Old National’s Lordy Reinink 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.
Lordy Reinink
Banking Center Manager, Dekalb, IL
Born in the Philippines and immigrating at the age of 14 with her mom and sister, Lordy Reinink shares more about her culture.
Q. What does Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month mean to you?
Since moving to the United States, my family has been part of the Filipino American community here in DeKalb. The organization participates in AAPI Heritage Month and celebrates it every year – even in small ways – so we can continue to honor our culture and celebrate the Philippines.
Q. Why is it important that organizations recognize heritage months?
To bring awareness, help people remember where they came from, and encourage them to share their stories with future generations.
Q. Why is Old National’s value of Inclusion important to you?
Inclusion is important to me because it helps me feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging in the workplace where I spend most of my time. I value being surrounded by people who respect my culture and where I come from.
Q. Who is someone who identifies as AAPI that you admire and why?
Most of my knowledge about my culture comes from my grandma and my mom. My grandma often talks about her experiences during Pearl Harbor in the Philippines when she was a little girl. She has many stories and still shares them to this day. She is 93 years old.
Q. What do you wish people understood about AAPI Heritage Month or the AAPI community?
In the AAPI community – specifically the Filipino community – even here in DeKalb County, we support each other, stand by one another and love a good food gathering.
Q. What is your favorite dish to make that represents your culture? Please share a copy of the recipe if you have it (and it isn’t a family secret)!
Pancit and Lumpia (shanghai style) always represent the Filipino culture. There are so many varieties of recipes, but I prefer my grandma’s style.
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.
