Multicultural Mixer: Gathering as One
About this Event
Multicultural Mixer: Gathering as One
Culture. Connection. Opportunity.
Different histories. Shared experiences. One community.
Celebrate the people, cultures, and stories that make Escondido and North County San Diego extraordinary.
Join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Escondido Chamber of Commerce for a free, family-friendly gathering featuring cultural performances, community leaders, local entrepreneurs, food, music, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
Our theme, Gathering as One, invites us to consider how our individual histories, traditions, and experiences contribute to the American communities we share.
This gathering is also an opportunity to explore the connection between cultural identity and workforce development, recognizing how education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community participation create opportunities for future generations.
Whether you're discovering a cultural tradition, meeting a local business owner, connecting with a community organization, or bringing your family for an afternoon of music and celebration, we welcome you.
What to Expect
Vietnamese Heritage & Legendary Lion Dance
Experience a vibrant performance by Legendary Lion Dance, celebrating Vietnamese cultural traditions and the energy of community gatherings.
Tri Luu, Escondido attorney, community leader, and VAYA Sponsorship/Partnership Chair, will share his perspective on Vietnamese American identity, cultural leadership, and creating opportunities for youth and families throughout North County.
The program will open with special recognition of Rebecca Jones, Mayor of San Marcos, and feature remarks from Dane White, Mayor of Escondido.
Featured Presentation: What Does Your Name Mean?
Every name has a story. Every story has a place.
Join Corrine Ishio, founder of My Working Soul and board director of the Japanese American Citizens League, San Diego Chapter, for a personal reflection on American identity, family heritage, faith, literacy, and belonging.
Drawing from her Japanese and Filipino family history and her upbringing in San Diego County, Corrine explores the stories carried through our names, the convictions we develop, and the communities we choose to build together.
Her presentation also examines the importance of reading, human connection, and mentorship in an increasingly visual and technology-driven world, connecting these ideas to her work in hiring, headhunting, and workforce development.
Special Guest: Rey Hayashi
Rey joins Corrine to share his professional journey, including his experiences working across Japanese and American business environments and his transition into recruiting and business development.
Together, their stories explore how cultural knowledge, professional relationships, and mentorship can create opportunities for the next generation.
Featuring a Multilingual Performance of Amazing Grace
Tagalog • English • Japanese • Spanish
The presentation concludes with a special multilingual interpretation of Amazing Grace, bringing together different voices and cultural expressions through one shared hymn.
Featuring Elsa Ishio, with Japanese spoken word by Rosa Hayashi, and additional participating vocalists.
The performance celebrates faith, family, grace, and the connections that bring people together.
Hispanic Heritage & Folklórico
Celebrate the beauty, movement, and traditions of Mexican cultural heritage through a featured Folklórico performance.
The program includes special participation by Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia and Councilmember Christian Garcia, recognizing the Hispanic community's contributions to Escondido's cultural and civic life.
Introducing the Multicultural Fund
We're building something that continues beyond one afternoon.
Join us for the introduction of a proposed Multicultural Fund and a vision for expanded cultural programming in 2027.
This initiative is envisioned to support cultural celebrations, collaboration among community organizations, youth engagement, and future opportunities throughout North County San Diego.
Where Culture Meets Opportunity
Explore cultural displays, connect with local entrepreneurs, meet community organizations, enjoy food and music, and discover opportunities to participate in the community.
We believe that culture becomes meaningful through the relationships we build, the traditions we share, and the contributions we make to the places we call home.
Admission is free. All ages are welcome.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Escondido Chamber of Commerce
720 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Check-in begins at 3:50 PM. Free parking is available.
Agenda
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:00 PM
Gathering as One: Community Recognition
Info: Join us in recognizing the cultural organizations, community partners, volunteers, and performers who brought this gathering to life, followed by a group photograph.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:10 PM
Gathering as One: Official Welcome
Host: Mayor Rebecca Jones
Info: Join us as we open the celebration with community introductions and special remarks from Rebecca Jones, Mayor of San Marcos.
🕑: 04:10 PM - 04:30 PM
Legendary Lion Dance: Vietnamese Cultural Celebration
Host: Legendary Lion Dancers
Info: Experience a 20-minute performance celebrating Vietnamese cultural heritage through traditional lion dance, music, and movement.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 04:45 PM
Heritage, Leadership & Community: Tri Luu, Esq.
Host: Tri Luu, Esq
Info: Escondido attorney and community leader Tri Luu shares his perspective on Vietnamese American heritage, cultural leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations. Presentation title to be announced.
🕑: 04:45 PM - 04:55 PM
A Shared Future: Mayor Dane White
Host: Mayor Dane White
Info: Mayor Dane White joins us for special remarks about Escondido's communities, civic leadership, and the opportunities we create together.
🕑: 04:55 PM - 05:20 PM
What Does Your Name Mean? & Multicultural Spotlight: A Song Across Cultures
Host: Corrine Ishio
Info: Every name has a story. Every story has a place. Corrine Ishio, founder of myworkingsoul and board director of JACL San Diego, presents a personal reflection on American identity, heritage, faith, literacy, and belonging.
Featuring guest speaker Rey Hayashi and a multilingual performance of Amazing Grace in Tagalog, English, Japanese, and Spanish.
🕑: 05:20 PM - 05:45 PM
Hispanic Heritage: Civic Leadership & Folklórico
Host: Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia
Info: Celebrate Mexican cultural heritage with special participation from Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia and Councilmember Christian Garcia, followed by traditional Folklórico dance.
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:40 PM
Cultural Connections: Food, Stories & Community
Info: Explore cultural displays, enjoy food and music, meet local entrepreneurs and community organizations, and connect with neighbors throughout North County.
🕑: 06:40 PM - 06:55 PM
Building Our Future: Multicultural Fund & 2027 Vision
Info: Discover the vision for a proposed Multicultural Fund and expanded cultural programming, youth opportunities, and community partnerships in 2027.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
