"Mai Ling Chan MS, CCC-SLP, is a mother, entrepreneur, speech-language pathologist, business strategist, speaker, podcast host, and author. Originating from Keyport, a small fishing town in New Jersey, Mai Ling embraced cross-country relocation which uncovered personal strengths, weaknesses, and identified areas for life-long growth. Building on these hard-earned lessons, Mai Ling also embraces her curiosity and love for human connections and she shares these passions through a variety of disability-focused offerings.As an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredited speech-language pathologist for over 18 years, she has provided comprehensive speech-language services to individuals and families affected by communication disabilities and is committed to advocacy and service in this community. In addition, stemming from her love for all things technology-related, she has been working to increase access to online professional education. She has years of experience creating disability-related websites, online learning platforms, and incorporating tablet technology into disability classrooms and adult rehabilitation services.Mai Ling is also working to bring advanced technology and inclusive and accessibile services to all areas of the globe.Her passion is centralized on deep-diving into the world of amazing disability leaders.Enter her world through one of her four (4) Amazon Best-Selling books: Becoming an Exceptional LeaderBecoming an Exceptional AAC LeaderBecoming an Exceptional Leader an Exceptional SLPBecoming an Exceptional API LeaderYou can also meet and learn from other global disability leaders through her Xceptional Leaders Podcast, where she co-hosts a bi-weekly program dedicated to spotlighting high-profile disability-focused topics and disability thought leadership with James Berges, CCC-SLP.When Mai Ling isn't podcasting, ""Zooming"", conducting FB Live interviews, or responding to emails, you can find her immersed in new technology, playing with her mini-Australian shepherd, and laughing with friends and family. Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng served as Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Executive Director of Chinese Studies Institute at San Diego State University. She is the Managing Director of the Confucius Institute at SDSU. Professor Cheng served as a member of the board of trustees of the Campanile Foundation of San Diego State University. She is the past chair of the Multicultural Issues Board for the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and served as chair of Education Committee for the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) and is the president elect of IALP. She is a Fellow of ASHA and received the Honors of ASHA (the highest honor) in 2013. Professor Cheng is the President-Elect of the IALP. She was selected by ABC as one of 25 most influential women in the history of San Diego. Professor Cheng was the past President of the Phi Beta Delta Chapter at SDSU. She has received many awards from San Diego State University and professional organizations. She was selected as the outstanding alumnus of Michigan State University. Dr. Cheng is the recipient of the 1997 ASHA Award for special contributions to Multicultural Affairs and the recipient of the 2002 Diversity Award from the California Speech & Hearing Association. She is on the editorial board of several major professional journals. She has numerous professional publications and has lectured all over the world. In 2007, she received the best research article award from Council of Exceptional Children. She has taught Chinese to individuals across the life span in a multitude of settings. In 2010, she received the Humanitarian Award from the Asian Heritage Foundation. She received the 2012 Monty's Award from SDSU. She received the 2013 Diversity Award from CAPCSD. She served as consultant for the Sesame Street and Tiffany and Company.Dr. Cheng has published numerous articles and books on cross-cultural communication research, translation and interpretation, language learning and language teaching focusing on the development of an optimal language learning environment (OLLE). She is a frequent keynote speaker on the topic of speech, language pathology, culture, cross-cultural understanding, language learning and language teaching. Phương Li�n Palafox is a Vietnamese-Chinese American speech-language therapist, author and advocate. Currently, her time is spent serving clients and their families, educators and medical professionals internationally. Her work has been featured in various publications including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and content for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. With a foundation of evidence-based and human-centered practices, she is continually invested in Culturally Responsiveness and Sustaining Practices, Multilingual Rights, Narrative-Based Interventions and the Mental Health of Educators and Service Providers. Attendees leave her presentations and storytelling feeling validated, refueled and re-engaged to fuel their meaningful work."
"""Courage powered the leadership of those who contributed to this important collection of perspectives. That courage advances the change that will impact the cultural responsiveness required to be heard and seen to promote equality, strengthen our shared knowledge, and eliminate the attitudes and beliefs that are barriers to success. The authors show us the power of courage and provide examples of how we can influence change.""- Robert M. Augustine, Ph.D., CCC/SLP 2023 President American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Senior Vice President Council of Graduate School ""The book celebrates courage, resilience, empowerment, and triumph of individuals, parents, and professionals in the diverse landscape of America. The stories are so authentic and disclose raw self-identities and real-life experiences. Each story offers a unique opportunity for readers to learn about the unfamiliar and paves ways to cultivate cultural humility for students, clinicians, and educators in the speech-language-hearing sciences field. Be ready to be inspired!"" - Hsinhuei Sheen Chiou, PhD., CCC-SLP Department Chair Minnesota State University, Mankato Co-President, Asian Pacific Islander Speech-Language-Hearing Caucus"