Why do you think it is important to celebrate Women's History Month?
I believe it's important to celebrate the accomplishments of women in history and to focus on the work that still needs to be done.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Another woman's success does not take away from your own.

How can we encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their careers?
Those who are able should provide opportunities for other women to step up and gain experience. We should share the spotlight with others if we are lucky enough to have the chance.

What is the most important message you would like to send to young women thinking about their careers?
Don’t concern yourself with what others think; pursue your dreams.

Is there anyone who inspires you in your career?
I’m greatly inspired by my young daughter. She is brave and confident in herself and picks herself up when she falls. I aspire to be as brave as her every day.

If you could have dinner with an inspirational woman who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with the late Princess Diana. I’ve always been fascinated by her and her life. I would love to meet her and ask her questions.

What does black history month mean to you?
It’s a time to remember the black people before me that paid the price for me as a black man to try anything my heart desires. Black History Month in school was a time to learn about the African Americans that shaped our country in the past, but as I grew older, I now look at it as a time to see all the barriers black people are breaking around the world. 

How do you celebrate black history month? How can others celebrate it?
I usually accompany my Dad to some type of event in the Bay Area with food and music. I was lucky enough to see him get recognized by San Benito County in 2018 for his work in the community when they gave him the Martin Luther King Freedom Award. Anybody can celebrate by going out and being around the culture!

Which black history figure inspires you and why?
For me, people like Virgil Abloh, Jerry Lorenzo, and Micheal B. Jordan are all sources of inspiration with the work they do in their respective fields. I feel like they all inspire me to take advantage of the opportunity we have today because I see them reaching new heights in art, fashion, and film.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month holds profound significance for me as a time to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions, resilience, and achievements of black individuals throughout our history. It's a time to amplify black voices, elevate Black stories, and recognize the vital role they play in shaping our shared humanity. Black History Month also serves as a call to action to confront systemic racism, advocate for social change, and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

How do you celebrate Black History Heritage Month? How can others celebrate it?
I celebrate my black heritage every day and during black history heritage month I take the opportunity to engage in meaningful reflection, education, and action. Personally, I celebrate by immersing myself in Black History through reading books, watching documentaries, and attending cultural events that highlight the richness of Black Heritage. For others looking to celebrate, there are countless ways to get involved. Support Black-owned businesses, artists, musicians, and authors by attending their performances is an impactful way to show appreciation. Additionally, volunteering with organizations that promote racial disparities are all meaningful ways to contribute to the celebration of Black History Month. Ultimately, the key is to approach the month with an open heart and willingness to learn, listen, and uplift Black voices in our communities and beyond.

Which Black History figure inspires you and why?
After visiting the National Statuary Hall of the United States Capital in 2016 and viewing the full-length statue of Rosa Parks, her story continues to inspire me as I learn more revelations of her courageous act of defiance by refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery. Her quiet strength, unwavering commitment to justice and willingness to challenge injustice against insurmountable odds reminds me of the power of individual action to effect monumental change.

How important is celebrating culture and/or Global Diversity Month to you?
Super important! Celebrating culture is just really fun for everyone. I love learning about other cultures, I mostly LOVE finding out about amazing foods I’ve never even heard of. Cultural festivals have the BEST foods ever. I absolutely adore that every culture on earth has its own iteration of fried bread, and they’re all delicious.

How would you describe the work environment at County Federal in terms of being inclusive and diverse?
Everyone is incredibly respectful to one another, but I’ve also had many stories shared with me from coworkers I’ve made relationships with over the years.

What is your heritage?
I was born in Sri Lanka, I am considered Sri Lankan which a lot of people don’t know where it is, or think it is part of India. But Sri Lanka is an island, separate from India. We have our own language, a majority of the island is Buddhist and the food is similar but only in the sense that we make curries too but it's different at the same time.

What is your favorite cultural dish and why?
In Sri Lanka, we call them short eats, which are basically like appetizers here. My favorites are cutlets, fish patties, and fish buns. It’s potatoes mixed with spices and fish, breaded and then fried. And Mangosteen, which is a fruit, and so sweet and good!

