AAPI heritage month: my story and Vanguard’s commitment to DEI

Almost 16 years ago, my family and I moved from the Philippines to the United States carrying only our bags and my parent’s dream of a better future. As a child, I had a difficult time adapting to a new culture. The once outgoing kid became someone who barely spoke in school, and I became that girl with unfamiliar habits that were seen as peculiar. It was hard; it was lonely.

Several months later, I found friends within the AAPI community that helped me immerse myself in a new environment, which I would be forever thankful for. I was able to grow, reclaim my voice, my talents, and most importantly – who I am. With this, I wanted to use my experiences and make a positive impact on someone’s life.

As an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, I was given the wonderful opportunity to lead our Philippine-American Student Association as President. It was my team’s mission to create an inclusive environment – to be family away from home. This is how I have made lifelong friendships that I still have to this day.

After graduating from college, I had the wonderful opportunity to join Vanguard. What the company stood for is what made me join in a heartbeat, but I did not know that it would only be one of the few things that I would come to love about working here. Since joining in 2016, I have also been a member of LEAP. Each year, LEAP provides events and resources that enable us to share our culture, develop ourselves, and make connections that I never thought I would have. There is a belonging and togetherness that is reminiscent of what I valued most outside of my professional career, and I am glad that I was also able to find that within this organization. This is a testament to the importance that Vanguard places on diversity and inclusion to motivate and hone the skill set of each crew member.