General

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and as part of the celebration, we asked employees to share their values, experiences and advice. Read on for a sampling of their responses.

Vara Cherukuri

Lead software systems engineer in EIT Application Services

How long have you been in the United States?

I have been in the U.S. for 8 years now.  I left Hyderabad, India, in 2015.

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

My family values and cultural heritage helped define me as a person.  And our core value of “caring about each other” is very important to me and helps me navigate the workplace through healthy connections.

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

Personally, I am proud that I was able to move to a new country, of completing my master’s degree in Management Information Systems, and of getting married. We have a wonderful toddler, Charvi!

What advice would you give to incoming or future AAPI employees?

I would wish for them to remember and appreciate their roots, as they embrace the wonders of what the future brings.  Learning from every experience that we must navigate during each transition is a gift.  Sometimes, we must go through the shadow aspects of each experience to have a greater appreciation for the gift of learning.  Lastly, I would want them to remember that there are people around them, supporting them. “You are not alone.”

Ajay Devulapalli

Lead business intelligence developer, Technology.

How long have you been in Omaha?
Since 2015. This is my second hometown, the first being Visakhapatnam, India.

What specific core values or elements of cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?
I believe that good colleagues come from diverse backgrounds – demographics, careers, hobbies, etc. While good social connections help, humility, empathy and honest enthusiasm win workplace environments.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally, and why?
Having a strong determination to move to the United States and build a career I have always wanted makes me feel fortunate and proud. Most of all, serving the same Omaha community that welcomed me as a student brings more pleasure and joy.

What advice would you give to incoming or future AAPI employees?
Get involved with Employee Resource Groups and Communities of Practice to identify like-minded individuals. There are ample opportunities, and the need for skilled talent will only go up. Do not just take orders, but be a partner and understand the holistic perspective. This could be your everyday task or part of building a career roadmap.

Rieko Ikeda-Hayes

BU programs & planning manager, Customer Service

How long have you been in the United States?
I’ve been in the U.S. since 1991, so it will be 32 years. Wow!

What specific core values or elements of cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?
Hard work is a value I inherited from my grandma and mother. Culturally, Japanese people are not excitable (unless they drink), so I don’t get excited easily. People may feel as though I come across as cold. I am naturally observant of my surroundings, so I see things that other would easily miss.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally and why?
I am proud that I was able to build my career at such a reputable company as OPPD, having immigrated to the U.S. with limited English. I was able to acquire a master’s degree, while having a wonderful family alongside me every step of the way. What else could I ask for?

What advice would you give to incoming or future AAPI employees?
Believe in yourself; anything you put your mind to you will eventually accomplish. It may be a longer journey than you expect it to be, but it will come if you believe.

Sitora Marat

Quality assurance engineer, Technology and Security

How long have you been in Omaha?

During the pandemic, I moved from Virginia to Omaha.

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

In order to be an effective software professional in the energy industry, one must prioritize ethical behavior by adhering to company policies and ensuring software products are ethical. It is also important to be accountable for any mistakes and be willing to fix them. Adaptability is essential as the industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and regulations. Teamwork is crucial in collaborating with cross-functional teams to create high-quality products. Finally, customer focus is a priority to meet the needs, wants, and expectations of the customers while improving software applications to meet their goals.

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

I am proud of my diligent effort and perseverance that led me to this successful point in my professional life. I have overcome many obstacles and challenges, such as language barriers and financial struggles, but I never gave up. I have constantly worked hard to improve myself and my skills in the IT industry, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given.

Overall, I am proud of the person I have become and the journey I have taken to get here. I believe that with hard work, determination, and never giving up on oneself, anything is possible.

What advice would you give to incoming or future AAPI employees?

Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Your perspective and insights can add value to the team and contribute to the diversity of thought.

Believe in your abilities and know that you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in your career.

Neelima Patnaik

Security analyst, Security Operations

How long have you been in the United States?
I have called Omaha my home for five years. I have lived in the United States for 10 years. I have enjoyed experiencing this great country’s diverse culture, traditions and people over the years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Omaha’s friendly community and welcoming environment.

What core values or elements of cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have encountered in the workplace?
In my experience as an Asian from India, my cultural identity has been a tremendous asset in navigating workplace complexities. I have found the following values and cultural traits particularly helpful:

• A strong emphasis is placed on showing respect to authority figures in many Asian cultures. As a result, I have navigated hierarchical structures at work and built positive relationships with my superiors.
• Indian culture values hard work and dedication, which have helped me stay focused and committed to my work even under challenging circumstances.
• Growing up in India taught me to respect and appreciate different cultural backgrounds. This background helped me navigate diverse work environments and build positive relationships with colleagues from different cultures.

Building positive relationships with colleagues and superiors has been possible because of these values and cultural traits. I also have stayed grounded and focused on achieving my goals while maintaining respect for others.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally, and why?
I am very proud of recently completed my bachelor’s degree in computer science and securing a job in OPPD. I worked hard, was dedicated and committed to earning this degree.

I had to put in long hours of studying, coding and problem-solving to succeed in my courses and achieve good grades. However, the accomplishment and growth I experienced from earning my degree were well worth the effort.

Moreover, securing a job at OPPD was a significant achievement I am proud of. OPPD is a well-respected organization, with an excellent reputation. I look forward to the opportunities to learn and grow within the organization, and I am excited to contribute my skills and knowledge to help advance their mission.

What advice would you give to incoming or future AAPI employees?

• Take pride in your cultural heritage and your identity as an AAPI.
• Feel free to speak up at work and share your ideas and opinions. You can build credibility and influence in your organization by sharing your perspective and voice.
• Develop relationships with other AAPI professionals in your industry or community. In this way, you can stay connected, share resources and find new career development and advancement opportunities.

Khiem Tran

Assistant unit operator, Operations

How long have you been in the United States?
I’ve been in Lincoln for 29 years. I came to the U.S. in 1994.

What specific core values or elements of cultural identity helped you navigate the complexities you have come across in the workplace?
Responsibility, honesty, respect and integrity. My parents have always taught me to be respectful to others. This helps me to be able to get along with others in the workplace.  It helps to be around family and friends who value hard work to be able to provide for your family. This keeps me going when times get difficult.

What are you most proud of accomplishing personally or professionally and why?
It feels good to be able to excel at my current job and know that my work is appreciated by others. This gives me a sense of accomplishment. Besides that, I can pursue my hobby of growing a variety of tropical fruit-bearing trees and accomplish different levels of achievements in this difficult growing zone.

What advice would you give to incoming or future AAPI employees?
I would advise them to be great listeners. Often your ability to understand goes further than trying to give advice. I’d advise new AAPI employees to work hard, stay focused, make friends, enjoy and take pride in your work. Other than that, I would say develop goals that you would like to achieve, such as financial freedom or getting a position within the company that you would like.