Megan H. 

Employer Brand Co-op 

 
As we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and their global contributions, Toast's employee resource group, TAPIOCA (Toast Asian & Pacific Islander Opportunities, Community, and Advancement), recently hosted a powerful internal panel. Members shared deeply personal reflections on how tradition, resilience, and representation have intricately shaped their individual and professional journeys, offering profound lessons for us all.

Lesson 1: Embrace and Take Pride in Your Family's Heritage

There's immense strength and pride to be found in your family's heritage. Liz F. shared her family's inspiring journey to the U.S., sparked by her grandfather's pursuit of political asylum from the Kachin Tribe in Burma (Myanmar). His experiences taught Liz the power of storytelling—a skill that's been a game-changer in her sales role. As she put it: "A retail sales role takes a lot of grit and it’s been inherent in the way my grandparents and parents have worked their entire lives." That resilience, passed down through generations, fuels her drive.

Katie K. also emphasized the importance of intentionally honoring your roots. "I wish that we would take up space unapologetically and embrace changes courageously, carrying forward our own legacies that deserve to shine in every part of the world, every corner, every office," she shared. 

In a heartwarming example of how heritage can inspire everyday actions, Shilpa M. shared a cherished memory. Her father, a banker in India, worked half days on Saturdays. On those days, her mom would make "pitha," sweet fritters similar to donuts. Shilpa carried this tradition into her professional life. "When I worked in an office, I would fry up donuts on Friday and bring them for my team to share." It’s a simple, beautiful way she connects her upbringing to fostering community at work.

Lesson 2: Let Community Teach You Grace, Empathy, and Connection

Beyond shared stories and delicious food, family gatherings are often profound teachers of grace, empathy, and the lasting value of human connection. Liz F. remembers a simple yet impactful lesson from her grandfather: always be the last person in line for the buffet –  a gesture signifying the importance of putting others first. "On the retail side, I’m often chatting with single family business owners and I’m able to use those skills [to relate to them],” Liz shared while reflecting on how this lesson impacts her everyday life. “It makes me feel proud to get to bring Toast Retail over to their businesses and their families." This example shows how deeply ingrained family values can translate into authentic professional relationships.

Anthony W. also highlighted the critical role of support networks. He makes it clear to his mentees that "it’s super important to have a support network at work where people raise you up and advocate for you." It speaks to the collective wisdom found within supportive communities, much like a family.

Lesson 3: Understand That Tradition Exists in Two Forms: Values and Customs

The panelists clarified that tradition isn't just one thing; it shows up in two powerful ways: the foundational values instilled during your upbringing and the customs you consciously adopt throughout your life.

Bo H. brings this to life in his work with the multilingual onboarding team. The respect instilled in him by tradition helps him approach language barriers with patience and empathy, creating a truly supportive experience for new restaurant owners. As Bo eloquently stated, "I’m really proud of where I come from. I’m committed to honoring those legacies through hard work and respect." It's a powerful reminder that honoring tradition isn't just about looking back; it’s about applying those timeless lessons to build a meaningful and impactful life.

Lesson 4: Even If Parts of Your Story Are Missing, What Matters Most Is the Future You Choose to Create

Sometimes, parts of our personal story might be unknown or incomplete. The panel emphasized that what truly matters is the future you choose to build for yourself. Katie K., a Korean adoptee, shared a moving testament to resilience, rooted in both her adopted family and her Korean heritage. Despite growing up in a predominantly white community, her parents intentionally fostered a strong connection to her cultural background. She attended Korean school, learned traditional games, and embraced customs. While she might not have fully appreciated it at the time, Katie now understands the profound significance: "Being able to look back as an adult and seeing how they were building a foundation of place and understanding that I get to carry with me to this day." Her story powerfully illustrates how intentional efforts can bridge gaps and build a strong sense of identity.

Lesson 5: Own Your Achievements Confidently and Unapologetically—Let Adversity Shape You

The panelists also highlighted the transformative power of adversity and the importance of confidently owning your accomplishments. Shilpa M. recounted the challenges of moving between states in India, where language often created barriers and feelings of exclusion in new schools. This adversity, however, cultivated her tenacity and ability to quickly learn new languages, forging a powerful sense of adaptability and determination.

Adding to this, a common thread among the panelists was the encouragement for fellow Toasters to take credit for their accomplishments rather than brushing them off. This powerful message champions self-advocacy and a confident embrace of your achievements, reminding us that every challenge overcome contributes to a stronger, more resilient you.

The TAPIOCA panel powerfully demonstrated that our diverse backgrounds are not just personal histories but wellsprings of strength, empathy, and innovation. By embracing our heritage, fostering supportive communities, and confidently owning our unique journeys, we not only honor the paths that led us here but also forge a more inclusive and dynamic future for our communities. What lessons from your own journey will you share to enrich our collective story?

Thank you to our TAPIOCA Toasters for providing these insights!

Liz F., Senior Retail Account Executive

Bo H., Onboarding Consultant II, SMB Emerging Markets 

Katie K., Care Escalations Advisor 

Anthony W., Senior Software Engineer

Shilpa M., Associate Director Payments