A Quiet Moment with Big Meaning
In October 2013, I was fully immersed in my dissertation, sipping coffee at a café in my Northern California neighborhood. On my laptop was a mindmap, and next to me were books and articles that focused on the intersection of identity, leadership, and culture.
Leading up to that moment, I had sacrificed many years in order to pursue my passion: creating inclusive workplaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can realize their potential and achieve their career goals.
On that day, I thought about the challenges faced by people at work, specifically women of Asian descent, who are navigating organizational systems that were not built with us in mind.
I didn’t know it then, but that quiet moment was the beginning of something much bigger.
More Than Just a Dissertation
Sweating through my dissertation process was not just an academic exercise; it was a defining moment that revealed the direction of my career. The work I was doing in that café wasn’t just for a degree. It was laying the groundwork for the purpose-driven path I would walk in the years to come.
From Vision to Practice
Today, as a Culture and DEI Strategist, I help leaders identify often-overlooked issues such as:
Cultural disconnects between beliefs and actions
Power dynamics around who gets a voice in decision-making
Talent development gaps that determine who thrives—and who remains unseen
Whether I’m designing inclusive culture strategies, facilitating team development sessions, or coaching executives, I approach my work with the same drive that fueled my dissertation: a desire to create systems where people from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.
The Journey Continues
The setting has changed from 2013 to the present, but my purpose remains the same.
What About You?
What moment sparked your commitment to the work you do today?
Here is a short exercise to get you thinking.
First, grab a journal or open a blank page on your device. Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and reflect on the questions below. Don’t think too much about it. Write what comes to mind.
Revisit a Defining Moment
Think back to a moment in your life when something clicked. You felt energized, or deeply connected to what you were doing.
- Where were you?
- What were you doing?
- Who else was there?
- Why did that moment stay with you?
- What strengths were you using naturally?
- How might this moment connect to who you are today?
- Write this sentence and finish it in your own words: “I feel most purposeful when I’m __________”