Where Are All The API Women Executives?
On February 25, ASNC brought together inspiring Asian Pacific Islander (API) women from across the technology, finance, and film industries. They shared their insights into the stark absence of Asian-American women in top-tier positions. Speakers inlcuded Purnima Kochikar, Director of Google Play, Apps & Games; Anna Mok, Partner at Deloitte & Touche, LLP who was the first Chinese-American woman ever to be admitted into Deloitte’s partnership ranks; Leona Tang, Executive Vice President, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.; Janet Wong, former Partner at KPMG and Executive Advisor to Ascend; and Janet Yang, Producer of such successful films as The Joy Luck Club and the President of Janet Yang Productions.
Speakers reflected freely on their experiences, success stories, and lessons learned as women in their fields. They discussed data around the measurable boost to the bottom line for firms that successfully integrate women and minorities into their leadership ranks, and the need to enlighten their peers and superiors regarding this fact. They also reflected on the striking lack of Asian Americans and, in particular, API women, in Silicon Valley. Each woman emphasized the importance of building a robust support system, both at home and at work, not only among their superiors but also with their peers; the perils of having limiting beliefs regarding one’s potential generated by traditional social conditioning; the tendency to avert negotiations for a better position or for better pay; and a strong sense of guilt when weighing the costs of time away from familial duties and responsibilities. Each focused on the importance of both being a mentor and deriving mentors from multiple demographics, both women and men, so as to gain holistic perspectives on career trajectories.
Janet Wong, Purnima Kochikar, Anna Mock, Leona Tang, and Janet Yang discuss why female and minority representation in upper corporate management lags despite studies showing that they benefit the bottom line: (7 min., 18 sec.)
If you missed the event, you can view the complete program below: