Lauren Lapid: Honoring AAPI Heritage Month

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (#AAPIHeritageMonth), we're pleased to recognize the contributions - past and present - made by members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the U.S. 

Ketchum is committed to #progressatwork and celebrating our amazing talent. We have much to learn from each other and our unique lived experiences.

Hear from Lauren Lapid, Ketchum Art Director on her experience as a member of the AAPI community and what communications can do for underrepresented communities.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture? How has your culture influenced your lived experience and the person you are today?

As a first-generation Asian American, I was extremely lucky to have been raised in a large, thriving first-generation Asian American community—where diversity and culture were celebrated. Because of this, I’ve always felt a deep respect for my Filipino roots. The Philippines and her people are known for their resiliency, familial bonds, and joyful outlook on life, and all three of these traits are very present in who I am today! From staying positive and determined when times get rough to remembering to enjoy the little things in life, Filipino culture plays a huge role in my identity.

In the communications industry, what do inclusion and belonging look like for the AAPI community?

Inclusion and belonging go deeper than a token diversity hire or even the bigger step of having a Head of DEI. It means having members of the AAPI community in the room where ideas are being created. It means having members of the AAPI community taking part in the writing and editing. It means choosing imagery that showcase different members of the AAPI community. It means having communications that are catered to these different communities. In short, it’s having an AAPI presence embedded throughout the communications process rather than just a footnote at the end.

How can allies better support AAPI communities?

The beautiful thing about today’s digital landscape is that pop culture is global. For the communications industry specifically, I believe allies can support the AAPI community by both learning more about global trends and participating in them. Listen to the top K-Pop hits. Watch a popular anime or two. Buy that trending chili crunch you saw on TikTok. Really, it’s about embracing AAPI culture as a part of your day-to-day life as well! The more integrated we become, the less “other” and alien AAPI culture will feel and be perceived.

What is one thing you recommend people read, watch, listen to or follow to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month or to educate themselves on AAPI culture beyond this month?

Follow Gold House on all social media platforms! They do an amazing job of highlighting AAPI successes and overall, just highlighting AAPI moments in history and pop culture. Beyond that, go support local AAPI businesses—whether it’s that little banh mi shop you always walk by on your way to work or that trendy coffee shop you’ve always been curious about—uncover these hidden gems and support your neighbors.

Thank you, Lauren!