Civic Leadership Forum Silicon Valley “Diversity and Equity of Asians” at Cupertino Rotary

On March 6th, 2024, a panel discussion titled “It’s not melting pot; it’s salad bowl—Diversity & Equity of Asians.” was held at Cupertino Rotary Club, led by Diana Ding. Over 100 members of the Rotary Club attended panel discussion.

· As an Asian, what do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?
· What’s the difference between a melting pot and a salad bowl?
· America is a great mixture of different cultures; how can each culture retain its own identity and add to the flavor of the whole?

Speakers shared their stories of facing challenges regarding their identity and how they handled the situation.

Speakers:

Jonathan Ishii
Jonathan Cruz Ishii is a dedicated professional with a background in education and a commitment to making a positive impact. He began his career as an elementary and middle school teacher. Motivated by a desire to contribute to the field of education, he transitioned into EdTech, where he worked as a Senior Manager. Jonathan serves on the NASA E-Clips Education Board and Mission City Federal Credit Union Board. He is a proud First-Generation College Graduate in his family.

Harbir Bhatia
A remarkable civic entrepreneur currently holds the CEO position at the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce. With a diverse background in high technology, entrepreneurship, public sector leadership, community development, and many talents, she brings a unique set of skills to her role. Harbir served on the Board of Rotary of Santa Clara and as the Santa Clara Library Foundation president.

Beverly Molina
Beverly Molina has been a Santa Clara Fire Department firefighter for 22 years. She is working on a special assignment as the SCFD’s Community Engagement/Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Officer.
In 2010, Beverly received the Firefighter of the Year Award. She has also been rewarded for her inspiration and positive attitude. Beverly is the author of Brave and Awake. She also explores her mixed heritage from a Taiwanese father and a German mother.

Diana WP Ding
Social Entrepreneur, Asian American Stories Advocator. Founder & CEO of Silicon Valley Community Media and Ding Ding TV – The Voice of Silicon Valley Asian Americans since 2009. Diana is the founding chair of the Asian American Stories Video Contest, Co-Producer of the documentary film “The Builders of Silicon Dream,” and Chairwoman of the Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Festival. Diana Ding has dedicated herself to bringing communities together and promoting diversity by telling Asian American Stories for two decades. She was awarded an Asian American Hero by Santa Clara County in 2008 And California Unsung Hero by the State Assembly in 2021. Women of Influence 2023 by Silicon Valley Business Journal. Santa Clara Citizen of the Year 2023. She is active in the Community, has been serving in the Cupertino Rotary Club since 2010, as a board member of the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce since 2013, and was elected president of the US-China Chamber of Commerce Silicon Valley in 2019.

————————————————–

The Stop The Hate campaign is made possible with funding from the California State Library (CSL) in partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). The views expressed on this website and other materials produced by Ding Ding TV do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CSL, CAPIAA or the California government. Learn more at capiaa.ca.gov/stop-the-hate