Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're featuring inspiring stories of our AAPI members who are shaping the future of accounting.
 

2026

How has MassCPAs helped you feel connected or supported in your journey?

MassCPAs has been a welcoming community that understands the unique path of building a career in accounting. Through networking events and professional development opportunities, I’ve felt supported—not just as a CPA, but as a whole person navigating this profession.

What does representation in accounting/business mean to you?

Representation means that when a young AAPI student walks into a room, they can see someone who looks like them at the table. It shows that this profession is for everyone and that diverse perspectives make our work stronger. For me, it’s a reminder that my background and experiences are assets, not obstacles.

What message would you like to share with the next generation of AAPI students and professionals in accounting and business?

Your culture, your story and your perspective have a place in this profession, and they will make you a better advisor, leader and colleague. Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask for mentorship and pay it forward when you get there. The accounting community is richer because you are in it.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your heritage?

I’m currently taking AP Art and creating a portfolio centered around my culture. Through experiences like visiting temples and connecting with elders in my community, I’ve developed a deeper sense of pride and belonging. Those moments helped me truly appreciate and feel proud of my heritage.

Are there any professors, mentors, or experiences that have shaped your path?

I consider my mom to be my biggest mentor. She has always encouraged me to be proud of who I am and to never let anyone discredit my abilities because of my heritage. Her strength and guidance have deeply shaped how I see myself and the future I’m working toward.

How do you stay connected to your cultural identity while pursuing your goals?

I stay connected by remembering where I come from and the experiences of being raised by immigrant parents. As I continue to grow and pursue my goals, I carry those experiences with me and hope to give back by supporting others in my community.

What area of accounting or business are you most passionate about, and why?

Tax, especially working with individuals and small businesses. I like how tax can tell the story of someone’s financial situation while also giving you the opportunity to connect with people from many different backgrounds. I’m especially drawn to small businesses because they allow people to share their culture and identity with their communities, which feels especially meaningful during AAPI Heritage Month. Through volunteering in tax, I’ve found it rewarding to see the relief and happiness people feel when their taxes are completed and when they receive advice that truly helps them.

Are there cultural values that influence how you approach your work or studies?

Filipino culture places a strong emphasis on family, community and education, which has shaped the way I approach both my studies and work. One value that stands out to me is bayanihan, which represents people coming together to support one another. Those values encourage me to stay dependable, positive and supportive in my leadership roles, work and academics, while always doing my best even during stressful moments.

What motivates you to keep going, especially during challenging moments?

I’m motivated by how hard my parents worked to build a life and career in America. Seeing their sacrifices encourages me to keep pushing toward my own goals. I also try to stay positive and not let setbacks discourage me by remembering the support I have from my family, friends and mentors. That support system keeps me grounded and motivated, even when things feel overwhelming.

What message would you like to share with the next generation of AAPI students and professionals in accounting and business?

I would encourage the next generation of AAPI students and professionals to never give up and to be proud of who they are and where they come from. My accounting journey began in China, where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees before moving to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in accounting and begin my career as an accounting professor.

Adjusting to life in the U.S. as an international student was challenging. Along with the demands of a doctoral program, I experienced cultural shock, language barriers and moments where I struggled to feel recognized and valued. Looking back, those experiences taught me that our voices, experiences and backgrounds matter. I hope the next generation continues to believe in themselves, speak up with confidence and never feel they need to change who they are in order to succeed.
 

What motivates you to keep going, especially during challenging moments?

Building an academic career has come with many challenges, from adapting to a new culture and language to building my professional identity in the U.S. What motivates me most is the support and encouragement I’ve received from the communities around me.

The Asian community helped me feel connected and supported, while organizations like MassCPAs provided opportunities for growth and helped me feel that I belong in the accounting profession. I’m also motivated by my students. Seeing them grow in confidence and succeed reminds me why I chose this career, and I hope to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to believe they belong in this profession as well.
 

