AFGHAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE (AAC)

University of California, Los Angeles | September 25-27, 2026

Join us at AAC 2026, as we weave bonds of unity, celebrate our diverse experiences, and strengthen connections across the Afghan-American diaspora.

Applications for AAC 2026 are now closed.

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:

Community (Belonging & Narrative): Offers insight about issues impacting the Afghan-American community. These are more informative, lecture-style sessions that incorporate participant engagement but are overall more facilitator-driven.
Learning and Relearning Culture: Centers cultural preservation as well as understanding of our shared and diverse Afghan heritage.
Civic Engagement: Empowers participants to understand and navigate systems of power through education, advocacy, and action. Rooted in justice and empowerment, these conversations aim to build informed and active participants in both local and global civic life.
Professional Development: Builds knowledge, skills, and expertise to support leadership and professional development. Provides an opportunity to network and engage with industries in similar industries.
Industry: Industry breakout sessions provide an opportunity for individuals in similar fields, professions, and areas of study to network, learn from each other, and gain insight into specific industries, jobs, and career paths.
Brave Spaces: Provides a welcoming space for guided conversations about community challenges. These sessions are typically our most sensitive topics and require special attention, extra confidentiality, and care.
Gender Caucus: Creates exclusive areas for those of a particular identity to foster further comfortability with discussions held.

WHAT ROLE SHOULD I APPLY FOR?

Listed below are the possible roles you can apply for to attend the Conference. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many roles that are of interest.

Participant: Attend the Conference and actively engage in sessions and programs throughout the weekend.

Facilitator: Facilitate or co-facilitate a breakout session at the Conference. Selecting this role also allows you to submit a proposal for a new session topic and the ability to lead it.

S.E.E.D. Speaker: Share a short, TED-style talk on an idea, story or topic you are interested in to the Afghan-American community and inspire the audience. Selecting this role will allow you to learn more about S.E.E.D and submit a proposal for a S.E.E.D talk.

Conference Ambassador: Work closely with the planning team, participants, speakers, performers, and fellow Conference Ambassadors during the three-day event to ensure the successful execution of the Conference. This role is only open to previous conference participants.

Performer: Share your artistic talents through music, spoken word, dance or any other art form by performing at the Banquet. Selecting this role will allow you to submit a proposal detailing your act and how it connects to the Conference experience.

Cohort Lead: Co-lead a small group of participants to continue more in-depth conversations beyond the Conference breakout sessions in a smaller and more intimate setting. This role is only open to previous conference participants.

CARE Team Member: Meet one-on-one with participants who request an address of their physical and/or mental health concerns throughout the weekend. CARE Team members may respond to instances of injury, illness, anxiety, emotional distress/triggers, and wellness checks. Those with professional medical and/or mental health training are encouraged to consider this role. While open to all applicants, it is highly recommended that only previous conference participants apply.

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AAC ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

“I learned that we are more diverse than I ever gave our community credit for, and that we can celebrate our people’s vast diversity. Our differences - for the first time - felt like a strength rather than an obstacle.”

— Reza Hessabi, Upland, CA