On May 2, YES Prep students gathered for the 2025 Heritage Ignited Summit, a powerful event dedicated to celebrating and exploring the rich cultures and histories of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities. Hosted at the Asia Society Texas Center, the summit provided students with an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from cultural leaders, and explore their heritage in meaningful ways.
Students Leave Feeling Connected and Proud
According to co-lead Stephanie Gounder, YES Prep’s Managing Director of Teacher Development, the impact of the event on students was profound. “Our students left feeling affirmed, seen, and connected,” she shared. “At many of our campuses, the students who attended our summit don’t see many mirrors of their heritage in their staff or student body. The summit provided students with a greater opportunity to connect with others from similar backgrounds across the system and also learn about the richness of Asian-American culture across the city of Houston.”
For many students, this summit is one of the most meaningful experiences of the school year. “Students will tell us that this is their favorite day of the year,” Gounder added. “The summits make them feel special, celebrated, seen, and proud of who they are and where they come from.”
A Day of Culture, Connection, and Celebration
The 2025 Heritage Ignited Summit included cultural performances, interactive workshops, and community-building activities designed to inspire and empower students. One standout moment for Gounder was watching the BOLD dance squad from Brays Oaks showcase their talent. “I love seeing the BOLD dance squad from Brays Oaks in action,” Gounder said. “They’ve learned so many rich dance traditions from across the world, and they operate with great pride and professionalism.”
Looking to the Future
Reflecting on the future of the summit, Gounder hopes to continue building meaningful connections for students. “For the last three years, we’ve taken students off site for summits – on a food tour in Asiatown, to the Eternal Gandhi Museum, and now to Asia Society. I hope we’ll continue to build more connections across the city!”
As YES Prep continues to grow and evolve, events like the Heritage Ignited Summit remain a vital part of ensuring that every student feels valued, seen, and connected to their heritage.
See more event highlights here.