Chloe Wu
An event co-organized by SVIDEA and SVSEI.
Discount Tickets available with 30% off, ends on 7/16 Tuesday:
www.eventbrite.com/e/939765763697/?discount=EARLY30
Limited Student Discount Tickets available, welcome students who are interested :
www.eventbrite.com/e/939765763697/?discount=STUDENT80
Complete Forum Agenda Link:
Forum Date: July 20, 2024
Specific Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Forum Venue: JJ Lake Business Center
Address: 340 E Middlefield Rd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Forum Agenda:
- Registration and Morning Tea
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Participants will register at designated registration counters and collect conference materials. Morning tea will be provided during this time for informal networking and socializing.
- Opening Ceremony
Time: 9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
The host will give opening remarks, outlining the purpose and objectives of the conference, and provide a brief overview of the agenda.
- Theme Speech Session (1)
Time: 9:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Speaker: Reed Letsinger, PhD, LMFT
Title: Board member of MRI
Topic: A Brief History of the Mental Research Institute: Background, Contributions and Influences
Short description: The more than 65 years of MRI will be briefly reviewed, with a focus on its major contributions to the development of family therapy and brief therapy and its influence on the field of psychotherapy more generally.
Duration: 20 minutes
Speaker: Eric Greenleaf, Psychologist, PhD
Title: Director of the Institute of Milton H Erickson of Bay Area
Topic: Unconscious mind processes organize healthy mind-body, interpersonal relations, and new learning.
Short description: How to communicate with the unconscious mind in oneself and others? Image and Story allow us to touch the hearts and minds of our families, friends and coworkers.
Duration: 30 minutes
Speaker: Terry Soo-Hoo, PhD, ABPP
Title: Professor at California State University of East Bay, Former clinical director at MRI
Topic: Using a Strength Based Culturally Informed Strategic Therapy Approach to Work with Diverse Families
Short description: Parents are often reluctant to engage in therapy even when their children are demonstrating serious behavioral problems. This is especially true with families of color. This presentation will focus on how to work with families, particularly parents, who might be reluctant to engage in therapy by using a Strength Based Culturally Informed Strategic Therapy approach. This approach focuses on identifying and activating strengths of both parents and children. In this process these strengths are utilized to solve the presenting problems. The approach is based upon the Mental Research Institute (MRI) belief that the goal of therapy is not to cure deep seated psychological deficiencies or pathologies but to help families get “unstuck”; and get on with their lives! This approach also emphasizes the importance of working within a family’s cultural framework.
Duration: 30 minutes
- Tea Break
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
A brief break will be provided, offering tea and refreshments for networking opportunities.
- Theme Speech Session (2)
Time: 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Xu
Title: Founder, California Science and Technology University
Topic: Raising Successful Kids in the AI Age
Short description:
Key Points:
1. Education Paradigm Shift: Emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability over rote memorization. Encouraging curiosity and fostering lifelong learning are pivotal.
2. Parental Mindset Shift: Shifting focus from IQ to EQ (Emotional Quotient), advocating for creativity, leadership mentorship, and after-school programs.
3. Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating empathy, resilience, and effective communication to navigate social complexities and technological advancements.
4. AI Skills, Privacy, and Ethics: Ensuring proficiency in digital literacy and cybersecurity. Early exposure to coding and digital skills fosters responsible engagement with AI technologies.
5. Preparing for Future Careers: Guiding children towards careers aligned with their passions and leveraging AI technologies. Emphasizing interdisciplinary skills and continuous learning.
6. Community and Support Networks: Building strong support networks within families and communities. Sharing resources and best practices in raising children in the AI age.
Fostering successful children in the AI age demands a holistic approach that integrates technological advancements with human values. Continuous dialogue among parents, educators, and communities is essential for preparing future generations to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Duration: 30 minutes
- Panel, Audience Q&A
Time: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Open discussion on conference topics with audience questions and answers.
