And the richness of our FP Team...
In support and celebration of our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, we’re highlighting five MORE of our incredible FP Team members. Read on to learn about their personal heritage stories, and take note of some of their favorite traditions.
Jocelyn (Lagunilla) Miles, Associate Store Designer
Your personal heritage story:
I’m a daughter of two immigrants, a first generation Filipino-American. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philly, with my immediate family still residing in the Philippines. Growing up and being able to visit my family in the Philippines was really a culture shock at first. I wasn’t surrounded by many other Filipinos in my area, so not many cultural traditions took place. But when I first visited my family in the Philippines, it was over Christmas break - and Filipinos go all out! Dozens of capiz and glass parol lanterns were suspended above the walkways and we lit sparklers to celebrate. There was something in the gorgeous handmade lanterns that just felt so different from our pre-lit string lights at home. This first trip to my grandmother’s home gave me a sense of love and respect for my culture and its traditions. I still learn more and more everyday about Filipino culture and history, but I am exactly who I am - a mix of Filipino and American cultures. And embracing and loving both! I want to be able to take these beautiful traditions and continue them with my family.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
Leche Flan is a really memorable dessert that my mom always made for us on special occasions! It’s a slightly different preparation from its other flan counterparts from Mexico and Spain. :) It’s extra smooth and rich!
Here’s a great link!
Your personal heritage story:
I’m a daughter of two immigrants, a first generation Filipino-American. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philly, with my immediate family still residing in the Philippines. Growing up and being able to visit my family in the Philippines was really a culture shock at first. I wasn’t surrounded by many other Filipinos in my area, so not many cultural traditions took place. But when I first visited my family in the Philippines, it was over Christmas break - and Filipinos go all out! Dozens of capiz and glass parol lanterns were suspended above the walkways and we lit sparklers to celebrate. There was something in the gorgeous handmade lanterns that just felt so different from our pre-lit string lights at home. This first trip to my grandmother’s home gave me a sense of love and respect for my culture and its traditions. I still learn more and more everyday about Filipino culture and history, but I am exactly who I am - a mix of Filipino and American cultures. And embracing and loving both! I want to be able to take these beautiful traditions and continue them with my family.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
Leche Flan is a really memorable dessert that my mom always made for us on special occasions! It’s a slightly different preparation from its other flan counterparts from Mexico and Spain. :) It’s extra smooth and rich!
Here’s a great link!
Quoc Nguyen, Creative Tech Director
Your personal heritage story:
I was born in Viet Nam & left when my parents, 3 siblings, and I came to the US in 1975 during the Vietnam War’s Fall of Saigon. My father helped the US Army and was allowed to bring his immediate family to the US leaving all of their friends and family behind for a better life. We left our country on a US cargo plane and happened to be the last flight out before the airport was bombed. Now being a parent myself, I have so much more respect for all my parents' sacrifices and leaving everything they knew to afford their children a better future in a country that allowed us so much freedom and opportunities.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
One of my favorite things from my country is the áo dài (pronounced ow yai). It’s the national traditional dress in Vietnam, and a silk tunic with pants worn by women and men. Ao dài are worn for special occasions like weddings and including Tet, the lunar new year celebration. I love that its silhouette can make a short Vietnamese woman or man look tall & slender. I loved the holidays because my mom always wore her best or newest áo dài that she had made for her and I look forward to having one made for my daughter to wear. They can be very basic for the modest type or over the top embellished on exquisite fabrics for the fashionistas. :) Anyone surprised I ended up in the fashion industry? :) Above are some examples.
