Together, we are stronger. This is one of the many lessons I have learned during my time being involved in the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Procore Technologies.
I joined Procore in November 2020 as a director of software engineering when the whole company was working remotely because of the global pandemic. During onboarding, I was introduced to our ERGs and joined Prism–which is now ProQueer+–and I discovered a thriving community that goes beyond geographical boundaries and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. I realized there was no ERG for Asian Pacific Islanders to connect and support one another, so I worked with a few like-minded Procorians, Joe Han and Neha Parekh, to start one. By mid-year 2021, it was fully established and today we have nearly 200 members.
ERG members enjoying Asian Pacific Islanders Heritage Month with a dim sum lunch together
Building Community and Overcoming Challenges
During the month of May, I collaborated with several of my API ERG colleagues to help our fellow Procorians learn about and appreciate the heritage and history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and how that identity intersects with the workplace. Through the topics we explored (Asian foods, Asian celebrities and public figures, travel and hometowns, and Asian American identity), we were able to dive into the impact of learning and supporting one another through our commonalities.
A lot of work goes into planning events for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. While the year-round focus of our ERG is to build community, create a sense of belonging, and help drive diversity and inclusion initiatives across the organization, we went into hyperdrive during the months before May. Procore is a global company with offices and, remote workers around the world, which means that creating events that are accessible to everyone can be challenging.
Recognizing the Power of Collaboration
We made the collective decision to host everything but lunches virtually. We learned a lot during our planning and execution stage. In particular, it reinforced the learning that when we work together, we are stronger. It wasn’t just our ERG members who were involved in making the series of events happen. Yes, we did the bulk of the research, planning and logistics, but it took teamwork and collaboration from others to pull it all together. When we can learn to ask for help and build relationships with others–when we can find allies to support us–we can achieve so much more and create a bigger impact.
Inspiring Conversations and Breaking Barriers
The decision to offer our fireside chats virtually was a great success. We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. Out of all the sessions offered, the one that had the most impact on me was the chat with Howard Fu, our Chief Financial Officer. As he shared the stories of his upbringing and career development, I found myself being able to relate to him so much and it further strengthened my belief that we can–and we will–shatter the so-called “bamboo ceiling”.
When asked by one of the attendees of the session for his advice to those who are hesitant to take on new opportunities due to impostor syndrome, Howard responded that you’re never going to be sorry that you took an opportunity that will advance you in what you want to do. And even if it doesn’t, so what? You learn from it. This simple advice has so much depth to it that we can all learn from. Growing up Asian, I know risk-taking was rarely encouraged by parents and our traditional values, yet staying in our comfort zones often meant watching opportunities slip through. It was such a relatable and powerful moment.
Representation Doesn’t Just Mirror, It Matters
Representation matters. Seeing Howard at the C-Suite level is a reminder of that. It’s a further inspiration to continue doing the work that I do with my API ERG members. When we can gather together continuously through the year and explore conversations, build community, advocate for each other, and be a part of the initiatives that help drive diversity at Procore and beyond, I know that something tangible comes out of it.
Each success story becomes a stepping stone for others, forging a path toward greater opportunities.
When one of us succeeds, it helps to pave the way for others. Because together, we are stronger.
Brian Ge
Director, Software Engineering
Seattle, USA
- culture & belonging
- ERG
