Asian professionals carry invisible layers of pressure — cultural expectations, immigrant identity struggles in Western societies, and the emotional weight of high-responsibility careers such as first responders, counselors, and healthcare workers. We are taught to be the “good” daughter, son, mother, father, or citizen — strong, successful, self-sacrificing — while silently navigating trauma, burnout, and internal conflict.

From the stereotype of emotionally distant Asian men to the “tiger mom” who loses herself in endless responsibility, relationships often suffer under unspoken expectations. Romance fades during childbearing years and while caring for aging parents. Women feel torn between personal desires and cultural duty. Men struggle with emotional expression shaped by generational norms.

This session explores how immigrant experiences, cultural conditioning, and professional pressures intersect to impact our mental health, careers, and relationships — and how we can consciously break through these internal and external glass ceilings to rise to the next level, both personally and professionally.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Mrinal Gokhale
An author, writer, speaker, and consultant based in Milwaukee, WI. Her work focuses on mental health, disability, neurodiversity, and the model minority myth within the South Asian diaspora. Through her writing and advocacy, she explores identity, stigma, and cultural expectations with honesty and nuance. You can read her work at linktr.ee/mgokhale.

Alex Ngan
A Human Resources Information Management Team Lead with the Edmonton Police Service, Alex brings a cross-cultural perspective shaped by his upbringing between Hong Kong and Canada. With prior experience at global institutions including HSBC, S&P Global, and AXA Wealth Management, he has led regional HR initiatives across Asia. His work focuses on building people-centered systems, fostering inclusive cultures, and advancing HR innovation.

Hanna Essenburg
Hanna Essenburg has been in the trenches — marching, organizing, fighting for change — until burnout stopped her cold. She gets it in a way most people don't. Now she works with nonprofit folks and activists who are running on fumes, using tools like tapping (EFT) and breathwork to help them settle their nervous system and figure out their next move. You shouldn't have to destroy your health to do meaningful work. Hanna shows you how to keep going and actually stick around for the long haul. Reach her at pathtoimpactcoaching.com.

Maylynn Quan
A photographer and founder of Kids Canada, Maylynn Quan explores how identity is shaped by colonial history and intergenerational trauma, particularly within Asian diasporic communities. Drawing from her background in photography, she approaches her work with a deep sensitivity to human experience and connection, integrating practices such as Qigong to support both mental and physical well-being and create space for healing, self-discovery, and reconnection beyond inherited expectations.

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Each month NAAAP Chicago's Wellness program hosts a free session of self-care called Wellness Wednesday!

Wellness impacts so many facets of our professional and personal life. Small things can make a big difference, from music to taking a walk. So we've planned an interactive activity each month to help prepare for and deal with growing stressors! Lets share ways we can foster our own wellness and the wellness of our workplaces, community, etc!

Culturally sensitive sessions will be facilitated by our founding leader of NAAAP-Chicago Wellness - Dr. Elizabeth 방실 Smith (PsyD).

Location: Online

Registration is FREE

Consider purchasing a membership for $50 (Discounted at $35 for Non-profit/Government & $25 for Students) to take advantage of a full year of this Wellness program, as well as many other programs and events offered by NAAAP-Chicago!

Learn about our programs: