Blog

In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Retail Business Services is sharing a series of associate perspectives on the intersection of Asian Pacific American heritage and work.

Meena Sharma, Human Resources Coordinator with Retail Business Services’ Benefits Team, brings a special something to the table thanks in part to her Asian Pacific American heritage.

“Any individual who joins a company brings their own expertise. Their family, their values, their education all play a role,” she said.

Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Sharma said she feels she brings unique problem-solving abilities and different perspectives on how people may feel or communicate thanks to her upbringing.

“I definitely feel it is an added advantage,” she said.

Sharma moved to the United States in July 2015, after her husband was offered a job here. At the time, she was taking a break from her career to raise her son, but she soon felt the desire to return to work. She landed a contract job in 2017, and in 2018, joined Retail Business Services.

While she adjusted to a new culture and country, she found familiarity in the work and service-oriented business environment.

And while she has warmed up to American culture, she finds that associates are curious about her culture as well. There’s rarely a day that goes by without a coworker stopping to ask her about the savory aroma of her home-cooked lunch – typically rice and curry or lentils. They ask about the spices, and Meena shares with them about the rich, distinctive cuisine of her birth country.

“If you go to a different state in India, the food changes, the language changes, the clothing changes, the weather changes,” she said. “I don’t know everything, but I love to share what I do know with my friends and coworkers.”

These lunchtime conversations also have an air of familiarity – reminding her of the importance of family meals and connections back home.

“Back in India, food brings people together,” she explained.

While she may miss her family and country of origin, Sharma said she’s also excited by the many different people she gets to meet with Retail Business Services, and the new opportunities and experiences they bring with them.

“I love that there are people here from all over the world,” she said.