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      For Your Life May 8, 2025

      Old National’s Jenny Johnson on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

      Observed during May, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

      President Jimmy Carter (1978) first signed a joint resolution recognizing a week’s celebration, while George H.W. Bush (1990) signed a bill extending the recognition to a month. President Barack Obama (2009) and President Joe Biden (2021) signed additional proclamations, with the latter adding the recognition for native Hawaiians.

      This interview series with Old National Bank team member celebrates those whose families, like virtually all Americans, at one time immigrated and have helped shape the rich diversity found in the United States.

      Jenny Johnson
      Director of Philanthropy Services, 1834 (a division of Old National Bank)

      An almost three-year team member at Old National, Jenny enjoys the foods of her Korean heritage (sharing a recipe below), and says K-Drama (Korean drama) is an underrated genre.

      Q. What does Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month mean to you?

      I appreciate that there is a month dedicated to remembering and celebrating the experiences and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. AANHPI people have been in the United States for hundreds of years – and have also contributed to the United States for hundreds of years, even dating back to the Revolutionary War. I think it’s important to know that history, and also to celebrate the diverse countries of origin and rich cultural traditions that AANHPI people bring to the U.S.

      I love that my 10-year-old is excited to talk about Korean food and BTS (a Korean boy band) at school during the month of May and that there is time set aside for her to get to share about South Korea – and also learn about other Asian countries and traditions.  

      Q. Why is it important that organizations recognize heritage months?

      I think we all like to be seen. And recognizing heritage months encourages sharing of cultural identities and practices, as well as learning about the history and important contributions of so many people. In Minnesota, there are festivals and other activities that happen in the month of May to celebrate Asian and Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture and it’s meaningful to me to get to share that with my kids. It’s not like we’re only Asian in the month of May – but it is pretty impactful to have a month where there is time and energy focused on celebrating the AANHPI experience.

      Q. Why is Old National’s value of Inclusion important to you?

      Inclusion to me is all people feeling valued, respected, seen and heard. It’s fostering a sense of belonging and when a workplace gets that right, I think the culture is collaborative and trust-based. And when our culture is strong, we do our best for our clients and our communities.

      Q. Who is someone who identifies as AANHPI that you admire and why?

      Mulan (the Disney character). She might only be folklore, or she might be based on a real daughter. Regardless, I admire her devotion and commitment to her father and family, and am inspired by her bravery and courage to fight for her country.

      Q. What do you wish people understood about AANHPI Heritage Month or the AAPI community?

      Many Asian countries celebrate Lunar New Year – it’s not only China! There are different practices and even number of days that the New Year is celebrated depending on the country.

      Q. What is your favorite dish to make that represents your culture?

      I have a few favorite Korean dishes but I’ll share a recipe for bulgogi. My best recommendation about Korean food though is to buy kimchi. Making it is time consuming!

      1 lb. lean beef, sliced thin across grain
      2T sugar
      4T soy sauce
      2T sesame oil
      1 tsp. ground sesame seeds
      4 T chopped green onion
      ½ - ¾ tsp. garlic powder
      ½ - ¾ tsp. black pepper

      Combine sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, onion and spices. Add beef slices and let marinate at least 15 minutes. Best grilled over charcoal but may be oven broiled or pan fried. Serve hot. 4 servings 

      To learn more about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the 2025 theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” click here.

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