The theme for the 5th annual NYCAASC is “eMerging Profiles.” Keeping in mind how new media has been a catalyst to many vast social and political movements today, we play on the wording “eMerging” to convey the dynamic processes of merging and emerging and opt to highlight tangible “profiles” rather than the often hard-to-grasp concept of “identities.” In these fast-paced times, blogs, YouTube and other forms of new media have been helpful in reaching across physical boundaries, increasing the accessibility of resources, and connecting with those that seek commonality and recognition. Moreover, we want to emphasize that this theme surrounding “new/alternative media” also recognizes that throughout history, when traditional media and spaces were exclusionary, Asian Pacific Americans have consistently showed creativity in forging new media through which to think for themselves.