Blackbaud Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

In the US and Canada, the month of May marks the annual celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The AANHPI community represents a rich ancestral history spanning origins in more than 40 countries, over 50 ethnicities, and over 100 languages and dialects. AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of the AANHPI community in the US and Canada, including their contributions to science and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law.  

The vibrant traditions and cultures that make up the AANHPI community can also be found in the diverse experiences of our employees. Here are a few of their stories: 

I am the first Asian-American in my family 

“Having the privilege of growing up around the world…shaped my love for learning about different cultures. Perhaps I was always meant to have a career involved in giving back to communities.”  

–Jenalyn Walton, Social Responsibility Coordinator 

 

More than a stereotype  

“In my small town where Asians made up less than 1% of the population, …the media and non-Asian community [said] I was supposed to be good at math and science. I was able to choose this career based on my actual skills and interests…not based on what or who I was supposed to be.” 

-Kathleen Glass, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

 

The perfect marriage of education and tech 

“I never saw myself in the tech industry…I found the perfect marriage of both education and tech…and the AAPI community has provided a safe space for me at work and another way to network within the field.” 

-Hanna Kim, Implementation Specialist

 

To learn more about AANHPI, check out these resources: 

• PBS: Are You “AAPI” or “Asian American”? It’s Complicated. | A People’s History of Asian America  
• NPR: The story behind Asian Pacific American Heritage, and why it’s celebrated in May 
• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: A Museum Without Walls 
• American Writers Museum: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Resources