Championing inclusive workplaces and fostering a sense of belonging is what truly matters to us. At DB SCHENKER, we proudly celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the US and Asian Heritage Month in Canada this May. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and excellence, and this is a time to honor the visionaries and trailblazers of AAPI and Asian descent who have shaped our history and continue to shape our future.
In the US, the theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation,” recognizing AAPI leaders who have made significant contributions to our nation’s economic prosperity, technology, and social change. In Canada, the theme is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy,” celebrating the heritage and contributions of people of Asian origin in Canada. Our team members and leaders with AAPI backgrounds bring a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives that enrich our company culture and contribute to our shared success. Throughout AAPI / Asian Heritage Month, we recognize their achievements and honor the influence of their heritage on our organization and beyond.
Here are some of the inspiring stories from our AAPI / Asian Heritage team members:
Lolita Chakravarti, Director PMO, (based in Canada)
For Lolita, Asian Heritage Month is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the rich contributions of her parents and grandparents. “Asian Indian culture is rich and vibrant, and I am fortunate to be a Canadian citizen who celebrates diversity,” she shares.
Lolita leads by example and by encouraging others to embrace their heritage and be proud of their unique backgrounds. “Be honest. Be direct. Be authentic. Be proud of your heritage.” a powerful mindset Lolita lives by and one that she believes has helped her adapt to living in Canada and succeed in her current global role wi
thin DB SCHENKER where she works with colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
Anne Pascual, AMS Supervisor, Ocean Freight, (based in the US)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, , is like a “Pinoy Fiesta” for Anne, a time of celebration but most importantly a time to “come together, honor our shared heritage and recognize the valuable contributions to the country.” She emphasizes the importance of showcasing culture, traditions, and achievements during this month and encourages companies to provide platforms for employees to share their stories. Anne also encourages young AAPI professionals to be assertive and share their unique perspectives. Her credo is “Seek mentors that can guide you and be open to continuous learning and self-improvement”.
Growing up in the Philippines, Anne was taught the values of respect, humility, and hard work. She believes these have become the cornerstones of her leadership skills. In addition, her “Bayanihan” culture, which means “communal unity,” inspires Anne to empower her team to work together in achieving communal goals and innovate new ideas.
Ian Rozmiarek, Regional P&O Business Partner, US Land – Americas (based in the US)
Ian views AAPI as a chance to share his experiences and culture with colleagues, especially as someone who grew up in the Pacific but is not of Polynesian descent. He believes companies can support their AAPI employees by focusing on people as a commonality and treating everyone with respect and understanding. “That’s the one thing we all have in common, we’re people, and many of us are more than any one of the things that make us up.”
Ian believes his upbringing shaped the way he sees the world, as Hawaii is a melting pot where many races and cultures come together. As a leader, Ian advises young AAPI professionals to work hard, ask for help, and lift others up whenever possible.
Esther Zhou, District Ocean Director, (based in Canada)
Esther believes in recognizing and celebrating the diversity and value that each culture brings particularly Asian Heritage Month, but also throughout the year. She emphasizes that a culture of inclusivity fosters a safe, friendly, and equal environment where everyone can thrive. This commitment to unity is rooted in her belief that “teamwork makes the dream work.”
She encourages AAPI professionals to never give up on their dreams and set clear goals to guide their journey. “I believe we can always learn from each other and make improvements no matter our role within the team,” Esther says. This openness to collaboration and continuous learning allows her to embrace new perspectives, drive innovation, and maintain a growth mindset.
Megan Moore, Head of Customer Service, Fuel and Special Projects, US Land (based in the US)
Megan sees AAPI as a time to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions. “It’s a reminder to honor history, recognize achievements, and focus on inclusivity,” she says. Born in South Korea and adopted by Caucasian parents, Megan emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and experiences.
Her distinct background motivates her to create an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can thrive. Megan advises young professionals aiming for leadership positions to embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and actively build relationships. By doing so, they can expand their horizons and cultivate valuable connections.
Promoting Innovation and Leadership
We are proud to have these remarkable team members at DB SCHENKER, contributing to our continued success and growth. This month, we invite all employees to learn more about the history, culture, and achievements of AAPI communities. Visit websites like Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month (asianpacificheritage.gov), The Asian American Foundation – TAAF | Together We Build (https://www.taaf.org/), and May is Asian Heritage Month – Canada.ca to learn more about the multifaceted communities and how you can get involved.
As we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Month in the US and Asian Heritage Month in Canada, let’s take inspiration from the resilience, innovation, and leadership of our colleagues. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future for DB SCHENKER and our industry.
