As we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we're honored to share the stories of three U Krewers who embody the diversity and richness of our company's culture.
Meet Marriam, Serena, and Eric – all are members of AsPIRE (Asians & Pacific Islanders Raising Equity), one of UKG’s nine employee resource groups (ERGs). In this blog, we'll delve into their personal and professional journeys, exploring how their AAPI heritage has shaped their experiences and fueled their success. We'll also learn about their passions, challenges, and advice for the next generation of U Krewers.
Marriam Shah, Sr. Executive Assistant
How do you honor AAPI Heritage Month?
AAPI Heritage Month is always a special time for me. It's a period of reflection, celebration, and a reminder of the incredible journey that brought me here. Immigrating to the U.S. in 2006 from Pakistan wasn't easy. The cultural differences and feelings of displacement were real challenges. Back then, workplaces weren't as inclusive as they are today, and role models who looked like me were few and far between. I often felt hesitant to ask for things, thinking my hard work should speak for itself. But in 2021, everything changed when I joined UKG and discovered AsPIRE. It was like finding a piece of home within my workplace.
What makes you proud to be part of the AAPI community?
Being part of the AAPI community fills me with immense pride. The richness of our cultures, the strength of our traditions, and the resilience of our people are truly inspiring. Sharing the beauty of Pakistani culture with my colleagues within AsPIRE is something I cherish.
Share a few of your family’s favorite customs and traditions.
During AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate our diverse traditions. In my family, Ramadan, the month of fasting, and Eid, with its delicious food, beautiful attire, and spirit of giving, are particularly special. Sharing these customs helps build understanding and appreciation. I'm so grateful that we hosted an internal session this year to educate others about Ramadan and how to be mindful of colleagues who are fasting. Hopefully, we can have in-office celebrations for Eid next year!
What is your favorite part of being a member of AsPIRE?
AsPIRE has been instrumental for me in fostering a sense of belonging and support. From Lunar New Year celebrations to monthly sessions on different topics relevant to our U Krewers, AsPIRE creates a space to connect, learn, and grow together.
What makes you feel supported at UKG?
UKG's commitment to diversity and inclusion is truly commendable. They don't just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Everyone is encouraged to join ERGs and actively participate. This year, my AsPIRE colleagues nominated me for the ERGX conference in New Orleans, and my manager is fully supportive. It fills me with pride to share what we accomplish in AsPIRE, and it often leaves people amazed.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career at UKG?
To anyone considering a career at UKG, I say: Embrace the diverse and inclusive culture. UKG is where you can be your authentic self, contribute your unique talents, and build a fulfilling career.
Looking Ahead
As I embark on my MBA journey, I'm excited to explore DEI strategies and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive tech sector. My hope is to inspire future generations, including my own children, to embrace their heritage, pursue their passions, and find true belonging in their workplaces and communities.
Serena Srun, Business Program Manager
What makes you proud to be part of the AAPI community?
I grew up with a very American lifestyle despite my Vietnamese and Cambodian background. Once I got into college, it was the start of my cultural learning journey. This heritage month is a fun time for me to engage and learn about my peers’ cultural backgrounds and learn about the various cultures and traditions they hold for themselves. In college I really started engaging in conversations with my family about some of the cultures and traditions of Cambodia.
How do you honor your heritage?
I appreciate and understand all the cultural events that take place throughout the year between my Vietnamese and Cambodian sides. I get to celebrate multiple new years, including: the calendar New Year, Lunar New Year, and Cambodian New Year. It’s fun to experience the different celebrations, like getting red envelopes or making New Year’s resolutions.
What makes you feel supported at UKG?
At UKG, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in ERGs as a member and committee member. It’s a pleasure to work at a company where I can get involved and feel supported by peers and allies. I also greatly appreciate our U Choose benefits because we all live very different lives and all need to be supported in various ways. I love that the U Choose program provides the opportunity for us to determine what benefits we need for ourselves.
Eric Chen, Associate Software Engineer
What makes you proud to be part of the AAPI community?
I’m proud to be part of the AAPI community because of the vibrant cultures and rich diversity that the community represents. Often times when people say Asians they only refer to East Asians, but Asia is so much more than that. The values that stand out to me particularly in the community are strong familial ties and diligence.
How do you honor AAPI Heritage Month?
To honor this month, I like to immerse myself in the stories of others, and this time around I’m sharing my own story. It helps me reflect on my own heritage and how it influences my personal and community identity.
Share a few of your family’s favorite customs and traditions.
One of the traditions that I enjoy is called “hang san” which directly translates to “walking the mountain.” It’s one of the few times that my extended family gathers. We go around the cemetery to our closely related ancestors’ graves to clean them and give offerings. We light firecrackers and burn incense and fake money. Plus, we offer them a drink of rice wine and there is usually also food, like baked goods, chicken, and roasted pig. My favorite part of the process is hanging out with family and eating the pig at the end.
What is your favorite part of being a member of AsPIRE?
My favorite part of being a member of AsPIRE is how it supports and fosters an inclusive environment where fellow coworkers can share experiences and contribute to a diverse workplace.
What makes you feel supported at UKG?
I feel supported at UKG with its inclusive company policies, its environment that encourages collaboration, and recognition of individual contributions.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career at UKG?
For those contemplating a career at UKG, my advice is to align with the company's core values: united, kind, and growing. The best thing you could do at any company is take advantage of any opportunities that may arise and contribute to the company’s mission and values, and that holds for UKG as well.
- INTERESTED IN JOINING THE U KREW? EXPLORE CAREERS AT UKG.
- ASPIRE IS ONE OF NINE ERGS AT UKG. READ OTHER STORIES FEATURING OUR EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS (ERGS).
