US Bank celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

India Post News Service

SEATTLE: US Bank has spotlighted community partnerships and celebrated influencers who have opened doors for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the AAPI Heritage Month being celebrated in May. The celebration comes to life through sharing stories, fostering a sense of community and supporting business growth, the US Bank said in a press release.

Sharing stories: In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, US Bank is helping community members tell their stories through the Wing Luke Museum. The Wing Luke Museum and US Bank go back more than 15 years. Implementing a unique, nationally recognized approach, the museum leverages direct input from everyday community members who curate exhibits that celebrate their stories. “In addition to our 10 display galleries, our building is actually a historic hotel where Chinese, Japanese, Filipino and other Asian immigrants lived when they first came to America,” said Julie Salathe, director of grants and sponsorships. “Visitors can take guided tours in the historic half of the building.” US Bank employees also volunteer at events including the summer JamFest. US Bank has made a new $5,000 donation to support the Wing Luke’s Teensway workshops, in addition to existing grant funding.

Fostering a sense of community: Through a brand-new partnership, US Bank will sponsor senior citizen activities in May in Chicago, including financial education, hands-on learning and group activities to help seniors overcome the social isolation they often experience after moving to the United States.“Our partnership with U.S. Bank is ideally aligned,” said Selma D’Souza, executive director of the Indo-American Centerin Chicago. “Both of us have a shared goal to strengthen the community, and we need U.S. Bank support, including their volunteers, to make our programs successful.”

Supporting business growth: In Los Angeles, US Bank’s near-decade-long partnerships with the Asian Business Association (ABA) and the Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program (APISBP) create opportunities for the AAPI community all year long. For nine years, US Bank has made ABA programming possible to fuel the success of the Asian business community. “We are very proud to partner with U.S. Bank to further our mission and showcase emerging businesses,” said Dennis Huang, ABA executive director and CEO. “With their support, we allow our community to gain economic opportunities and advancement where they are often overlooked – by sharing information about access to capital, real estate development, minority certification and business succession planning, and empowering women-owned businesses.”

US Bank and APISBP will celebrate 10 years of partnership this fall, serving Asian clients through a broad continuum of services, including in-language business consultation and education.

“It’s been a great pleasure to work with an organization that I feel goes beyond just the financial support,” said Ron Fong, director of the APISBP. “Our partners at U.S. Bank provide speakers for our workshops in the languages we need and promote our events. We’re truly working in partnership to help serve our community.”