Sharing Culture, Contributions and Challenges

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, four members of the St. Louis Fed’s Asian Employee Resource Group shared their stories, highlighted their culture, and described what this month means to them.

Praveen Ellappa

Praveen Ellappa, senior data engineer in External Engagement and Corporate Communications

Ellappa grew up in India before moving to the United States as a young adult. He has worked at the St. Louis Fed for five years on the Bank’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) team. Ellappa is also a co-chair of the Asian ERG.

Why is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month important to you?

Being a South Indian, I was raised in a culture to be humble and not to argue with elders, which often can be misunderstood as being weak. AAPI Heritage Month gives an opportunity for people like me to share our culture and display who we really are.

What family tradition are you most fond of?

Diwali is one of India’s biggest festivals. It’s called the “festival of lights,” which is a celebration of the win of good over evil. All our family members meet and have delicious food and wear new, traditional Indian clothes. Bursting firecrackers is one of my favorite activities on that day.

What is an example of a challenge that you have experienced and overcome as an Asian American?

I was born and raised in India, so when I have a social conversation with individuals who are not from India, it is difficult for me to explain who I am, my likes, my dislikes, and to find topics in common. To overcome this challenge, I have tried to learn more about  popular topics like sports, politics, etc., which has helped me to initiate conversations and build relationships.

What do you enjoy most about working at the St. Louis Fed?

I feel a sense of appreciation and security at the Bank. The feeling of working at a Bank that is central to America’s economy is immeasurable.

Winnie Huang

Winnie Huang, senior QA automation engineer in Information Technology

Huang grew up in the United States. Her immediate and extended family members have Chinese roots. She has worked at the St. Louis Fed for five years and currently serves on the Treasury Technology Services team.

Why is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month important to you?

AAPI Heritage Month recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander contributions to America. It celebrates where we came from, highlights challenges we’ve faced throughout the years, and emphasizes the fact that we have come a long way.

Each of us has a unique voice and place in America, and having a month that is dedicated to us is a good way to bring exposure to us and our community. Whether this month helps others dive into AAPI history, support local businesses and events, or initiate conversations to help others learn about our different cultures, I am grateful for the opportunities it brings.

What family tradition are you most fond of?

As a Chinese American, I enjoy gathering with family around the dinner table to eat auspicious food on Lunar New Year’s Eve. There are a lot of different dishes that are eaten specifically on Lunar New Year’s Eve to bring happiness, health and prosperity into the next year. For example, we may eat steamed fish (in Cantonese, the word fish sounds like “surplus”), Hainanese chicken (symbolizes wholeness) and/or mandarin oranges (in Cantonese, the word orange sounds like “gold”).

What is an example of a challenge that you have experienced and overcome as an Asian American?

The biggest challenge for me was learning how to appreciate and embrace my Asian roots. I went to a grade school in St. Louis where my brother and I were the only Asian Americans in the entire building. I was constantly bullied because I looked different than everyone else. I used to do things in an attempt to fit in more, such as respond to my mom in English after she spoke to me in Cantonese or ask her to buy me a Lunchable to bring to a field trip after she had already bought me a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). Now, I am proud to speak my first language every chance I get, and I eat Asian food anywhere and everywhere.

What do you enjoy most about working at the St. Louis Fed?

What I enjoy most about working at the St. Louis Fed is all of the opportunities available to me to grow as an individual and professional in a challenging but rewarding environment.

Aslam Sait

Aslam Sait, senior product owner in Treasury Operations

Sait grew up in South India before coming to the United States in 2001. He is the product owner of the St. Louis Fed’s Bank Management System under Revenue Collection Management for the U.S. Treasury.

Why is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month important to you?

I was born and raised in a small town in South India where family values, traditions, a sense of belonging and togetherness is at the core of our daily lives. By sharing stories and cultures, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month brings these values to the forefront and celebrates the diversity of the USA.

What family tradition are you most fond of?

During the holy month of Ramadan, we wake up before dawn to eat our morning meal and break our fast at sunset. The community gathers together every night for prayers, shares meals and engages in charity. At the end of the month, we celebrate Eid al-Fitr. As a kid, I used to visit my grandparents, uncles and aunts and they would shower us with Eid gifts. My kids enjoy the month and of course all the gifts (money and presents).

What is an example of a challenge that you have experienced and overcome as an Asian American?

I have not experienced any challenges of acceptance by society at large. However, I initially struggled with the cold weather and communication when I came here in 2001. I have overcome both these personal challenges by enjoying the beauty in all four seasons of the weather and refining my communication style.

What do you enjoy most about working at the St. Louis Fed?

I work with amazing team members and a very supportive leadership team. I feel like my work is appreciated and valued. The Bank is a great place to work.

Jun Zhang

Jun Zhang, officer in Information Technology

Zhang was born in China and lived there as a child before her family came to the United States. She has worked within the Federal Reserve System for 17 years and currently serves as an Information Technology officer.

Why is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month important to you?

AAPI Heritage Month honors the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to our history, society and culture. To me, it’s a month of appreciating my own culture and being proud of my own heritage and identity. It also serves as a reminder of respecting the cultures of others.

What family tradition are you most fond of?

The family tradition that I am most fond of is the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Each Chinese year is associated with an animal sign according to the Chinese zodiac cycle. For example, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. The sign of “Rabbit” is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

Celebrations of Lunar New Year traditionally last for 15 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival. Regional customs and traditions vary widely but share the same theme: seeing out the old year and welcoming in the luck and prosperity of a new year. The main Chinese New Year activities include putting up decorations; offering sacrifices to ancestors; eating a reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve; giving and receiving red envelopes and gifts, firecrackers and fireworks; and watching lion and dragon dances.

What is an example of a challenge that you have experienced and overcome as an Asian American?

I would say the pronunciation of my full name. In a lot of cases, people either pronounce my name wrong or dare not to say it at all the first time. A little trick: My first name, Jun, has the same pronunciation as the month June, and my last name, “Zhang,” is the same as the name “John.”

What do you enjoy most about working at the St. Louis Fed?

I always feel proud of working for the Fed because it is essential to America’s economy. The St. Louis Fed is a great place to work. I enjoy working with the talented and kind people in the Bank and always appreciate all the support, guidance, mentorship and friendship I have gained through the years.