Made In LA: AAPI Leaders shaping culture, creativity and business in LA

Join us for a dynamic conversation featuring prominent AAPI leaders shaping Los Angeles through culture, creativity, business, and community leadership. This special panel will explore the evolving AAPI experience across generations — from the challenges and expectations faced by earlier generations to the changing identity, visibility, and influence of the AAPI community today. Jon Soohoo (Dodgers’ Official Team Photographer), Melvin Mar (Film and TV Producer), Jessica Stafford Park (Entrepreneur and Singer), and Kenji Suzuki (Owner of the beloved historic Suehiro Restaurant). the discussion will examine how growing up in Los Angeles has shaped their perspectives, leadership styles, and sense of identity. As native Angelenos, the panelists will reflect on the unique cultural intersections that define LA and how the city’s diversity, resilience, and communities have influenced their personal and professional journeys. Through personal stories and candid dialogue, the panel will explore themes of representation, belonging, intergenerational change, and the responsibility of leadership within the AAPI community today.
Panelists:

Jon Soohoo. The Dodgers’ official Team Photographer, his work has captured four decades of the team on and off the field. Native Angeleno and fifth generation Chinese-American, Jon brings a unique perspective of the evolution of Los Angeles.

Melvin Mar: A prolific American film and television producer known for producing hit comedies and blockbusters, including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Fresh Off the Boat, and New Girl.

Jessica Stafford Park: A Los Angeles-based professional, owner of JSLAevents, and currently the Director of Brand Expansion for The Negotiate Lease. She is also an entrepreneur and singer. She is active on social media (Instagram: @alazay_official) and describes herself as a military brat who has lived in Los Angeles since 2001.

Kenji Suzuki - Second-generation owner of Suehiro Cafe, a beloved historic Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles that has served the community since 1972. He took over the business from his mother, Junko, and has been navigating the restaurant through a difficult, forced relocation from Little Tokyo to a new downtown location.

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Host or Publisher City Club Los Angeles