By Julie Wood
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed in May, celebrates the contributions of the AAPI community to the history and culture of the United States.
To recognize PAH’s AAPI staff and community members, the hospital’s Education workgroup, a subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, spearheaded a month-long celebration with programs consisting of educational resources, specially prepared cuisine, and personal reflections.
“It’s important to help people understand and learn about the different cultures we have represented here at PAH through our staff and the patients we care for,” said Alison Shapiro, MSN, RN, CCCTM, clinical nurse education specialist and Education workgroup co-chair. The workgroup collaborated with the five other DEI subcommittees on programming throughout the month.
The workgroup coordinated an array of delicious menu items for Café 1751, prepared and selected by executive chef Sal DiPalma, serving longevity noodles with spicy pork, lemongrass rice, chicken coconut curry soup, and Indonesian chicken with Polynesian vegetables.
At PAH’s Spring Fling, an annual fair that highlights all the councils and committees at the hospital, the DEI Committee hosted a booth featuring a DEI-themed Jeopardy! game with AAPI-specific answers.
In addition, the PAH Intranet featured educational resources that focus on the surge of anti-Asian hate crimes in recent years, showcasing videos and blogs on racial trauma and healing. PennCOBALT held a Spaces of Color for AAPIs session, centered on the theme “The Americanness of AAPI Heritage,” providing a space for staff to share their experiences with racism and why they’re proud of their heritage and identity.
Employees could also share personal stories about the significance of AAPI Heritage Month which were displayed on the PAH Intranet and on screens by the coffee cart and cafeteria.
Anna Lee Sigueza, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPAN, nurse manager of Perianesthesia, gave a special shout-out to her cousin who migrated to the United States from the Philippines in the early 2010s to start a career in physical therapy in Texas. “She paved the way for the rest of her siblings to be courageous to seek out opportunities globally,” Sigueza wrote.
Rothmany Sisay, Patient Access manager, highlighted her mother, who is a survivor of the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s and currently serves as a member of the South Philly Cambodian Community. Sisay shared how her mother was forced to leave her home for survival, but raised her family in the United States to embrace their homeland’s rich culture and traditions. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her strength and courage. Don’t forget to thank our loved ones who paved the way for life today.”