When I was named to the 2026 Ascend A‑List, I felt an immediate sense of pride and then, just as quickly, perspective. 

Ascend’s A‑List recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders who are advancing opportunity, visibility, and impact. Being included in this group is deeply meaningful to me, not only because of the recognition itself, but because of what it represents: progress fueled by community and made possible by an inclusive workplace culture where everyone is encouraged to show up fully and lead authentically. 

What belonging really feels like 

We often talk about inclusion and belonging as the difference between being invited to the dance and being asked to dance. But I’ve learned that real belonging isn’t about the invitation at all. It’s about not having to shrink, translate, or perform a version of yourself just to stay on the floor. 

Early in my career, I remember sitting in meetings, carefully choosing when to speak, and wondering how my perspective would be received. I didn’t see people like me represented in the room. So, I learned to adapt; to decide which parts of myself felt safe to bring forward and which might be misunderstood or overlooked. Those quiet calculations are familiar to so many who’ve wondered whether there’s a place for us. 

A culture built with intention 

My experience at Schneider Electric has been different, and that difference matters.  

Here, I’ve been encouraged to grow as a leader without shrinking who I am. To bring my background, my perspective, and my experiences into the conversation, not as something to manage, but as something that adds value. 

This is what an inclusive workplace culture looks like in practice. It does not happen by accident. At Schneider Electric, we call this Inclusion and Care, and it is built intentionally through care and trust to ensure we reflect the communities where we operate. 

Building community and advocacy together 

Inclusion and care come to life through our Employee Resource Networks. Across Schneider Electric, these networks create connection, mentorship, and advocacy. Just as importantly, they create pathways for others to see what’s possible for themselves. They help people build community while also helping the company listen, learn, and evolve. 

In the United States, our Asian Professionals Employee Resource Network has been a space for connection, visibility, and leadership development. Globally, our resource networks play an important role in strengthening belonging across regions, cultures, and lived experiences. 

What makes these networks meaningful is not only the sense of community they create, but the way they broaden perspectives, elevate voices, and inform leadership decisions. They reinforce an important truth: belonging at work is something we build together, and everyone has a role to play.  

Purpose beyond the workplace 

This mindset extends beyond our workplace and into our purpose. 

Our mission, to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, carries a responsibility to think carefully about fairness and access. For me, sustainability is not only about technology or environmental impact. It is also about people. It is about ensuring progress creates opportunity and that the energy transition works for everyone. 

A shared honor, and a shared responsibility 

Being recognized by Ascend is humbling, but I do not see it as an individual achievement. I see it as a reflection of a collective culture, shaped by colleagues who lead with empathy, teams who challenge each other thoughtfully, and leaders who understand that performance and humanity are deeply connected. 

To those exploring where they want to grow their careers: if you are looking for a company known for its inclusive workplace culture, where your ideas matter, where your lived experience is valued, and where you can help shape a more sustainable future, Schneider Electric is a place where you can build impact without leaving yourself behind. 

And to my colleagues, this recognition belongs to you too. It is a reminder of what we are building together. A culture built intentionally through care, trust, and shared accountability. A company that understands belonging fuels innovation and recognizes that our greatest strength is the people who choose to bring their full selves to deliver our mission every day.  

That is what an inclusive workplace culture makes possible. That is something to be proud of. 

And it is something worth continuing to build together, with intention, with care, and with the courage to keep evolving.