In acknowledgement of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month, we highlight the contributions and experiences of AAPIs in the workplace. First, it is important to note the vast diversity among AAPI groups which represent persons with heritage from many regions across the world.** Similarly, AAPI workers span many industries and occupations with some of the most popular sectors including management, business, science, and the arts.
As for other marginalized groups, professional gains for AAPI workers require an ability to navigate the many existent barriers among U.S. economic and educational systems. Misconceptions and stereotypes also negatively influence the experience of many. Nevertheless, continued themes of persistence and resilience shine through.
According to a report by the EEOC, AAPIs are over-represented at the low end of the education spectrum, i.e., those with less than a high school education, as well as when it comes to advanced education. For example, 50% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 28.5% for all Americans, and approximately 21% have an advanced degree compared to 10% for all Americans. Unfortunately, educational status does not necessarily equate to financial stability for workers.
Wage disparities are an additional obstacle for AAPI workers – although the issue is complicated and influenced by a number of contextual factors such as occupation and geographic location, research consistently evidences limited pathways to pay equity for AAPI employees.
In addition, AAPIs often face multiple forms of discrimination in the workplace such as accent/language discrimination, perceptions of being a perpetual foreigner, and perceptions as the “model minority” harboring “excessive” competence – at the same time, the stereotype that AAPI workers lack leadership skills simultaneously exist. This is evidenced through underrepresentation for AAPIs in managerial and decision-making roles (e.g., chief executives), especially in Fortune 500 companies where only 1.5% (or 9 individuals) of CEOs are AAPI.
Nevertheless, trends for AAPI representation in federal employment and other leadership positions have continued to increase over the past decade. Here are but a few of the noteworthy AAPI leaders:
- Satya Nadella is Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft
- Indra Nooyi is the CEO PepsiCo.
- Sundar Pichai is the CEO of Google, Inc.
- Shantanu Narayen is the CEO of Adobe
- Wallace D. Loh, President, University of MD
- As of 2015, there are 14 AAPI Congressional members; 3 AAPI Governors; and 5 AAPI leaders elected to statewide appointment
- Among the newly elected congressional officials is Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian American and only woman of color in the Washington State Senate
- In 2012, President Obama recognized nine inspiring AAPI leaders who impacted their communities. Read about them here.
Pluralism and intersectionality are increasing assets in the U.S. workforce, and within the AAPI community, there is considerable pluralism and diversity. It is essential that AAPI heritage individuals be recognized for their unique cultural identity. AAPI individuals have long been contributors to the economic success of the country and they will continue to bring their talents, commitment, and hard work ethic.
Resources
20 Asian American Organizations You Need to Know
Asian & Pacific Islander American Organizations
**Japan, S. Korea, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, among countries.