Today kicks off Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, occurring annually in the month of May. This month, we honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across generations. Through living our value of inclusion, our Asian Social Professional Innovative and Resourceful Employees (ASPIRE) employee network group at Protiviti strives to:
- Promote an inclusive and supportive working environment that fosters open communication and the sharing of stories
- Attract, recruit, and retain Pan-Asian professionals and allies
- Build sustained partnerships with community and business organizations to amplify Pan-Asian voices and address common challenges
- Advocate cultural awareness in the firm and across our communities
- Emphasize the broader organizational benefits of diversity, such as richer discussions, better decision-making, and a more vibrant corporate culture
This year, our focus is to “Level Up” our community and individually as we continue to move forward. Zeroing in on professional development, this month we are elevating diverse voices, sharing unique stories, and combatting the erasure of AAPI experiences by celebrating the diversity within AAPI communities.
Since the origins of AAPIHM back in the 1970s when Congress saw the passing of a law designating the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, to President Jimmy Carter issuing the first presidential proclamation, Proclamation No. 4650, on March 28, 1979, recognizing the contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans to American society, to all the subsequent legislations and proclamations, the AAPI community has evolved significantly in embracing its cultural heritage, advocating for representation, and fostering a sense of unity among its members.
Leadership Spotlight
This May, we had the pleasure of catching up with Janice Liu, who is an Internal Audit Financial Advisory (IAFA) Manager out of the Cleveland office. Janice recently started a new chapter for the local office, marking an exciting milestone for ASPIRE!
What does ASPIRE mean to you?
“ASPIRE is like home away from home, offering a sense of belonging in the professional sphere. I draw continuous inspiration and motivation from the remarkable individuals I’ve encountered within ASPIRE, particularly through my involvement in the national AAPI Heritage Month Celebration planning team. Since most of my projects are national, our “One Office” culture keeps me connected with other ASPIRE members from different cities while working on projects. ASPIRE provides a platform for me to connect with individuals who share similar backgrounds, nurturing meaningful relationships, and cultivating a vibrant sense of community.”
Why did you decide to start an ASPIRE Chapter in Cleveland?
“While Cleveland may not have a large Asian population, I always advocate for amplifying diverse voices. Establishing an ASPIRE Chapter in Cleveland would offer a valuable opportunity to create a space for learning about Asian culture and fostering idea exchange. Protiviti’s culture encourages involvement in ENGs, and the unwavering support from the ASPIRE national board has made this process of creating a chapter a wonderful experience. Our Cleveland Market Lead and Executive Sponsor also played instrumental roles in supporting our events and promoting mutual learning among colleagues.”
Could you talk about your proudest atypical accomplishment?
“I hold the record of being the youngest president of the Taiwanese American Association of Greater Cleveland (TAAGC). I’ve been serving on the board on and off for about 8 years and recently started my second term as the President of TAAGC. I’ve enjoyed volunteering and helping newcomers settle their lives in Cleveland. Hosting cultural events and extending hospitality to Taiwanese visitors, including esteemed figures like director Wei Te-Sheng (see picture), have been deeply gratifying experiences.”
AAPI Heritage Month Events
Below are a few ways on how we plan to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at the company, highlighting our culture and connecting it to life at Protiviti to create a lasting impact.
- Pitching Success: Navigating Baseball and Beyond – In partnership with Robert Half’s APEX employee network group, ASPIRE is hosting a pioneer front-office executive in professional baseball keynote speaker as we come together to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We will discuss the theme of “Level Up,” encouraging us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our personal and professional lives.
- AAPI Heritage Month Book Club – In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, our book club dives into poems and stories that deepen our understanding of AAPI history, culture, and/or perspectives. The club will explore themes of identity, culture, and heritage in a welcoming atmosphere.
- ASPIRE AAPI Heritage Month Fundraiser – ASPIRE will host a National Walkathon Campaign as we give back and raise awareness for AAPI-focused organizations. Each hour of reading and physical activity logged will give funds back to support AAPI scholars.
- Local ASPIRE Activities – With over 10 chapters, local offices are hosting in-person events throughout the month to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month! Through these events, ASPIRE hopes to provide a space for members to honor our diverse backgrounds, strengthen our bond as a community, and foster a sense of belonging.
Protiviti proudly stands in solidarity with AAPI communities, empowering our employees to reach their full potential. Happy AAPI Hertiage Month from us to you!
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