"Between Worlds: Authentic Communication and Asian American Identity" - AAPI Heritage Month Keynote

“Between Worlds: Authentic Communication and Asian American Identity”

What does it mean to “be yourself” when you’re navigating multiple cultures, expectations, and identities? This talk explores authenticity and Asian American identity through the lens of communication and culture. Drawing on personal stories, interactive reflection, and research insights, the talk examines how communication shapes our sense of self and sense of belonging across different spaces. Ultimately, it offers practical ways to think about authenticity, one that resonates not only with Asian American experiences, but with anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds.

Piyawan Charoensap-Kelly, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Division at Southern Methodist University. Grounded in positive pedagogy and positive organizational communication scholarship, she is committed to improving individual and organizational wellbeing through communication. Her research focuses on how individuals and organizations use communication to navigate conflict, build resilience, and foster inclusion – especially in culturally diverse and emotionally charged environments. She is an award-winning teacher with multiple top research paper awards from both regional and national levels. She served as a past chair of the National Communication Association Training and Development Division in 2018. At SMU, she is a past chair of the Association of Asian and Pacific American Scholars and Allies and is the lead organizer of the annual AAPI Voices in Higher Education Symposium. Her recent work has been published in Management Communication Quarterly, International Journal of Conflict Management, Journal of Management and Organization, and Journal of Emergency Management.