Employee Spotlights

What does Black History Month mean to you? I have always looked at Black History Month as an opportunity to recognize the achievements of historical black men and women.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you? The Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to honor the contributions and influence of AAPI to the history and culture across the world.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you? This month means a great deal to me. It’s a significant symbol of the importance of the AAPI community in US history and a way to honor/celebrate the achievements of those that were/are instrumental to its success.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you? One of the biggest traditions in our Latinx culture is our “coming of age” celebration for young women called “Quinceneras.”

How do you celebrate National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month? How can others celebrate it? I am proud to have several friends who are active in their local communities and outreach for Hispanic/Latinx causes.

What is your heritage? I was born in Sri Lanka, I am considered Sri Lankan which a lot of people don’t know where it is, or think it is part of India. But Sri Lanka is an island, separate from India.

How important is celebrating culture and/or Global Diversity Month to you? Super important! Celebrating culture is just really fun for everyone. I love learning about other cultures, I mostly LOVE finding out about amazing foods I’ve never even heard of.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today? There’s a heavy matriarchy in Samoan culture. Because of this it has definitely influenced how I run my household and work life.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you? To me, AAPI heritage month is a time to reflect on my identity and celebrate the traditions of our diverse community.

Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you? My mom is my role model as my dad passed when I was 10 years old. She was a single mother who raised two kids on her own.

What does National Hispanic/Latin X Heritage Month mean to you? National Hispanic /Latin X Heritage Month to me circles around the traditions of the culture, the bond between family, and the challenges and sacrifices my family and ancestors were faced with.

Where are you and your family from? I was born in the U.S. and my family is from Mexico. They have been in the States since they were teenagers.