Throughout the month of May, ARC is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by giving our employees a platform to share their unique backgrounds and why recognizing their heritage is important to them.
Ahead of a planned panel discussion featuring several of our AAPI employees, we asked them to reflect on AAPI Heritage Month. Here’s what they had to say:
Cecile Burton – Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives
“While many see AAPI Heritage Month as a way to celebrate our cultural differences and our heritage, it’s equally important to recognize our contributions to U.S. culture.
As a first-generation Asian American, I want my children to understand and preserve our Filipino culture while sharing it with their peers. This includes my parents’ immigration journey and how so many Asians come to the U.S. and succeed in fields like science, art, politics, medicine, sports and more, which helps promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
I love that Filipinos are known for food, family, and hospitality, but I also know our community to be resilient and hardworking. I learned all these things from my family, which helps me appreciate all that I have, what I am a part of and what I can do to teach my family and contribute to my community. So, whether it’s food you want, or help with something – I am always up for the challenge!”
Marvi Domigpe – Manager, Accreditation
“Setting aside time to reflect on the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States lets us pay tribute and celebrate the great achievements of our community while highlighting our rich and diverse culture. I appreciate the importance of inclusion and why we should embrace and celebrate our uniqueness. It is an opportunity for me to share with others the diverse background of what makes me unique.
As an adult who lived most of my life overseas, I brought with me a strong sense of family and respect for others when I moved to the U.S. Growing up in a tight-knit family in the Philippines, we were taught at an early age to create strong family bonds through traditions, celebrations, and gatherings. Respect for elders is also instilled in our upbringing to show care for our parents and grandparents.”
Chuck Wu – Director, Financial Planning and Analysis
“For me, May is a time to celebrate what people of Asian descent have done for America. Our community has added to the richness of what America is all about – acceptance, forgiveness and most importantly, opportunity. Asian Americans have assimilated themselves into every facet of American society and contribute in all manner of employment. None of this is possible without the American spirit. Over the years in major cities and now in smaller cities, the Asian community has grown giving us a voice to show our successes during May especially."
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