ALASKA – Alaska Region employees who are Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders are “bridging histories and shaping our future,” in alignment with this year's theme from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific Center and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Each May, the region celebrates and shares the stories of AANHPI employees who chose to work for the Forest Service and its mission of sustaining the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

While doing so, these fantastic public servants bring their expertise, knowledge and passion for natural resources to the forefront to help make a difference where they can. They do this alongside their authentic sharing of their cultures and traditions with others.

Sophia Hyejoo Lee is a Forest Service civil engineer in Anchorage, Alaska. She makes it a point to include others whenever she celebrates her Korean culture and heritage. "I love to share the tradition and history of Korea through foods & Korean holidays," said Lee. "I often invite friends over for meals on Lunar New Year's Day, Fall Full Moon Festival Day, etc. On those days, we share the traditional food for the specific holiday, the history and tradition of each holiday, and enjoy each other's company."

Chugach Tribal Relations Specialist Zayleen Kalalo agrees with Lee, acknowledging the importance of gatherings with friends and family. "Filipinos bond over their love of food and are known for their large social gatherings centered around food," added Kalalo. Our family parties are opportunities to host many people, mostly family but also close friends who are considered family. Everyone is an auntie, uncle, or cousin."

Helen Durisko, the executive assistant to the regional forester, was born in Manila and raised in the United States. She gladly names the traditional Filipino foods always present in her household, especially during gatherings. "Although I was not raised in the Philippines, my mother continued to cook my favorites—lumpia, pancit, adobo, and of course, for dessert, halo halo," reminisced Durisko.

The agency values diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Acknowledging the contributions of our coworkers, who represent diverse cultures, languages and perspectives, is essential because representation matters not only to specific groups but to everyone. Learning others' origin stories builds understanding and empathy.

"There are so many layers of Korean culture and history, more than just K-dramas, K-pop and bulgogi,” continued Lee. “There’s a rich history, cultural tradition and value that I’d love to share with friends and colleagues as well as healing our generational trauma by sharing those historic events, such as Japanese colonization, WWII, the Korean War, the division of North and South Korea and more."