AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Shubha Joshi

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 use ‘Asian American’ as my identity and Asian Indian as my cultural background.

Do you have any favorite traditions or ways to celebrate your identity? 
I celebrate major festivals from India, e.g. Diwali with my friends from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have come to the US from many different countries. I also enjoy cultural practices like having an afternoon tea with a friend and other such nuanced traditions that give me happiness.
    
How does your identity impact you in the professional world? Are there any aspects of your culture you incorporate in your work? 
I used to be a software engineer and worked at a couple of tech firms earlier in my career. I took a hiatus to raise my children, and when it was time to go back to the workforce, I decided to build on my experience of managing two small businesses and become a CPA. 

The education part of becoming a CPA was easy for me, but when I went looking for a permanent job, I realized that the industry was noticeably white and my identity as a brown older female employee was a triple whammy. 

This was very different from the tech industry. I did manage to get ‘tax season only’ positions to get my foot in the door, which eventually led to a permanent position, and later my own firm. My persistence and resilience paid off and now I enjoy a career I absolutely love. I must point out that when I reflect on my journey and experience, even if my gender and skin tone would not have worked against me in my native land (India), age would have made it impossible to achieve a major career change. I am grateful that being in the USA made that possible. 

Are there any aspects of your culture you incorporate in your work? 
Absolutely! The inherent emphasis on family, community, work ethic, a desire to learn new things, and to be on top of current trends & technology is intertwined with my work and everything else I do. By servicing clients from my cultural community, I’ve also developed expertise in international taxation, foreign reporting, and creating my own niche.   

Have there been individuals in your community or mentors who have shaped how you express your cultural identity?
Not really. I feel that it has been my own journey, evolving with each passing year that I live in Portland, which is now fast surpassing Mumbai as my hometown.

What can universities and businesses, especially predominantly White institutions (PWIs), do to better support your community?
Representation and inclusion! Hire staff from diverse backgrounds. Organize activities for students and staff that provide opportunities to learn about global cultures. Promote networking events that appeal to diverse populations. PWIs should hire and train HR staff to take issues of racism and discrimination in the workplace seriously, if they arise.

Read more DEI centered Member Spotlights

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