As Chief of Communications and Marketing, Mailee Garcia’s work at Heartland Alliance is 
dedicated to lifting up the organization’s vision and the important impact our work has on society. She has helped unify the institution through storytelling and thought leadership – with the ultimate goal of building stronger communities for our staff and the people we serve. Mailee sees Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an opportunity to recognize the complexities of the fight for equity and opportunity for all people, while at the same time uniting communities through our shared values.
How does your racial ethnic identity shape the way you understand equity and opportunity for ALL?
I grew up in an environment where no one looked like me, no one could pronounce my name, no one knew how to cut my hair, no race check box was applicable, and everyone asked me “what are you, and where are you from?” This was my experience as a multiracial Asian-American. As my baseline for “normal,” I accepted these things without paying much attention to how different and limiting those circumstances made me feel. I have learned that identities are complex, and how I choose to express mine is up to me. And although identities can be both welcomingly unifying and distinctly unique, our humanity is shared. This truth has shaped how I engage in this world, believing and acting in ways that promote equity, dignity, and compassion.
In light of all the ways members of AAPI community have experienced racism and injustice, what would you like your team members at Heartland Alliance to know?
I would encourage folks to be intentional about respectfully acknowledging those who may want to share their thoughts on racism, but may be less comfortable doing so because of their culture. Asians have been caste as the model minority, oftentimes leading to the silencing of their voices. People can invite and encourage Asian representation and perspectives to be part of the conversation, as well as ask directly how you can serve as an ally.
