Ryan Takemiya

AAPIs are more represented than ever in media and society, yet we are still rendered invisible through external forces like racism and xenophobia; through internal forces like guilt, shame, and self-criticism; and our cultures are sometimes erased as well, through assimilation or intimidation. This creates an all-encompassing, ‘toxic’ invisibility that permeates our entire lives, following us wherever we go, making us invisible even to ourselves. Ryan Takemiya combines healing, storytelling, and a radical new way of looking at culture to help AAPIs and their allies be seen and heard in the workplace and beyond. Participants will be given tangible tools to heal, be seen/heard, and change the culture around them. Including physical, vocal, and somatic exercises developed from therapy practices, public speaking techniques, and psychological research, and can be tailored to fit the specific needs (length, content) of your organization.

What does it mean to be Asian American? ...Stop asking the question and start answering it. With more AAPIs than ever involved in the arts, sports, culture, politics, entrepreneurship and beyond, we are poised to create a distinctive identity, rooted in our unique experiences, that sets us apart from other communities but also brings us together in our shared experience as marginalized peoples. But the big question is, what will that identity look like? What IS AAPI culture? This workshop will cover the history of AAPI culture and introduce the revolutionary notion of "cultural synthesis". Now, more than ever, we need more than just cultural competency - we need self-determined individuals who are armed with cultural agency to be able to change the culture around them. Workshop presentation includes tools and exercises developed from cultural research, and can be tailored to fit the specific needs (length, content) of your organization.

How can you influence others, speak your truth, AND boost your self-esteem at the same time? TELL YOUR STORY. Our brains are wired to use stories to navigate the world and to understand ourselves and others. But so often we are discouraged from using our gifts, to the point that many of us have forgotten how. Ryan Takemiya has developed a curriculum that will help you find your voice and learn how to use it. This multifaceted workshop touches on story structure, mythology, and even neuroscience to help you understand how stories engage the mind (and even change our brain chemistry!). Vocal and psycho-somatic exercises will help you strengthen your voice, and you will learn how to engage an audience of any size. Amplifying your voice with the power of storytelling could unlock your potential in all aspects of life. The world deserves to hear your unique voice. So…what's your story? Workshop presentation includes physical, vocal, somatic, and written exercises.