Social Impact Hackathon

2025 ASIAN CREATIVE FESTIVAL

Social Impact Hackathon

May 23 - 24, 2025 | Pratt Institute (Manhattan)

This is where creatives, nonprofits, and businesses come together to tackle real-world challenges through storytelling, content creation, and digital solutions. Over the weekend, participants will collaborate with four incredible nonprofits to drive awareness and make meaningful impact.

✨ Open to all—no need to be Asian to participate!

We welcome creatives of all backgrounds who are passionate about using their skills for social good.

Join Info Session

PARTNER WITH

What's social impact hackathon?

Create. Collaborate. Make a social Impact. Team up with four creatives, tackle real-world challenges for nonprofits, join expert-led workshops, and pitch your ideas for exciting prizes.

Keynote Talks

Gain insights from professional speakers on technology, design, and social impact

Nonprofits

We’re a hackathon with social good at its heart. Our nonprofits have presented several problem areas and projects to tackle their most pressing needs. Here are the incredible organizations that we’ve partnered with:

Community

Welcome to Chinatown

ensures Chinatown’s future remains vibrant and resilient through tailored support and community-driven initiatives.

Arts & Culture

Asian American Arts Alliance

fosters collaboration, representation, and advocacy in the arts, ensuring diverse voices are heard and celebrated.

Animal Welfare

PAWS NYC

is dedicated to helping New York City’s most vulnerable residents stay with their pets through critical programs and services.

Community

Project Barkada

unites communities by amplifying voices, empowering individuals, and sharing the Barkada Spirit of collaboration and support.

Justice

Legal Aid Society

has been fighting for equal justice for all New Yorkers since 1876. They provide legal support to those who need it most - regardless of income, immigration status, or background.

Speakers & Judges

Guided by industry pioneers, participants will receive expert mentorship and feedback to help bring their ideas to life.

Melissa Yeung

JUDGE

Social Media Strategy Manager working for the Global Duolingo brand. She oversees social strategy, creates content, and leads social-first campaigns.

Xue(Snow) Bai

JUDGE

Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute and a sustainability strategist with expertise in climate risk, sustainable finance, and regenerative economics. Also, she’s published author and certified ESG professional.

Eason Yang

JUDGE

A New York-based designer, educator, and creative director with a passion for social innovation, recognized with two Fast Company Awards. Founder of Not Entirely Dead, a social enterprise aiding cancer survivors' professional comebacks, and a Yale University mentor, Yang blends creativity with purpose to inspire change.

Winnie Yoe

JUDGE

A New York-based designer and artist from Hong Kong. She currently works at the NYC Office of the Mayor and has collaborated with organizations like the Brooklyn Museum and Vox Media to amplify underrepresented voices.

Michelle Lo Horton

JUDGE

The founder of Filament, a growth strategy agency that helps early-stage brands scale to 7+ figures through her Growth Engine System. She specializes in building sustainable growth systems that blend brand strategy, content, ads, and retention marketing.

Kevin Ha

JUDGE

Executive Director of Asian American Dream (AAD), a nonprofit empowering underserved AAPI undergraduates through mentorship and career development. He leads with purpose, empathy, and a commitment to breaking barriers one student at a time.

Justin Wong

JUDGE

A NYC-based designer and art director creating impactful brand identities. He has worked with top companies like Apple and BUCK, earning recognition from leading design organizations. As AIGA NY’s Education Lead, he advocates for diverse creatives.

Yueh Fang Feng

JUDGE

A creative director in New York advertising with over 25 years of experience transforming big ideas into immersive campaigns, working with major brands like J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, L'Oréal, SCJ, Novartis, and GSK.

Hackathon Schedule

Day 01

Fri, May 23

Check-in

6:00 PM

Kick-off - intro, rules, prize

6:30 PM

Team greeting

7:30 PM

Design thinking workshop

8:00 PM

Mentor check-in

9:00 PM

Day 1 ends

9:30 PM

Day 02

Sat, May 24

Check-in

8:30 AM

Hacking

9:00 AM

Keynotes

11:00 AM

Lunch break

12:00 PM

Hacking

1:00 PM

Pitch practice

3:00 PM

Submission

4:00 PM

Pitch presentation

4:30 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM

Day 2 ends

7:00 PM

Make your Impact

This year, we are shifting our focus toward actionable initiatives that give back to our community. The hackathon provides a unique opportunity for creatives, technologists, and change makers to collaborate, innovate, and craft impactful solutions. Inspired by the power of technology and storytelling, teams will develop creative strategies and digital solutions that amplify the missions of these nonprofit organizations.

Join Info Session