AAPI Heritage Month 2025: Five Kyndryls share how culture drives leadership and resilience

Leading with grit and empathy

My parents left their degrees and established lives in the Philippines to build a new future for our family in Jersey City, N.J. Growing up, I witnessed their resilience and sacrifice firsthand. Their example instilled in me the grit, perseverance, empathy and determination with which I strive to lead each day.

Mentors who made the path visible

Seeing women, especially Asian women, in leadership roles enabled me to visualize myself as a leader. The fact that someone who looked like me could lead strengthened my belief that my goals were attainable. My mentors gave me guidance, support and a sense of belonging, which helped me build the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities.

Advice for future AAPI leaders

Embrace your unique heritage as a strength. Bring your authentic self to the table; your experiences, resilience and perspective are invaluable. Seek mentors who understand your journey and can advocate for you. And know that your presence in leadership roles reflects not only your hard work but also inspires others.

First–gen perspective

My brother and I were the first in my family to graduate from college. My parents left Shanghai, China, for a better life in the U.S. and instilled in me the desire to succeed. Their courage and values have inspired me to lead by example and work to foster a culture of respect and dedication within my team.

The power of proximity

Employee resource groups (ERGs) have been instrumental in my journey, offering visibility and sponsorship. Through Kyndryl’s Asian Pacific Islander Kyndryl Inclusion Network (API KIN), a business ERG, I’ve connected with seasoned professionals who’ve guided me through challenges and helped me expand my thinking and grow beyond my immediate role.

Advice for future AAPI employees

Embrace your heritage and let your background shape how you lead and make an impact. Stay true to your values, build your network and never hesitate to advocate for yourself and others. Your leadership is essential to shaping the future.

Dual heritage, expanded perspective

I grew up in two cultures: Taiwanese and American. Navigating the intersection of those cultures taught me to embrace curiosity and adapt to different perspectives — traits I carry into my leadership style today.

Learning by connecting

Through the API and Women’s KINs, I’ve connected with Kyndryls who’ve navigated unique paths and shown me that success in tech isn’t necessarily linear. My mentor and I share similar backgrounds. She taught me to be confident and to ask questions without fear, both of which have been key to my growth.

Advice for future AAPI leaders

Stay curious, embrace new cultures and get involved. There are always people around to help you and guide you, so don’t be afraid to expand your network and find your community. 

A global lens on leadership

Being Caucasian and Chinese, and having lived across various cultures, I’ve learned that respect, empathy and adaptability are crucial for leadership. In a world that can be full of conflicts, these values guide my approach to collaboration and effective communication.

Shared wisdom

Nobody succeeds alone. Mentors and business resource groups are essential for guidance and support. Learning from others and embracing different points of view has made me more aware of my growth potential and has helped me build my toolkit to tackle tough challenges.

Advice for future AAPI leaders

Create a vision, articulate that vision and inspire others to make the biggest impact possible.

Rooted in values

My family’s values — hard work, continuous learning and helping others — have shaped every step of my personal and professional journeys. Their values have grounded my leadership style and fueled how I show up for my team and community at Kyndryl.

The role of community

Joining the API KIN early in my Kyndryl career helped me gain the confidence and connections I needed to grow. The API KIN became a safe space to ask questions, learn from others and feel supported as I adjusted from school to corporate life.

Leadership through connection

It’s important to make space for real connections — when leaders show up, share their stories and stay accessible, it empowers others to see a path forward.

Advice for future AAPI leaders

The best lessons and opportunities come from the relationships you build. Keep your community strong by fostering trust and supporting each other.