Asian Pride: Real Work, Real Me

Join us on Wednesday 29-July-2026 from 6pm to 9:30pm at the  OBA Oosterdokskade (Public Library) for an evening of meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and community connection.

Together, we'll explore authenticity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment through inspiring talks and panel discussions featuring leaders, innovators, and changemakers. From embracing who we are at work to building confidence in our personal and professional journeys, this event is designed to create space for learning, reflection, and mutual support.

Whether you're looking to connect with others, gain new perspectives, or feel inspired by real stories of resilience and success, we invite you to be part of this engaging and empowering community gathering.

This event is free and open to all, everyone is welcome!

Speaker & Panelists

Hajime, Creative Strategy Lead HERALBONY 

Hajime Yamanaka has spent the last 25 years helping people care. As a marketing strategist, he has worked with global brands, launched pioneering LGBTQ+ campaigns in Japan, and helped bring the first Asian entry to Amsterdam’s Canal Pride Parade in 2019. As a gay man, he knows what it feels like to be underestimated, misunderstood, or invisible. That experience has shaped much of his professional journey. Today, Hajime works with HERALBONY, a company that challenges conventional ideas of talent, creativity, and human potential through the work of artists with intellectual disabilities. Across marketing, advocacy, and community building, one question continues to guide his work: How do we help people see what they have not seen before?

Teddy, ING

Teddy (he/him) is a customer journey expert at ING and a board member of Rainbow Lions, ING's Pride employee resource group. As a queer immigrant from China and a former journalist, he brings both personal and professional perspectives to conversations around identity, belonging, and visibility. Teddy is especially passionate about the intersection of queer and people-of-color experiences and advocates for stronger QPOC representation.

Glow, Out in Tech

Glow (they/them) works as a customer success manager at a US headquartered software company, where they until recently lead the global LGBTQ+ employee resource group. But that’s perhaps the least interesting thing about them. Since 2023 Glow has volunteered with Out in Tech– a non-profit that seeks to unite the LGBTQ+ Tech community, and help LGBTQ+ individuals break into the industry– co-founding the Amsterdam chapter.