Your personal heritage story:
I was born in Viet Nam & left when my parents, 3 siblings, and I came to the US in 1975 during the Vietnam War’s Fall of Saigon. My father helped the US Army and was allowed to bring his immediate family to the US leaving all of their friends and family behind for a better life. We left our country on a US cargo plane and happened to be the last flight out before the airport was bombed. Now being a parent myself, I have so much more respect for all my parents' sacrifices and leaving everything they knew to afford their children a better future in a country that allowed us so much freedom and opportunities.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
One of my favorite things from my country is the áo dài (pronounced ow yai). It’s the national traditional dress in Vietnam, and a silk tunic with pants worn by women and men. Ao dài are worn for special occasions like weddings and including Tet, the lunar new year celebration. I love that its silhouette can make a short Vietnamese woman or man look tall & slender. I loved the holidays because my mom always wore her best or newest áo dài that she had made for her and I look forward to having one made for my daughter to wear. They can be very basic for the modest type or over the top embellished on exquisite fabrics for the fashionistas. :) Anyone surprised I ended up in the fashion industry? :) Above are some examples.
Jennifer Aston, Technical Designer for UOW
Your personal heritage story:
I was born in Korea and was adopted at 9 years old by American parents, my dad is German and my mom is Irish. I did not know any English when I came to U.S, but my parents helped me to communicate and understand. My father also worked with me every single morning before school and during the summer to help with my English and my school studies. My parents helped me so much all throughout my life. Without them, I would not be where I am today. By 10 years old, I was able to speak fluent English, which helped me to excel in school where I ended up skipping a grade! By 12 years old, I gained my U.S. citizenship! During my teenage years, which was also the prime of the 80s, I hard time adjusting. Everything in the 80s was excessive, the bigger the better. The best way for me to fit in was to wear tons of makeup and tease my hair, higher than 3 inches. It was the hardest time for me to fit in, but also one of the most sentimental times for me. I have so many bright and colorful memories, and I still try to adapt some of 80s fashion elements in my own style today.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
Because I have two children of my own, I have keen interest to get reacquainted with Korean culture, in hopes to pass on the Korean traditions. As I have gotten older, I have developed greater appreciation and interest in my Korean heritage. I started collecting recipes and cooking Korean dishes and comfort food, like Kimchi stew (Kimchi Jjigae) and seaweed soup (Miyeok Guk). We have also made it a New Years tradition to make Mandu dumplings for good luck. Cooking for me is one of my creative outlets. I love having family style meals and spending quality time with them. Looking back, I can say that I am very proud of my American upbringing and the opportunities it has presented me. However, I have not forgotten about my Korean roots, and I am so proud to have a voice in the AAPI Community!
Your personal heritage story:
I was born in Korea and was adopted at 9 years old by American parents, my dad is German and my mom is Irish. I did not know any English when I came to U.S, but my parents helped me to communicate and understand. My father also worked with me every single morning before school and during the summer to help with my English and my school studies. My parents helped me so much all throughout my life. Without them, I would not be where I am today. By 10 years old, I was able to speak fluent English, which helped me to excel in school where I ended up skipping a grade! By 12 years old, I gained my U.S. citizenship! During my teenage years, which was also the prime of the 80s, I hard time adjusting. Everything in the 80s was excessive, the bigger the better. The best way for me to fit in was to wear tons of makeup and tease my hair, higher than 3 inches. It was the hardest time for me to fit in, but also one of the most sentimental times for me. I have so many bright and colorful memories, and I still try to adapt some of 80s fashion elements in my own style today.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
Because I have two children of my own, I have keen interest to get reacquainted with Korean culture, in hopes to pass on the Korean traditions. As I have gotten older, I have developed greater appreciation and interest in my Korean heritage. I started collecting recipes and cooking Korean dishes and comfort food, like Kimchi stew (Kimchi Jjigae) and seaweed soup (Miyeok Guk). We have also made it a New Years tradition to make Mandu dumplings for good luck. Cooking for me is one of my creative outlets. I love having family style meals and spending quality time with them. Looking back, I can say that I am very proud of my American upbringing and the opportunities it has presented me. However, I have not forgotten about my Korean roots, and I am so proud to have a voice in the AAPI Community!
