Each May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.
AAPI Heritage Month provides an opportunity to highlight the amazing work of our colleagues, while also celebrating their culture and heritage – an important part of what makes them who they are.
Get to know Annamay Luyun, HR Staffing Operations and Compliance Manager, in the Q&A below.
What’s your role at SDG&E? What has your career journey been like so far?
I currently hold the position of HR Staffing Operations and Compliance Manager at SDG&E. Over my 14-year tenure with the company, I have worked across multiple departments, including the OpEx Program Management Office, Regulatory Compliance, Kearny Operations, Major Projects, and the Clean Transportation business unit. My career journey has been both dynamic and fulfilling as I've had the opportunity to gain insights into various aspects of the company and its operations. It has been a great learning experience, and I have come to understand how every business unit plays a critical role in achieving our company's objectives. Additionally, I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and to learn from them about the company and what makes it a fantastic place to work.
What do you love most about your job?
One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunity to work with a team that is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Collaborating with colleagues who share this same vision is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I enjoy building positive relationships with people across the company, as these connections allow me to collaborate more effectively with others. As part of my role, I have the privilege of being part of a team that helps to onboard talented individuals with the right job opportunities. Overall, I find great satisfaction being a part of a team that is helping to build a strong, diverse, and talented workforce that contributes to the success of the company.
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, what are some aspects of your culture that you enjoy sharing with others?
Filipino culture is known for its hospitality, and strong family values. However, Filipino cuisine is often the most associated aspect of the culture because of its diverse flavors, unique recipes and family style presentation that promotes the close gathering of family and friends. While there are countless dishes that I enjoy, the two most favorite of mine are lumpia and pancit. Lumpia are Filipino fried spring rolls filled with meat and vegetables, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, while pancit is a Filipino stir-fried noodle dish.
I’ve learned the Philippines is a country made up of about 7,641 islands and has over 180 languages. As a first-generation Filipino-American with parents born and raised in different parts of the Philippines, I grew up with four different languages spoken in our home, and I have come to appreciate the country's diverse cultural influences. An interesting fact, in the Philippines they celebrate August as "Language Month" to recognize and appreciate its rich linguistic heritage.
In your opinion, why do you think a focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace is important?
Throughout my career at SDG&E, I've primarily worked alongside project teams, and my experience has taught me the immense value of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Diversity can encompass various aspects, such as unique ways of thinking or levels of experience, enabling us to learn and grow from each other's expertise. When we collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we are exposing ourselves to new ideas and fresh perspectives that sparks creativity and drives innovation. It brings about thought-provoking discussions that challenge us to question the status quo, problem solve, and continually improve.
What are some of your hobbies? What are you passionate about?
Spending quality time with my husband and two beautiful daughters, who are currently 3 and 4 years old, brings me the greatest joy. I love traveling with them and seeing the world anew through their eyes. To maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, I make sure to practice yoga whenever I have some spare time, and I enjoy the art of floral design. Trying out new recipes in the kitchen is another favorite pastime of mine, and I always look forward to gathering with loved ones and to be in each other's company.