We head south today as we continue to celebrate AANHPI month where we’ll find Vincent (he/him), community member at NP Orlando.
Who are some of the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
During my college years, there weren’t as many Asian Americans involved in professional sports, but I enjoyed following my contemporaries Michael Chang (tennis) and Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating).
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
I live in the same neighborhood that NP Orlando conducts its workouts. During a run about 2 years ago I met up with the group’s most senior member, Dick Ashby, who invited me to attend. The appeal of developing a network of friends while staying fit during a particular challenging time (but doing so safely) was very appealing to me.
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
I was less fit when I first started, so I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with “standards” although I quickly recognized that there were none needed. Everyone in the group was welcoming. No judgment. And having a set time to keep me motivated was just what I needed.
What does it mean to you to be an Asian, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander community member? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
I’m very proud of my heritage as a Chinese-American and yet also lucky to have the privilege of being born here in the US. I feel that having been exposed to dual cultures allows me to pick the best of both worlds that has shaped who I am. Having also lived in Asia during my teenage years provides a much broader view of the world, and there is something from every culture that we can learn from to make us better as a society.
Do you remember the first time you saw someone who identified the same as you in leadership (at November Project or anywhere else)? What was that feeling like?
Our NP group is diverse – from European, Asian, and American backgrounds. We all celebrate diversity, and treat each other as equals with common goals to keep our bodies and minds fit and develop friendships.
How do you celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
There has been more attention in recent years to celebrating this month, but for me, I just go about my work day-to-day in healthcare, working to make the world a better place. Perhaps at some point we won’t need a special month or day to remind us of this. We recognize the importance that people of all cultural backgrounds bring to make America stronger together. Diversity is our strength – every day of the year.
What else do you want people reading this to know?
I’m an infectious disease physician at AdventHealth, and the last 3 years was very challenging as I helped lead my organization AdventHealth through the pandemic. As we’ve emerged, I became engaged with government officials and recognized the importance that physician leaders play to also be advocates for other important issues. As a result I am highly involved in our organization’s environmental sustainability efforts, also sitting on our diversity equity and inclusion council. I serve on the board of Bike Walk Central Florida, to make pedestrian and cycling activities more accessible and safer in this area. Very proud of the role that NP plays in highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion.
