Research Scientist Mandy Sha is on Mission to Amplify AAPI Voices, and Drive Discoveries into Communication and Identity
“My Woman of Color identity is a badge of honor that I proudly wear to bust unhelpful stereotypes. Public speaking is a powerful tool to create and frame the narrative for ourselves and for our community.” Today’s woman dreamer, Mandy Sha, is on a mission to revolutionize the way communication, socio-linguistics, and diversity are perceived. A certified virtual speaker and research scientist with over 40 published works, she is continuing her journey in amplifying AAPI voices. Fluent in Spanish and Chinese, Sha knows the importance of language in reaching a wide audience. She often speaks at Top 100 Brands and Fortune 500 companies, discussing topics such as “Who do you say we are: The language of AAPI identity,” and “You can't google translate this: Business etiquette in the digital age” A multi-faceted woman, Sha is the also the Founder and Co-Chair of the Cross-Cultural and Multilingual Research Affinity Group at the American Association for Public Opinion Research. In her inspiring interview with Women Who Win she reflects on journey, her upcoming projects, and the various ways she amplifies AAPI voices. Enjoy!
1. You are the founding director of the official system for engaging Asian and Pacific Islander (API) speakers and Allies in North America, endorsed by the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP). What motivated you to take action?
From a young age, I learned that the way I look and sound are what some people use to make assumptions about my ability, my personality, and my fit. I cannot control those assumptions, just like I cannot control the way I look and sound. Yet I can usually control the narrative about me when I create the narrative and then frame it to stand out. Public speaking is a powerful tool to create and frame the narrative for ourselves and for our community. By founding the
system, AAPI speakers and Allies now have a trusted Speakers Bureau that power them to speak up and speak out to stand out. We ignite excellence online, onstage, and on screen!
2. You also spearheaded the first API-centered Speaker Expo in North America, which had never been attempted before. What do you want to accomplish?
I want to transform the public perception about Asian and Pacific Islander (API) professionals. The Speaker Expo is emceed by 8 opinion influencers and features API speakers and Allies who were selected from a rigorous audition and rehearsal process. Their succinct and transformative messages illuminate 5 issue topics and solutions for professionals in any career stage:
• Career advancement
• Leadership development
• Understanding Asian and Pacific Islanders in North America
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)
• Mental health, wellness, and health equity
Together, we make history and make #FirstClass things happen. An impact analysis is being conducted pro bono by Kearney, a global management consulting firm.
3. Let’s talk about your 20+ year career as a research scientist. So much of your work delves into communication and diversity in languages. Has your perspective as a woman of color influenced the way you perceive these issues and write about them? If so, how?
Being a woman of color (WOC) does not influence the objectivity of my 20+ year career in data, language, and diversity research and practice. My WOC identity is a badge of honor that I proudly wear to bust unhelpful stereotypes. For example, confronted with stereotypes that Asians seem disengaged, less forthcoming, or lacking in self-assurance, I can demonstrate that (1) generations of Asians have enriched the history, ideas, and economy around the world; and (2) Asian cultures approach communication holistically. Choosing to not always be very verbal does not mean that we are demure, tolerate injustice, or fail to recognize our own worth.
4. You have been published in over 40 publications. What was the journey like from conceiving these research articles and books to finally seeing them finished? Were there any roadblocks you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
The publication journey is laborious. Collaboration makes it easier. Most of my publications are co-authored, meaning I collaborate with one or more writers, and we share the credit. As humans, we often run out of time, resources, or steam and must give up on the publication. However, “giving up” is not the biggest roadblock I’ve encountered. It’s “not giving up.” I’ve been able to overcome this roadblock by acknowledging that perseverance does me no good when it holds me back from pursuing greater opportunities.
5. As you know, we are a women’s media platform known as “Women who Win.” What is your advice for women who want to win based on your experience coaching professionals and youth using the UWINTM narrative framing device?
Compete only with yourself. Define your metrics, examine your motives, and do not compromise your values. There’s no deadline for being great!
Thank you Mandy for sharing your inspiring story with us. We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
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