Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month, a time to recognize and honor the history and diverse cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Originating in the ‘70s as a week-long series of celebratory events, activists and supporters successfully advocated to expand the week into a month-long observance in 1990.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to listen to, learn from, and amplify the stories and voices of AANHPI individuals while celebrating cultural experiences and contributions.
Here at CR, our InspirAsian Inclusion Network is hosting opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration, starting with this week’s conversation with our new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Ripa Rashid MBA.
Ripa spoke with Althea Chang-Cook, Associate Director of Content Development, on several topics, including the interconnection between Asian history and U.S. history, the importance of mental health as a workplace issue, and how diversity drives better business outcomes. The event was also a chance to hear about how Ripa’s Asian heritage and upbringing influenced her path and choices in life.
“As a diversity and inclusion practitioner, I’ve dedicated my profession to combatting anyone feeling underestimated. My work in this space is so that nobody ever feels like they are lesser than on account of their identity, who they are, and where they were born, and that everyone can thrive to their full potential.”
Later this month, we are hosting a Watch Party for the National Diversity Council's AANHPI Leadership Summit to hear from AANHPI leaders on leadership development and advancement, including a keynote from actor/public figure, BD Wong. The following day, we will have a volunteer activity in support of the NYC nonprofit Heart of Dinner, which addresses food insecurity, social isolation, and loneliness among Asian American seniors who live in under-resourced and underinvested communities.
We thank the InspirAsian co-leaders Lisa Chow and Oriene Shin for spearheading these engaging events to celebrate our vibrant CR community.