United States

Belonging – ELC Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)

Company Feature

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), a celebratory moment for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community as it recognizes and reflects upon its rich history of over 170 years within the American culture. Formally designated by Congress in 1992, the month of May was chosen because it recognized the first wave of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. (1843) and the contributions of Chinese pioneers to the transcontinental railroad (1869). Throughout the decades, the month has evolved to honor the broad contributions of all AAPI across society, including arts, culture, politics, and science.

To celebrate this year’s APAHM, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Asian Affinity Group (AAG) Employee Resource Group (ERG) has thoughtfully compiled programming to fit the theme of “Belonging.” This acknowledges that the past two years has left many in the AAPI community with feelings of grief and dismay at the ongoing anti-Asian violence and rhetoric against the community that has since inspired the #StopAsianHate movement. By coming together to honor the history, legacy, and contributions of AAPI, AAG aims to empower a new generation to become allies and join them in the fight for a just and equal society where everyone belongs.

The APAHM programming encourages the APPI community to speak up and share their stories as well as further builds upon the momentum following the recent AAG Networking Circles Event held during ELC’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ID&E) Week. The event provided opportunities for existing members to connect and new members to learn more about AAG.

Events throughout May include the following:

  • Glow from Within: Bobbi Brown and La Mer sponsor a fireside chat with Nam Vo (the makeup artist behind #dewydumplings) on her relationship with identity, her path to success, and inspiration behind her viral makeup trend. Hosted by Marc Reagan, Executive Director, Global Artistry & Consumer Experience, Bobbi Brown.
  • AAPI Champion in the Business: The brand cluster of Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies, sponsors a discussion with influential leaders in unique industries.
  • Pacific Islander Wellness: AAG & Kindred (ELC’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) that aims to strengthen community and safety, promote wellness, combat stigma, and advocate for inclusivity on the topic of disability and mental health) co-sponsor a wellness event with KU Project to share Hawaiian lifestyle tips ranging from fitness, health, and nutrition.
  • Asian Beauty Representation from Around the World: An engaging conversation on the topic of Asian Beauty & Representation with speakers based in North America and APAC to discuss their views on beauty trends around the world. Sponsored by Travel Retail (TR) and in partnership with AAG and TR ID&E.

AAG recognizes that ELC is in the unique position to influence and uphold values of respect, solidarity, and inclusion. As part of the company’s commitment to stand with its employees and the Asian community, ELC will also double match all eligible employee donations, up to the employee’s annual match cap* made to Asian Americans For Equality (AAFE) through the company's internal employee giving and volunteerism platform through June 30, 2022.

  • Asian Americans For Equality*: advance racial, social, and economic justice for Asian Americans and other systematically disadvantaged communities, guided by Asian Americans experiences and commitment to civil rights.

ELC employees are also able to donate to Welcome to Chinatown, a non-profit organization that supports New York City’s Chinatown businesses and amplifies community voices that generate much needed momentum to preserve one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

AAG and ELC acknowledge our employees’ steadfast commitment in pushing for education and inclusion to advance our collective mission that celebrates the beauty in diversity. We encourage all to continue to use your voice, share your story, and join us in this powerful mission.

Signed,

Christina Wongbuphanimitr

Jenny Chen

Sriram Subramanian

Co-Chairs of ELC’s Asian Affinity Group (AAG) Employee Resource Group (ERG)

*ELC Good Works* will double-match all eligible employee donations (up to the employee’s annual match cap)** through June 30

We use cookies to ensure our website works properly, and to collect statistics to provide you with the best experience. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to this. Find out more about how we use cookies and how to manage your settings.

AcceptDo not accept