What does “community” mean to you, both culturally and professionally?

To me, community means belonging, support and helping others grow. Culturally, community reminds us that we do not have to face challenges alone, especially as immigrants or international students.

Professionally, the MassCPAs community has given me a strong sense of identity and belonging. It has provided opportunities to connect with professionals, support the next generation of CPAs and contribute to conversations shaping the future of the profession. To me, community is also about giving back and supporting others who may be navigating similar challenges and experiences.
 

2025

What message would you like to share with the MassCPAs community during AANHPI Heritage Month?

I believe that AANHPI Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate how incredibly diverse and unique Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures really are. I would encourage people to learn about these cultures and all the meaningful traditions they have - not only to increase awareness but also because these traditions are genuinely fun and interesting to learn about. For example, Holi, the festival of colors, is a time where family and friends come together and celebrate by throwing powdered paint at one another; this always makes for a fun and vibrant time.

How has your heritage shaped your values and perspectives in your professional life?

As a South Indian from Tamil Nadu, a big part of my life has been the festival of Pongal. Pongal, which is celebrated around the time of Tamil New Year, is a time where friends and family come together and have a feast of Pongal, which is both the name of the festival and a South Indian dish. This concept of being together and stressing the importance of caring for the ones around you is something that has carried over into my professional life. I find myself being much more open to team projects and collaborative experiences, as that concept of togetherness is something that has been instilled in me as a part of my culture and heritage.

What’s a story or experience from your journey that you feel is important to share during AANHPI Heritage Month?

One story I often reflect on is my journey as an international student—navigating a new language, culture and system, while striving to improve every day. I came to the U.S. filled with hope, but also uncertainty. Everything felt unfamiliar, and even simple tasks became challenges. But I made a promise to myself: keep showing up, keep learning and never give up.

Eventually, I overcame language barriers, adjusted to new cultural norms and built a life here—from student to permanent resident. Through it all, I learned that resilience isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about continuing to show up, even when things are hard. I hope my journey reminds others that, no matter how tough things get, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel if you keep moving forward.
 

Is there anything you’d like to share about your background, perspective, or personal journey that feels meaningful to highlight?

For a long time, I was self-conscious about my accent. English isn’t my first language, and I used to worry people wouldn’t understand me or take me seriously. But over time, I’ve learned that my accent is a part of who I am—it reflects where I come from and the path I’ve taken.

Now, I focus on speaking clearly and with confidence. I’ve come to realize that what makes you different can also make you stand out. Often, the things we’re most insecure about are the very things that make us unique. The key is owning your story with pride.

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you, and how do you hope it is recognized and celebrated?

Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood and being one of only three Asian students in my school, I often struggled to connect with my Asian identity. Over time, though, I’ve grown more comfortable in my own skin—learning to appreciate what it means to be Asian and to take pride in who I am.

To me, AANHPI Heritage Month is about celebrating those shared cultural ties and recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of the AANHPI community. Entering a predominantly white industry can feel intimidating, but when organizations like MassCPAs make the effort to celebrate and acknowledge this diversity, it creates a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

How do you see your cultural background as a strength in your work?

Being a person of color has taught me how to adapt to different environments, approach others with respect and value perspectives different from my own. It also motivates me to lead by example and support underrepresented voices in the accounting profession.

What advice would you give to other aspiring AANHPI professionals in accounting?

Embrace your cultural identity as a strength, not something to blend in or downplay. Our diverse perspectives are valuable in a profession that thrives on trust, integrity and global thinking. Find mentors who believe in your growth, speak up even when it's uncomfortable and remember that your voice matters—especially in rooms where you might be the only one like you.

How has your heritage shaped your values and perspectives in your professional life?

My heritage has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, respect and responsibility—values that align closely with the principles of accounting. It’s also taught me the importance of community and giving back, which continues to influence the way I lead teams, support clients and contribute to the broader profession.