Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Part 2
Hear from TEKsystems team members as they reflect on how their heritage has influenced them personally and professionally
May 20, 2022
At TEKsystems, we’re committed to nurturing an inclusive employee culture and welcoming diversity into every aspect of our business. For this series, we asked employees from the Asian/Pacific Islander (AZN) Employee Network (EN)* to share their unique perspectives as we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
If you want to learn more, just ask. Asia is so vast with many different cultures; our experiences are different. Collectively, we are a group with such complex and rich histories. If you continue to ask questions, you’ll never stop learning.
– Sheyla Afina-Bradley
Lineage: South Korea
Growing up in a predominately white, midwestern town (less than 5,000 people) has shaped my value system quite a bit. I’ve grown to learn that my race and gender could be a barrier to success because of my past and the culture I grew up in. It’s my duty to push ahead and succeed as a multicultural woman in today’s society, which means having to prove my worth and seat at the table. I’m always making sure to speak up, be present and work hard for what’s important to me.
There are many books that are fantastic to read about the Asian culture. I just started reading “The Color of Success: Asian American Success and the Origins of the Model Minority.” It’s very fitting for today’s times.
– Whitney Milani
Lineage: Vietnam
The Asian culture typically puts an emphasis on family and perception. My heritage has taught me to work hard and avoid conflict with others. Regardless of the issue, keeping the peace was always the priority. I was taught that a) everything you do in life should be an investment for your future family, and b) we should care about what others think of us and we should want to be seen in high regard.
However, I’ve learned that I needed to step out of my comfort zone to grow professionally and personally, which includes having difficult conversations or voicing my opinion. Remaining silent does not invoke change or improvements, and we need to share our voice with the world because we deserve to be heard.
*Employee Networks (ENs) support the company’s efforts to attract and retain the best talent, promote leadership and development, and build internal support systems for employees.