Amanda Lee

I’ve grown up in Redwood City and am currently a senior at Sequoia High School, where I am the president of the Asian Student Union. I play roles in some of the local tutoring programs, including Project READ and a local math center, and in my free time I like to try new recipes, read, and explore different musical artists. In college, I plan to pursue a biology major, with a potential minor in East Asian Studies.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

“AANHPI Heritage Month is an important month to me because it gives our AANHPI communities an opportunity to increase our visibility in our broader community, and allows us to take time to celebrate, appreciate, and reflect on our heritages.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“My heritage has played a big role in my upbringing, with influences in family values, traditions, food, my education, and much more. Being Chinese-American, my family celebrates a lot of Chinese holidays, such as Lunar New Year and Qing Ming, and my family gatherings often revolve around dimsum and Chinese banquets. I have also grown up learning Mandarin and bits of Cantonese, which has inspired me to learn other languages such as Spanish. I have always been proud of my heritage, leading me to further my interests in East Asian history, as well as founding a cultural club and becoming president of Sequoia’s Asian Student Union.”

Anny & Dave Tsay

Anny was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the US with her parents and younger brother. She grew up in Anaheim (home of Disneyland!).

Dave is a local Bay Area native, born in Mountain View and raised in Los Altos Hills. They met while attending UC Berkeley (Go Bears), were friends for 10 years, then dated for another 10 before getting married, having their first child, and moving to their home in San Carlos all within a year. They have 2 girls, Charley (5) who is in TK at White Oaks Elementary School, Ripley (2), and Chewy (13) a shih-tzu mix rescue.

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to each of you?

“This month gives us both an opportunity and reminds us of our responsibility to share our Asian heritage with our family, friends, and community. When we were growing up, our generation was all about assimilation into the "American" culture, at times at the cost of forgetting our own Asian culture. We feel extremely fortunate that embracing the various cultures within our community has become the norm, and hope to continue teaching our girls about our Asian American culture.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“There is no one small thing that I can specify, since my heritage is part of all the little things I do everyday. I hope that my heritage has taught me the importance of family and respecting your elders, and to be open minded about everything, from food to not judging people by their appearances.”

Becky Tsai

“I am a Taiwanese American who arrived in Houston in 1974 and has lived in San Carlos since 1981.

I graduated from a Taiwan College majoring in Dance. I attended a Houston community college to learn engineering drafting and consequently got a job as an electrical engineering design drafter in a major engineering/construction company, Brown & Root, in Houston.

After moving to San Carlos, I got an electrical design drafter job in from PG&E in the San Francisco office and was transferred to the San Carlos office as a gas mapper lead. I was honored to be featured in a PG&E television campaign commercial which ran for several years for mandarin speaking customers. I have been retired since 2017.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“As a Taiwanese immigrant, I learned to appreciate and assimilate into American society. This was always supported by my Taiwanese heritage which always expected me to work hard, be kind, helpful, and generous. I raised two boys who attended all of San Carlos’ public school (Arundel Elementary School, Central Middle School and Carlmont High School) who also share the virtues bestowed by my immigrant culture.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?
“Recognition from CFSC’s AANHPI heritage month reminds me of how far I’ve come since my early days in the USA - the place was unfamiliar and I could neither speak nor understand English. AANHPI makes me appreciate and greatly admire the contribution of early Asian immigrants under hardship.”

Hannah Delizo

“I am Filipina American and a junior at Sequoia High School. I have lived in San Carlos my whole life with my mom, dad, sister, and dog, and volunteer for the community with the Youth Advisory Council. I teach gymnastics at a local gym, love to draw, and do dance at Sequoia!”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

“To me, this month means being able to learn more about my heritage and being proud of it. It is important to recognize how my culture has influenced my life and the community I live in, along with how far we have come. It is about being able to teach others about my heritage and explore it further myself. This month serves as a reminder to continue to celebrate the achievements and history that have been made by Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“My heritage has taught me to be proud of my identity. Being a daughter and granddaughter to immigrants has shown me to both appreciate what I have and always respect and celebrate my culture. Although sometimes I feel I have lost parts of my heritage, I try my best to keep recognizing how big of a part my heritage plays in my identity. I try to stay in touch with my heritage through art, symbolizing it as a part of my paintings.”