How do you celebrate National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month? How can others celebrate it?
I am proud to have several friends who are active in their local communities and outreach for Hispanic/Latinx  causes. One of my close friends has been featured in several national publications for his Latin culture-inspired murals and various art media. My family and I like to take advantage of the amazing diversity we are blessed with in the Bay Area and visit San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose for various events such as Latin Art, Music, Dance, and theater. I would encourage anyone interested to do a basic Google search of local Hispanic/Latinx events in the Bay Area or wherever you live to see the amazing opportunities in your local community.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today and how has it influenced your career?
I was born into a family with amazing work ethic, discipline, and values, this doesn’t go unrecognized for a day with me. I would help my Dad at his job at Walgreens to set up planograms and tender a register by the time I was 10 (with supervision). I am proud of my name as I am the fourth Fermin in my family and have found it to have different meanings. San Fermin is the patron saint that is prayed to by participants during the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. My Grandfather, when I asked him what our name meant, was consistent in saying it meant we were to be STRONG and FIRM and protectors of our family. I love the idea that my name can have different meanings to different people but I have taken the guidance of my Grandfather and Father to ensure I am always working hard, standing strong and firm in my convictions, and showing my family values through my work.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
One of the biggest traditions in our Latinx culture is our “coming of age” celebration for young women called “Quinceneras.” This special Latinx celebration occurs when a young woman turns 15. It is usually a big family affair that celebrates our cultural values.

How has your heritage influenced the person you are today?
It is impossible to separate my heritage from who I am today. From my taste in music to the way I bond with my family, my cultural identity has completely shaped the way I see the world. It has also influenced my career choice by pushing me to succeed so that I can proudly represent my community.

How do you celebrate National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month?
During Latinx Heritage Month, my family and I take the time to celebrate our heritage through our food. We enjoy a variety of different traditional dishes that have historically been eaten throughout Mexico.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

The Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to honor the contributions and influence of AAPI to the history and culture across the world. To me, the AAPI month means remembering our own history and being proud of who I am, Vietnamese American.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

Vietnamese culture is exciting and vibrant celebrations. The most important celebration is Tet, Vietnamese New Year, to keep close ties with my culture. We celebrate Tet by making it a joyful family reunion, exchanging gifts, and decorating our homes.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
This month means a great deal to me. It’s a significant symbol of the importance of the AAPI community in US history and a way to honor/celebrate the achievements of those that were/are instrumental to its success. I come from a country that many people have never heard of or can find on a map, let alone be able to tell you about its people or culture. AAPI Heritage Month allows me the opportunity to share this information and continue to celebrate diversity at County Federal.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Although I was born in Laos, I came here as an immigrant at the age of 4 years old. My parents raised us based on the Lao culture and traditions. This included speaking the language, focusing on family, practicing Theravada Buddhism, and working hard. The values that have been instilled in me have absolutely shaped who I am as a person today – from serving my community to serving up authentic Laotian dishes at the dinner table.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
The Lao culture is centered around enjoyment and ease of life. The focus is on doing good and treating others with respect and kindness. Socializing with family and friends is encouraged and often a priority over work obligations because it allows people to make connections and maintain close relationships. For all of these reasons, I’m proud to be Lao and cherish time with loved ones.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I have always looked at Black History Month as an opportunity to recognize the achievements of historical black men and women. I acknowledge the challenges African Americans have been through and the barriers we have broken in American history.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today? How has it influenced your career?

I see myself as a resilient person like my ancestors. Our people have persevered and sacrificed so much for the civil liberties my family gets to enjoy. My goal is not to squander those liberties in my personal and professional life.

Who are the role models or mentors who have influenced or helped guide you?

My previous pastor was an influential role model for me, especially when my wife and I were dating. He was one of the few black men in my life that embodied what a husband, a father, and a Christian man should be in today’s society. If it were not for his counseling and guidance, my personal family life would not have the solid foundation we have today.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It’s the celebration of our ancestors who fought for us to have a voice and a month for us to love and embrace every part of who we are, educate our youth, and keep the dream alive.

How do you celebrate Black History Month? How can others celebrate it?

Year-round support Black-owned business yearly (Carol’s Daughter Hair Care). I purchase books by black authors as I love to read. I support Black-owned food businesses, like Everett and Jones BBQ.

