Throughout May, our Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month series will spotlight several of our professionals who share how their heritage has shaped them as a person, a tradition that is important to them, and a professional goal they have at Stream.
Read what Jarret Stinger, Laura Harvey, Thuy Nguyen, and Vivian Jang have to say.
Jarret Stinger, Associate, Greater Los Angeles
Background: Pacific Islander
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in a small town of Kihei on Maui, a melting pot for all types of ethnicities and cultures. I have learned about and experienced a wide variety of cultures, which I believe has helped shape the way I am able to relate and share stories with people of different backgrounds. This has reflected in my professional career, as I always treat my clients or potential clients as if they were an extension of my family, the way the islanders have treated me.
What’s one tradition your family has that’s especially important to you?
We always make sure that holidays are spent with family. We have a tradition with our family and friends on Christmas Eve where we make Sukiyaki, do a gift exchange, and play games. It has come to be one of my favorite traditions over the years.
What is a professional goal you have for yourself at Stream?
One of my main goals is to become the Top Producer in the Greater Los Angeles office. My mentors are pushing me to stay focused. Stream is similar to the small town that I grew up in. We pride ourselves on accountability and pushing each other to be better every day.
Laura Harvey, Managing Director of Property Management, Houston
Background: Vietnamese American
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My work ethic and appreciation for diversity
What’s one tradition your family has that’s especially important to you?
Celebrating Asian New Year, also known as Lunar New Year. Most people refer to the holiday as Chinese New Year, but it’s a holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures. It’s a joyous holiday spent with family and friends to share their respects for ancestors as well as welcoming the new year. It’s filled with food and traditional games. Food and family time are a huge part of our culture.
What is a professional goal you have for yourself at Stream?
I would love to continue to grow and lead our Houston team in any capacity. I’ve been humbled to be asked to be Managing Director of Property Management, and Stream has provided me so many opportunities for growth.
Thuy Nguyen, Senior Benefits Manager, Dallas
Background: Vietnamese American
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in a very traditional Vietnamese home allowed me to learn the language and understand the culture. My mom wanted very much for us to know our heritage and not lose it. I truly enjoy being able to share my experience and perspectives with others.
What’s one tradition your family has that’s especially important to you?
One of the traditions I love the most is Lunar New Year. On New Year’s Eve, we always get together as a family and go to the temple. Watching the dragon dance and handing out the red envelopes is something we look forward to every year. The red envelopes have money inside, which symbolizes luck and best wishes for the upcoming year.
What is a professional goal you have for yourself at Stream?
I would love to grow with Stream and help as many employees as I can.
Vivian Jang, Senior Director, Brand and Digital Marketing, Dallas
Background: Korean American
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
It was always instilled in my family to respect our elders, respecting their knowledge and experience, and recognizing how much they sacrificed. Now, as a leader, I try to share my experience with others because I know how much it’s valued in my culture.
What’s one tradition your family has that’s especially important to you?
On New Year’s Day, we bow down to elders to pay respect to them and wish them good luck for the New Year. The elders impart well wishes to the child and a monetary token to wish them prosperity. There is a definite hierarchy among the elders, where the eldest of the elders is paid respect first. It’s been fun to experience the evolution of this tradition, from being the child to being the one receiving the respect.
What is a professional goal you have for yourself at Stream?
My goal at Stream is to share my knowledge and experience with others. I love to see individuals grow with the experiences I can share with marketers, designers, and digital strategists. If each were to learn something new from me, I’d be ecstatic with that result.
** This article has been edited. It originally ran in May 2022.