May Participant Highlight - Yunzhe Li

In this month’s Participant Highlight, we are featuring Yunzhe Li and sharing what Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month means to her.

Yunzhe has participated in Dress for Success San Francisco’s Career Wardrobe Program, Going Places Network Job Search Program and Career Coaching Program.

Question: What does being an AAPI mean to you?

Yunzhe: As a Chinese woman who was born and raised in China, I've always been proud of our rich, centuries-old culture. When I lived in China, I never really thought about the concept of being Asian, as I knew I was Chinese and was aware of the diverse cultures within China. However, after moving to the United States at the age of 19, I started to identify as an Asian or AAPI individual. It's not always easy to determine an AAPI person's specific origin just by looking at them. The term 'AAPI' unifies our varied cultures, and I began to learn about other Asian cultures as well, marveling at both the similarities and differences between them.

I believe that the AAPI community allows us to connect with one another and fosters a sense of belonging among its diverse members. During the Asian hate crime incidents, I was deeply moved by the resilience and unity displayed by Asians from various backgrounds, who came together to support and uplift each other in the face of adversity. It's in moments like these that the true strength of the AAPI community is revealed, and it's a testament to the power of solidarity that transcends cultural differences. This experience has made me even prouder to be a part of the AAPI community, and I am committed to celebrating our collective heritage and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Question: Why is it important to celebrate AAPI month?

Yunzhe: Celebrating AAPI Month is important for several reasons. First, it acknowledges the significant contributions that Asians have made to the United States since their arrival in the mid-1800s. They worked tirelessly to build railroads and pursue the American Dream, even in the face of discrimination and exclusion. By commemorating AAPI Month, we pay tribute to their sacrifices and resilience.

Additionally, AAPI Month provides an opportunity to educate others about the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This increased awareness can help foster understanding and empathy, which are crucial for combating prejudice and promoting inclusivity.

Furthermore, AAPI Month serves as a platform for amplifying the voices and stories of the AAPI community. By highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by AAPI individuals, we can raise awareness about the issues that are still relevant today and work towards a more equitable society for all.

In short, celebrating AAPI Month is vital not only for honoring the past and acknowledging the struggles of the AAPI community but also for promoting unity, understanding, and progress in our society.

Question: How was Dress for Success San Francisco helped you?

Yunzhe: Dress for Success SJ has been instrumental in my job search journey, ultimately leading to a successful job offer. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people who provided invaluable assistance in various aspects of the job search process. The encouragement I received from the volunteers made a significant difference and fostered a sense of community that was truly amazing.

This experience has inspired me to give back and support other women in the future. I understand that being a woman in tech can be challenging, as we often face discouraging voices that question our abilities in technology or suggest that our primary focus should be on family life, especially if we are mothers. I am committed to helping more women overcome these dilemmas and empowering them to pursue their dreams and aspirations, both personally and professionally.

Question: Share a fun Fact about you!

Yunzhe: A fun fact about me is that my parents always considered me a troublemaker when I was a kid. One particularly memorable incident occurred on my first day of elementary school. My parents expected me to wait for them to pick me up after school, but I decided to walk home by myself, thinking that I was a grown-up and capable of making it on my own, an idea I got from watching anime. My parents were absolutely terrified, thinking I had been kidnapped or run into a car accident until my grandmother called to let them know that I had somehow managed to make it home safely. My mom often jokes that she nearly had a heart attack because of that.

For more information Dress for Success San Francisco programs, please email shay@sfdress.org.