Below, we highlight three of our corporate team members who share some of their favorite parts of their culture and how we all can learn more.
Connie Wang, Staff Accountant
I was born and raised in China and moved to the U.S. to attend college and start a career. My parents still live in China and my sister lives in the Bay area.
What are your favorite memories of living in China?
Convenience; I could walk five minutes and go to the plaza, shop and eat.
What are your favorite family traditions?
We celebrate two holidays - Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. We gather together and have dinner, including a hot pot and Mooncake. This also includes steamed fish - every Chinese family makes it. We steam the whole fish, with its bones, and take pieces off with chopsticks. Another favorite food I would eat with family is Dim sum. In restaurants, carts are filled with Dim sum and the waiters walk by tables so we can pick it up.
What are some fun facts about you/your culture?
How can others learn more about your culture?
Glen Balcita, Corporate Scheduler
I was born in Chicago. My parents are originally from the Philippines. They came to the U.S. in the early 1980s and still live in Chicago. My two brothers and I live in San Diego County.
What are your favorite memories of living in Chicago?
The food (pizza, hot dogs) and the city itself. It is incredible to see all of the architecture and it is different than New York City - it's more relaxed.
What are your favorite family traditions?
We are big on family and celebrating birthdays and holidays. We try to get the entire group together, not just some of us. Food is something that brings us together. Some of my favorite dishes to share with family are Chicken Adobo and Nilaga.
What are some fun facts about you/your culture?
Outside of Novasyte Health, I am a DJ. I work with my brothers and cousins to bring Filipino awareness to the community by hosting a competition event known as a Boodle fight. A Boodle fight is a term that originates from the military, where everyone gathers together to eat a meal, regardless of rank. We have had four events already and the winners of each event come together and create a signature dish.
How can others learn more about your culture?
I would say to keep an open mind and try different foods. Whether that is Filipino food or Guamanian food - try not to stick to the normal.
Rashmi Ranganath, Product Manager
What are your favorite memories of living in India?
What are your favorite family traditions?
What are some fun facts about you/your culture?
How can others learn more about your culture?
My family and I would watch many movies together, which is a good place to start. Some of my favorites are the Bollywood-style theatrical dramas. I would recommend watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which is India's longest-running movie.
- Enjoy delicious food at an Asian restaurant and talk to the owners. Take time to hear about their stories, obstacles they faced while building their business and learn the cultural significance of some food traditions.
- Read a book by an Asian American author. Each author's writing reflects their unique life perspective, no matter the genre.
- Share with someone that May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. This is a simple way to generate awareness and loop someone into the celebration.
