Celebrating Asian American, Asian Canadian and Pacific American Heritage: Finding a Community in Asians in Action
Michelle B. | Advisor, Marketing Communications | Texas, United States
Originally Published: May 8th, 2024
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month means a lot to me! It's a time to celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen community empowerment and build connections. For me, the month is a time for reflection and personal growth. I strive to deepen my understanding of my cultural identity and its significance in shaping who I am today.
How do you celebrate your culture at home or in the community?
I am a first-generation Vietnamese American. My favorite way to celebrate culture is through finding Asian businesses to support, specifically restaurants. One of my biggest goals is to learn to make more Vietnamese dishes at home. In the meantime, I love to explore restaurants! My husband is also learning Vietnamese right now, so it's been great to help teach him the language.
What aspects of your culture do you wish people were more aware of or understood better?
There are a couple of aspects that I wish people were more aware of, but the biggest would have to be the diversity within Asian American communities. Asian Americans come from various countries, cultures and backgrounds, each with its own languages, traditions and histories. Recognizing this diversity can help promote a better understanding of Asian American experiences.
How has your involvement in the Asians in Action Employee Resource Group (AiA ERG) shaped your perspective on the importance of allyship and collaboration across different backgrounds and identities?
As I get older, I am more comfortable with who I am and am more open to talking about my experience as an Asian American. Asians in Action has given me a community where I can connect with other Asian Americans on all things, professionally and personally. It has been one of the best experiences ever!
What advice would you give to young Asian and Pacific Islander professionals starting their careers?
Embrace your identity! Learn to not shy away from your cultural identity and embrace who you are and the unique perspectives and experiences you bring to the table. Your background can be a strength in your career and provide you with valuable insights and perspectives that others may not have. I would strongly recommend participating in Asians in Action at Dell, or your company's ERG, and sign up for volunteer opportunities! It's hard to find time outside of work to volunteer time, but if you make it a priority, you will not be disappointed. I included my volunteer work with AiA as one of my yearly goals to ensure that I would prioritize it!
Next, read about Joann’s story of authenticity and empowerment as a member of Asians in Action.
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