Take 5 is a series in which we pose five questions to a Blue Cross associate and learn more about who they are, what they do, and how they help our members live their healthiest lives.

In this edition of Take 5, we talk with Nash Shaikh, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s chief of staff to the CEO. Additionally, she serves as executive sponsor of Asian Circle, one of 11 associate resource groups (ARGs) at Blue Cross that bring together coworkers with common interests and backgrounds.

Collectively, Blue Cross ARGs help to foster a company culture of inclusiveness, diversity and respect.

What is the Asian Circle ARG? What is its mission? What is your role?

The Asian Circle is one of the oldest ARGs at Blue Cross. Its goal is to educate fellow associates on Asian culture and to represent the Asian community, which is one of the fastest growing communities in Minnesota.

I’ve been with the Asian Circle for almost 10 years. My role as the executive sponsor is to help “steer the ship” and to tie our goals to the company’s larger picture. I’m always thinking about how I can bring more awareness to Asian cultures and erase biases about Asian people.

What does Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) month mean to you?

I always look at this month as a month of celebration and a reminder to keep pushing and progressing. Remembering history, remembering who we are, but at the same time, not being stuck in history and instead trying to break all the ceilings. When it comes to some populations, it’s a glass ceiling. When it comes to us, it’s a bamboo ceiling. I’m always thinking of how we can break those barriers and become better as a community.

How has your lived experience as a person of color influenced your work at Blue Cross?

I am where I am today partially because I focus on the values of my culture. My family has given me the strong values of being a hardworking person. But it’s a combination of the culture that is given and my modern twist of networking and being a strong proponent for yourself and self-advocate. I make sure I create my own success by connecting with people, getting mentors and coaches, and reaching out to people out of your network. That is a powerful combination for success.

Blue Cross has a commitment to diversity, giving back to the community, and a commitment to the health of our associates and members. All of that comes back to racial and health equity. Blue Cross emphasizes the importance of inclusion, where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. That is one of the reasons I’ve been here for such a long time. Do we have more to do? Yes, definitely. But I know we are on the right track to get there.

What advice do you give to other AAPI professionals?

Network with people, find strong sponsors and allies, but also be yourself. I am a Muslim person, an immigrant, a person of color, a woman and a mother. Never let your identity put you down. Instead, think about your identity as your strength, as your power, and use it. Don’t shy away from being the person who talks about yourself. It’s okay to talk about yourself and take a bit of the limelight. If you don’t, no one will. Take your power back.

How can people celebrate the themes of AAPI month all year-round?

Surround yourself with other groups with similar goals. Supporting the AAPI group is great, but also support and collaborate with other minority groups. And when you are successful, don’t forget your responsibility to give back to the community. Collectively, our strength surpasses what we can achieve individually.  The power of ‘us’ will ensure the enduring presence of those themes for all.