Meet Sarah Yuen

A proud Chinese American with roots in Hong Kong and Guangdong, China, recounts her family's journey to New York City, where her parents sought a better life.

Personal Background: Can you share a bit about your family's journey or your own journey to US?

My mother immigrated to New York City in November 1971 with her parents and four siblings. Their first apartment as a family was on Eldridge Street and upon arrival my mom entered high school. My maternal grandfather worked in restaurant supply sales then eventually in Chinese restaurants.

My father immigrated to New York City in 1972 on his own. My paternal grandfather died of an illness when my father was in middle school. He left school to work various jobs to earn an income for his family. As the eldest son of seven siblings, he had to bear a lot of responsibility at an early age. Arriving in New York City in his early 20s, he worked in Chinese restaurants in Chinatown and midtown Manhattan.

My parents met here in the U.S. through friends and after getting married they moved to Queens. I was born in Queens but soon after we moved to Staten Island. My father was opening his first Chinese restaurant on Staten Island and wanted to live closer to work. Although I was raised on Staten Island, growing up we would go to Chinatown every weekend to visit my grandparents and see extended relatives. We would have dim sum, my cousins and I would play at a playground or at my grandparents apt., etc. On Mondays, on my dad’s “day off” my immediate family and I would have dinner with my grandparents.

Favorite Part of Culture: What is your favorite aspect of your cultural heritage, and why is it special to you?

Food! There’s so much rich history in a culture’s food and it can vary by region. Friends and family bond over and through food. Eating and smelling dishes can bring back fond memories, a place, and a time. There’s a reason why people have comfort foods! Cantonese food is big on seafood, roasted meats, veggies, noodles, and of course dim sum! Recently a lot more cha chaan tengs (HK style diner) have opened in NYC, which is exciting.

Role at the Company: What is your role at the company, and how long have you been with us?

I joined SCOA in August 2012 and I’m currently a Director in the Treasury Dept. My main role in Treasury is providing treasury related services support to business groups and group companies.

Professional Journey: What inspired you to pursue your current career path or join our company?

After graduating college, I briefly considered a career in international relations but decided to pursue a career in finance. I studied economics in college. My first finance job was at a brokerage firm then I worked at a New York branch of a foreign bank, then currently at SCOA. I learned about my next company through networking and applied upon learning of the job opening. I saw each jump as an opportunity to elevate my career, learning a different perspective in finance. After being in banking for several years, joining SCOA gave me a chance to really delve into finance at a large corporation.

Experiences and Perspectives: How do you think your cultural background shapes your perspective and contributions in the workplace?

I don’t know if it’s necessarily my cultural background as much as it’s the background of being a child of immigrants. What my grandparents and my parents sacrificed, the struggles they overcame, their successes, is what shapes my perspective and contributions in the workplace. No matter what challenges or stress I may face in my life, I know my parents and grandparents faced it a lot worse.

My dad is/was one of the hardest working people I know. He had to sacrifice his education, his dreams, to provide for my grandmother and siblings at an early age. Being the oldest of three siblings I carry the sense of the same responsibility and I feel that carries into my career.? A sense of responsibility to show up and give it your best. My father did not want his children to follow his footsteps in the restaurant business, even though he was very successful. So, I strive to do the best I can and achieve career successes in a way to honor my parents sacrifices. For each generation to be more successful than the last.

Challenges and Triumphs: Have there been any particular challenges or triumphs you've experienced as an AAPI individual in the workplace OR in the US?

When I started my career in finance, it was a male dominated field (still is) and not only was I often the only woman in the room, but I was also the only AAPI individual at times. There were times I felt I needed to earn a seat at the table, speak up to be taken seriously. To ensure my voice was heard and my perspective valued.

In general, overcoming the stereotypes of being an Asian American woman in finance, that I would be passive, compliant, then there is also the concern of any motherhood penalty.

There was one incident where at my first job in finance, on the brokerage floor one of the brokers was extremely upset over an issue with a trade and was shouting. I ended up being the target of his frustration on a trading floor of a couple of hundred professionals. I responded back to him calmly but sternly that I understood he was frustrated but he needed to investigate the situation closely as I was not involved in the transaction, but I offered to help resolve any issues. He immediately sat down out of shock that I stood up for myself. He later apologized for his unprofessional behavior.

Advice or Reflections: What advice would you give to other AAPI professionals navigating their careers?

Don’t be afraid to speak up and when you do, make it count. Observe, learn, and take action. Seek like-minded professionals to build your own network, it’s important to build professional relationships with people who can mentor you and can advocate you.