This Committee of 100 Asian American Career Ceilings Initiative event  features insights from two accomplished panelists who have expertise on this topic from their current professional responsibilities as well as their own personal careers: Joy Chen, CEO of Multicultural Leadership Institute and Brian Pang, COO and Head of Partnerships at Stand with Asian Americans.

Throughout the many events we have held over the years, one of the observations that comes out repeatedly is the importance of having a strong network inside and outside of the organization that one is a part of. Last year, we started a Masterclass Series for Individuals that features speakers who provide tutorials and advice that to help individuals succeed in their careers. This event will emphasize the power of networking, while building on past discussions and the success of our career-advancement Masterclass Series.

The panel will be moderated by Allister Chan, Director of Citi’s Investment Banking Division and member of the Asian American Career Ceilings Planning Committee. After the conclusion of the fireside chat, there will be a Q&A session.

Joy Chen
CEO
Multicultural Leadership Institute

Joy Chen is CEO of the Multicultural Leadership Institute and a global keynote speaker. She served as Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles and later as a Fortune 500 CEO and Board recruiter, before becoming a celebrated author in China, where her work empowered millions. Now, she helps people around the world become more effective, authentic leaders. Her leadership innovations have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, and Vogue China.‍

As Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, Joy spearheaded economic and workforce development in one of the world’s most diverse cities, home to speakers of more than 90 languages. She then joined the global executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, recruiting Fortune 500 CEOs across North America, Europe, and Asia.

In a moment of unexpected serendipity, Joy’s leadership blog went viral in China, propelling her to fame as a bestselling author. Her book, Do Not Marry Before Age 30, became a cultural phenomenon, earning her recognition from The Wall Street Journal as a “guru for Chinese women” and inspiring a generation to redefine success on their own terms. Building on this momentum, Joy founded a training organization that has empowered millions across Asia and the Americas to develop as global talent.

Today, as CEO of the Multicultural Leadership Institute, Joy helps leaders and teams turn cultural differences into drivers of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Joy holds an MBA and an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA and a B.A. from Duke University. She is a 2004 American Marshall Memorial Fellow, fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English, and brings a deeply global perspective to her work.

Brian Pang
COO and Head of Partnerships
Stand With Asian Americans

Brian Pang is the COO and Head of Partnerships of Stand with Asian Americans (SwAA). Stand with Asian Americans is a legal civil rights organization focused primarily on fighting anti-Asian workplace discrimination. Through the power of law, education and community, focuses on protecting and advancing the rights of Asians in America.

Brian is an experienced product, people, and operations leader. Brian previously worked at Electronic Arts (EA), leading large teams to deliver blockbuster game titles, while uplifting all underrepresented talent, stories, content, and art, across the interactive entertainment industry.

Brian also currently serves as executive director, board member and advisor for several nation-wide organizations centered on accelerating the Asian American equity and justice movements. Since 2022, along with other leaders, Brian co-led several national mobilizations, including a 6-city rally for the first anniversary of Vicha Ratanpakdee’s passing, an 11-city rally for first anniversary of the Atlanta Spa Shootings, the 30-year anniversary of Sa-I-Gu (LA Riots) and 40-year anniversary of Vincent Chin.

Through his devotion and efforts towards advocacy for marginalized communities, for-justice initiatives, systemic improvements Brian is dedicated to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging permeate through all domains and facets of society. For his efforts in these spaces, Brian has been recognized by awards from prominent organizations such as Ascend Leadership, Asian Hustle Network, ACE NextGen, and GLAAD Media.

Allister Chan
Director
Citibank

Allister Chan is a Director in Citi’s Investment Banking Division’s Debt Capital Markets team. He is a member of Capital Markets’ Asset Based & Transitional Finance desk, where he leads the origination, structuring and syndication of distressed, rescue and asset based financing opportunities. He was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada and graduated from New York University. Today, he continues to mentor NYU students and leads community service initiatives in his capacity as Senior Captain of Citigroup’s Capital Markets NYU recruiting team. Allister supports various non-profits including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Apex for Youth. In his spare time, Allister enjoys traveling, exploring new bars and restaurants, snowboarding and playing hockey, golf and basketball.