Asian Physician and Professional Association hosts Lunar New Year celebration
Penn State Health’s Asian Physician and Professional Association (APPA) members celebrated the Chinese New Year on Feb. 6 with a meal, sharing favorite traditions and fellowship. They discussed the needs of the health system’s Asian workforce as well.
Also called Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon. The holiday is an opportunity to welcome spring, honor ancestors and celebrate with family and friends.
Several members expressed gratitude for being able to come together as a group since they do not have family nearby with whom they could celebrate.
More than 6.5% of Penn State Health’s 19,000 employees identify as Asian.
During the gathering, the APPA members set goals and discussed ways to increase interest in the group. The group aims to:
- Identify resources to support professional and personal development
- Hold learning and development sessions on acquiring leadership and negotiation skills, miscommunication across languages and correct patient/staff name identification and pronunciation
- Hold monthly virtual meetings and quarterly in-person gatherings for anyone interested in joining the group or for networking and collaboration
APPA membership is open to employees throughout the health system. If you’re interested in learning more or in joining APPA, contact Jude McCrea, program manager for diverse employee engagement in the Penn State Health Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
See the other Employee Resource Groups at Penn State Health that help foster workplace community and increase employee engagement.
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