- Lunch
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch box will be provided, offering a variety of meal options for attendees.
- Theme Speech Session (2)
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Speaker: Sophie Suberville, MS
Title: Executive Director of MRI
Topic: Preserving, protecting and defending the humanity of our children and teenagers in the age of the internet and social media
Short description: The multiplicity of unverified, unreliable and often biased information sources creates a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety. Parents are often powerless in front of this permanent competition for information and reference points. Children and adolescent are at risk as they get seduced by unscrupulous “influencers” and leaders who wish to promote their causes, which may express themselves in the form of encouragement to our tribal instincts and incitements to exclusion and violence against specific groups which leads to racism, ageism, etc.
Duration: 20 minutes
Speaker: Michele Ritterman, PhD
Title: US psychologist
Topic: Raising Healthy Children In This Fast-changing World: A Focus on Family and Social Systems
Short description: Parents today must bridge the gulf between healthy childhood and conflicting social demands on their children. How do Parents cultivate mutual trust, to ensure honest communication in the home; foster respect for useful advice from a unified parental team; teach self-discipline without anger; foster in a child a receptive state of mind to what is helpful; how demonstrate in perseverance, rather than fast reactivity; and how lovingly teach children that every set- back is still a chance to learn, get support, and advance.
Duration: 30 minutes
Speaker: Edita Ruzgyte, PhD
Title: Edita Ruzgyte, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC-S, AASECT
Clinical Professor, Graduate Counseling Program
Southern Methodist University
Topic: Empowering Youth: Redefining ‘The Talk’ through the Prism of Shared Values, Honesty, and Mutual Pleasure.
Short description: This presentation tackles a topic often avoided by many – the sexual health of youth and children. We will introduce the 6 Principles of Sexual Health as a framework for promoting healthy attitudes, behaviors, and relationships among young people. We’ll start by exploring the six principles developed by Doug Brown-Harvey, including Consent, Non-Exploitative, Protection from unwanted pregnancy and STI and HIV, Honesty, Shared Values, and Mutual Pleasure.
We will delve into the last three principles, discuss their significance in promoting youth sexual health and how they can be effectively applied in various settings such as home, education, and community outreach.
Practical strategies and tools for implementing these principles in individual conversations or programs will be provided, including communication techniques, language focus, and approaches to addressing sensitive topics.
By the end of the presentation, participants will leave with knowledge about a specific framework and resources to enhance their work in promoting youth sexual health, grounded in the principles advocated by Doug Braun-Harvey. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, educator, counselor, or community advocate, this session will provide valuable tools for supporting the sexual health and well-being of today’s youth.
Duration: 30 minutes
Speaker: Angela Zhe Wu, MS, LMFT
Title: MRI Training coordinator & faculty; MHEBA training faculty and supervisor
Topic: Love always wins
Short description: Present how to adopt stories and metaphors to work with children and families, finding the family love and protection as the healing power through the symptoms. Showcase of integration of MRI strategic family therapy and Ericksonian hypnosis application in family work.
Duration: 15 minutes
Speaker: Ms. Bei Xu
Title: The Founder of the Meaning Life International Family Health Foundation
Topic: Integrating Cultural Wisdom: The Practice of Family Therapy in China
Short description: Chinese family therapy, centered on a balanced approach and resource orientation, focuses on the concept of the family as the core in traditional Chinese culture. By stabilizing the homeostatic center within the family system, it maximally activates internal family resources. Without disturbing the risk factors among family members, it maintains the safe operation of the family. This approach facilitates adjustments and promotes the realization of therapy for adolescents.
1. Since ancient times, China has developed a core cultural system that extends from the family to the state and the whole world, centered around the family culture system.
2. In the concept of family culture in China, the status and significance of “family” transcend the individual and carry the meaning of “the root of the person.” Throughout human history, the family consists of blood relations formed by childbirth, marital relations between the sexes, and support relations. These relationships together constitute the family structure.
