About AAFC 2023

AAFC is a student-led conference where Asian-identifying students from independent secondary schools throughout New England can connect annually. AAFC is a safe space for Asian, Asian American, and mixed heritage Asian students to bring forward their opinions and thoughts about being Asian students at independent schools. This year will be the first in-person conference since 2019 due to Covid. We are excited to be hosting it on our very own campus of St. Paul’s School. 

Founded in 2011, this conference provides Asian, Asian American, and mixed-heritage Asian students with intentional spaces to explore issues specific to their experiences. Through workshops, activities, and networking opportunities, we will dive into our theme, "Building Bridges, Connecting our Heritage and Future." Together, we will explore identity, and culture, and make an impact in our communities.

Goals

  • Encourage students to embrace and celebrate their culture and heritage
  • Create an inclusive environment for students from independent schools to share their own cultures and experiences with each other
  • Inform students about different Asian experiences and issues through workshops and activities 
  • Foster a community through building bridges among our cultures

Our Team

Student-led Teams

St. Paul's School's Asian American Footsteps Conference Planning Committee comprises four teams: Design, Marketing, Program, and Tech.

  • Design: Committee members will create the visual aesthetic for the Conference, including artwork to be used in the promotion and support of the conference.
  • Marketing: Using their creativity, students will develop promotional materials to create interest and attendance among SPS students and students across New England.
  • Program: Students will build the, Conference schedule, develop the criteria and format of workshops, and plan other student activities.
  • Tech: This team will build the AAFC 2023 website and work with other teams to deliver tools to support the conference.

 

Our Faculty Advisers

 

Ms. Zhaohong "Jenny" Li

 

  • Head of the Languages Department
  • Since 2016, Ms. Li has worked and resided at St. Paul's School as a head of house, Chinese teacher, and head of the Languages Department. Ms. Li also is an avid faculty adviser of the Justice and Social Equity for Asians student group. Prior to coming to St. Paul's School, Ms. Li received master's degrees from China Agricultural University, Purdue University, and Virginia Tech, and she has, to this day, been an AP Chinese reader for the College Board since 2008. A globally inclusive educator and faculty adviser, Ms. Li is committed to creating the best experience for her students and the Asian and Asian American community at St. Paul's School.

 

 

Ms. Erin Ruane

 

  • Teacher of Chemistry and Physics
  • Since 2021, Ms. Ruane has worked as a chemistry and physics teacher, cross-country coach, and an enthusiastic adviser in the Coit Center dorm. Before teaching at St. Paul's School, Ms. Ruane received a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Villanova University and taught at Hill School for seven years in her home state of Pennsylvania. Ms. Ruane, no stranger to independent schools, has quickly made meaningful relationships with SPS students as a teacher, coach and adviser. Ms. Ruane is committed to connecting and uniting Asian and Asian American students at SPS and in the larger independent school community.

 

 

Mr. Lawrence Young

 

  • Associate Director of Alumni Relations / Director of Alumni Outreach
  • Since 2021, Mr. Young has worked as a key collaborator and communicator with the alumni body and recognized alumni/ae groups to create programming that keeps them informed and connected to St. Paul's School. Mr. Young earned a Bachelor of Arts from John Hopkins University and began his career as a political campaigner, spending several years in Washington D.C. In 2005, he was instrumental in building the District's largest congressional Democratic fundraising firm. As a dedicated adviser to the 2023 Asian American Footsteps Conference Planning Committee, he is committed to creating a strong and inclusive community for the students of St. Paul's School and the Conference attendees.

 

St. Paul's School Campus Map