In Celebration of AAPI Heritage Month: In Conversation with Katherine Choroco
What elements of your AAPI experience shaped the course of your career? What is it like being an AAPI leader today?
Being an AAPI leader is inextricably linked with my immigrant experience. Watching my parents (like many other immigrant families) sacrifice so much to provide a better life for our family has instilled in me an incredibly strong work ethic, an immense amount of gratitude, and a fighting spirit to carve out my place in this country. Additionally, growing up as a Korean-American, the importance of family was always emphasized as well as celebrating (and never forgetting) traditions and key cultural moments.
In my career, some of these elements like my work ethic, have proven useful. Looking back, earlier in my career there were moments where I was not as assertive as I could be nor provided my thoughts in fear that l would "rock the boat". There are still active, conscious stereotypes of Asian Americans being the quiet, submissive "Model Minority". These perceptions can no longer be allowed to continue.
As an AAPI leader today, I hope to provide that diverse perspective at the table and help amplify the voices for the next generation of AAPI and BIPOC leaders. I also hope to be an agent of change, helping to create equal opportunities and access to so many talented, high-potential BIPOC professionals.
What advice would you share for the next generation of AAPI leaders? What do you wish you had known starting out in your career?
Be comfortable in your own skin and don't be afraid to present (and celebrate!) your full self and values in your career. The authenticity of your experience is an asset to any organization.
How are you sharing your AAPI experience and amplifying our collective voice this month?
First, I'm sharing my stories with my children and ensuring that they continue to be aware and proud of their Korean heritage (and how their diverse background truly represents the American experience). I'm also taking time to learn more about the other Asian cultures that makeup the AAPI community. There so much diversity within our community and it is inspiring to explore other cultures.
What does being an ally with the AAPI and BIPOC communities mean to you?
I would start by taking the time to learn about the history of these different communities in this country. This history is so critical to understanding why injustices and inequity still exist today. Another part is providing active support when and how it is needed, including donating your time and where possible, providing financial support to organizations driving change. And sometimes it is just the simple act of giving space or checking in and asking, "How are you? Are doing you okay?".
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinekimchoroco/
The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States and the co-lab shares in celebrating the vital contributions, achievements, and influence Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had within our industries and communities. We also use this time to continue recognizing the on-going challenges that face the AAPI community, especially with the increase of violence and discrimination over the last year. As articulated in our DE&I statement, the co-lab unwaveringly stands for equity and inclusion and condemns racist, discriminatory and hateful acts of any kind.
In the spirit of celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and elevating diverse AAPI voices, we are highlighting some of our wonderful AAPI co-lab members on our Instagram @jointhecolab and on our website.
To learn more about Asian American history, the AAPI experience or organizations that are driving positive change towards a more equitable future, please explore our resource library. This is not a comprehensive list, and if there are additional resources that you believe would be helpful, please email us at info@jointhecolab.com.
—the co-lab DIVERSITY COUNCIL
