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.