“I used to think failure should be avoided at all costs, but it often teaches us more than success. Nobody's perfect. Failure doesn't define you—it's how you respond that matters. Keep going. It’s an opportunity to improve and grow. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t, but we always learn if we’re intentional about it.”
Heidi Chen
Lead Digital Strategist
Free Logic Inc.
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja
Actress & Singer
After Yang (2021)
Sunflower Girl (2023)
"Never give up! If you give up, you will never learn. If you give up, you will never find out how far you can go in your life. If you give up, you will never know how it feels when you reach your dream."
Nancy Luong
Digital Program Manager
Author & Speaker
Women's Empowerment Coach
California State University Long Beach
"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. You are AMAZING, YOU ARE WORTHY, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE CHANGING THE WORLD.. AND YOU DESERVE IT ALL."
Alex Chester-Iwata
CEO
Mixed Asian Media
"Don't be afraid to ask for what you want or need. Take up space, be loud, be imperfectly perfect. And for all my fellow mixed women, know you are enough and have nothing to prove. Being mixed is a superpower and you sit in the intersection of culture, creeds, and ethnicities."
Rachel Huey
Programs Assistant
Ascend
"Continue to be curious and surround yourself with a care team who will support you in your lifelong journey of finding out who you're meant to be. You are for sure, not alone in the journey of self discovery - you have so many people who are advocating for you. Keep going, don't give up!"
Yehong Zhu
Founder & CEO
Zette
"The next generation of great companies won't look like the ones that came before. The next generation of great entrepreneurs won't look like the ones who came before, either. That's the beauty of innovation: it breaks the mold."
Capella Kerst
CEO & Founder
geCKo Materials PBC
"Find your passion and do what you love and all the other items will follow. Don't sweat what others think or if they judge what you are working on matters!! If others think the problem you are solving is not "sexy" or "in-style" but you love it keep working on it! You are helping others! If you truly love what you do the hard days will be more bearable and the highs will be so sweet! Keep going you can and will make a difference in STEAM!"
"Don't fear failure. Fear regret."
Samantha Ku
Chief Operating Officer
Square Financial Services
Jean Kang
CEO & Founder
Path to PM
"When there is will, there's a way"
Prateeksha Uday
Founder
Greenr Gifts
"Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it."
Tue Nguyen
Chef & Co-Owner
Di Di
"The opportunity would not present itself to you if you are not ready for it. Even if you don't feel ready, take it and run with it, you never know where it will take you."
Holly M. Kaplan
Filmmaker
Writer
Sunflower Girl (2023)
"If you ever feel lost or lonely on your journey because there is no point of reference or representation for achieving your dreams, believe in yourself and trust your own unique path. Try not to compare your progress - surrender to the process. There may be no one in front of you, but you are leading the way for others."
Hillary Lin, MD
Co-Founder & CEO
Livora Health
"Your past does not define you, and your self-doubts do not determine your future. Embrace the audacity of your dreams, for they are the seeds of your greatness.
No matter how daunting the path may seem, you possess the strength to forge ahead and create a life that resonates with your deepest aspirations. Release the shackles of limiting beliefs and question the expectations imposed upon you by society and loved ones, for only then can you discover your true north.
Never underestimate the transformative power of perpetual learning. Your skills are the keys that unlock the doors to endless possibilities.
Remember, your potential is not a destination but a journey of continuous unfolding. Dare to step into the realm of your greatest self, for that is where the magic of life truly unfolds. "
Lauren Long
Co-Founder & CTO
Ampersand
"The most helpful mentors to me have been people who are 1-2 steps ahead of where I am, not 10. Strive to seek out those people, and get advice from them."
Shweta Palande
Developer Advocate
Cisco Systems
"Repeated success builds confidence. It's ok to fail but not ok to give up.
Confidence is built through repetition and evidence of past success. The more you do something successfully, the more confident you become in your ability to do it in the future. If you have high ambitions, learn the art of focus, discipline and being consistent."
Nikita Gossain
Managing Director
PPR Capital
"Every woman has the potential to be a pioneer, leading towards a future of greater possibilities. Many will not recognise their own potential, resulting in their voices going unheard, their contributions undervalued, and their dreams left unfulfilled.
Yet, there are a select few who will pave the way for others to follow. Together, we are powerful, so let’s unite for a more inclusive future for our mothers, sisters, and friends. Will you stand with me?"