Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 2024

In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs by highlighting the talents and insights of five inspiring Hera Hub members. Hera Hub, a vibrant community of diverse professionals, empowers entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

In this article, they share what they are most proud of in their careers, revealing invaluable advice and wisdom from their personal journeys. Join us in celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and ingenuity of the AAPI community!

Stella Roslan, founder of Bleedsafely

A broadcasting graduate and founder of Bleed Safely, Stella champions women’s health awareness in Brunei. She shares her struggles with period disorders like Endometriosis, becoming a leading advocate for menstrual and reproductive health in Brunei and Period Initiatives Knowledge (PINK) speaker. Stella’s initiatives include starting the Period Movement and representing Brunei at international Youth summits. As an alumna of the Academy of Women’s Entrepreneurs and an Advocacy Ambassador of the Pad Project, she continues to mentor and educate youth on menstrual health. She facilitates talks for companies on period-friendly Working Environments.

Breaking generational taboos

Cindy J Lin, CEO, Co-Founder of Hey Social Good

Dr. Cindy J Lin is the CEO & Cofounder of Hey Social Good, a social impact data company working to revolutionize social good data for people, planet, and profit. Dr. Lin previously worked at the US EPA, where she designed national standards, conducted cutting edge research, and implemented protection and sustainability policies to meet global and national environmental standards. Dr. Lin co-founded the San Diego Environmental Film Festival where she works with artists and filmmakers to tell stories about our people and planet to inspire people to action. In April 2024, she was appointed by San Diego Mayor, Todd Gloria, to the City’s Climate Advisory Board.

Connecting with businesses and inspiring them to think differently and beginning their sustainability journey.

Monica Emery, Executive Director of Center for World Music

Born in New Jersey, where she was raised by her Chinese father and Filipino mother, Monica experienced a wide variety of cultural practices growing up. Traditional Chinese and Filipino dance provided her a way to connect with the cultural roots of her family as well as the opportunity to explore her identity as a mixed heritage American. She has more than 20 years of experience working in organizations with international interests. Monica believes in the power of the world’s performing arts as a path to harmony among people.

In my career, I am most proud for staying true to my values. I’ve only worked for organizations that feed my soul and satisfy my desire to leave this world a better place.

Rachel Pangi, Owner and Producer of Group 1 Productions 2.0 Inc.

Rachel spent half her life in video production and have worked with a vast amount of clients in a multitude of industries. She started her first company after graduating with her B.A. and now own the successor company of the original Group 1 Productions. Rachel’s hope is to just continue growing in both her business and creative endeavors.

My career has pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could and couldn’t do and it has greatly shaped the person I am today.

Asako Okuma, Financial Advisor of LPL Financial

Navigating the world of finance can be overwhelming due to its complex jargon and numbers. Asako find great satisfaction in serving as a “bridge” or “interpreter” between this complex world and our everyday lives. As an immigrant, divorcee, and former psychology professional, she know how important it is to feel at ease with one’s financial situation.