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Each May, we honor the cultural influence and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders within the community. This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Town Bank is proud to commemorate the unique journeys and united experiences of the AAPI community.
Our Commitment Starts at the Top
Melissa Donaldson
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
In recognizing the uniqueness and diversity woven into the fabric of our communities, Town Bank pays tribute to distinctive cultures, traditions, history makers, change leaders, and enduring contributions that elevate us all. In doing so, we also acknowledge the progress we need to keep making in order to move forward together.
During the month of May we celebrate the local and national influences and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islanders. I think of the thousands of Chinese immigrants who labored and perished to build the Transcontinental Railroad amidst challenging conditions and discriminatory practices. The Windy City is forever indebted to Kaneji Domoto, who created the beautiful and serene Japanese Garden in Jackson Park. The recent confirmation of Alderman Nicole Lee as the first Asian American woman to serve on Chicago’s City Council is both historic and significant.
Technology was literally the saving grace for keeping life and business functioning amid the pandemic, thanks to many key systems and contributions field founded or led by individuals of Asian-descent, including Zoom, DoorDash, Google, and TikTok. From anime to K-Pop, Tiger Woods to Bruno Mars — and Kamala Harris, the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American U.S. Vice President — Asian ingenuity has altered the societal calculus in numerous ways.
I am grateful for the richness and vibrancy that AAPI influence brings to the work we do, the customers we serve, and the innovations we share at Town Bank. For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we honor all that is unique, yet unifying, in our diversity.
Edward J. Wehmer
FOUNDER & CEO
Town Bank is proud to celebrate all of our customers, team members, and communities. This month, we commemorate the rich diversity, notable achievements, and important contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
In the U.S., the AAPI community comprises 22 million people and is one of the fastest-growing demographics. Asian American and Pacific Islander cultural heritage and family ties encompass nearly 50 countries and ethnic groups, and more than 100 languages and dialects. As Wisconsin’s Bank® for more than 30 years, we have maintained a steadfast presence within AAPI communities — notably through our support of the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese American Service League, and Metropolitan Asian Family Services — all of which provide mutual insights, growth and meaningful partnership. We honor the past, are encouraged by the present, and continue to find inspiration in the AAPI community’s innumerable contributions to advancements that elevate life for everyone. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been integral in shaping our nation’s history — serving in the military, advocating for civil rights, achieving excellence in academia, sports and the arts, making technological and scientific breakthroughs, and so much more.
Understanding and appreciating different cultures dispels stereotypes, fosters empathy, and enables us to bridge our differences. Let’s find common ground, and come together as one community, one city and one nation — unique and united. Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Employee Feature: Darren Chung
Employee Feature: Darren Chung
VICE PRESIDENT & BRANCH MANAGER, WINTRUST BANK - WRIGLEYVILLE, RETAIL BANKING
VICE PRESIDENT & BRANCH MANAGER, WINTRUST BANK - WRIGLEYVILLE, RETAIL BANKING
Wintrust employee Darren Chung discusses his experience as an Asian in America, what it means to advocate for inclusion, and what resonates most for him about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year.
Partner Spotlight: Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
Partner Spotlight: Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
The Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) is an economic development organization dedicated to supporting the business needs of Wisconsin’s AAPI community. Town Bank works with HWCC to expand access to business loans and financial programming in support of a shared mission to help bridge the state’s wealth gap.
We're here for you at any stage of your life
We're here for you at any stage of your life
We're here for you at
any stage of your life
Our partners making a difference
Wintrust is dedicated to giving back to organizations that serve the AAPI community through programming, volunteer time, and financial support. Some of our AAPI-focused nonprofit partners include:
