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Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month at EVERSANA: Advancing Stories and Culture

AANHPI 2024 DEI

Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month 2024 at EVERSANA 

As AANHPI Heritage Month draws to a close, EVERSANA proudly reflects on a month filled with meaningful activities, engaging discussions and a celebration of diversity. Under the banner of “Advancing AANHPI Stories and Culture,” our Asian Pacific Islander Desi (APID) Professional Network co-chairs, Jaii Phillips Beckley, SVP, editorial director, EVERSANA INTOUCH®, and Angela Fukuda, executive legal assistant, led a series of events that brought our colleagues together to honor the rich heritage of the AANHPI community. 


Coffee Break Speaker Series: Insights and Inspiration

The Coffee Break Speaker Series became a vibrant forum for dialogue. Over 150 colleagues gathered virtually to listen to Zilong, Nidhi and Jonathan share their personal journeys.   

Zilong Chang, SharePoint team lead, spoke about the differences between Chinese and American cultures, specifically emotionally and with idiomatic expressions. “My father wanted me to see people from around the world, how they collaborate and solve problems and how they think. I think this has benefited me in the long term. I’m curious to understand people’s motivations and how our cultures differ.”   

Nidhi Somani, talent acquisition partner, discussed the importance of having a strong network at home and at work. “Living in India, I always wanted to move to the U.S. because of the quality of education, but also because of the inclusivity here. This is a country of immigrants, and I think it was easier for me to find my own community and keep my heritage.”    

Jonathan Sarmiento, creative director, shared how it can be difficult yet rewarding to walk the line between assimilation and balance. “As a first-generation Filipino American, a lot of the people around me in the Chicago suburbs were White. It’s not just assimilation; it’s being a part of the culture, finding aspects to identify with in my own experience. I’m very proud that my parents kept alive our heritage and [that it] wasn’t something I felt ashamed of. Having my proud Filipino traditions alive at home kept me grounded.”   

AANHPI 2024 DEI

Crafting Connections: The Ribbon Lei Workshop

Angela Fukuda led a hands-on ribbon lei workshop, teaching us the art of lei-making. As we wove colorful ribbons together, we discovered the symbolism behind each lei – a gesture of aloha, unity and respect. The workshop reminded us that cultural traditions are not just artifacts; they are living expressions of community bonds. 

A Conversation With Sara Nguyen, Founder and CEO of Nguyen Coffee Supply, America’s First Specialty Vietnamese Coffee Company

Our guest speaker, Sahra Nguyen, captivated us with her entrepreneurial journey. As the owner of Nguyen Coffee Company, Sahra shared her passion for Vietnamese coffee and her commitment to sustainability. Her story underscored the power of entrepreneurship in preserving cultural heritage and fostering economic empowerment.

A Culinary Journey: The AANHPI Heritage Cookbook

One of the highlights of the month was the team-generated AANHPI Heritage cookbook. Colleagues shared cherished family recipes, each dish carrying a story of tradition, migration and resilience. From Hawaiian crab sushi bakes to Taiwanese boba, the cookbook showcased the diverse flavors that make up the AANHPI culinary tapestry. As we flipped through its pages, we discovered not only delicious recipes, but also the threads that connect us across cultures. 

EMBRACE DIVERSITY: A Commitment That Continues

At EVERSANA, we believe that diversity is our strength. As we enter the final days of AANHPI Heritage Month, we carry forward the spirit of EMBRACE DIVERSITY. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace extends beyond a single month; it’s woven into the fabric of our organization. We honor the past, celebrate the present and look toward a future where every voice is heard and valued.  


For community members and allies alike, recognizing and celebrating our diversity means fostering understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural influences on our professional and personal lives.    

“I engaged in AANHPI Heritage Month activities over this past month, and I’ve absolutely loved it! I love being able to learn about the diverse cultures that make up our community. Plus, recognizing these heritages helps to bridge cultural gaps, promoting inclusivity and unity amongst all staff,” says Jasmine Abraham, MSN, RN, account supervisor at EVERSANA INTOUCH. “EVERSANA is dedicated to creating a safe space for the AANHPI community, as embracing diversity is a fundamental value for my colleagues and me.”  

Thank you, Jaii Phillips Beckley, Angela Fukuda and the entire APID Professional Network, for leading us on this enriching journey. Let us continue to learn, grow and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of AANHPI stories and culture together. 

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