The month of May coincides with the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, thanks to the Chinese immigrants who laid the tracks. Like many heritage months, recognition for the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders began as a weeklong commemoration in California. Then thirteen years later, in 1990, George H. Bush signed a bill changing Asian-American Heritage Week to Asian-American Heritage Month.
To recognize the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we at Diversity Best Practices have created this resource guide and asked our members to share what their organizations will be doing this month to acknowledge AAPI Heritage Month.
Ahold USA
Ahold USA is Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander American Heritage month. We will be hosting 2 events across the organization. At our Carlisle, PA event, we will conduct Cross-Cultural Awareness Training with the focus on Asian and Pacific Islander differences. We will host two of our Asian owned vendor partners to speak about the heritage of their products and journey into business. We will have the opportunity to sample some of their products. In addition, we will have a presentation from a local chapter of PAACP, sharing the rich culture of dance in the Filipino culture and how they are keeping it alive, teaching their children. The Children’s dance group has performed at prestigious events, and while we wish they would be able to join us live, they are in school, so we will get to see a video of their performance.
The event being held at our Quincy, MA office will again provide the Cross-culture Awareness Training. We will also host Stephen Chen of Joyce Chen Foods, to share about his mother’s journey as a Chef and entrepreneur.
Allstate
Allstate Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The first Japanese immigrated to the United States on May 7, 1843. Just over 20 years later, the transcontinental railroad, built mostly by Chinese immigrant workers, was completed on May 10, 1869. These events influenced the choice to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, traditions and contributions in the United States during the month of May.
Allstate Insurance Company is proud to join the communities that celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month (AAPIHM). The Allstate Asian American Network (3AN) will host a series of events throughout May to live into its mission to help develop the full potential of Allstate employees and create an inclusive environment where members from any background can benefit from and share a passion for Asian American interests.
AAPIHM is celebrated at Allstate through the following:
Wellspring of INNOVASIANS (May 5) – The event brings together employee resource groups from various Chicagoland corporations for an evening of conversation about how Asian American leaders make a difference to the community. One of Allstate’s Leadership Principles is “We Develop Each Other” – and this event allows us to do so through conversation, cultural entertainment and networking opportunities.
Did You Eat Yet? A Discussion on Authentic and Direct Communication (May 16) – Bill Imada, member of the Presidential Advisory Board for Asian American Pacific Islanders, trainer and business owner, will lead an interactive discussion on effective communication. Imada provides recommendations backed by real-life examples to address the challenge of being authentic to who we are, while learning to communicate more directly in the broader community.
Asian American Identity – Bringing Your Whole Self as a Leader (May 20) – Explore your personal identity and take the first step in developing the foundation to build your skills as a leader. Participants will reflect on and discuss their own personal stories, including the concept of bicultural identity (being both Asian and American) and how to integrate this concept of personal identity into the professional world.
Taste of Asia (May 20) – Attendees will sample dishes from a variety of Asian countries (provided by local businesses), enjoy live cultural performances and network with fellow attendees.
Hanul Korean Seniors Day (May 21) – Volunteers will enjoy a fun-filled day assisting Hanul Family Alliance as it hosts its 17th Annual Korean Seniors Day Celebration. Each year, the festival welcomes over 700 Korean seniors, their families and volunteers for a day of recognition and celebration. Local and international artists provide culturally and linguistically isolated Korean elderly an opportunity to revisit their cultural identity and enrich their quality of life through empowerment and socialization in the form of Korean traditional art.
CSAA
Our Asian Pacific Islander Connection (APIC) employee resource group has the following events planned:
Growing Up Asian in America
They will be hosting the Growing Up Asian in America exhibit in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
This exhibit of local students’ award-winning entries will be on display in the lobby.
Diversity Health Presentation
Co-hosting a discussion on the importance of health literacy. Using diabetes as example, we’ll explore how people in diverse communities find, understand and use basic health information to make the best health care decisions.
Volunteer Event
Volunteers will assemble “swab kits” and forms for Asian American Bone Marrow Donor Program.
FINRA
The FINRA Asian Professionals Association (FAPA) is committed to promoting Asian heritage and culture in all FINRA offices across the country. This year, FAPA will kick off the month-long celebration with a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in New York City. There they will learn about the history, culture and experiences of the Chinese-American community in the United States.
Additionally, FAPA will host various cultural and learning events throughout May to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For example, the LA office will host an innovative speaker, Stephen Cheung, who will provide guidance on how we can “Take Leadership to the Next Level.” This event will be broadcasted via video conferencing and Skype throughout many FINRA offices.
