1. What does it mean to you to be Asian American/Pacific Islander?

Being a child of Asian immigrant parents has had a great impact on my life and my mindset, even up until today. Growing up, I had a strange sense of comfort knowing that I came from a huge family, community, and a strong Indian culture. This helped form my identity as an Indian American, despite having to overcome the confusion people often expressed when I initially mentioned I was Indian American.

Beyond this, my identity gave me pride in many aspects of my culture, namely the values of education, family, and perseverance that were always emphasized. These values were engrained in me since I was a young child and they stick with me today in my day-to-day activities, as well as my approach to raising and guiding the next generation.

2. What is your favorite part of your heritage?

Without a doubt, the food is my favorite part. There is so much variety and so many different ways of cooking with Indian spices and flavors. There is so much to look forward to with every social gathering with Indian food!

3. How do you personally work with people to create or foster diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Just like I grew up with a certain mindset, it’s important for me to recognize that everyone has a different upbringing and different perspective. The only way to really appreciate that is for me to open up and be vulnerable with others, and hope they do the same with me.

Getting to know others on a personal level fosters mutual respect and gives you the confidence that you can thrive bringing your whole identity to work, school, or other areas where people gather.

4. In what ways have your past experiences with DEI influenced how you approach your work, your colleagues, and the world as a whole?

Being cognizant of everyone’s perspectives helps you tailor your approach to those individuals, from a managerial perspective and from a peer perspective. Perhaps it’s just a warm wish for one’s upcoming holiday that gives them an unspoken boost of confidence in themselves and their team.

Also, asking questions of your colleagues and others around you to understand them better is almost always received in a positive way. That has been my approach in recent years. Being genuinely curious about others is contagious and the world is better for it.

5. What does it mean to you to have a commitment to diversity and inclusion? How do you think we can continue to support the need for social change?

It means to not be afraid to bring in different perspectives and voices. It means that you are constantly aware of being intentionally inclusive—and this is only achieved by each individual changing themselves, and thereby giving permission for others to do the same.

6. Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I make an amazing chicken curry/salan dish.