3. Among them, blood relations and marital relations are the foundations and bonds that determine the essence of the family. They are also important basis for studying family functions. As families develop, family relationships and their arrangements will also change, leading to the evolution of family structure, functions, and family concepts.
4. In Chinese family therapy, the foundation is firmly established in Chinese family culture. It is a therapy model that views the family as the support center for children, employing a comprehensive and systematic perspective to adjust the child’s cognition, emotions, and behavioral disorders.
Duration: 15 minutes
- Tea Break
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Another tea break will be provided to prepare for the next session.
- Theme Speech Session (3):
Time: 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
Speaker: Technology Investment Guest 1 (TBD)
Topic: To be determined
Duration: 10 minutes
Speaker: Technology Investment Guest 2 (TBD)
Topic: To be determined
Duration: 10 minutes
- Panel, Audience Q&A
Time: 3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
Joint discussion with theme speakers and technology investment guests, addressing audience questions.
- Closing Address and Action Item Summary
Time: 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM
The conference chair will deliver closing remarks, summarizing key points of the conference and discussing future directions for collaboration and research.
- Networking and Group Photo
Time: 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Participants can engage in networking opportunities and explore collaboration prospects. A group photo session will be held to commemorate the forum.
- Forum Adjournment and Informal Networking
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Connect X 2024 Agenda
Dinner Date: July 20, 2024
Specific Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dinner Venue: JJ Lake Business Center
Address: 340 E Middlefield Rd, Mountain View, CA 94043
Detailed Connect X 2024 Agenda:
- Reception and Welcome (50 minutes)
Time: 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM
Activity: Guest check-in and name tag collection.
Setup: Background music, welcome drinks or cocktails provided.
- Opening Address (10 minutes)
Time: 5:50 PM – 6:00 PM
Activity: Remarks by the host representative (Alan Lin), introducing the purpose of the dinner
and the evening’s agenda.
- Fireside Chat 1: The Rise of Asian American Leadership. The relationship between education and child psychology (20 minutes)
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:20 PM
Activity: A conversation between
Moderator: Eden Cai
Guests: Alan Lin, Qing Bai
- Fireside Chat 2: Dialogue on Technology, Investment and Psychology (20 minutes)
Time: 6:20 PM – 6:40 PM
Activity: A conversation between
Moderator: Alan Lin
Guests: Jim Mao, Shawn Wang, Wade Shu
- Guest Introductions and Interaction Session (20 minutes)
Time: 6:40 PM – 7:00 PM
Activity: Setting up a Q&A interaction session between guests and the audience, allowing guests to answer questions from the audience regarding the evening’s discussion topics.
- Dinner and Networking (50 minutes)
Time: 7:00 PM – 7:50 PM
Activity: Guests freely move around the dinner venue, engaging in discussions with other attendees and exploring the dinner theme.
- Closing Remarks and Networking (10 minutes)
Time: 7:50 PM – 8:00 PM
Activity: Remarks by the host representative (Alan Lin), thanking attendees and officially concluding the dinner. Guests can continue networking and exchanging contact information.
Speaker Biographies
- Dr. Eric Greenleaf
Bio: Eric Greenleaf, PhD, practices psychotherapy and hypnosis entirely online. He directs the Milton H. Erickson Institute of the Bay Area, in California, teaches worldwide, and researches trance and healing ceremonies in Bali. His book, The Problem of Evil: Ancient Dilemmas and Modern Therapy, is published in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Dr. Erickson chose Eric to receive the first Milton H. Erickson Award of Scientific Excellence for Writing in Hypnosis.
