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Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we asked employees to discuss what the month means to them and to share their values, experiences and advice.

Eliya Ablet

Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Technology and Security

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

As someone from Central Asia, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month holds significance to me as a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It’s an opportunity to recognize the rich tapestry of traditions, languages and experiences that make up the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, including those from Central Asia. This month reminds us to embrace our heritage, educate others about our cultures, and advocate for greater understanding and appreciation of our collective identities. It’s a chance to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors and to continue the journey toward equality, justice, and cultural preservation for all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

What specific core values or cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?

As a software quality assurance engineer at an energy company, certain core values and cultural identity factors have helped me navigate the complexities of the workplace effectively. One of these core values is a commitment to precision and accuracy, which is essential in ensuring the reliability and safety of software systems within the energy sector. Additionally, a strong work ethic instilled by my cultural background has driven me to approach challenges with perseverance and dedication, especially when facing intricate technical issues or tight deadlines. Moreover, my cultural identity has emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork, enabling me to effectively communicate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals. Overall, these values and cultural influences have played a pivotal role in guiding my approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and fostering a positive work environment within the energy company.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally and why? 

My personal accomplishment: In September 2012, I embarked on a life-changing journey by immigrating to the United States, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home to pursue new opportunities and build a better future for myself and my loved ones. Overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and way of life required courage, resilience, and determination. After years of hard work, perseverance, and saving diligently, I achieved a significant milestone in 2021 by purchasing my first house. This momentous achievement symbolizes not only my financial stability and independence but also the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. It represents the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice, as well as the beginning of a new chapter in my life. 

My professional accomplishments: Since I joined OPPD in 2020, as a quality assurance engineer, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in some of the most significant and complex projects within my company. These projects have presented unique challenges and opportunities to demonstrate my expertise and contribute to the success of our organization. Being entrusted with such critical projects showcases not only my technical skills in quality assurance but also my ability to navigate complex systems and processes. It speaks to my capacity for problem-solving, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality in our products or services.

What is something that inspires you to overcome challenges?

Something that inspires me to overcome challenges is the belief in growth and resilience. Knowing that challenges are opportunities for learning and personal development motivates me to face them head-on. Additionally, seeing others who have overcome similar obstacles or adversity with grace and perseverance serves as inspiration. Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague or someone I admire from afar, witnessing their resilience encourages me to stay determined and resilient in the face of challenges.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or future AAPI employees?

If I were to offer advice to my younger self and future Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees, it would be:

• Embrace your identity: Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Your cultural heritage is a source of strength and uniqueness that can enrich your personal and professional experiences.
• Speak up and advocate for yourself: Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions, ideas and concerns. Your perspectives matter, and by speaking up, you can contribute to positive change and create a more inclusive work environment.

Kranthi Adidam

Senior Data Management Analyst, Technology and Security

What does Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage, contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It is a special reminder – and it ignites a fire within us to celebrate and embrace the profound cultural tapestry, the awe-inspiring contributions, and the remarkable triumphs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Our efforts are past celebratory events. Rather, it’s a passionate ode to the vibrant histories, cherished traditions, and myriad experiences woven within these communities that bind us together as a people – as a community.

What specific core values or cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?

These three core values have helped me navigate the complexities at OPPD:

• Resilience: Many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) draw upon their cultural resilience. This resilience is often rooted in historical experiences, such as standing out in a vast population, overcoming adversity, immigration and discrimination. It’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt, and keep moving forward.
• Humility: Humility is valued in many AAPI cultures. It involves recognizing that success is often a result of collective effort and external factors. Being humble allows me to learn from others, accept feedback, and continuously improve.
• Balance: Balancing work and personal life is essential. Many AAPI individuals strive for harmony between career aspirations and family responsibilities. Prioritizing well-being and maintaining boundaries is crucial for long-term success.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally and why?

I am proud of two things:

• Maintaining strong relationships: I derive immense pride from the bonds I’ve forged and fostered with my colleagues at OPPD. Spanning across different departments and units, these connections have not only enhanced my professional journey but have also deeply enriched my personal growth.
• Learning from failures or setbacks: Embracing the lessons gleaned from setbacks or failures has been an integral part of my professional evolution at OPPD. Each setback has served as a profound learning opportunity, propelling me forward with newfound insights and resilience.

What is something that inspires you to overcome challenges?

