Using your voice to drive leadership and innovation
For Kakoli Roy, principal IT program manager at AmFam Group, her own journey has affirmed the power of leadership. Kakoli has looked up to her parents as her trailblazers with the ways they impacted and shaped her life. After immigrating from Calcutta, India, 27 years ago for work, Kakoli connected deeply with both her community and career.
“My desire to advocate for representation, support and empowerment while addressing issues such as discrimination, cultural understanding and professional development within the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community inspired me to take on more leadership,” says Kakoli. “Leadership in affinity spaces can be inspired by personal experiences, a commitment to social justice or a sense of responsibility to uplift all voices.”
The AAPI community is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each with its own traditions and heritage, that contribute to our dynamic multicultural society.
American Family Insurance celebrates and honors these communities during AAPI Month.
The 2024 AAPI Heritage Month theme — “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” — pays homage to those who have shaped AAPI history and the trailblazers and visionaries continuing to build a brighter future for all.
Learn more about Kakoli’s story and her leadership journey and passion for her community.
Leadership goes hand in hand with innovation
As a member of the leadership team for American Family’s AAPI Business Resource Group (BRG), Kakoli has learned an abundance of skills regarding leadership and navigating its complexities.
“I would consider myself to be a new AAPI leader,” says Kakoli. “There have been challenges I have learned to grow through such as understanding diverse perspectives, navigating cultural nuances and balancing complex dynamics.”
Innovation allows leadership to excel, with the two going hand in hand to uplift AAPI representation, advocacy and empowerment.
“Using innovative approaches for advocacy allows us to address social and cultural challenges to ultimately amplify AAPI voices, create opportunities for advancement and promote inclusivity,” says Kakoli.
Dreams for the future
When looking toward the future, Kakoli knows that through championing dreams there will be progress.
“As an AmFam Group AAPI leader, my dream for our community is to see greater representation, inclusion and empowerment in all sectors,” says Kakoli. “I envision a future where AAPI individuals have equal opportunities for advancement, our diverse voices being heard and respected and where we continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of society through innovation, collaboration and leadership.”
These dreams also translate into the encouragement Kakoli hopes young leaders hear. “I encourage the AAPI community’s youth, and beyond, aspiring to be leaders to cultivate self-awareness, empathy and a commitment to lifelong learning. Find mentors and build strong support networks,” urges Kakoli. “Stay true to your values, be resilient in the face of challenge and remember that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable contributions to your community and beyond. Your ambitions will help us all rise.”
