AAPI Heritage Month: Thoai Ha

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with Thoai Ha

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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Thoai Ha joined Legacy four years ago as a certified nurse assistant and now works in the medical specialties department at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. Her arrival at Legacy Meridian Park initially presented a challenge for Thoai as she wasn’t used to working in such a large facility. 

But she became more comfortable as she immersed herself in the job and made new friends. Thoai attributes, in part, that successful transition to her cultural background. She recently spoke about her experiences as Legacy celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the national theme of a legacy of leadership and resilience.

What traditions or values from your heritage do you carry with you in your work at Legacy Health? 

At Legacy Health, I carry with me the values and traditions from my heritage in meaningful ways.

Cultural awareness: Understanding my cultural background helps me appreciate the sacrifices and resilience of my ancestors, which empowers me to honor their legacy in my daily work. 

Community ties: Embracing cultural traditions strengthens my connection to the community and supports personal growth, allowing me to appreciate my ancestry. 

Quality time: Spending time with loved ones to understand their values and ethics guides my work and decisions at Legacy Health.

These elements help me integrate my heritage into my professional life, fostering a sense of purpose and connection within the organization. 

What challenges have you faced navigating your identity in the workplace, and what helped you overcome them?  

Navigating my identity in the workplace has presented several challenges, but these experiences have also shaped my growth and resilience. When I changed from a rehab facility to a hospital, I was completely out of my comfort zone. I had to adapt to a new culture, make new friends, and navigate a new environment. 

Initially, it was overwhelming, but I pushed myself to get involved in hospital activities and meet new people. Through this experience, I gained confidence in myself and my ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations. Another challenge was working with difficult patients. This tested my problem-solving skills and taught me how to effectively resolve issues and prioritize tasks. As a result, I developed key competencies, including patient service and time management. These experiences reinforced the value of hard work and resourcefulness, ultimately helping me grow both personally and professionally. 

Can you share a moment when you had to show resilience in your career or life, and how your cultural background helped shape your response?  

One moment that required resilience in my career was when I faced a challenging situation with a difficult patient. My cultural background played a vital role in shaping my response, instilling in me values of perseverance and patience. These principles helped me approach the challenge with a positive outlook and determination to find a resolution. Drawing on the strength and wisdom rooted in my heritage, I was able to navigate the situation effectively.  

In my life, I strive to give meaning to each day by fostering strong, healthy relationships with loved ones and friends. These relationships provide me with the support I need to overcome difficulties and stay grounded during tough times. Additionally, I focus on staying hopeful and building trust with my manager and colleagues, which creates a foundation of collaboration and mutual respect. These efforts, inspired by my cultural values, empower me to face challenges with resilience and purpose. 

How have you seen leadership within the AAPI community demonstrated in your own life or by others at Legacy?  

AAPI leadership cares about race issues. Cultural differences and the experience of feeling misunderstood can pose significant challenges for employees from historically marginalized communities, leading to decreased productivity and a sense of isolation. Recognizing this, AAPI leadership often prioritizes creating supportive and inclusive work environments where employees feel seen, valued, and comfortable sharing their perspectives and experiences.  

To foster greater understanding and inclusion, company leaders can take proactive steps such as providing training programs or workshops focused on AAPI cultural awareness. Encouraging open dialogue and active listening while promoting a culture of respect and empathy are key strategies for building bridges between different groups. By emphasizing education, awareness, and understanding, organizations can close the knowledge gap and cultivate a workplace that is more inclusive and equitable for everyone. 

In what ways has your cultural identity shaped your leadership style or the way you navigate challenges?  

Empathy, a cornerstone of effective leadership, is profoundly shaped by cultural identity. Different cultural backgrounds influence how we understand and respond to emotions, which in turn shapes our leadership style. My cultural identity has taught me the value of listening with intent, recognizing diverse perspectives, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. These qualities help foster stronger connections within teams, leading to greater cohesion and inclusivity.

By embracing cultural understanding, I’ve been able to navigate challenges with greater sensitivity and adaptability. Drawing upon my heritage, I aim to approach obstacles with patience and respect, building trust while promoting collaboration. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also contributes to creating a work environment that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to thrive.  

What does being part of the AAPI ERG mean to you?  

Being part of the AAPI employee resource group means joining a supportive community that fosters connection, advocacy, and empowerment for Asian American and Pacific Islander employees. It provides a platform for members to share their cultural experiences and career insights, while engaging in meaningful discussions that promote inclusivity and representation within the workplace. This group creates a sense of belonging, celebrates diversity, and encourages members to actively contribute to building an equitable and collaborative environment.