Ken Won

“I am Chinese American and have lived in the Bay Area all of my life, except when I attended UC Santa Barbara. After working as a computer chip designer, I got an MBA from Santa Clara University, and then switched to marketing at high tech companies. Currently, I work in partner programs for a software company. My wife, Sabine, and I have been living in San Carlos for 30 years where we raised our family ~ two out of our three grown children are working in the Bay Area while the third is in college. A favorite family activity is backpacking in Northern California, and I've even backpacked in New Mexico when I served as a Boy Scout leader. I volunteered with the Community Foundation of San Carlos for many years, most recently having served on the investment committee. At church, I lead a ministry team that gives grants to individuals who need financial support to change the trajectory of their lives. It feels good to give back to the community and uplift others who may not have the same resources as me.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“My mother is Chinese and was born in San Francisco, and my father immigrated from China when he was a teenager. They taught me many important things that have shaped me to this day, like working hard, valuing education, taking care of family and being fiscally responsible.

My parents took us to National Parks for annual vacations, and I've passed that love of nature on to my own family. My children have played many hours of Mah Jong with their grandparents and always looked forward to receiving red envelopes (lai see) at Chinese New Year. Every once in a while, we attend large dinner banquets in Chinatown for family celebrations and events.

Our daughter studied Kung Fu, eventually earning a first-degree black belt, and performed in the San Francisco Chinese New Year parade for several years.

I would not be the man I am today and my family wouldn't be what it is without the positive influence of our heritage.”

Pacifico Ruiz

“My name is Pacifico Ruiz, 72 YO Filipino American immigrant, a retired care home business operator from 1998-2022 & a resident of San Carlos since 1978.

I have been married for 46 years to Thelma Ruiz, with 2 children both born in Hawaii & 5 grandchildren 4 boys & 1 girl all born in San Carlos, California.

My oldest child is a Nurse Practitioner at Stanford Clinic-Oncology department & my youngest one is currently an Administrator our 2 care home facilities that provide services to 10 adults with Intellectual & physical disabilities.

My wife & I enjoy traveling & listening to music especially Jazz & Hawaiian music as having played music In Hawaii in from 1977-1981, before migrating to California to seek a better future & finally fulfilling a dream of owning a business in the care home industry ”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to each of you?

“The AANHPI Heritage Month will give the needed appreciation & honor to those who represent these roots for having made a difference in the lives of many people by contributing & improving their lives in the humblest way. ”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“I will always be proud & value my being a minority Filipino American immigrant, as being such, it gave me the strongest desire to embrace the opportunities that America offered & able to fulfill the dream that it offered. A big kudos & shout out to my fellow AANHPI, who likewise embraced the same route and & therefore shaped us to be the best people we are today!”

Pranita Venkatesh

“My name is Pranita Venkatesh. I was born in the Fiji islands. My family settled in California when I was 4 years old, and have remained here for over 4 decades. I’ve been married for 16 years and we have two children. My family and I have lived in San Carlos for 15 years.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

“It is a great time for our City to share our culture with the rest of the community.

It's a month of appreciating your culture and respecting the cultures of others. Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month is very diverse, but there are so many different and beautiful cultures that are worth learning about. Also, it's a great time to recognize the accomplishments and successes of those with an Asian-American background.We can highlight all of the positive contributions that our culture has given to the world.

May provides an opportunity to highlight those like myself who have Asian heritage. It reminds everyone of the cultural diversity in this country. I hope it allows our community to explore and discover what Asian cultures around the world have to offer in terms of food, language, history and culture.

To me, the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month means remembering our own history and being proud of who I will always be.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“Given, I was raised by my Indian parents, my values and character are rooted deep in discipline and modesty. As a student, I was taught by my parents and teachers how being disciplined would lead me to be successful in everything I do.

Respect and family are the foundation of our culture. Children are taught at an early age to treat family and elders with respect and empathy. I use those cultural values in all my decisions I make daily and hope my children will encompass the same values that I was taught by my parents.”

Sahana James

“I am a 13 year old Indian-American. My grandparents on both sides of my family immigrated to the United States from India, and my parents were both raised here. I go to San Carlos Charter, a K-8 school dedicated to student-based learning. I am a swimmer, dancer, singer, actor, and pianist.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“My heritage has shaped me to be the person I am today by showing me what I'm capable of. Showing me what I can do with hard work, but also, what I can overcome. Whether it be injustice or a random conflict with friends. Through my heritage, I know perseverance and strength.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

“To me, AANHPI Heritage Month means keeping your heritage alive. It means remembering your history, and how your ancestors and the past have influenced your life to be how it is now. It means community, and finding people like you, where you can find comfort and celebration.”

