COMMUNITY SAFETY & BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM 2025
The turnout of about 500 people — including the Mayor, council members Julian Ramirez, Twila Carter, Willie Davis, DA Sean Teare, Chief Ban Tien, and so many respected law enforcement and community leaders and advocates — speaks volumes about the strength of our work and the importance of what we’re building together.
Building Trust and Safety Together
Strengthening trust between the Asian community and local law enforcement agencies to improve safety, reporting of crimes, and community policing efforts.
Legal Protection for Our Business the Role of the District Attorney’s Office in Community Safety
Understanding how the Harris County District Attorney’s Office supports the Asian community through prosecution, legal resources, and victim assistance.
Investigating Crimes and Financial Threats
Explore the critical roles and collaborative strategies of federal and local law enforcement in addressing hate crimes and security threats impacting Asian communities.
Download Flyer | Program Schedules | Event Setup Layout and Parking | Sponsorship Form | Questionnaire Form ( PDF, Word)
* Dress code: Business casual (no slippers allowed)*
Nancy Li
Event Chair
- Nancy J. Li is an educational consultant, community activist, and co-founder of Royal Public Schools and the Royal Education Foundation, with over 30 years of leadership and……
Kenneth Li
Event Chair
- Kenneth Li is the founder/ president of Southwest Realty Group, a full-service real estate firm in Houston, Texas since 1988. Throughout the thirty-five years of his professional …..
Tony Ly
Event Chair
- I am the Founder and Principal of “STOA Capital Partners”, a commercial & residential real estate private equity investment company. I am a real estate Developer …..
Steering Leadership & Partnership Organizations
Kenneth Li, Tony Ly, Dawn Lin , Donna Cole, David Peters, Chief Ban Tien, Officer Mike Nguyen, Captain Nathan Nguyen, Officer Luke Tram, Paul Cheung, Gary Poon, Jonathan Shih, Daniel Dang, Jimmy Chau, Jody Lee, Daniel Luu, Officer Alex Chan, Kevin Dang, Rocky Saligram, Nancy J. Li
- Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board
- Southwest Management District
- Harris County District Attorney’s Office
- HPD & FBI
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office
- Houston Metro Police
- Small Business Administration
- Chinese Community Center
- Local Banks and Businesses
- Local community organizations
Program Schedules
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:40 AM – 8:50 AM Event MC Mike Nguyen and Dawn Lin
8:50 AM – 8:55 AM Welcome by Event Chairs Nancy J. Li, Kenneth Li & Tony Ly
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM Opening Remarks by Mayor John Whitmire
9:10 AM – 10:10 AM PANEL 1 – Building Trust and Safety Together (Click for details)
9:10 AM – 09:50 Enhancing Law Enforcement & Community Collaboration for Safer Neighborhoods
Focus:
- Strengthening trust between the Asian community and local law enforcement agencies to improve safety, reporting of crimes, and community policing efforts.
Key Discussion Pointss:
- Understanding and addressing safety concerns specific to Asian communities
- Encouraging crime reporting and breaking language/cultural barriers
- HPD and Harris County Sheriff’s Office initiatives to enhance public safety
Panelists:
- HPD Executive Assistant Chief (EAC) Alvaro Guzman
- HPD Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir
- Metro PD Chief Ban Tien
- HPD Gang Division Captain Clinton
- Westside Captain Timothy Trometer
Moderator : HCSO Lt. Mike Nguyen
9:50 AM – 10:00 AM
- Q & A
- Present Award to Speakers and Moderator
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM Raffle Drawing & Break
10:10 AM – 11:10 AM PANEL 2 (Click for details)
10:10 AM – 10:50 AM: Legal Protection for Our Business the Role of the District Attorney’s Office in Community Safety
Focus:
- Understanding how the Harris County District Attorney’s Office supports the Asian community through prosecution, legal resources, and victim assistance.
Key Discussion Points:
- Hate crime prosecution and legal recourse for victims
- Business fraud, scams, and legal protections for entrepreneurs
- How to work with the DA’s Office for justice and accountability
Panelists:
- Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare
- ADA John Brewer, Special Crimes Bureau Chief
- ADA Adam Brodrick, Consumer Fraud Division Chief
- ADA George Lindsey, Organized Crime Division
Moderator: SWMD Public Safety Director Peter Acquaro
10:50 AM – 11:00 AM
- Q & A
- Present Award to Speakers and Moderator
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM Raffle Drawing & Break
11:10 AM – 12:15 PM PANEL 3 (Click for details)
11:10 AM – 11:50 AM Investigating Crimes and Financial Threats
Focus:
- Explore the critical roles and collaborative strategies of federal and local law enforcement in addressing hate crimes and security threats impacting Asian communities.
Key Discussion Points:
- Federal efforts to combat hate crimes targeting Asian Americans
- Prevention of cybersecurity breaches, robberies, business fraud, and financial crimes
- Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement agencies and community organizations
Panelists:
- SSA David Ko, FBI – Expert in federal investigations, community protection, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention
- Jody Lee, Chairman, Southwest National Bank – Insights on protecting businesses and individuals through financial systems
- Lt. Kendal Clark – HPD Property and Financial Crimes Division
- Sgt. Kevin Ferguson – Property and Financial Crimes
Moderator : Captain N. Nguyen, HPD – Auto Theft Division
11:50 AM – 12:00 PM
- Q & A
- Present Award to Speakers and Moderator
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM Raffle Drawing & Break
12:30 PM – 1:35 PM (Click for details)
Lunch & Keynote Presentation
12:30 PM Event MC Mike Nguyen and Dawn Lin
12:40 PM-1:10 PM Lunch served with Featured keynote speakers Council Members Willie Davis and Twila Carter
1:10 PM-1:30PM Award Acknowledges
1:35 PM Closing Remarks & Adjournment
Questions and Reservation:
Nancy J. Li, Nancyjli@aol.com & Kenneth Li, Kenli888@aol.com