Beyond Hard Work: How to Advocate for Your Wants Without Feeling “Too Much”

Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP)  LEAP Connect with Nicole Cruz, Wednesday April 16th at 12:00pm (PST)/ 3pm EST

Many of us were raised to believe that hard work speaks for itself—but in reality, staying silent about our contributions often keeps us overlooked and underrecognized. For many Asian Pacific Islanders, the fear of being seen as “too much” or “too demanding” can make self-advocacy feel uncomfortable.

In this workshop, we’ll unpack the cultural and systemic reasons we downplay our value and reframe self-advocacy as a skill that honors both our work and our worth. You’ll learn how to communicate your impact with confidence, advocate for your needs without guilt, and embrace visibility in a way that feels authentic—not performative. Through guided exercises and real-world examples, you’ll walk away with tangible strategies to ask for what you deserve—whether it’s a raise, leadership opportunities, or simply more respect in your personal and professional life.

This workshop is tailored to the API experience but is open to all allies and community members.