During AAPI Heritage Month, we joyfully highlight the remarkable individuals of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage on our team, whose contributions consistently enrich OTG with their skills and commitment. Throughout this month, we’ve extended invitations to several AAPI Crewmembers from various departments to share their thoughts on AAPI Heritage Month, honoring their sources of inspiration and emphasizing the significance of diversity and inclusivity in our workplace. We eagerly anticipate sharing their unique perspectives and narratives with you here.
Ko Yang
Finance Manager
“Drops of water make the ocean, grains of sand make the land” All races mixed make up this world. Inclusivity and recognition mean a lot especially from the workplace.
Raymond Cheung
General Manager
“For me being part of this community, I believe it is my responsibility to empower and be a role model to us Asian Americans. To build our confidence and conquer obstacles and become strong leaders.”
Sugiwijono Sugi
Server
I am mostly proud of my culture/ tradition. For instance, when we eat around the table, we as children respectfully/ honorably have our parents take part first. Calling our elders by their first name is almost taboo - we refer to them as Aunt / uncle. To see where we have come as a community is a cumulative achievement. A few years ago, there was a lot of hate and racism towards us but now, today that have passed, and we are more accepted. So, I am now even more proud to say “Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month”
Joseph Legarda
Market Manager
As an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) with a mixed background of Hawaiian/Spaniard/Filipino, the term holds a deep significance for me. It represents a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories that have shaped my identity and experiences. AAPI encompasses a diverse group of people who share common struggles, triumphs, and aspirations such as other AAPI people like Kamala Harris, Tammy Duckworthy, I.M. Pei, Cristeta Comerford, Connie Chung, and so many others. It is a reminder of the resilience and strength of our communities in the face of discrimination and marginalization. To me, being AAPI means honoring my heritage while navigating the complexities of being a minority in America. It means standing in solidarity with fellow AAPI individuals to amplify our voices and advocate for social justice. It means celebrating our unique contributions to society while challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. Having grown up in a diverse part of Chicago, I had not only experienced other AAPI communities but also other diverse groups such as the Latin American Community, African American Community, Polish American Community, Irish American Community, etc., which made me realize how all the different kinds of diversity there are in American and that as a proud American, that everyone in the USA is from so many different cultures and ethnicities. In essence, AAPI is more than just an acronym – it is a symbol of unity, pride, and empowerment for me and countless others within this vibrant community and the other communities in the USA.
