Shaping the Future: AAPI Heritage Month

This month, we invite you to join us in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor and acknowledge the contributions, achievements, and vibrant cultures of the AAPI community. As a proud partner of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) with more than 70 Engel & Völkers real estate professionals as active chapter members in their local markets, we proudly take any opportunity to highlight narratives that weave a more inclusive, compassionate industry. Today, we are pleased to introduce three Engel & Völkers professionals who have taken the time to share a part of their stories with us. 

Lisa Song Sutton

What is your favorite way to honor and/or celebrate AAPI Heritage Month? 

I love the AAPI food scene that we have in Las Vegas—it’s really incredible. In particular, we have a robust Chinatown and Koreatown, with no shortage of amazing restaurants, each with its own unique taste.

Who is an AAPI luminary that would be your dream dinner guest? Why?

My dream dinner guest would be Connie Chung. As the first Asian and the second woman to ever anchor a major news network, I know she must have endless stories that I would love to hear.

What is a cultural tradition that is important to you and what is the significance of its practice? 

One of my favorite traditions is Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, which is celebrated in September. Traditionally meant to show gratitude and thanks for the fall harvest, over time it has become an occasion for family and gratitude, much like American Thanksgiving. I feel very lucky to get to celebrate two Thanksgivings every year.

What is an initiative, charity, or organization with a great mission that our readers could get involved with?

As the first Miss Nevada of Asian descent, I am very passionate about getting involved with the local non-profit community here in my state and across the Americas. I have worked extensively with the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Boys & Girls Club and would encourage everyone to get involved with causes that mean a lot to them personally. 

What is one thing that people can do to support the AAPI community year-round? 

One of the best ways to support the AAPI community year-round is by frequenting the small businesses they own in your area—they can be found in truly every industry. As I mentioned before, I love the AAPI food scene that we have here in Las Vegas, so I try to bring as much business as possible to my favorite local AAPI-owned sushi and Korean BBQ restaurants. Owning a small business is no small feat, and from one business owner to another, I take a lot of pride in supporting my community with my patronage. 

Lisa Song Sutton is the License Partner of Engel & Völkers Las Vegas Spring Valley.

Danny Wang

What is one of your favorite ways to celebrate your AAPI heritage?

Every year, my family’s favorite way to honor our Taiwanese heritage is our Mid-Autumn Festival at the end of September. This celebration is usually a BBQ with family and friends, and guests will bring and enjoy moon cakes as a sign of family and harmony. 

Who is an AAPI luminary that would be your dream dinner guest? Why?

Even though he passed away 16 years before I was even born, for me, it has to be Bruce Lee. Growing up, there wasn’t much Asian representation on television or in movies, and in Hollywood Bruce Lee was, and perhaps still is, the most famous Asian superstar. His name served as a commonality that helped bridge the gap between me and other kids. He was quite literally a fighter, yes, but he was also an immigrant who overcame adversity, found success, and made mistakes along the way, but continued to push forward to support his family. I think he was living proof that if you work hard and stay resilient, you can do anything you want to in life. 

What is a cultural tradition that is important to you and what is the significance of its practice? 

A lot of parents will have their children help prepare meals for large gatherings. For my family, my sister and I always helped make dumplings and Chinese meatballs. Now that I’m older, I realize how important it is to learn these skills so we can pass them on to the next generation. 

What is an initiative, charity, or organization with a great mission that our readers could get involved with?

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) was founded in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence. Today, TAAF is doing everything possible to reverse the longstanding under-investment in our community and address the root causes of hate and discrimination. The AAPI community has a tendency to not ask for help—with a certain mentality to “solve your problem, by yourself.” But the reality is that this is everyone’s issue, our nation’s issue. Supporting powerful organizations like TAAF that are motivated to find real solutions is how we get there. 

What is one thing that people can do to support the AAPI community year-round? 

There are so many countries included in the AAPI community, and I think learning something new about one of them—whether it’s trying a cuisine you’ve never had or learning a word in a different language—can broaden your knowledge of the world. This will always show how many of us are much more connected than we may initially think. 

Danny Wang is an advisor with Engel & Völkers Boston.

Phylicia Rodriguez-Chiu

What is your favorite way to honor and/or celebrate AAPI Heritage Month? 

I love trying new food places in New York City that are owned by AAPI folks. I am deeply appreciative of those who are passionate about sharing the cuisine they grew up on with the masses.  

Who is an AAPI luminary that would be your dream dinner guest? Why?

George Takei. I’d love to hear about his experiences, especially having to live through such tumultuous times and enduring the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In addition to his hugely impactful achievements in both acting and social justice, I also love his sense of humor and would love the chance to disappoint him with my cooking. 

What is a cultural tradition that is important to you and what is the significance of its practice? 

Lunar New Year is a holiday that is especially significant to me because it’s a time for family reunions. I love the feeling of us all being together in one house or FaceTiming with relatives in Hong Kong. As a holiday with thousands of years of history, Lunar New Year celebrations come with dozens of customs and traditions that are not only meaningful, but also fun for the whole family to embrace. We clean the house to “sweep away” the bad luck and “make room” for good fortune; we exchange red envelopes; and we cook symbolic foods that are either a play on words or are shaped to resemble money bags or gold ingots. 

What is an initiative, charity, or organization with a great mission that our readers could get involved with?

On top of all the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community is gut-wrenching to see. Stop AAPI Hate is a great resource to learn more about how you can stand united with the AAPI community. 

What is one thing that people can do to support the AAPI community year-round?

I think it goes a long way if people give AAPI narratives a try—whether it be written stories, TV shows, or movies. Even if it’s content that you might think has nothing to do with you or is hard to relate to, engaging with AAPI-written content opens the door for everyone to gain insight into the authentic lives, struggles, and triumphs of individuals within the AAPI community. It also helps you challenge stereotypes and embrace the diversity that makes our country so incredibly rich and strong.

Phylicia Rodriguez-Chiu is a data analyst for Engel & Völkers Americas

The contributions, achievements, and diverse cultures of the AAPI community have created an influence that is visible and invaluable in our everyday lives. By embracing and appreciating AAPI heritage, we foster a sense of inclusivity, respect, and cultural exchange. While we can use this month as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of AAPI cultures, it is integral that the work continues all year long.

Should you wish to learn more about the most up-to-date information regarding the AAPI community and the housing market, we invite you to join us at the  2023 AREAA Diversity and Fair Housing Summit from May 17-19, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

The post Shaping the Future: AAPI Heritage Month appeared first on Engel & Völkers.