May 2024

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture.

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has selected Advancing Leaders Through Innovation as the theme for 2024 AANHPI Heritage Month.

"Advancing Leaders Through Innovation," pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future. Innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership. AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our Nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements, and social/political change through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers."

Below are some Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders and innovators across various fields:

1. Satya Nadella: The CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, is an Indian American leader known for his contributions to the tech industry and leadership in transforming Microsoft's business approach.
2. Indra Nooyi: Former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi, is an Indian American business leader recognized for her strategic vision and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in corporate environments.
3. Sundar Pichai: As the CEO of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company), Sundar Pichai, an Indian American, has played a pivotal role in Google's growth and innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
4. Elaine Chao: Elaine Chao, a Taiwanese American, has served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation, making significant contributions to transportation and labor policies.
5. Daniel Inouye: The late Daniel Inouye was a Japanese American politician who served as a United States Senator from Hawaii. He was a highly respected leader known for his advocacy for veterans, civil rights, and Hawaii's interests.
6. Michelle K. Lee: Michelle K. Lee is a Korean American attorney who served as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), playing a key role in shaping intellectual property policies.
7. Sunita Williams: An Indian American astronaut, Sunita Williams, has made significant contributions to space exploration, having spent extensive time aboard the International Space Station and participating in multiple spacewalks.
8. Yo-Yo Ma: Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, of Chinese descent, is celebrated for his musical talent and efforts to promote cultural exchange and understanding through music.
9. Jeanette Epps: Dr. Jeanette Epps, an African American and Native American astronaut, is known for her achievements in aerospace engineering and for being selected as a NASA astronaut, contributing to space exploration.
10. Vera Wang: Vera Wang, of Chinese descent, is a prominent fashion designer recognized for her elegant and innovative designs in bridal and couture fashion, shaping trends in the industry.

BOOST DIVERSITY AWARENESS

Challenge yourself this month to boost your diversity awareness calendar usage.

• Schedule Respectfully - With our PAFA Diversity Awareness Calendar, never forget important dates or events. Respect religious observances, holidays, and events.
• New Feature! Email signature images! Now you can build D&I with every email you send - find out how to add Diversity Calendar banners to your Outlook email signature.

We encourage you to take a Mental Health Day this month.

Signs That You Need A Mental Health Day

1. Feeling Overwhelmed: If you're constantly feeling overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities, it might be time to take a break.
2. Persistent Fatigue: If you're feeling consistently tired and fatigued, even after getting enough sleep, it could be a sign of mental exhaustion.
3. Lack of Concentration: Difficulty focusing on tasks or making decisions can be a sign that your mind needs a rest.
4. Increased Irritability: If you find yourself becoming easily irritated or frustrated over minor things, it could be a sign of underlying stress.
5. Physical Symptoms: Stress and mental exhaustion can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues.
6. Loss of Interest: A decrease in motivation or interest in activities you usually enjoy can indicate burnout.
7. Emotional Changes: Mood swings, feelings of sadness or anxiety, or a sense of detachment from others can be signs that you need a mental health break.
8. Decreased Productivity: If you're finding it challenging to complete tasks or meet deadlines, it might be due to mental fatigue.

Find Resources to Support Your Mental Health

Here are some books, podcasts, and documentaries to add to your libraries as you learn more about various aspects of Jewish American and Haitian history, culture, and identity.