Tapestry Strings
Finding Your Voice: Navigating the Cultural Divide for Asian Women in the U.S. Workplace
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the progress women have made in owning their voices, speaking up, and advocating for themselves. Growing up, I always celebrated International Women’s Day, yet I didn’t realize until much later how cultural norms shape the way women express themselves—especially in the workplace. One of the…
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Lunar New Year Reflections: Enthusiasm & Traditions
A tribute to my roots, reminiscences, and reflection on values Honoring Traditions as Lunar New Year Comes to a Close Tomorrow marks the Chinese Lantern Festival, the grand finale of the 15-day Lunar New Year celebration, also known as the Spring Festival. I have always loved this name, as it signals the end of winter…
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From Birthday Feasts to Christmas Gifts: Lessons in Gratitude and Cross-Cultural Connection
Across cultures, how we celebrate milestones, exchange gifts, and cherish holidays reveals the values that bind us. These rituals are not just acts of tradition; they are expressions of care, gratitude, and connection. As I reflect on 2024—a year filled with both new friendships and reconnections with old ones—I am reminded of how cultural differences…
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Gratitude Across Cultures: A Personal Journey in Learning to Express Thanks
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on a topic that many Asian professionals navigating Western work environments might overlook: the practice of expressing gratitude openly. Growing up in East Asian culture, gratitude was something felt deeply but often left unspoken—a stark contrast to the explicit expressions valued in the West. This realization didn’t come…
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Teak & Tale 