- Dr. Michelle Ritterman
Bio: Michele Ritterman, Ph.D. is globally recognized as the “Mother” of the Systematic Integration of our Non-Cognitive Functioning and the Social and Familial Contexts we Inhabit. She regards the Symptomatic state as suggested, if unintentionally, by the world around us, like a trance.
www.micheleritterman.com. or wikipedia Michele Ritterman
- Dr. Terry Soo-Hoo
Bio: Dr. Soo-Hoo is the former Training Director at Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto. He is currently professor emeritus at the California State University East Bay in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. He completed his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to university teaching he devoted over twenty years as a clinical psychologist in Community Mental Health Services in San Francisco working with a diverse range of people from different cultures with many different psychological problems. His publications include topics on multicultural issues in psychotherapy and consultation, brief therapy, family therapy and couples therapy. He has special interests in the area of innovative culturally relevant approaches to psychotherapy. He has also provided extensive presentations, clinical training, supervision, and consultation on his special approach Strength Based Culturally Informed Strategic Therapy to agencies and other professionals in many countries around the world. Dr. Soo-Hoo is Board Certified in Family and Couples Psychology (ABPP).
- Dr. Edita Ruzgyte
Bio: Dr. Edita Ruzgyte, is a sex, couples, and marriage therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. She is currently a clinical professor of counseling & family therapy in the graduate school of Southern Methodist University.
After coming to the United States from Lithuania, Dr. Ruzgyte received her Ph.D in family therapy. In her dissertation she explored the cultural and social aspects of relationships and sexuality. In addition to her work in university and private practice, Edita trains professionals at various workshops and conferences in the U.S and other countries such as Italy, China, Armenia, and Australia.
Dr. Ruzgyte’s unique life and educational experiences living in the U.S.S.R., Lithuania, and the U.S. shape her special way of connecting clinical theory and practice, always conscious of the profound role cultural experience plays in shaping the individual. Whether the topic is gender, parenting, sexuality, family dynamics, or anger, grief, and guilt, she brings an especially warm perspective to every presentation—leaving the audience richer for it.
- Sophie Lartilleux-Suberville
Bio:Sophie Suberville was born in Mexico from French parents. She has lived in the Bay Area since 1998. She has a master in business administration and has a masters in counseling psychology. Sophie has worked at MRI as the executive director since 2014.
She is certified in Compassion training from the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research at Stanford ; she has let workshops in the US, France and Chile
She also holds a certificate in grief counseling from the Academy of Grief Counseling and has run several groups in grief therapy.
- Dr. Reed Letsinger
Bio: I trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist during the early 2000’s at both the Brief Therapy Center and the Strategic Family Therapy Center, two training centers at the Mental Research Institute. When my training was complete, I remained at MRI in private practice and as a trainer and supervisor connected with the Strategic Family Therapy Center. I have since continued my involvement with MRI as a member of its Board of Directors. Prior to my career as a psychotherapist, I was a professor of philosophy, and I then worked in a high-tech research lab and taught software engineering.
- Dr. Angela Zhe Wu
Bio: Angela Zhe Wu was trained with Strategic Family Therapy at MRI and Ericksonian Hypnosis with various founding members of Ericksonian foundations. She is now practicing innovative family therapy with the integration of brief MRI family therapy, Ericksonian hypnosis, expressive art therapy and sex therapy. She has been a designated trainer for MRI and MHEBA’s overseas training programs. She teaches internationally and specializes in family, couple and parent-child relationships in modern world.
- Ms. Bei Xu
Bio: Ms. Bei Xu boasts a rich academic background and extensive practical experience in the field of psychology. With over twenty years of valuable experience, Ms. Xu has made significant contributions in the realms of psychological counseling, therapy, and supervision both domestically and internationally.
Since the year 2000, Ms. Xu has served as a youth psychological counseling specialist for several Chinese communities in Canada, focusing on intercultural psychological adaptation and support for international students. Starting in 2017, she has been actively involved in pioneering therapeutic research and practice for adolescent psychological issues in China, dedicated to enhancing the mental health of young people.
Currently, Ms. Xu holds the position of Supervisor for Psychological Therapy and Counseling at Wuhan City Psychiatric Hospital. She is an international member of the Chinese Psychological Society, founder of the International Family Health Foundation, and CEO of the SCII International Counseling Center. Ms. Xu also serves as the chief representative for China at the International Institute for Meaning Therapy. Additionally, she is a research fellow in psychoneurological pain at the University of Toronto, a therapist for highly sensitive individuals at North American advanced seminars, and an EMDR trauma therapist. Moreover, she is a specially appointed expert in psychological counseling for international students by the Chinese Embassy in Canada.
With her professional knowledge and practical experience, Ms. Xu has not only improved the quality of life for many individuals but also played an active role in international cooperation and development within the field of family therapy. As both a torchbearer and innovator, she quietly contributes her strength, propelling the field forward.
- Dr. Elizabeth Xu
Dr. Ling Xu (Elizabeth Xu, Ph.D), founder and chairwoman of California Science and Technology University (CSTU), has been awarded the 2023 Forbes Most Influential Chinese Elite Award.
Xu is one of the few female C-Level executives in the high-tech industry in the United States from the Chinese community. Passionate about education and philanthropy, she founded CSTU to provide educational opportunities for students aspiring to join high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. She also established A2C Academy and the Be the Change Foundation, dedicated to enhancing cross-cultural leadership among Silicon Valley professionals and inspiring the next generation of Chinese entrepreneurs to engage in global business ventures.
Xu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Space Physics and a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Physics from Peking University, as well as a Master’s degree in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Space Science from the University of Nevada, USA. After earning her doctorate, she joined IBM as an engineer, then served as Senior Vice President of Global Software Product Development at Vitria Technology and Rearden Commerce. She later became Group Vice President at Acxiom, a major data company in the US, responsible for big data product development, and served as CTO of IT management software company BMC Software and CTO of the Charoen Pokphand Group.
- Eden Cai
Eden Cai is a seasoned real estate executive and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in finance, development, and technology, managing over $5 billion in development projects across the United States and Asia. A pioneer in the field, Ms. Cai has leveraged her expertise to identify and capitalize on untapped real estate opportunities, particularly in the southern United States.
Born and raised in a real estate family, Ms. Cai came to the U.S. at the age of 19. After working for Capital One and US Bank, she returned to Asia in 2010 and became a founding member of a JP Morgan joint venture. In 2015, Ms. Cai joined SMI Group and helped establish its New York office. She played a key role in developing U.S. real estate investment strategy with management responsibilities including acquisition, negotiation, due diligence, financing, marketing, and sales. In 2020, Ms. Cai co-founded GardenStar Group, a real estate investment and technology company aiming at revolutionizing the real estate investment process and products. Her focus is mainly on the south, building rental housing communities and introducing technology into the business of real estate.
Ms. Cai currently serves on the Harvard Alumni Real Estate Board. She also co-founded the Mulan Group – a high powered women’s group in NYC to help empower women. Her contributions to entrepreneurship and the community were recognized in 2024 when she received the Serica “AAPI Rising Stars – Entrepreneur” award.
Ms. Cai received her Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Harvard University. She is an avid marathon runner and enjoys playing cards with her two children.
- Qing Bai
Bio: Ms. Bai is Director of Outreach and head of Bay Area office, for Cogleap Foundation, an 501c3 non profit organization.
Ms.Bai has graduated from medical school and also has a master’s degree in Human Genetics, bringing extensive professional experience gained from years of employment in a Silicon Valley Biotech company. With 14 years of dedicated service in Shin Shin Educational Foundation, Ms. Bai has successfully led and managed various departments and programs. Her commitment extends to active involvement within the local community, including serving two terms as a historical commissioner in the city of Los Altos. Additionally, she has been a member of League of Women Voters, a member of Greater Los Altos Chinese Association etc.
Ms. Bai possesses a profound passion for education, community service, and social justice. Her skill set includes exceptional management, communication, and interpersonal abilities, making her a valuable asset dedicated to strengthening our local community.
svsei
