In recognizing the uniqueness and diversity woven into the fabric of our communities, Town Bank pays tribute to distinctive cultures, traditions, history makers, change leaders, and enduring contributions that elevate us all. In doing so, we also acknowledge the progress we need to keep making in order to move forward together.

During the month of May we celebrate the local and national influences and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islanders. I think of the thousands of Chinese immigrants who labored and perished to build the Transcontinental Railroad amidst challenging conditions and discriminatory practices. The Windy City is forever indebted to Kaneji Domoto, who created the beautiful and serene Japanese Garden in Jackson Park. The recent confirmation of Alderman Nicole Lee as the first Asian American woman to serve on Chicago’s City Council is both historic and significant.

Technology was literally the saving grace for keeping life and business functioning amid the pandemic, thanks to many key systems and contributions field founded or led by individuals of Asian-descent, including Zoom, DoorDash, Google, and TikTok. From anime to K-Pop, Tiger Woods to Bruno Mars — and Kamala Harris, the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American U.S. Vice President — Asian ingenuity has altered the societal calculus in numerous ways.

I am grateful for the richness and vibrancy that AAPI influence brings to the work we do, the customers we serve, and the innovations we share at Town Bank. For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor all that is unique, yet unifying, in our diversity.