Leigh D.’s Post

When I was growing up, I was told that girls had to be 文静 wén jìng. Educated and quiet. In the American meeting rooms I would later step into, I noticed that collectively, Asians were known to be on the quieter side. We put our heads down and worked, fearing to not rock the boat too much. And it’s historically been this way because we never felt like we had complete control over our destinies, that our jobs, our place in society could be gone if we said the wrong thing, offended the wrong person. And maybe that’s why there aren’t many Asian activists either. It’s safer to just not say anything at all. Humility is a trait often praised in Asian cultures, but didn’t work out that well in the US. Stepping into American meeting rooms, I noticed that often times, the most humble employee in the room was also the most overlooked. The double-edge sword of humility trapped an otherwise knowledgeable person to stop sharing the things that they knew, fearing that an overabundance of sharing meant a raucously showy performance. But maybe that’s why I began to subconsciously step into the role of a speaker, executing on an opposite piece of advice from the aunties and uncles from childhood. Because I wanted to regain control, share, influence, and break the stereotype. Join me in the upcoming AANHPI month where I’ll be talking about the state of the AAPI community in leadership, cultural differences, and what AAPI ERG’s can do to advance this awesome group of people to outgrow their stereotypes.  #aanhpi #aapi #erg #dei 🔔 Follow me for more updates on being an Asian American Keynote Speaker  💌 DM me if you're interested in booking me for a session on this topic

May is here, and with it comes the opportunity to celebrate Asian & AAPI Heritage Month! It's the perfect time to honor the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Here are a few fun and meaningful ways you can join in the celebration: 🌟 Explore Asian cuisine: Treat yourself to a delicious meal at an Asian restaurant or try cooking a traditional dish at home. Food is a fantastic way to experience different cultures and flavors! 🎨 Dive into Asian arts and crafts: Take some time to appreciate the beauty and creativity of Asian art forms. Visit a local museum featuring Asian artwork or try your hand at a traditional craft like origami or calligraphy. 💃 Attend cultural events: Check out virtual or in-person events in your community celebrating Asian culture, such as dance performances, music concerts, or film screenings. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the rich diversity of Asian heritage. 📚 Read books by Asian authors: Expand your horizons by reading literature written by Asian authors. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, there's a wealth of stories waiting to be discovered. 🌏 Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about the history, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or attend educational workshops to deepen your understanding. By embracing and celebrating, we can foster greater understanding, appreciation, and unity in our communities. #asianheritagemonth #aapi #celebratediversity

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is in May. Inspire your employees and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with IKIGAI, the Japanese concept scientifically linked to longevity, productivity, creativity, and happiness! Interested in bringing ikigai to your organization? Check out the link in the comments section!

Celebrating the Kaleidoscope of AAPI Heritage: Voices and Inspiration As Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month unfolds, I find myself brimming with gratitude for the vibrant tapestry of cultures, achievements, and stories that weave the AAPI community together. From my Indian roots, I carry the rich traditions and values that have shaped me, even as I embrace the opportunities and experiences of being a US citizen. This month, I'm particularly excited to amplify the voices and journeys of those who have made significant contributions across various fields: Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj (Head of Science of Spirituality): A world-renowned spiritual leader, Sant Rajinder Singh dedicates his life to guiding individuals towards inner peace and understanding through meditation. His work bridges the gap between science and spirituality, offering a unique perspective on human potential. Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO): An inspiring leader who champions innovation and inclusion, Nadella's story embodies the power of hard work and dedication. Michelle Yeoh (Actress): A true pioneer in Hollywood, Yeoh shattered barriers for Asian representation in film, paving the way for future generations. Looking beyond the AAPI community, figures like Mahatma Gandhi stand out as beacons of non-violent resistance and social justice. His unwavering pursuit of truth and equality resonates deeply across cultures and continues to guide movements for positive change. These are just a few examples of the countless individuals who have enriched our world through their talent, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of progress. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, let us take this opportunity to: Educate ourselves: Delve deeper into the diverse histories and experiences that shape the AAPI community. Amplify diverse voices: Share stories, celebrate achievements, and advocate for equal opportunities within our workplaces and communities. Embrace cultural exchange: Immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of AAPI traditions, art, and cuisine. By celebrating the unique contributions of the AAPI community, we not only honor their heritage but also enrich the world around us. Let's continue to learn, be inspired, and stand together in building a more inclusive and equitable future. #AAPIHeritageMonth #Diversity #Inclusion #Inspiration

