Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By Cayden Wemple. 

May is Asian Pacific Heritage Month and the world of construction is celebrating all of those with Asian Pacific lineage who are working hard to progress the industry.  

According to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are some of the fastest growing demographics in the entire country. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month emerged as a week-long festivity in the late 1970s, evolving into a month-long tribute in 1990. This commemorative period, held in May, pays homage to the pioneers of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who immigrated to the United States and the remarkable achievement of the transcontinental railroad's completion, both significant occurrences in the month of May. 

Although only making up about 1% of the roofing industry, Asian-American voices make a big impact in the business. Take, for example, Sarah Schneider, an Asian-American woman who is the Cool Roof Rating Council deputy director. Sarah entered the roofing industry in 2013 immediately after earning her master’s degree in environmental policy with a focus in collaborative policymaking and social justice. In a 2021 interview with NWiR, she was asked what she wishes she would have known when she entered the industry. She answered, “I wish I would’ve known that you don’t have to be ‘perfect’ to be successful. As a biracial woman in an industry historically dominated by white men, I spent the first couple years feeling like I needed to justify my presence while proving that I was qualified for the job.” Sarah continued, “I tended to shy away from opportunities and didn’t always let myself celebrate the progress and growth I was making. I realize now that that line of thinking is flawed, damaging and counterproductive.”  

When asked who inspired her the most to get to the level of success she had reached, she had this to say:  

“Hands down, my mom. My mom emigrated from Japan in 1976. She came to the U.S. by herself and spoke not one word of English. Over the past 45 years, my mom has overcome so many struggles and barriers as a woman, a foreigner, and a single mother of two. She has persevered and flourished despite the challenges that have been thrown at her, and that is extremely inspiring to me. She is the strongest woman I know and a bona fide badass.”  

Learn more about Asian Pacific Heritage Month by visiting the foundation’s website.  

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