Raymond Chan, Part-Time Store Designer
Your personal heritage story:
I am a first-generation Chinese-American, borned and raised in New York City.The story started in China, where my grandparents were born, and migrated to Hong Kong with 7 kids looking for a better life. My great uncle who already lived in the United States helped with the process of immigrating the entire family here in 1969. As a child, I watched my grandparents work extremely hard at a dry cleaner, while my mom worked as a seamstress and my dad worked as a waiter to raise my sister and I. Instilled in me from the beginning is the importance of hard work and with hard work anything is possible.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
One of our traditions or holiday is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival where we celebrate with family over a big feast and mooncake (must-have). The date usually lands on the 15th of September or October depending on the lunar calendar. Kids in Asia usually celebrate by lighting up lanterns and fireworks.
Your personal heritage story:
I am a first-generation Chinese-American, borned and raised in New York City.The story started in China, where my grandparents were born, and migrated to Hong Kong with 7 kids looking for a better life. My great uncle who already lived in the United States helped with the process of immigrating the entire family here in 1969. As a child, I watched my grandparents work extremely hard at a dry cleaner, while my mom worked as a seamstress and my dad worked as a waiter to raise my sister and I. Instilled in me from the beginning is the importance of hard work and with hard work anything is possible.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
One of our traditions or holiday is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival where we celebrate with family over a big feast and mooncake (must-have). The date usually lands on the 15th of September or October depending on the lunar calendar. Kids in Asia usually celebrate by lighting up lanterns and fireworks.
Sam Thlang, Senior Technical Designer
Your personal heritage story:
I was born on a mountain at a refugee camp in Cambodia but was forced to migrate from refugee camp to refugee camp due to the Khmer Rouge reign in Cambodia. My family was sponsored to America by a family friend when I was at the age of 11. We settled in Long Beach, California upon arriving to America. One of my fondest memory of Long Beach was purchasing churros for 25 cents at the flea market. Now I share my love of churros with my children at Costco but at $1.49 a churro. My family moved to Rhode Island when I was 15 where I experienced snow for the 1st time. I thought it was very odd, especially coming from the warm weathered Cambodia and California. I did not really understand it, but adapted to the cold and snow quickly. On my very 1st day of work after graduating from college, I met my husband in Boston. We moved to Philly in 2008, settled into a home, had 2 young boys, and a garden full of flowers and herbs.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
I would like to share one of my favorite Cambodian (Khmer) traditional spice, “Kroeung.” Kroeung is a mixture of spices consisting of lemongrass, garlic, galangal, turmeric and kaffir lime leaves. Kroeung is a staple in every Cambodian household. Kroeung can be used in many ways -- curry, marinade for meat/ tofu, soup and stir fry. Like seriously, it’s so good. I normally make enough of the mixture to last for about 6 to 7 months.
Your personal heritage story:
I was born on a mountain at a refugee camp in Cambodia but was forced to migrate from refugee camp to refugee camp due to the Khmer Rouge reign in Cambodia. My family was sponsored to America by a family friend when I was at the age of 11. We settled in Long Beach, California upon arriving to America. One of my fondest memory of Long Beach was purchasing churros for 25 cents at the flea market. Now I share my love of churros with my children at Costco but at $1.49 a churro. My family moved to Rhode Island when I was 15 where I experienced snow for the 1st time. I thought it was very odd, especially coming from the warm weathered Cambodia and California. I did not really understand it, but adapted to the cold and snow quickly. On my very 1st day of work after graduating from college, I met my husband in Boston. We moved to Philly in 2008, settled into a home, had 2 young boys, and a garden full of flowers and herbs.
What you’d like to share that’s reflective of your heritage:
I would like to share one of my favorite Cambodian (Khmer) traditional spice, “Kroeung.” Kroeung is a mixture of spices consisting of lemongrass, garlic, galangal, turmeric and kaffir lime leaves. Kroeung is a staple in every Cambodian household. Kroeung can be used in many ways -- curry, marinade for meat/ tofu, soup and stir fry. Like seriously, it’s so good. I normally make enough of the mixture to last for about 6 to 7 months.
