Celebrity Chef Christine Ha Helps Carrier Raise Awareness During Asian American Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
Carrier celebrated Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) American Heritage Month in May with engaging activities including a panel discussion with celebrity chef and bestselling author Christine Ha, the first blind contestant to win MasterChef. Carrier’s United Carrier Asian Network (UCAN) Employee Resource Group hosted the activities, aimed at fostering a workplace that is truly and genuinely inclusive, and where all employees feel like they _belong.
According to the non-profit organization Stop AAPI Hate, both 2020 and 2021 saw an unprecedented increase in the amount of animosity toward Asian American and Pacific Islanders. UCAN is dedicated to building “belonging” at Carrier by enabling cultural awareness, inclusion and an ecosystem for talent and company growth.
Carrier Chairman and CEO Dave Gitlin helped moderate the May 16 virtual event with Ha. “Understanding what it takes to be successful globally requires a diverse workforce,” Gitlin said. “We are on a mission where employees at Carrier are recognized for who they are, who they are as a person, the values they bring and their unique characteristics.”
Diagnosed with optic neuritis as a young adult, Ha was almost completely blind by 2007. But the disability didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams, and in 2012 she won the third season of MasterChef, a cash prize and a book deal. Her first cookbook, “Recipes from My Home Kitchen,” became a New York Times bestseller.
“We need to continue to have strong women, strong Asian women, just be given the opportunities to come to the executive table and give their input,” Ha said. “I think having more of these role models will make it more normalized and then allow Asian women to feel like they have more opportunities to speak up and speak out.”
“What sets us apart also brings us together – especially in our work at Carrier,” said Isis Wu, Vice President & General Manager, Global Residential Fire, and dual role Vice President, Fire & Security Strategy & Commercial Excellence, Carrier, and UCAN’s Executive Advisor. “Observing AAPI Heritage month is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unique perspectives and excellent contributions Carrier’s Asian colleagues bring to the organization.”
“All of the ERGs here at Carrier really exemplify our inclusion and diversity philosophy, and they really help us learn and understand from each other,” said Shondi Muir, Director, Inclusion & Diversity, Carrier. “They are helping us create a culture where everyone feels like they can belong, and they can bring their most authentic self to work.”
To learn more about Carrier’s commitment to an inclusive workplace, visit https://www.corporate.carrier.com/corporate-responsibility/social-impact/our-employees/.