Celebrating AAPI Voices at Pagaya - Rosey Li
As we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May, we're excited to spotlight the stories of AAPI employees within Pagaya. These individuals bring unique cultural perspectives, resilience, and innovation to their roles, embodying the spirit of #AdvanceInclusion.
The stories shared by our AAPI colleagues remind us of the profound impact of diversity in our organization. Let's continue to embrace and empower diverse voices, fostering an inclusive workplace where every story is valued. Today we are spotlighting Rosey Li, Product Strategy Associate at Pagaya. Thank you for inspiring us, Rosey!
Tell Us About Yourself
My parents are originally from Xinjiang, a region in northwest China known for its deserts and mountains. They came to the United States in the 1990s to pursue graduate studies after completing college in Beijing.
Their perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges always inspire me to approach everything I commit to with hard work and determination.
I was born in Rochester, NY, and grew up near Princeton, NJ, as a proud Chinese-American. I graduated from Wellesley College in 2021 with a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy.
During my time at Wellesley, I was a member of the golf team and was very involved in the Women in Business organization. After graduation, I began my career at Citi, trading credit repo and bespoke credit tranches.
While I found trading intellectually stimulating and enjoyed its fast-paced nature, I desired a transition to a strategic product role where I could leverage my creative energy and passion for collaboration to build long-term, tangible solutions for businesses and consumers. I'm now fortunate to be in that role at Pagaya on the Partner-Product team!
Outside of work, my interests include ice skating, golfing, watercolor painting, and cooking. One of my signature dishes is mala dry pot, a flavorful and spicy stir-fry of beef and vegetables originating from China's Sichuan region.
What is Your Role & How Long Have You Been at Pagaya?
I've been at Pagaya for 6 months as a Product Strategy Associate. My role consists of developing new products outside of our core competencies, from ideation to revenue scoping to execution. Additionally, I help our Partner Management team to ensure our partnerships thrive!
What Does AAPI Month Mean to You?
To me, it means recognizing the achievements and impact that the AAPI community has accomplished throughout history. Diversity contributes to a more positive and effective work environment because it brings together a variety of perspectives and experiences that lead to an inclusive culture, improved business outcomes, and more effective relationship management.
What Are Your Favorite Traditions, Celebrations, & Businesses?
My favorite Chinese celebrations are Lunar New Year and Winter Solstice (Dongzhi) Festival. I love tangyuan, which we eat during Dongzhi. Tangyuan are warm mochi balls with sweet black sesame filling in a warm soup flavored with osmanthus (a kind of flower with a peachy taste) syrup.
There are so many incredible AAPI businesses, but below are a few of my favorites:
AAPI restaurants in NYC: Konban (Japanese katsu/small dishes), uluh (Sichuan in East Village), Spicy Moon (vegan Sichuan in West Village)
AAPI brands: En Route (jewelry), Monos (suitcases/backpacks)
What Advice Would You Give to Other AAPI Professionals Aspiring to Succeed in Your Field?
Two of the best pieces of advice I’ve received during my career thus far that I’d like to pass along are to always follow through on what you say you are going to do (a big part of being a good teammate) and to never be afraid to speak up for yourself. You are your biggest advocate!
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