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AFGHAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE (AAC)

AAC is an annual, nationwide three-day conference for young community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, grow professionally, and build relationships. In 2014, eight Afghan-Americans pioneered what the diaspora lacked for years: a safe space for candid discussions about the issues most pertinent to us. Historically, our community came together almost exclusively in social settings, however, none of these gatherings were conducive to serious discussions about the state of our community. Too often, taboo topics were swept under the proverbial Afghan rug and never approached.

In early 2015, the first ever AAC was hosted at the University of California, Berkeley. AAC provided a forum for our community to address difficult topics in a respectful, forward-thinking manner. The conference is a grassroots effort that sheds light on pressing issues–inspiring action, sharing resources, and activating change from within the diaspora. What was intended to be a one-time conference turned into an annual event.

AAC is equal parts professional, cultural, spiritual, social, and personal. The  holistic conference consists of keynote speeches, town halls, networking mixers, entertainment,  S.E.E.D talks, and an array of various breakout blocks that follow the types below:

AAC Breakout Types & Overview:

• Culture & Connections: Centers cultural preservation as well as understanding of our shared and diverse Afghan heritage.

• Leadership & Skill Building: Builds knowledge, skills, and expertise to support leadership and professional development.

• Industry Speed Networking: Makes space for present and aspiring professionals in specific fields to directly connect with one another. These session options will be informed by registration.

• Community: Offers insight about issues impacting the Afghan-American community. These are informative, lecture-style sessions that incorporate participant engagement but are overall more facilitator-driven.

• Diaspora Dialogues: Engages participants in open and honest conversations affecting the Afghan-American community. These are more participant-driven sessions facilitated by passionate community members.

• Brave Spaces: Provides a welcoming space for guided conversations about community challenges. These sessions are typically our most sensitive topics and require special attention and care. Participants either identify directly with the subject or are curious about learning more.

• Civic Engagement: Equips participants with knowledge, awareness, and tools to further become more active members of their communities beyond conference weekend.

• Safe Spaces: Creates exclusive areas for those of a particular identity to foster further comfortability with discussions held.

AAC 2022 KEYNOTE & S.E.E.D. TALK PRESENTATIONS