The New York office will host interactive sessions on Chinese Calligraphy and Origami to expose FINRA employees to the ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures. The Calligraphy demonstration will involve various Chinese characters, and the Origami event will include a live demonstration of the Origami process; we plan to create animals, flowers and other decorative pieces. Both events will be broadcasted to a number of FINRA office locations accompanied with a tea tasting.
Furthermore, throughout the month, FAPA will be conducting a Sijo writing contest where contestants can get in touch with their creative side. Sijo is a Korean poetic form that consists of three lines that average 14 to 16 syllables. Either narrative or thematic, this lyric verse introduces a situation or problem in line 1, development (called a turn) in line 2 and a strong conclusion beginning with a surprise (a twist) in line 3, which resolves tensions or questions raised by the other lines and provides a memorable ending. Participants can choose one of the following themes: “Boots on the Ground,” “Vigilance,” “Respect,” “Fairness,” “Excellence,” and “Communities.” Lastly, FAPA will conduct the annual trivia contest to test their member’s knowledge on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage to close out the month.
Freddie Mac
We would like to introduce you to Diversity & Inclusion’s Talent Marketplace to help you in growing your career at Freddie Mac. Below are details about the program and how to participate.
Speed Networking:
Want to rub elbows with management outside of your department? Then hurry and Sign up for Speed networking which provides a structured setting for employees to get to know coworkers, break down barriers, learn about the company and various roles, and form trusting relationships that may enable them to perform their work more effectively.
Dress for Success (co-sponsored by Rising Leaders and other ERGs):
Will dressing properly get you to the next level? Join us at the “Dress for Success” event hosted by Rising Leaders to learn about some of the do’s and don’ts of dressing for success at work.
Community Outreach:
- Volunteer Opportunity: To mark the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, ASIAN ERG will partner with the Asian-American Homeownership Counseling (AA-HC) non-for-profit organization to promote financial literacy. AA-HC will host a Home- buying workshop and we will have an opportunity to create awareness about Freddie Mac’s financial literacy and affordable housing programs.
- Support victims of Japan Earthquake: In mid-April, the people of Japan experienced 3 major earthquakes in a 24 hour period. While they are trying to rebuild their lives, let’s do our bit to help them cope and show that we care by making a financial donation. No donation is small and every dollar donated will be matched by Freddie Mac.
The Hershey Company
This month acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian contributions throughout the USA and Canada. Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1979 and in Canada since 2001. The celebration reminds us of the significant opportunities that lie ahead for Hershey in the Asia region. Consumers in China, India, Malaysia and other countries are enjoying our products, both as an everyday snack, as well as for special occasions. Our global footprint is expanding progressively with our diverse set of consumers and employees.
At Hershey, the Asian Business Resource Group is committed to promoting understanding of Asian heritage and mindset, advancing the professional development of its members and accelerating The Hershey Company’s business objectives through global growth. To celebrate Asian Heritage Month, the Hershey Asian BRG is hosting a Master Chef Competition. The BRG has invited all employees to submit an Asian inspired dish which will be judged by a panel of leaders. Employees can participate individually or in teams of up to 4 people. All employees are welcomed to attend the event to sample the Asian inspired food and vote for the people’s choice award.
Live Nation
In honor of May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Diversity Team at Live Nation Entertainment is proud of announce it will be hosting an AZN Nation Mixer in both our New York and Los Angeles offices on May 17th. The mission of AZN Nation is to (1) promote greater understanding and awareness of Pan-Asian culture, and (2) foster opportunities for personal and professional development for employees of Pan-Asian descent.
At the event, we will be serving Dim Sum- a dumpling of Chinese origins- and will be facilitating thoughtful and meaningful conversation around the Asian culture. Not to mention the engaging networking icebreakers and fun prizes participants can win. This is just one of the many ways we are celebrating diversity at Live Nation Entertainment!
NY Life
New York Life’s Asian Network Group (ANG) has a dynamic slate of programs planned for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The ANG will open the month with an exciting Taiko drums performance by One Miracle in New York – a Taiko group based in New York City. Next, New York Life’s Cultural Markets division is hosting a networking luncheon featuring remarks from New York Life President John Kim. ANG will then host a conversation with Ascend National President Jeff Chin, which is sure to inspire all in attendance, as well as a networking event featuring New York Life senior leaders. Finally, ANG will close the month with a rousing Bollywood Fitness workshop with Kavita Thotakura- founder of the Kavi School of Dance. These events are sure to bring the New York Life community together to celebrate the many contributions of Asian Pacific Americans.
