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🌟 Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month 🌟 As May unfolds, it brings with it a profound opportunity for us to come together in celebration of the vibrant tapestry of cultures that enrich our society. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is not just a commemoration; it's a testament to the invaluable contributions and resilience of these communities. Like so many of us, I am steadfast in my commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our differences. As an ally, I am deeply inspired by the stories, traditions, and achievements of our colleagues of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. Their voices, experiences, and perspectives are integral to our shared success and growth. Whether a part of the AANHPI community or an ally, it's incumbent upon us to actively listen, learn, and amplify the voices of those whose experiences differ from our own. Let's seize this moment to deepen our understanding, strengthen our bonds, and stand in solidarity with our colleagues and friends. 🌺 How do you plan to support and honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? Your partnership matters—share your thoughts and join the conversation! 🌺 #aanhpiheritagemonth #diversityandinclusion #celebratingculture

On World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, let's focus on building trust and understanding. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we should support and embrace diverse cultural identities by practising allyship and actively pursuing what it means for us, regardless of the cause we lead. 🌏🤝 Article 9 of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity highlights the importance of organisations and Crown bodies refocusing their cultural policies to promote creativity. This means designing fair policies and initiatives that encourage the exchange of ideas and work, while also supporting cultural industries to thrive both locally and globally. Implementation can include providing support or implementing necessary regulations. In Aotearoa, we all have a responsibility to define our own cultural policy, taking into account our international obligations. By fostering creativity at a policy level, we can unlock untapped creative potential that will uplift communities in all aspects of their lives, within their hāpori (communities), whānau (families), and mahi (workplaces). #equityandbelonging #inclusionanddiversity #allyship

This month marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the United States – a month celebrating Asian, Pacific Islanders (APIs). There are currently over 20 million APIs living in the U.S and it is the fastest growing minority in the country.  Although often grouped together and stereotyped as a monolith, the API population is a very diverse group with hundreds of languages, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities and religions. The theme for this year is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” and pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped history and continue to influence the collective future, innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit that are the cornerstones of American leadership. This year’s theme of ‘”Advancing Leaders” is particularly apt given the challenges API’s experiences in the workplace in the US.  The facts speak for themselves: -          APIs are least likely to be promoted to management and executive roles. -         They are least likely to be promoted from individual contributor roles to leadership. And in fact, White professionals are twice as likely to be promoted into management than APIs. -          Ascend, an Asian American advocacy organization and KPMG shared research last year which showed that Asian Americans, on the whole, make up 12% of the professional workforce and yet only 6.4% of all Fortune 1000 board seats. -         Additionally, the majority of boards (66%) still do not have any Asian Directors on their boards. -         Boards with more than 1 Asian Director also remain uncommon - just 14% of Fortune 1000 boards have more than 1 Asian Director. So what are the barriers holding Asian Americans from advancing? As I wrote in my blog below, the barriers impacting the Asian American community are often viewed through the lens of the individual barriers attributed to Asian cultures that are seen as “foreign,” as opposed to the systemic barriers preventing the advancement of African Americans and Hispanics. As a result, many organizational diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts overlook the Asian American population, even though they are least likely to advance to leadership positions. To learn more about how you can develop effective solutions to support and advance Asian American talent, click on the link below to read my blog on the topic: https://lnkd.in/e_eVxE-A #AsianPacificAmericanHeritageMonth #AsianPacificIslanders #AsianAmerican #DEI #DiversityEquityInclusion

 Let's celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!   🌸 Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 🌸 As we enter May, let’s celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and remarkable contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. 🌟 Diversity and Resilience The AAPI community encompasses a vast array of cultures, languages, and histories. From brave immigrants to native peoples, their stories are woven into our nation’s fabric. 🌎 🎉 Celebrating Asians Coming Together (ACT) ACT is an Employee Resource Group that was founded in 1968. ACT creates awareness of Asian contributions, promotes professional development, and enhances an understanding of Asian culture at Xerox. 👏 Trailblazers and Achievers AAPI individuals have made significant strides in various fields. Leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, Ambassador Katherine Tai, and Dr. Arati Prabhakar have shattered glass ceilings. 🚀 🙌 Addressing Challenges Despite their immense contributions, AAPI communities face challenges. We must stand united against discrimination and ensure dignity and respect for all. 🤝 📈 Advancing Equity and Inclusion This year, we launched the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AAPI Communities.   Embrace diversity, honor resilience, and amplify voices for a brighter future. 🌈 #AAPIHeritageMonth #InclusionMatters #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #AAPICommunity

🌎Today is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development! Quite a mouthful, huh? Just like this special day, this is a complex issue we need to address to achieve world peace and sustainable development. And that's where ‘dialogue’ comes in. Aotearoa New Zealand is home to a wide range of cultural identities, from how we present ourselves to how we speak and our whakapapa. Talk about intersectionality! 🇱🇰🇳🇿🏳️🌈 This acknowledgement was born when UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration of Cultural Diversity, which has about 12 articles. I see three articles as crucial for decision-makers to embrace: 👥 From cultural diversity to cultural pluralism - in other words, understanding and embracing intersectionality. ⛓️💥Towards access for all to cultural diversity - honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring that everyone can express their culture without trampling on others. 🤝Building partnerships between the public sector, private sector, and civil society - enough said. So, my challenge to whoever is reading this is to have a kōrero over a cuppa with someone who doesn't look like you this week. Share stories and memories. We are all shaped by our lived experiences, and it's crucial that we begin our understanding of Cultural diversity from there. 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 #diversityandinclusion #culturalnclusion #UNESCO #conversation #partnerships #tangatiriti #equity #belonging #workforce #peopleandorganisation #peopleandculture

