In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re using May as an opportunity to learn about AAPI history, hear from fellow team members, and celebrate the many cultures represented!
We sat down with a few of our AAPI team members to learn more about what this month means to them.
Tyler Ryan – Field Business Consultant
AAPI Heritage month is a great reminder for my family and an opportunity to reflect on our Filipino culture. My Lola (Grandmother in Tagalog) recently passed away, and during this time, our family was able to reflect on what this meant surrounding our culture moving forward. When we broke down what our culture meant, we found two major lessons that we learned from Lola. 1) Support your family no matter what happens. 2) Spend that time with your family around the dinner table. We made it a point to always ask our Lola the secret family recipes, this eventually led to “Filipino nights” where we would gather around Lola and learn how to cook traditional dishes. Recipes for Pancit, Chicken Adobo, and “Filipino Spaghetti and meatballs’ were all shared, but the true star of the show was lumpia. Lola’s lumpia recipe is something our family will always treasure. We still say lola’s signature tag line “Eat, Eat, Plenty, Plenty” anytime we sit down to share a meal with our family. Lola was born on May 1, which coincides with AAPI Heritage month! I hope to enjoy some lumpia with family or friends and share my culture with them.
Meg Vallurupalli – Manager of Performance Marketing
The term AAPI is one that resonates with me as a second generation Indian American. Growing up in the United States, I had a great connection to my South Asian roots, as well as the traditions and values that go with it. At the same time, I’ve come to appreciate and welcome the diversity of the larger AAPI community.
My Indian background occupies a unique place in my heart as a second-generation Indian American. Growing up in the United States, I was taught to value my ancestors and the rich cultural traditions that come with them.
Indian culture is a rich and diversified tapestry of customs, beliefs, and practices passed down through centuries. Every facet of South Indian culture is unique and lovely, from the excellent cuisine to the vivid music, intricate dance styles, and intricate art.
For South Asians like myself, AAPI Heritage Month is especially meaningful since it provides a platform to highlight the South Asian region’s unique cultures, traditions, and history. This involves commemorating key festivals and holidays like Diwali and Eid, as well as showcasing South Asian contributions to fields like science, technology, and the arts.
Embracing our heritage provides a connection to our past and a sense of belonging in a society that frequently feels foreign to second-generation Indian Americans like myself. It is a way to respect our parents and grandparents, who gave up so much to offer us a better life, while simultaneously celebrating our own American identities.
