This #AAPI Heritage Month, we're celebrating the incredible stories and cultural richness of our AAPI colleagues at Macy’s Tech. We sat down with Lan (Melanie) Zhang, Senior Project Manager in Merchandising Systems, to learn more about her heritage and how she embraces it at Macy's. 🎉
❓ What is your heritage (specific Asian country or countries)?
Lan: Proudly Chinese!
❓ What is your favorite AAPI dish? 🥟
Lan: Though picking a favorite AAPI dish is hard (so many delicious options!), I will pick dumplings if I must.
❓ Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies related to your heritage?
Lan: I love dancing. 💃🏻 Exploring and engaging in traditional dances allows me to connect with the cultural root of my heritage. I have taught Chinese classical and folk dances in local communities and performed in various multiple-culture events.
❓ What is a fun fact about your culture that most people might not know?
Lan: Lucky number – number eight is widely considered lucky in Chinese culture because it sounds like wealth. 🎱
❓ If you could travel to any country in Asia, where would you go and why?
Lan: It’s too hard to pick just one since I would love to visit many Asian countries which I have already visited or never visited to explore and learn more. ✈️
❓ What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
Lan: A world full of love, understanding, and harmony is everyone’s hope. I strongly believe AAPI Heritage Month highlights the rich and diverse cultures that make up our world, promoting understanding and acceptance of differences. It raises awareness of AAPI communities and their contributions to society. 🌏 ❤️🌈
❓ How do you celebrate and showcase your cultural identity in the workplace?
Lan: There are many ways I share and showcase my cultural identity at Macy's. For example, we organize team-building events where colleagues bring in various traditional Asian foods to share. Additionally, wearing traditional clothing to work and participating in fashion shows and cultural events allows me to display these colorful traditions to my colleagues.👘
❓ Can you share a story about a time you felt proud to be part of the AAPI community at Macy's?
Lan: Initiating and organizing the MTech Lunar New Year celebrations was a great experience. I felt immense pride observing coworkers enjoying and learning about Lunar New Year traditions from many Asian countries through cultural showcases like dances, music, decorations, exhibitions, and delicious foods. 🎊🐉
❓ Are you a part of any CRG at Macy’s? Can you name it and what benefits have you experienced being a member?
Lan: Yes! I've actively participated in various CRG events, including Lunar New Year, Diwali️, Black History Month, and Embrace's food wrapping and give-back campaign. Those events help me to engage and contribute to company‘s diverse cultures, connect with co-workers, and contribute to our local communities. 🎉