Step Up And Ignite Change This Asian/AANHPI Heritage Month!

This month is Asian Heritage Month (Canada) and Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian Month (United States). It’s not just a time to celebrate—it's a powerful moment to boost the visibility of Asian professionals in our workplaces.

Asian/AANHPI Heritage Month provides a unique opportunity to amplify the visibility and impact of Asian professionals within our organizations. This month serves as a powerful reminder to leverage our positions—whether you hold organizational power or seek to expand your influence—to foster inclusion and empowerment.

“Asian” is a massive label that describes a LOT of people. To be honest, I even had to look up if I, a Kenyan born immigrant with Indian heritage and background, was considered as part of this group - even though I always check the South Asian box in surveys (I am, who knew??).

Currently, the US Census categories of “Asian” and “Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander” encompass potentially more than 50 ethnic groups, as well as 15 countries and tens of thousands of islands, islets and the atolls of the Pacific Islands. This is a vastly diverse population! It goes without saying that each group has unique perspectives and needs that deserve to be addressed and included in workplace DEI strategies. (Source)

"This is a growing, multi-origin, multiethnic, multicultural population. Yet racialization in the US often renders them as one group." - Van Tran, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Deputy Director of the Center for Urban Research at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York

Ready to make a real impact? Here’s how you can step up and ignite change!

Actionable Steps for Allyship and Visibility

Make Strategic Introductions: Actively connect Asian colleagues with key stakeholders and mentors within and outside the organization. Mention their accomplishments and potential to sponsors who can help propel their careers. Shine a light on their achievements in company-wide emails or during meetings. This is your chance to be their hype person!

Highlight Expertise and Leadership: Nominate them for leadership roles in projects, invite them to speak at internal events like fireside chats, include them in high-visibility panels, and feature their insights in company newsletters or podcasts. These platforms not only showcase their expertise but also enhance their professional network. It’s all about putting them in the spotlight where they truly belong.

Promote through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Business Resource Groups (BRGs): Encourage Asian employees to lead or participate in ERGs and BRGs, which are crucial for networking and increasing influence, which leads to professional growth.

Increase Participation in Decision-Making Committees: Include them in committees where they can influence company policies and strategic decisions, further proving their value and leadership. Their insights are gold—make sure they’re heard!

Acknowledge and Celebrate Achievements: Utilize company platforms to celebrate their successes, such as awards or recognitions. Celebrations like these stir inspiration and drive momentum! For example, I was recently selected as a Global 200 Women Power Leader for 2024 by White Page International, an organization that honors Asian leaders globally, and I’m still excited about it!

Impact Beyond Professional Growth

These acts of allyship extend beyond professional development; they enhance well-being, impart a sense of agency, and enable Asian professionals to perform their best work. When individuals feel seen and supported, it significantly impacts their engagement and loyalty to the organization.

Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion

Each step taken to increase the visibility of Asian professionals is a step toward a more inclusive culture. This Asian/AANHPI Heritage Month, let’s commit to actions that not only celebrate diversity but actively integrate it into the fabric of our organizational practices, creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Remember, every step you take to enhance the visibility of Asian colleagues doesn’t just help their careers—it boosts their well-being and gives them the agency to excel. Let’s use this month to springboard into action and create a workplace buzzing with inclusivity and opportunity.

Together, we unleash forward,
Salima Valji

Make a difference in your workplace.

Allyship Is Leadership is designed to provide your company with actionable steps to making your workplace more inclusive for every member, no matter their status.
Click here to get started!