Sodexo
Following our several activities that Sodexo’s Pan Asian Network Group (PANG) will be hosting in May during the month.
- PANG and the Office of Diversity will host 20 members of EBRG groups from various companies in the greater DC area to partake in a day of professional development through the ASCEND EIS one-day program. The lunch hour will include a panel discussion with three Sodexo Asian leaders. It will be a great day of networking and sharing.
- PANG will host their annual member meeting. Guest Speaker: Captain Dana French, who will share his story of how he and his crew of the USS Robison rescued 262 Vietnamese refugees in the Gulf of Thailand from a 40 foot boat. Many of the refugees Captain French saved went on to have successful lives in the U.S.
Toyota
Our theme this year is “Let’s Build…”
This year, the Year of the Monkey, TAASiA invites you to learn about:
- Building a Personal Brand
- Building Business Insight
- Building Up Our Community
Let’s Build Our Legacy
Join us in learning how you can build your own personal brand through channeling your creativity and innovation.
Featuring a distinguished panel of highly influential Asian-Americans from the social media community, Olivia Thai and International Secret Agents (ISA), both have ties to prior Toyota marketing campaigns!
Let’s Build Our Business Insight
What better way to gain insight on how Asian culture drives various aspects of consumer demand than to experience the foods behind it!
Come see (and taste) how the IW group brings that insight to the table to adjust marketing for the Lexus division, and also learn how Asian-American culture and foods have shaped what else is popular today.
Let’s Build Our Community
Once again, with the support of SodexoMagic, TAASiA brings you music, entertainment, mouth-watering Asian foods and much more. Come for the food, the music, or to take a picture with the Dragon Boat and pick up your T-shirt if you pre-purchased at our first event!
ASIAN FOOD! – Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase – all net proceeds will benefit the Asian non-profits supported by Toyota Giving Circles.
Unilever
May is_ Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month_! This commemorative month, which originated in 1977, was chosen to honor the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843. It also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 as the majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
During this month, communities celebrate the culture, traditions, history, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. At Unilever, we are proud to recognize our Asian American employees and the diverse contributions they have made to our community. To kick-off this celebration, we have put together some exciting, interactive events for your participation.
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming_ Asian Heritage Month events_ this May:
- Networking Mixer with ABN
Join us outside for light appetizers, drinks, and networking with DJ Eugene.
- Bollywood Dance Session
Learn some new moves with Aatma Performing Arts. We encourage you to sign-up and participate in the workshop, but we also welcome an audience.
- Panel Discussion with Asian Leaders
Participate in this interactive Q&A with Asian Leaders.
- Get Zen with ABN! Yoga Class and Well-Being Session
Come ready to stretch, enjoy some refreshing T2 samples, and get centered with ABN.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in a variety of fun and educational ways:
- The company is launching an Asian Heritage Business Resource Group in May. Employees are encouraged to join the Business Resource Group and participate in enterprise-wide and local events and activities, including online forums, lunch and learn sessions and cultural celebrations.
- The company is sponsoring an Asian Heritage trivia contest for employees throughout May.
- Employees are encouraged to organize activities and events for their teams or locations, and to share recaps and photos in the company’s online Asian Heritage community.
- Employees and branch locations are invited to display a specially designed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage poster.
- In June, U.S. Bank is sponsoring AsianFest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
- U.S. Bank’s intranet news page will highlight these events and tools all month long.
Walmart
APAN Heritage Event
The APAN Heritage Event celebrates the great work the Asian Pacific associate community does for our company and our communities across the country and the world. Our Heritage Celebration will feature dynamic speakers, cultural music, and_ FREE snacks from local Asian restaurants._
Doug McMillon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rollin Ford, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Seong Ohm, Senior Vice President – Merchandise Execution, and Paul Antony, Senior Vice President – ISD Operations and Chair, Asian Pacific Officer Caucus will be speaking at the event.
Our external featured guest speaker, Sheila Marcelo is currently the Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of Care.com, the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing family care. A frequent speaker on women in technology and female entrepreneurship and leadership, Sheila has presented alongside President Obama at the White House Summit on Working Families, with global political and business leaders at The World Economic Forum (WEF), to emerging female leaders at Harvard University, and CEOs at Northeastern University.
For her advocacy and work on behalf of women and families, Sheila has been included as one of the “Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs” at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit and in Fortune Magazine, received the prestigious Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award, and was bestowed the Filipino Heritage Award from President Benigno Aquino III of the Philippines. She is also a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, a Marshall Fellow, and a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum.
