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.
PARTNER WITH
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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:
Speakers & Judges
Guided by industry pioneers, participants will receive expert mentorship and feedback to help bring their ideas to life.
Melissa Yeung
Social Media Strategy Manager working for the Global Duolingo brand. She oversees social strategy, creates content, and leads social-first campaigns.
Xue(Snow) Bai
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
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.
Justin Wong
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.
Winnie Yoe
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
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
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.
Hackathon Schedule
Day 01
Fri, May 23
Check-in
6:30 PM
Kick-off - intro, rules, prize
7:00 PM
Team greeting
8:00 PM
Mentor check-in
8:30 PM
Day 1 ends
9:00 PM
Day 02
Sat, May 24
Check-in
9:00 AM
Workshop
10:00 AM
Keynote speakers & sponsors
11:00 AM
Lunch break
12:00 PM
Hacking
1:00 PM
Submission
4:00 PM
Pitch presentation
4:30 PM
Ceremony
6:30 PM
Day 2 ends
7:00 PM
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Who can participate in this hackathon?This hackathon is open to students and professionals who are passionate about using technology to create innovative solutions for nonprofit organizations.
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How do I register for the hackathon?You can register by clicking on the Sign Up button at the top of the page, which will redirect you to the participation form.
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What should I bring to the hackathon? Are there any prerequisites or required skills?This hackathon is open to all, regardless of experience level. Just bring your creativity, problem-solving mindset, and any tools or devices you need to code and collaborate.
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What are the judging criteria?Projects will be judged based on the following criteria: Creativity – How original, engaging, and impactful is the idea? Does it bring a fresh perspective to the nonprofit’s mission or challenge? Feasibility – Can the idea realistically be implemented given the available resources, timeline, and nonprofit capacity? Viability – Does the solution have long-term potential? Is it sustainable and adaptable for the nonprofit's future use? Judges will also consider how well each team collaborates with their nonprofit partner and aligns their solution with the organization’s goals and audience.
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How can I stay up-to-date on hackathon news and announcements?Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and our website to stay updated with the latest news and announcements.
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.
Our Sponsors
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Our Team
Shandy Tsai
Chief Program Officer
Momo Huang
Chief Operation Officer
Susana Chen
Partnership Strategist
HK Han
Sponsorship Director
Hsin Ya
Nonprofit Partnership Lead
Jayesh Srivastava
Nonprofit Strategist
Jessica Moon
Nonprofit & Partnership
Jemma Wu
Sponsorship Lead
Trinity Lin
Partnership
Michael Ge
Sponsorship
Tracy
Marketing Lead
Michelle
Director of Communication
Jenny Du
Brand Design Lead
LiYing
Graphic Designer
Rachel Kim
Graphic Designer
Cherie
Content Creator