AAPI CRG Spotlight: Linh Tran

Meet Linh Tran, a valued member of BPM's AAPI Colleague Resource Group (CRG). Linh brings a rich cultural background to her personal and professional life. Originally from Vietnam, Linh's experiences living in America have shaped her perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding in her interactions with others. Learn more in the Q&A below.

How has your cultural background influenced your experiences and perspectives in both your personal and professional life?

As an Asian lesbian who has now lived in America for longer than I lived in Vietnam, the country where I was born and raised. I’ve experienced the myriad ways of conveying and interpreting things due to varying viewpoints. My background has taught me how to take a step back and understand others' perspectives. This skill enables me to brainstorm effective methods for providing answers or guidance that suit their individual circumstances.

Are there any cultural traditions or practices from your heritage that you integrate into your daily life or work routine?

My teammates have heard me count or say numbers out loud to myself in Vietnamese.

What inspired you to join the AAPI CRG, and how has your involvement impacted your sense of belonging at BPM?

I've always admired BPM's diverse range of CRGs, which celebrate our backgrounds and identities, as well as those we aspire to understand better. Cultural identity has been a bit complex for me, especially when asked where I'm from, as I tend to overthink the answer unnecessarily. Should I say that I’m from San Francisco or America? Or should I say I’m from Vietnam, where I have lived away for so long that I am now, at times, foreign to its culture? However, despite my own complicated feelings, the AAPI CRG immediately made me feel welcome upon joining. The CRG has allowed me to meet many other AAPI members who have very fascinating backgrounds and upbringings and has helped me understand the nuances of this identity much better.

Could you share some of your favorite events or initiatives organized by the AAPI CRG?

I enjoy the spotlight feature that we do for every AAPI meeting! Our CRG champions have done a great job of giving space and highlighting different AAPI members so the whole group can learn more about them. Also, I missed the in-person and virtual Lunar New Year celebration because I was on parental leave, but I would like to make it next year! ??

What advice would you give young AAPI professionals who are just starting their careers and may face unique challenges?

To young AAPI professionals: Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself! The AAPI background can teach you to value education and hard work, but building other soft skills is necessary to thrive in professional careers – thus, network, learn and ask questions.

As we reflect on AAPI Heritage Month, what message would you like to impart to allies about the importance of celebrating diversity and cultural heritage?

To allies: Be mindful that differences or disadvantages are not always visible. In a company as diverse as BPM, people have various life experiences: they could have been raised under different cultures, English may not be their first language, or they could have been born and raised under different socioeconomic levels. They may also be neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+ or identify with other minority group identities. All of these experiences can be part of the AAPI experience. Corporate American culture should aim to accommodate these differences that are more than just skin-deep.

Learn more about BPM's commitment to DEIB here.