Michael Yang is a People and Culture Associate on the Trustees People Team, which works to keep the Trustees work culture fulfilling, inclusive, and supportive for all employees. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we sat down with Michael to hear about his Trustees journey, and to learn more about what AANHPI Heritage Month means to him. 

What do you do at The Trustees? What’s your role?

I’m a People and Culture Associate on the People Team! Our mission is making The Trustees an extraordinary place to work by supporting all our employees’ needs. I help with everything from talent acquisition, employee onboarding, training courses, HR systems administration, benefits, resource creation in Canopy and more! If you’ve ever emailed HR at The Trustees, there is a high chance I’ve replied to your email. 

What brought you to The Trustees?

Prior to The Trustees, I was working in talent acquisition and volunteering for an Asian American professional nonprofit. Joining The Trustees’ People Team seemed like a great blend of my experience, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the ride!  

How does your heritage contribute to the person you are today?

As a first-generation Chinese American, I’d like to say that I’m a product of two cultures. My heritage gives me uniqueness, while my upbringing gives me perspective. I thoroughly attribute my openness and willingness to try new things to my blend of Chinese and American attributes.   

What advice do you have for any of similar heritage trying to follow in your footsteps?

Embrace what makes you, you! There is a common cliche that first-born immigrants feel like they don’t belong to either culture. Whether it’s career direction, cultural norms, or simply how to feel about something, it’s completely normal to not always align with what you were raised or taught. Experiment with what makes you tick and seek that out.  

How have The Trustees and other professional working groups supported you along this journey?

Since my undergraduate education and early professional career, I’ve leveraged employee resource groups to find mentors, seek direction, and develop my career aspirations. ERGs in particular are great places to connect with people you may not interface with regularly, and to create community within the workplace.  

 Why is it important to you that The Trustees celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month?  

AANHPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate and educate others on the diversity of other cultures. Visibility is incredibly important in the promotion of heritage, and it’s critical to protect this privilege for future generations. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to welcome others to partake in celebrations and broaden perspectives for all. The Trustees’ mission of protecting places of exceptional value resonates with my belief that this time is also something worth protecting.  

Do you have a favorite Trustees property?

My very first Trustees property was Crane Beach, which I visited during a high school trip. Visiting the beach nowadays brings me a lot of nostalgia, and it’s great for long walks in the summer.  

More recently, I attended one of Powisset Farm’s cooking classes, and this was definitely my most memorable property visit to date. I’d like to shoutout Chef Thi Bowles, who did an amazing job creating an unforgettable experience for my team. I highly recommend that everyone try Powisset’s culinary experiences, and I’ll be bringing my friends and family for more!  

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I’m an avid tennis fan and player; I watch tournaments year-round and travel to the US Open in New York when I have time!  

I love experimenting with food, cooking, and trying new restaurants. I attend cooking classes in Boston, host potluck dinners, and have a list of over 700 restaurants across Massachusetts that I’d like to review.  

I have a beautiful Siberian cat named Suki! She is my pride and joy.  

I enjoy live music of all types and attend concerts on a regular basis, both in Boston and out of state.