Shruti Goradia

“I’m Shruti Goradia, founder of Studio Anai, a contemporary Indian jewelry brand and Haats. Mom to 8th grader, Anaya, popularly known in San Carlos as  @AnayaBakes - kid baker + entrepreneur extraordinaire. Together with my husband Vishal, an IT professional, we’ve loved living in San Carlos for the past 6 years and truly feel like we’ve found our community and home - away from home (India). We're an outdoorsy, sporty, fun loving family who loves to travel and try new things.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

“AANHPI to me means celebrating the sentiment of eastern culture. It’s about going back to my roots by understanding what’s meaningful to ME. While growing up, I blindly followed certain customs and rituals, and wore certain things - because it was the norm. Today, I’ve a newfound respect and appreciation for them as I now UNDERSTAND them. I’ve been marveling at the science and thorough thoughtfulness behind the Why for certain practices, crafts and traditions. While yoga, golden milk, block printing, slow fashion are now a fad - the science (and know-how) behind them is ancient and rooted in my culture. Learning about them (thanks to their popularity in the US) brings them closer to my heart and further helps me mold my being.”

Sufi Kaul

“I’m a teenager, high school student, musician, and Bharatanatyam dancer. I’m a first generation Indian-American, daughter to Indian immigrants who came to the U.S. for higher education and greater opportunities. I enjoy volunteering in the community as a tutor for Healthy Cities as well as an Alternate Member on San Carlos’s Youth Advisory Council.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

“AANHPI Heritage Month, to me, is an opportunity to honor our community and its collective diversity. This country is home to a variety of ethnicities, cultural traditions, languages, and religions that are represented in the acronym AANHPI. These communities' shared history in America has paved the way for the opportunities and civil liberties I hold today. I value our ancestors' struggles in this country and believe this month stands as a celebration of our strength but also a spotlight for the continued work that needs to be done.

One of the ways I have engaged with my AANHPI heritage is through Bharatanatyam. This is an Indian classical dance form that originated in South India 2,500 years ago. I have taken classes since the age of five and it has been a foundational experience in understanding and appreciating my cultural roots through the medium of music, story, dance, and drama.

Being a minority student, who was judged for my visible identity, exposed me at an early age to the space AANHPI community occupies in American society. I am hyper aware of the hatred and discrimination we sometimes face as I continue my journey from childhood through my teen years to becoming a young adult. My heritage, as an AANHPI community member, has deeply influenced my worldview and sparked my curiosity.”

Venetia Young

“I am a second generation, Chinese-American raised in a corner grocery store in West Oakland. I graduated UC Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare. My professional life includes ERP software sales, education and fundraising for nonprofit organizations. As one of the 1991 Oakland Firestorm Survivors, I ended up in the “City of Good Living.” I am blessed to have raised two successful, adult children, Aryn and Griffin who attended Heather Elementary, Tierra Linda Middle and Carlmont High School. My husband John and I have committed our lives to community service and “Paying It Forward.” We are lifelong Lions International Club members and are very involved in the San Carlos Lions Club. For the past 12 years, I have been a teacher in the San Carlos School District.”

What does AANHPI Heritage Month mean to you?

"It is a time to be aware and celebrate the rich heritage, customs, traditions and great cuisine of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Traditionally, history taught in schools did not really share the trials, tribulations and hardships that this group encountered in assimilating to the Americas. It wasn’t until 1977 (I was already in college) that Congress voted to celebrate the month of May to be “Asian/Pacific Heritage” month. As a minority female who started a small business in Downtown Oakland in 1980, I totally experienced discrimination. The COVID-19 Pandemic, impacted the entire world, but here in the United States and especially California we had to gain empathy over attacks to American minorities. We saw fellow humans against “Black Lives Matter” and “Stop Asian Hate”; I joined the mantra. What happened to civil rights? Did we go backwards? These are the reasons I am so passionate about spreading the legacy that Asians have made and will continue to leave.”

How has your heritage shaped you to be the person you are today?

“Growing up, my paternal grandparents lived with us. Being an only child, it was imperative that I learned how to speak Cantonese. Today, I am so thankful that I am fluent and can communicate with Chinese folks who are just coming to this country. I was so passionate and dedicated to the Asian Community of Oakland; I was instrumental in getting the Oakland Chamber of Commerce to be a viable and visible venue to grow Chinatown businesses and be involved with the re-growth of Downtown Oakland. I was the first Executive Director of the Chamber in the late 1980’s. I produced the first Oakland Chinatown Street Fest that now celebrates each August. Over 100,000 people attend over a two-day weekend. Being involved with the San Carlos Lions (Lions Club International,) there are endless opportunities to give back to our community. Kindness matters and let’s celebrate AANHPI month!”