Empowering Diversity: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at BIC

 

Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (APIA) is one of BIC’s six employee-led resource groups (ERG), focused on championing diversity and inclusion, fostering connections, and amplifying the voices of our AAPI colleagues. 

Each year in May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across Canada and the United States.  

During this month, we’re reminded to celebrate the unique experiences of our team members. Echoing the sentiments of our team members, Chintan Shah, Head of Supply Chain- Canada and Co-Chair of APIA at BIC, shares,  

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    “Being part of APIA gives me and our members a platform to celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of Asian Pacific Islander Americans with our colleagues at BIC. Whether it's through cultural events, food, or discussions about traditions and customs, we can help foster greater understanding and appreciation for diversity within our workplace, ultimately enriching our company culture and strengthening our sense of community."  

Get to know some other members of APIA and learn about the various ways they celebrate their heritage and champion diversity and inclusion at BIC: 

Michiko Topete, Manager Logistics & Compliance, Member of APIA at BIC  

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    “Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a great reminder to recognize and celebrate diversity. I am Japanese and I take pride in representing and promoting my heritage and culture. Being a member of the APIA at BIC ERG has allowed me to build new relationships and expand my network of mentors with team members from across the company that I don’t get to collaborate with regularly.” 

James Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager - Human Expression, Events Coordinator of APIA at BIC 

  • “I’m of Chinese ethnicity. For me, to be a part of the heritage means understanding the history, culture, food, people, and language of the Chinese countries, and to feel connected with people as a part of a greater world community. To share my heritage, I enjoy creating and sharing stories that reflect my Asian upbringing through things like sketch-comedy performance and teaching the Chinese language. Joining the APIA ERG has also allowed me to reach out to my community in new ways, strengthening my role in my own community as a result.”  

Usman Azeem, Assistant Brand Manager – Flame for Life, APIA Events Coordinator 

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    “My Pakistani heritage means celebrating and taking pride in rich traditions and enduring values, while preserving the diverse cultural narratives that have shaped my identity. Being part of APIA has pushed me out of my comfort zone, enhancing my leadership skills and deepening my understanding of different cultures. This opportunity has allowed me to build stronger connections within BIC, facilitating inclusive conversations and initiatives that lead to our collective success.”  

At BIC, we recognize that our success is fueled by the unique perspectives and experiences of our team members. By embracing the richness of different cultures and heritage, we are not only fostering a more inclusive workplace but also driving innovation and growth. 

Discover how you can be part of our global community at careers.bic.com.