AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Roy Matsunaga

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month

To center diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, we invited OSCPA members to share their experiences on culture and identity while navigating the personal and professional world. 

How do you define your identity and/or cultural background?
I’m a 4th-generation Japanese American. My dad is of Japanese descent and my mom is of primarily German and Polish descent. 

Do you have any favorite traditions or ways to celebrate your identity? 
I was raised in a highly assimilated family because my Japanese grandparents viewed assimilation as a survival necessity after they were sent to the internment camps during World War II. That said, I have fond memories from childhood of trips to Japantown in San Francisco to eat Japanese food and buy Japanese specialty items (manga, origami paper, anime, etc.) when we would visit my grandmother, and I love Japanese foods such as okonomiyaki, ramen, and takoyaki. 
    
How does your identity impact you in the professional world? Are there any aspects of your culture you incorporate in your work? 
As a mixed-race, culturally assimilated individual, I’ve never really felt like I’ve faced significant barriers because of my identity. That leads me to feel imposter syndrome when claiming my Asian identity, but it’s still an important part of who I am. One of my priorities is to use the position I’ve reached in my career to help elevate others from AAPI communities and make sure that they get the opportunities and recognition they deserve. 

Have there been individuals in your community or mentors who have shaped how you express your cultural identity?
Joe Jiang, who mentored me as a musician in high school and who I work with now on the board of The Slants Foundation to elevate AAPI voices in the arts. Tamako Hayashi, Audit Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche LLP, who has helped me tap into my Japanese identity in the workplace and get more involved in the Japanese business community here in Portland.

What can businesses do to better support your community? 
Be welcoming and be curious (in a respectful way). It’s important to foster an inclusive culture and commit to allyship.  

Read more on DEI 

Organizations
APANO - Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon
www.apano.org

Articles
PCC - Portland Community College Asian-Pacific Heritage Month Reading List
www.pcc.edu

NPS - Asian American & Pacific Islander Stories from the Oregon National Park Service
www.nps.gov