant tracking systems, building a strong professional brand, and standing out in competitive hiring processes.

1:35 – 2:15 PM | Speaker: Ronda Bowman, L&D Consultant/Coach/Speaker

Career Reinvention and Leadership in Times of Change — Guidance on navigating career transitions, building resilience, and developing leadership skills in times of uncertainty.

2:30 – 3:10 PM | Speakers: PreShus & Andrea, Sutchilee Productions

Entrepreneurship and Creative Careers — A look at alternative career paths, sharing lessons from building a creative business and turning passion into opportunity.

3:10 – 3:50 PM | Panel Discussion: Conference Speakers

Navigating Careers in the AI Era — A moderated discussion exploring future workforce skills, AI’s impact on hiring, and strategies for lifelong learning and career pivots.

3:50 – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks

Closing remarks summarizing key insights from the conference and final reflections.

Meet the Team

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Art Director

Ashley Jones

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Art Director

Ashley Jones

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Tech Lead

Don Francis

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Product Manager

Alexa Young

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Art Director

Ashley Jones

Add a short bio for each team member. Make it brief and informative to keep visitors engaged.

Tech Lead

Don Francis

Add a short bio for each team member. Make it brief and informative to keep visitors engaged.

Product Manager

Alexa Young

Add a short bio for each team member. Make it brief and informative to keep visitors engaged.

Partners

Contact

Talley Students Union (Room 3285) 2610 Cates Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606

asianfocus@asianfocusnc.org