Hey Linkedin Community, Share your own thoughts and Opinions on this post 🌟 Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 🌟 As we step into the month of May, we embark on a journey of celebration and reflection as we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This is a time to embrace and cherish the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and contributions that shape the vibrant mosaic of our society. Throughout this month, we come together to recognize the indelible impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities on the fabric of our nation's history and identity. From the resilience of immigrants who forged new paths to the enduring legacy of indigenous peoples, their stories are woven into the very fabric of our collective narrative. But Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is not just about looking back—it's also about looking forward. It's about fostering understanding, inclusivity, and allyship in our communities each and every day. It's about amplifying voices, uplifting stories, and standing in solidarity with those whose journeys continue to shape our shared future. At its heart, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a celebration of diversity, unity, and the power of cultural exchange. It's a reminder that our differences are our greatest strength, and that by embracing our shared humanity, we can build a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow for all. So let's come together this month, and every month, to celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Let's honor the past, embrace the present, and pave the way for a future where diversity is not just celebrated, but cherished as the cornerstone of our collective identity. #AAPIHeritageMonth #PacificIslander #Diversity #Inclusion #Unity #CulturalHeritage #Celebration #Community #Heritage #SocialJustice #Equality #Awareness #Representation #CulturalDiversity #UnityInDiversity #TogetherWeRise

Who else knew it was South Asian Heritage Month? I didn't until the folk at Together Equal asked me to chair a panel. And as usual, when things come out of the blue, there were delightful, unexpected, surprises 📖 The theme was storytelling. And given that South Asia is made up of 8 countries, what a wide array of stories were told at the event. Given my job is to spot good stories, the thing that struck me the most was how so many faced adversity, but came out stronger for it. We hear that so many times on LinkedIn, but when the story is so personal and is about family and migration and racism, it feels more emotional 😀 It also struck me how positive the storytellers were. This was not a big moan about all the wrongs. Instead it was positive stories that showed how heritage and rich culture brings with it many benefits  And how Britain has in the main welcomed and encouraged sharing of diverse backgrounds. 🤎 A difficult and very unexpected outcome was the audience. It wasn't quite as diverse as I had hoped. Lots of happy BAME faces of course. but few from other backgrounds. It made me think about the need to encourage Allies and not get swept up in an echo chamber when tackling topics around D&I So watch this space. I may have almost missed South Asian Heritage Month, but I do have plans (with Together Equal and the amazing @Sarah Aird-Mash)  to do more to encourage diversity, empathy and equity through powerful stories! #diversity #diversityandinclusion #southasianheritagemonth #storytelling Liked this post? Ring the 🔔 on my profile Connect or Follow me

VIRTUAL EVENT - Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 5pm pst on zoom Do you want to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders? Have you supported other groups? Is it time to learn about this group of folks who are growing at the fastest rate and who are attacked daily? It's time to check in and celebrate together during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Introduce yourself and share how you're celebrating this special occasion. 🌸 Are you enjoying thought-provoking movies, documentaries, or inspiring podcasts that feature AANHPI talent? Share your recommendations and engage in meaningful conversations. 🌸 Let's also acknowledge the organizations that are honoring this month. Have you noticed news outlets, companies, or local organizations recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? Let's appreciate their efforts in celebrating our heritage. 🌸 Join us as we, exchange ideas, and amplify underrepresented voices. https://fb.me/e/4kK6WXes5 #APAHM #AAPIHeritageMonth #AsianHeritageMonth #APIHeritageMonth #APIEventProfs #AsianPride #RepresentationMatters #CelebrateAPA #MyAsianAmericanStory #AAPIVoices #AAPIStrong #AsianAmericanHeritage #AsianAmericanPacificIslanderHeritageMonth #Inclusion #DiversityEquityInclusion #Intersectionality #Accessibility #AntiRacist #Racism #AsianAmerican #APIEventProfs #DEI #DiversityAndInclusion #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity #InclusiveLeadership #AntiRacism #Bias #SocialJustice #EventProfs #EventPlanner #EventPlanning Intersectionality #Belonging #CulturalCompetence #ImplicitBias #Microaggressions #SystemicRacism #UnconsciousBias #WorkplaceDiversity #InclusiveCulture #DiversityTraining #EquityAndInclusion #DiversityMatters #DEIB 

The 18th July to 17th August 2023 marks South Asian Heritage Month, 5 years since its founding in 2018. This year’s theme is about the “stories to tell” of those of South Asian heritage, from stories of identity, faith, family and culture. In line with the Trust’s values- to “celebrate”, “commemorate”, “educate”– this month is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the significance of South Asian heritage in the workplace and British society. What is South-Asian Heritage Month’s purpose? Why can the workplace benefit from South-Asian Heritage Month? Read more in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/e-kzy7iX #southasianheritagemonth #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange #ItsEveryonesBusiness

Looking forward to reading all the stories shared as the theme for South -Asian Heritage Month. I’ll be sharing too. Great article below on what this month is all about and how work places can benefit. #southasianheritagemonth #RaceEqualityMatters #ActionDrivesChange #ItsEveryonesBusiness