Which Black History figure inspires you and why?

Maya Angelou: poet, singer, autobiographer, and civil rights activist who aimed for a better future and inspired others to reach as high as her – believe in yourself.

Who is Nitish?

I am a native of San Jose born and raised. My family culture is North Indian. I am an Indian American with Hindu background.

What are some of your family traditions?

One of my favorite Global Celebrations is Diwali, the Festival of Lights. At this festival, I love to eat Naan, a delicious dish made from garbanzo beans.

What is your favorite food?

Goat Curry, a tradition of my heritage, and my brother-in-law makes this wonderful dish as I do not cook.

Where are you and your family from?

I was born in the U.S. and my family is from Mexico. They have been in the States since they were teenagers.

What are some of your family traditions?

My brother, aunts, uncles, and I gather at my mom's house for Christmas. My mom makes tamales and we decorate. It's all about getting together with family and talking about what's going on in each other's lives.

What's your favorite food?

My favorite food is tacos and I can eat 10 at a time.

What does National Hispanic/Latin X Heritage Month mean to you?

National Hispanic /Latin X Heritage Month to me circles around the traditions of the culture, the bond between family, and the challenges and sacrifices my family and ancestors were faced with. My father migrated from Zacatecas when he was in high school. Once he finished high school, he went back to Mexico to bring my mom to the States, where they began their journey in California and raised me and my two younger sisters.

How do you celebrate National Hispanic/Latin X Heritage Month? How can others celebrate it?

I like to live every day by celebrating and experiencing my Hispanic/Latin heritage. For example, I spend time with my family and learn how to cook from my mom. The traditional celebrations that I grew up with, and continue to celebrate, are Dia De Las Muertos, family gatherings to support my cousin by attending their Folklorico dance recitals, and celebrating with the family for Quinceañeras.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today and has it influenced your career?

My parents have helped shape who I am today through their hard work and sacrifice. My dad always worked hard to support the family, my mom holding down the fort, raising the family, and keeping the household running. Their “no quitting” mindset is how I display my work ethic and has helped me get to where I am in my career.

Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you?

My mom is my role model as my dad passed when I was 10 years old. She was a single mother who raised two kids on her own. She never had much and worked hard to support my brother and I. My mother taught me to be a strong independent woman.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

The first thing that comes to mind isn’t really a family tradition, but our family (Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins) have always congregated together. There is always something or someone’s birthday to celebrate. As the family grows with new generations, our schedules become busier.

Which Hispanic/LatinX change maker/figure inspires you?

There is no one figure that inspires me. I respect those that have made positive changes. Mostly, the figures that have inspired me the most are the older Mexican generations.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

To me, AAPI heritage month is a time to reflect on my identity and celebrate the traditions of our diverse community.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

I am a 4th generation Japanese American. I have never been to Japan and I don’t speak Japanese. Growing up I learned of my family’s history and experiences through the stories of my grandparents’ and parents’ youth. They often told me of their times assimilating to American culture, maintaining their own culture, and even surviving U.S. concentration camps during World War II. These stories have led me to appreciate my own life and inspired me to maintain my family traditions by participating in cultural events such as Mochi-tsuki, Aki Matsuri, Nikkei Matsuri and dancing in the Japanese Obon festival. Participating in these events have led me to proudly embrace my identity as a Japanese American.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

There’s a heavy matriarchy in Samoan culture. Because of this it has definitely influenced how I run my household and work life. I feel the need to have things, my children, and even my husband in order. I am constantly organizing my work tasks to fit my thinking and don’t hesitate when it comes to providing opinions or feedback.  I have learned that I cannot control all things and therefore allow my husband to make decisions, well at least once in a while.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

So my family is very blended and we don’t primarily focus on Samoan traditions.  I have been influenced by a lot of Polynesian cultures. One thing that is common in all of the cultures is the importance of music.  This isn’t your typical tradition, however we strongly feel music guides us.  Musical learning is prominent in every subject taught. It is also common to have performances at any gathering including funerals. Whether it be religion, coping skills, gatherings, or just for fun music helps me through it all.