Read insights from Asian and Pacific Islander leaders in the ARM industry during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
05/11/2023 6:00 P.M.
2.5 minute read
ACA International’s membership and the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry are increasingly diverse. This month, ACA is highlighting member voices as part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
The U.S. has recognized Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationally in May since June 1978; however, the full month as we know it today was not recognized until May 1, 2009, when former President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, according to whitehouse.gov.
Last year, ACA International highlighted Asian leaders’ voices during AAPI Heritage Month and invited them to share how they celebrate, including what they feel is most important for developing diversity and inclusion opportunities within the ARM industry and beyond.
Here are some excerpts from those conversations:
Member Spotlight: Samia Javaid
Samia Javaid, director of debt recovery services at Horizon Reality Advisors in Seattle, was born in Pakistan and her family moved to California when she was 12 years old. In her interview, she shared what this month means to her.
“I recently became a mother. Being a parent has made me think of topics and questions that I have not thought about for a while, such as what do I want to pass on to my daughter? What kind of opportunities and obstacles would she face when she steps out into the world? AAPI Heritage Month highlights our history, culture and achievements in the U.S. Honestly, I do not recall AAPI Heritage Month being celebrated as visibly when I was in high school. It means the world to me that my daughter will experience it differently.”
Member Spotlight: Avanti Bakane
In her interview, Avanti Bakane, partner at Gordon & Rees, Scully and Mansukhani LLP in Chicago, who was born and raised in India, reflected on what brings her joy about her heritage.
“Homemade Indian food never misses the mark. On a more serious note, we have a sense of family in our community that’s pretty amazing. This is one aspect of our culture that makes my generation really look up to those who paved the way for us.”
Member Spotlight: Marissa Boulanger
Marissa Boulanger, an attorney at Malone Frost Martin PLLC in Dallas, Texas, is a Filipino American and serves as a volunteer director for the Dallas Asian American Bar Association. In her interview, she shared how her unique upbringing shaped her as a person.
“The community of my heritage brings me joy, including recognizing others and being respectful of how others grew up. I grew up biracial and I think that the experiences that provided me in living with a foot in two worlds has given me respect for everyone going down their own path in life. That is something I value and that makes me happy.”
Do you know a member you would like to see featured in ACA Daily’s Member Spotlight or Collector magazine’s Origin Story? Would you like to share your story? We are also looking to highlight our international members and new members of ACA. Reach out to our communications team at [email protected] with your ideas. We’d love to hear from you!
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