Care Rooted in Heritage: AAPI Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Adventist Health Glendale is proud to spotlight the voices of our AAPI associates through Care Rooted in Heritage, a storytelling series that celebrates the connection between cultural identity and the way we care.

This series is an homage to the intersection of who we are and how we serve. At Adventist Health Glendale, we believe care is more than a profession — it’s deeply personal. It’s shaped by the values, traditions, and lived experiences we carry with us, influencing how we care for our patients, support our coworkers, and serve our community.

When we take a moment to look closer, we discover that more starts with understanding — understanding ourselves, one another, and the rich cultures that shape the ways we live, lead, and care.

In that spirit, we’re honored to share the reflections of several of our AAPI associates. Their stories remind us that care, at its heart, is rooted in heritage. Their words reflect compassion, resilience, belonging, and a deep commitment to serving others — qualities that strengthen our mission and enrich our community every day.

Read on to learn how their heritage has shaped the way they live, lead, and care at Adventist Health Glendale.

Meet Anita, Adventist Health Southern California Network Finance Officer

“My cultural background has taught me the importance of respect, humility, and treating others with compassion. Growing up between the U.S. and Taiwan helped me understand the value of listening, being adaptable, and recognizing that every person comes from a different background and experience. These values influence my thought process in consideration for patients, families, and coworkers in my role as the Network Finance Officer at Adventist Health Southern California by making sure I approach others with empathy, patience, and a strong commitment to helping them feel supported and understood.”

Meet Adam, Clinical Lab Manager

“There’s a Filipino term, bayanihan, which describes a community coming together to work toward a common goal. From helping people move entire homes to simply showing up when someone is in need, it creates a strong sense of belonging and support.

This sense of community is something we have promoted within my team, and it has helped us support one another through both life’s celebrations and challenges. Whether we are celebrating a baby shower or supporting someone through loss, I know my team will be there every step of the way.”

Meet Anneruby, ED Nurse Manager

“My cultural background is a mix of Filipino and Chinese heritage, although I grew up more immersed in Filipino culture. My upbringing was centered around family, as my grandparents lived with my parents and played a significant role in my life. Because of them, I learned to speak Tagalog and gained a deeper appreciation for our traditions and values.

From a young age, I also learned how difficult it was for my grandparents and parents to immigrate to the United States with very little. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained resilient, hardworking, and determined to build a better life for our family. Watching my family’s sacrifices and perseverance shaped who I am today and taught me the importance of hard work, humility, and never giving up.”

Meet Dr. Jekwon Yeh, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Services

"As a Taiwanese American physician, my cultural background has shaped both how I lead and how I care for others. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Orange County by parents who worked in healthcare as a nurse and a dentist, so service, discipline, and compassion were part of everyday life growing up.

Being raised between cultures taught me the importance of listening, adaptability, and humility — qualities that are essential in medicine and leadership. My training in Boston and Los Angeles also exposed me to diverse patient populations and healthcare systems, reinforcing the importance of cultural understanding and collaborative care.

Those experiences have shaped me into a physician who values empathy, accountability, and creating an environment where patients and team members feel respected, heard, and supported."

Meet Jessica Masri, Patient Experience Coordinator

“One memory from my Indonesian culture that I carry with me is masak untuk orang lain, which translates to “cooking for others.” In my family, food has always been our love language. We often spend time cooking for relatives, friends, and guests whenever they come over. It has never been just about the food itself, but about making people feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for.

That mindset continues to shape the way I approach my work in Patient Experience. I try to bring that same warmth and sense of care to patients and families, especially during difficult moments.”

Meet Sang, Facilities Director

“Korea has a long history marked by hardship, resilience, and rebuilding. From centuries of conflict to the devastation of the Korean War, much of the country’s cultural memory is shaped by suffering and survival. Even Arirang, often considered Korea’s unofficial national song, reflects this spirit. It is a song of love and separation, but also of hope — the belief that even through loss and hardship, people can endure and overcome. During the Japanese occupation, it became an anthem of quiet resistance and unity.

That sense of perseverance is something I carry with me every day. My children are growing up in a very different world — one where Korean culture is celebrated globally through K-pop, K-dramas, Korean products, and film. I remember standing in a stadium at a BTS concert surrounded by people from every background, age, and country — people who did not look like me, yet were singing Korean lyrics. It was a moment that made me realize how far we have come, how much has been rebuilt, and how hardship can eventually give rise to something beautiful.

From this, I have learned to value the strength that comes from enduring difficult times. Korean history — and my family’s immigrant journey — taught me that growth often emerges from struggle. That belief shapes how I show up every day at Adventist Health Glendale. When challenges arise, when the work feels heavy, or when someone is going through something I cannot see, I remind myself that there is meaning in perseverance, growth in hardship, and purpose in compassion.

That is the mindset I bring to my interactions with coworkers, patients, and visitors: an understanding that behind every person is a story, and behind every struggle is the possibility of resilience and hope.”

Meet Sonal, Pharmacy Manager

“My Indian heritage has strongly shaped how I express care for others, with values centered on family, compassion, and service to the community. I was raised to believe that caring extends beyond family to supporting others with empathy and respect. My boarding school experiences further reinforced these values through teamwork, community living, and service opportunities, including working with children with disabilities. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to serving others with kindness and understanding.

At Adventist Health Glendale, I apply these values by treating patients and colleagues with dignity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, while aligning with our mission to provide whole-person care for the mind, body, and spirit.”