At VHB, we recognize that our cultural backgrounds and personal experiences shape not only who we are but also how we show up for one another. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight colleagues who, through their personal stories, reflect this year’s theme—A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience. From cherished family traditions to the values passed down through generations, these reflections celebrate culture's powerful and lasting influence in our lives.
Curt Ostrodka
VHB’s Director of Smart Communities reflects on the complexity of his mixed heritage. “I’m half Chinese—on my mother’s side,” he shares. “Growing up, I didn’t fully fit in, but that experience has helped me relate to a wide range of people.” He celebrates his identity through food and tradition. “We make dim sum at home and go to the Lunar New Year dragon parade in Orlando’s Mills 50 District.”
Jeannie Reinick
Regional Finance Director and first-generation Korean American, Jeannie honors her heritage by reconnecting with the language and traditions she grew up with. “My parents emphasized hard work, self-reliance, and honesty—values that still guide me today,” she shares. Jeannie enjoys celebrating Lunar New Year with her family by performing Sebae, a traditional deep bow that shows respect for elders.
Michael Chung
A System and Data Integration Analyst, Michael values the meaningful connections his heritage brings. “I love celebrating Lunar New Year with my family—it’s filled with food, laughter, and reflection,” he shares. He also highlights the variety within the AAPI community: “Each culture deserves to be recognized. There’s no one story."
Susan Lee
A Creative Design Lead, Susan views Chinese New Year as a time to honor family and tradition. “We gather for a big dinner, gift red envelopes, and pay respect to our elders,” she shares. Susan also sees a meaningful connection between her heritage and the culture at VHB. “Because of VHB’s core values, I’ve always felt like I could bring my full self to work."
Tiffany Du
A Benefits Specialist, Tiffany shares the importance of celebrating her Vietnamese Chinese American roots. “We cook, clean, eat, and pay respects to our ancestors during Tết,” she says. “It’s about togetherness and honoring our roots.” She says the values her parents instilled in her, such as hard work, humility, and caring for others, continue to guide her today.
Winsland Lee
A Creative Design Specialist, Winsland recalls speaking Cantonese and Vietnamese at home while learning English at school. “We celebrated Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival with red envelopes and family gatherings,” he shares. Winsland finds creative inspiration in his cultural background. “Culture shapes the way we see the world and express ourselves.”
These perspectives reflect the enduring legacy of AAPI communities—through uplifting leadership and empowering resilience. Whether honoring family traditions, breaking barriers, or contributing to the future of our industry, our VHBers embody the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month every day.
We thank them for sharing their voices and invite everyone to learn, listen, and celebrate the richness of AAPI cultures—not just in May, but year-round.
Discover how our commitments to Culture and Belonging embody our core values and create an inclusive environment for all.