There are many that inspire me to overcome challenges. However, this AAPI month, I would like to highlight three things:

• Faith: Faith has been a steadfast beacon guiding me through personal challenges, providing strength and solace during times of adversity. It has instilled in me the belief that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, and with perseverance and faith, I can overcome challenges that come my way.
• Supportive community: I have surrounded myself with a supportive community – friends, family, mentors, and colleagues – that consistently provides encouragement. Knowing that others believe in my abilities boosts my confidence immensely.
• Dissecting the challenge: When faced with a challenge, breaking it down into manageable parts can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for me. It transforms the seemingly insurmountable into a series of achievable milestones, fueling motivation and instilling confidence in the journey ahead. I love celebrating each small victory along the way – it keeps me motivated.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or future AAPI employees?

• Embrace your identity: Celebrate your cultural heritage and identity. Being AAPI is a source of strength and uniqueness. Don’t shy away from it; instead, use it to connect with others and contribute to diverse perspectives.
• Learn continuously: Never stop learning. Seek knowledge, explore new skills and stay curious. The world evolves rapidly, and adaptability is key. Invest in your personal and professional growth.
• Find mentors and allies: Seek mentors who understand your journey and can guide you. Allies – regardless of their background – can also provide valuable support. Build relationships and learn from those who’ve walked similar paths.
• Network authentically: Networking isn’t just about business cards or LinkedIn invitations; it’s about building genuine connections. Attend events, engage in conversations and create a supportive network. You never know where opportunities may arise.

Krishna Radhakrishnan Baluswami

Business Intelligence Architect, Technology and Security

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

My philosophy centers on the belief that each person brings unique contributions to society. Just as we appreciate the wisdom that comes with age, we also recognize the richness of the Asian Pacific Islander community’s heritage, spanning thousands of years. Their traditions, culture, and practices provide valuable perspectives that enrich our society. By celebrating Asian Pacific and Islander Heritage Month, we honor this diversity, promote inclusivity and enhance understanding among all.

What specific core values or cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?

One of the fundamental principles that deeply resonates with me is the concept of “Dharma.” Dharma encompasses a comprehensive understanding of duty, righteousness, moral integrity, and the natural order of existence. By adhering to Dharma, we are liberated from the burden of attachment to outcomes. Instead, we focus on fulfilling our duties conscientiously, irrespective of the results that may follow. This aids me in navigating the intricacies of the workplace on a daily basis.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally and why? 

I take pride in my career achievements across diverse industries, where I’ve led numerous teams and developed various data solutions. Furthermore, my involvement in strategic initiatives and transformation projects at OPPD fills me with immense pride, as it allows me to contribute to the greater good of both OPPD and the community.

What is something that inspires you to overcome challenges?

To be candid, everything and everyone around me, serves as a constant source of inspiration. The quality of perseverance particularly resonates with me, evoking a sense of determination and excitement. I firmly believe in the importance of never giving up, and the idea of trying one more time whenever faced with a challenge fuel my motivation to overcome challenges.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or future AAPI employees?

Here are a couple of pieces of advice for AAPI employees:

• Embrace failure rapidly. In today’s fast-paced world, overcoming the fear of failure and adopting an iterative approach rather than a sequential one is crucial for keeping up with the pace of change and seizing opportunities.
• Combine the traditional values from your homeland with the opportunities for advancement available in the United States to contribute to the dynamic and resilient development of the community.

Venkat Tamalampudi

Lead Quality Assurance Engineer, Technology and Security

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

AAPI Heritage Month is a special time to recognize the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and significant contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It’s a moment to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and advocate for equity and inclusion for all.

What specific core values or cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?

Collaboration, teamwork, empathy, positivity and building strong relationships with colleagues to achieve common goals helped me effectively navigate workplace challenges.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally, and why?

Professionally, I am incredibly proud of my journey in building QA teams from scratch throughout my career. At OPPD, I was privileged to be the first QA member entrusted with leading the establishment of the QA function. From conducting meticulous QA maturity assessments to developing comprehensive QA Roadmaps, I focused on processes, people and tools. Crafting the QA framework was immensely satisfying, involving refining processes, implementing effective tools and assembling a talented team.

Personally, I take pride in being a supportive partner throughout my wife’s journey to secure her family medicine residency in the USA. It’s fulfilling to know that I played a role in her success by providing encouragement, assistance and unwavering support along the way. Seeing her achieve this significant milestone brings me immense joy and satisfaction, and I’m grateful to have been able to contribute to her professional growth and fulfillment.

What is something that inspires you to overcome challenges?

Embracing the wisdom of “This too shall pass.” I’m reminded that both challenges and successes are fleeting moments in the grand scheme of things. With this in mind, my motto is to wholeheartedly give my best effort in every endeavor, trusting that the process itself holds value. By focusing on the present moment and pouring my energy into doing my best, I free myself from worrying about the outcome, knowing that whatever comes will pass and ultimately contribute to my growth and journey.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or future AAPI employees?

Embrace your uniqueness, be confident, seek mentorship, nurture relationships and enjoy every moment!