Olympic ice dancing medalists Alex and Maia Shibutani discuss their beautifully illustrated picture book highlighting the achievements of many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have made invaluable contributions to the world. They will be joined in discussion by Paralympian Chuck Aoki. Literati Bookstore will be present at the event with books for sale
Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani are two-time Olympic medalists, writers, producers, speakers, and consultants. In 2018, the siblings made Olympic history by becoming the first ice dancers of Asian descent and the first team of color to medal at the Winter Olympic Games. They are also the first sibling duo to win two Olympic medals in Ice Dance. Earlier this year, they were inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Maia is on the Advisory Council for AWE (Asian Women Empowered) and is the inaugural Winter Olympic Athlete Representative of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation NextGen Program.
Alex is on the LA28 Athletes’ Commission and is a photographer. His first photographic exhibition is on display at the Leica Gallery in West Hollywood from May 4th – June 5th.
Together, they are Sports Envoys for the U.S. State Department. In their role which they’ve held since 2017, they promote cross-cultural understanding, engage underserved communities, and empower the next generation of leaders through diplomacy.
Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All is their third children’s book. They first debuted as authors with their middle grade book series, Kudo Kids.
