Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

Collegiate Leadership Accelerator

What is the Collegiate Leadership Accelerator?

The SASE Collegiate Leadership Accelerator is a leadership development program designed to cultivate skills in leadership, professional growth, and networking for collegiate students within the SASE community. The program features seminars, workshops, and real-world engagement opportunities.

Currently in its pilot phase, the initiative offers webinars for chapters nationwide and in-person sessions at SASE Regional Conferences and the National Convention.

Why is this important?

Investing in collegiate leadership development is essential to building the next generation of STEM leaders and proactively tackle the challenges associated with the Asian Leadership Gap.

Research shows that Asian-heritage professionals struggle to get promoted to middle management at parity with the general population. We believe this is largely attributable to culturally-driven behaviors that can be at odds with the predominant Western leadership styles. By gaining greater awareness of these challenges and starting to build the cultural agility needed to adapt leadership styles, program participants will be better equipped to contribute more effectively from Day 1.

When are the events held?

The program is delivered year-round via webinars, as well as in-person sessions at regional conferences and the National Convention. Regional conferences occur in the spring, while the National Convention takes place annually in the fall.

Our goal moving forward is to expand and formalize the program for the next cycle, with a focus on increasing participation and engagement—particularly for the 2025 events.

Events Supported by the Collegiate Leadership Accelerator

March 19, 2025: Don't Be a Doormat! (aka 4 Common Factors Limiting Asian Leaders), Paraag Maddiwar, virtual workshop with U Alabama, U Alabama-Huntsville, U South Alabama SASE chapters
March 11, 2025: Storytelling for Success, Ryan Takemiya, virtual webinar
February 15, 2025: Building an Authentic Personal Brand, Laura Flessner, Northeast Regional Conference, Newark NJ
February 15, 2025: Coaching for Your Whole Authentic Self, Jean Trujillo, Northeast Regional Conference, Newark NJ
February 15, 2025: Rising to Leadership: Crafting Your Path to Stardom in Science and Engineering, Juliet Hart, Northeast Regional Conference, Newark NJ
February 8, 2025: Building Stress Resilience, Dr. Seema Desai, South Central Regional Conference, Austin TX
October 11, 2024: How to Bring Your Authentic Self to Networking, Finding a Mentor, and Launching Your Career, Jane Hyun, SASE Collegiate National Conference, Boston MA
October 11, 2024: Will You Become a Part of the Model Minority Myth?, Jim Lee, SASE Collegiate National Conference, Boston MA
October 11, 2024: Rewriting the Script: Turning Imposter Syndrome into Your Superpower, Lan Phan, SASE Collegiate National Conference, Boston MA

Thanks to our 2025 program sponsors for their support!

Interested in sponsoring?

Sponsoring the SASE Collegiate Leadership Accelerator offers a meaningful opportunity to support the development of emerging leaders while aligning your organization with a premier leadership training program.

Your investment helps empower collegiate students to enhance their potential, gain critical leadership skills, and prepare for success in their professional journeys. This program also provides a unique platform to elevate your brand’s visibility among a talented and driven group of future STEM professionals.

Reach out to Ahmed Pothiawala (ahmed.pothiawala@saseconnect.org) for more information.

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