"As a Bengali American, I'm endlessly grateful for the beautiful fusion of values and traditions that define my identity." Read on to learn more about Tasmima Hossain, a Consultant on our Data & Analytics team, and the next spotlight in our Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month series. What is your favorite AAPI fact? Tas: The "Asian/Pacific American" designation encompasses over 50 ethnic or language groups, including native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. I think it’s important to recognize that AAPI is not a monolith but rather a collection of unique cultures and subcultures. We should understand and celebrate the richness and complexity of this community. How has your heritage shaped who you are today?   Tas: My heritage is a deeply integral part of who I am; it has both shaped my identity and influenced my understanding of the world. As a Bengali American, I'm endlessly grateful for the beautiful fusion of values and traditions that define my identity. In Bengali culture, community is everything. That deep sense of belonging and togetherness has been ingrained within me, leading me to care for those around me and appreciate our multicultural society. Why is it important to have diverse representation in the corporate world? Tas: Diverse representation is essential, not only in the corporate world but everywhere else too. When people from different backgrounds are represented, it reflects the reality of our world and promotes inclusivity. Moreover, seeing individuals who share their backgrounds in various fields can inspire younger generations and make them feel supported, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations with confidence. #AAPIHeritageMonth #ExpertsWithImpact #TeamFTI

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time for us to recognize and honor the contributions of the AAPI community across the globe. Our LinkedIn Asian Alliance (LIAA) ERG is embracing the theme of “Empowering Asian Voices,” to uplift and make connections that create value for us all. The theme makes me reflect on the critical role of allies in helping to empower and creating belonging experiences for those around us, including our AAPI colleagues. The power of Belonging is about making people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are. At LinkedIn, we intentionally focus on belonging and embed it in the fabric of how we do our work. We drive the importance of allyship by creating a culture that’s grounded in daily, meaningful interactions and requires an effort from every person. This work begins by understanding what belonging means to our peers, our teams, and communities we may not be a part of.     I encourage each of you to engage in learning to better understand what it means to actively create a culture of allyship for AAPI professionals. With increased knowledge, it gives us the tools to empower Asian voices in a manner that effectively supports the career advancement of AAPI professionals and celebrating the diversity of our colleagues. As we increase belonging experiences for our colleagues, we can create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive. #AHM

Today is the beginning of this year’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. It is a celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. I came to United States, alone, from Hong Kong when I was still a teenager. With the guidance, support, and generosity of its multitude of citizens who showed me the wonderfulness of a pluralistic country, I learned how to fit in, then to belong, and now I truly can say I have become who I want to be.  “Citizenship is not about where we were born or what documents we have. It's about how we show up to make American life worth the pursuit. It's about knowing our values, understanding the systems around us, and having the skills to change them. And then passing it on.”  The best part of this country is that even when Americans are sharply divided on the means, most Americans truly love this country and want to make it better. The pioneer spirit still burns within us. Right now there are children playing with toys who will grow up to work in laboratories. They will come up with cures for cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.      “As we strive to create a more civil public discourse, a more adaptable and creative workforce, and a more secure nation, the humanities and social sciences are the heart of the matter, the keeper of the republic—a source of national memory and civic vigor, cultural understanding and communication, individual fulfillment and the ideals we hold in common. They are critical to a democratic society, and they require our support.” - Commission on the Humanities & Social Sciences of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. #AAPIHeritageMonth

Another #AAPI Heritage Month has come to a close. For the past month, I challenged myself to write a series of posts exploring different aspects of Asian culture and the immigrant experience in America. I ended up with 24 posts on LinkedIn. The topics spanned #food, festivals, #language, traditions, as well as addressing #stereotypes, academics, the family unit, and attitudes in the workplace. I aimed to share insights into the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. At the same time, I tried to highlight how many of these experiences resonate with other immigrant communities, as we all have the same destination in mind - success, belonging, and achievement in this nation of immigrants. Whether your family came from China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam or elsewhere across the vast Asian continent and Pacific islands, I hope these posts helped provide a window into the struggles and joys of our collective journeys. For those whose ancestors hailed from other lands, I hope the themes of maintaining cultural identity while embracing new horizons struck a familiar chord. Ultimately, while our goal is the same, it's the journey, stories and lessons learned that allow us a better understanding of ourselves and each other. This series was an enriching experience for me, as I learned so much researching the diverse histories, cultures, and modern experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The engagement from you all through comments, stories, and perspectives made it a shared journey of understanding. After all this, I find myself staying hungry - wanting to learn more, experience more, but also to write and teach more. This drove me to share these stories and will continue fueling me to keep exploring our rich tapestry of cultures. So thank you for joining me over this past month. As we move forward, I hope the conversations and connections continue.

The Tedim Chin language, also known as the Tedim language, belongs to the Kuki-Chin branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Discover its rich cultural significance and efforts to preserve this linguistic heritage. #TedimChin #CulturalHeritage #LanguagePreservation https://lnkd.in/dcHJDYze

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The month of May was chosen for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month because it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843. According to the society for diversity, here are some ways to celebrate AAPI Month: -Host a speaker or panel discussion featuring AAPI professionals. -Screen films or documentaries about AAPI history and culture. -Participate in a service project benefiting AAPI communities. -Create a display of AAPI art or literature. -Host a potluck lunch featuring AAPI cuisine. -Offer training on unconscious bias and microaggressions. -Create a mentorship program for AAPI employees. -Support AAPI-owned businesses.