AAPI Heritage Month With ERG Leadership

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with ERG Leadership: Nhi Nguyen, Lorelei Hosmillo, and Kim Mayer

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. This year, Legacy's AAPI Employee Resource Group is proud to share stories of leadership, resilience and identity in the workplace from a few members. This is just one of many stories.

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As Legacy continues its celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage, the AAPI ERG Leadership – Nhi Nguyen, Lorelei Hosmillo, and Kim Mayer – shared their perspectives on the national theme for 2025 AAPI Heritage Month –  a Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.

What does “a legacy of leadership and resilience” mean to you and how has it guided your path?

Nhi Nguyen: To me, this theme encompasses the essence of enduring strength, determination, and the ability to inspire and guide others through the tumultuous landscapes of life. This concept has been a guiding beacon in my own journey, shaping my actions, decisions, and the way I interact with those around me.

In times of uncertainty, leadership is not just about holding a position of authority; it is about understanding our own values and goals. This self-awareness is crucial as it forms the foundation upon which we can navigate our path. When we have a clear sense of what we stand for and what we aim to achieve, we can make informed decisions that align with our core principles. This clarity allows us to act as role models, demonstrating resilience and unwavering commitment in the face of challenges.

My personal journey has taught me that knowing one's values and goals is the first step towards effective leadership. It is this understanding that enables us to remain steadfast and composed when faced with adversity. By embodying these principles, we can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of resilience and strength within our communities.

Lorelei Hosmillo: Resilience for me means going with the times, constantly making adaptations and changes, learning new ways to improve our skills and sharing the same with team members.

These perspectives have guided me to strive to be a better team player, not only through teaching others what I know, but allowing myself to learn from others as well. They have also encouraged me to strive to be a better listener. The Dalai Lama once said, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” This is still hard for me, but I am trying. 

Kim Mayer: A legacy of leadership and resilience is a theme that I haven't before considered having a connection with – I’ve always been the listener in the back of the room, providing support in small ways to the leader. The idea of being a leader [for this ERG] was terrifying (still is a little bit), and I couldn’t see myself volunteering to be one. I was convinced it would be too much, or I did not have what a leader needed to be.  

Looking back, I realize that I often ended up as an “accidental leader”. Initially I just wanted to educate myself; however, I eventually shared what I learned and taught my peers. Other times, I’d take on situations that I was unprepared for but stepped up to do anyway. Even though these experiences were stressful, or the outcome wasn’t what I expected, they taught me how to be resilient, adaptable, and a little less terrified if I did make a mistake – because I knew what to expect for the next time.

How do you define the role of a leader? 

Nhi Nguyen: Being a leader is not a static role; it is a dynamic process that requires constant growth and self-improvement. This drive to continuously learn and better myself has been a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. By seeking out new knowledge, skills, and experiences, I can enhance my ability to lead effectively and make a positive impact on the Employee Resource Group (ERG) and its members.

Leadership, to me, is a commitment to lifelong learning. It is about recognizing that there is always room for improvement and actively seeking opportunities to grow. This mindset not only benefits me personally but also has a profound impact on those I lead. By demonstrating a commitment to self-improvement, I can inspire others to pursue their own development, fostering a culture of continuous growth and resilience within the ERG.

Lorelei Hosmillo: For me, leadership means giving service to others. We are the shepherds of our herds, guiding the way through learned skills and past experiences for a more efficient outcome. As leaders, we work in tandem with our members, making sure our members' skills are being used and highlighted. Leadership also means allowing innovative ideas from everyone on the team for better success and working together to achieve our goals.

Kim Mayer: My "Aha” moment was realizing that leadership can be found in everybody, and we can lead in so many ways – a leader is someone who shares whatever strengths they have so others can succeed. Building upon new or unexpected situations is now a part of my story. Instead of trying to avoid difficult situations, I try my best to assess, navigate and remain optimistic. In the end, I am hopefully a bit wiser, have gained new friendships that I made along the way, and maybe even have an exciting story to tell.  

Joining Legacy and beginning my journey in continuing medical education, and now as a part of the leadership team for the Asian & Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group, I see myself becoming an “intentional leader” now. My hope is that my story can be one of the many that inspires and empowers the next generation to achieve a thriving future. Continuing to learn and share is my small way to add to the foundation that will support future leaders.