Highlighting Our Team
Meet some of the talented individuals whose backgrounds and experiences shape our collective journey, and join us in honoring their stories — woven into the fabric of who we are.
For me, AAPI Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity within the AAPI community. South Asians, with our unique languages, traditions, and histories, are often grouped together with other Asian communities, but we each have our own distinct stories and contributions. It's important to recognize these differences while still standing together as a united group to uplift each other and amplify our voices.
This month also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength that our communities have shown in the face of adversity. Whether it’s the history of South Asians in the U.S., the struggles of early immigrants, or the ongoing fight for equality, AAPI Heritage Month allows us to reflect on the progress we've made while also recognizing that there is still work to be done in terms of visibility, representation, and combating stereotypes.
Jessie
“AAPI Heritage Month is a meaningful time to reflect on where I come from and feel proud of my roots. It’s also a chance to share my culture with others and celebrate within the AAPI community.
My heritage has shaped so much of who I am. It’s given me a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for family, and a quiet resilience that I carry with me every day. The traditions, the food, the language — and most of all, the feeling of connection, bring me so much pride.“
Shalini
“Indian culture is so bright and colorful! Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and others taught me the importance of celebration, gratitude, and community bonding.
My heritage also taught me to balance modernity with tradition, individuality with community, and work with spiritual well-being. It shapes my views on relationships, growth, and success in a way that respects both personal aspirations and collective values."
Karen
“AAPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect, educate, and spread awareness to fight negative stereotypes that have plagued our communities in the past. It is a time to be proud of my heritage and grateful for all those that came before me to allow the privileges I have today.
I feel I am a more patient and tolerant person because of my heritage. Being a child of an immigrant, I find myself more empathetic and understanding when it comes to learning about other cultures and traditions.“
Mel
“As an adoptee, the journey to connect with my heritage has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to be adopted by an Asian American family who encouraged me to explore and appreciate my cultural background. Growing up in a town where I was one of the few Asian individuals made it difficult to feel a sense of belonging and fully understand my identity.
In college, I found a vibrant community made up of fellow adoptees as well as first- and second-generation students. They helped me navigate the many layers of cultural and heritage identity and created a space where I felt safe choosing how I wanted to engage with my roots.”
AAPI Heritage Month is a reminder to take pride in my heritage and reflect on the resilience, contributions, and achievements of those who came before us. This month encourages me to honor that legacy while continuing to learn, grow, and uplift others within the community.
I’m proud of the resilience and perseverance that show up time and time again in the AAPI community — through our families, our leaders, and the people around us. I’m especially proud of how we come together during tough times, supporting one another and standing strong as a community. It’s a reminder of everything we’ve been through and just how much we can accomplish when we lift each other up.