What does it really mean to “be yourself” at work. Does being yourself come with tradeoffs? This session explores how professionals of API backgrounds navigate visibility, voice, and credibility without shrinking, masking, or over-performing to fit dominant norms.
Together, we’ll unpack the subtle pressures to be perceived as agreeable, quiet, or “easy to work with,” and how those labels can limit growth. We’ll talk honestly about reclaiming visibility and communication styles without triggering stereotype backlash. Most importantly, we’ll name the exhaustion of constant code-switching and explore ways to show up fully and authentically.
This event is intended for those who identify with the API community. This is a 21+ event.
Thank you to our partner Treebeerd's Taphouse for their support!
Meet our panelists
Amy Wang Manning, Moderator
Amy Wang (pronounced "waung") Manning is a senior communications specialist at Oregon Health & Science University. At OHSU, she serves on the leadership team of the Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group. Before joining OHSU, she spent 30 years in journalism as an editor, reporter and writer and managed multiple teams. Outside work, she is on the board of the Asian American Journalists Association's Portland chapter. She is the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants and grew up in predominantly white communities on the East Coast. She is a proud Gen Xer, married to a fellow Gen Xer and parent to two Gen Z college students.
Saba Saleem, Panelist
Saba Saleem (She/Her/Hers) is an entrepreneur, digital political consultant, public affairs specialist, and community organizer working at the intersection of process and product to create institutional change in local government for the betterment of historically marginalized communities. She has worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors shaping policy, curating content, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration across all levels of government including school boards, city and county commissions, state legislatures, and federal delegations and agencies. Ms. Saleem’s family immigrated from Pakistan to Portland when she was eight years old. Upon enrolling in Portland Public Schools, she quickly realized the stark cultural difference between a predominantly Muslim country with scarce resources and a collective community mindset and that of Portland, Oregon. As the Public Affairs Specialist and Community Liaison for the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, she works to support Black, Hispanic, AANHPI, and women Oregonians through legislative advocacy, community partnership, research, and leadership development. This includes serving on the DEIB cabinet to implement enterprise-wide change. Saba serves as a Board Member of Snowcap, a nonprofit working to provide food, clothing, advocacy, and other safety net services to our neighbors in need. She also serves as the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Chair for Women in Science PDX, a nonprofit which provides connection, community, and career development in an interdisciplinary forum. She has also served as a board member to The Giving Tree, a nonprofit that provided community services and art-therapy to Portlanders in temporary and transitional housing. When not busy trudging through the immigrant guilt, Saba enjoys the beautiful Pacific Northwest chasing waterfalls and traversing mountain peaks, dancing salsa, and experimenting with new recipes.
Christian Aniciete, MBA, Panelist
Christian Aniciete is a story of firsts. He was the first to build the social media marketing program at Oregon’s most diverse university, the first in his family to earn a business degree, and the first social media manager for the Port of Portland and Portland International Airport, “America’s Best Airport.” A Filipino American immigrant, marketing and communications professional, community leader, youth mentor, and social justice champion, Christian brings more than a decade of experience across the public and private sectors. Born in Manila and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon after immigrating at age 10, Christian grew up in a bicultural home that shaped his lifelong commitment to service and leadership. His journey began early — organizing canned food and voter registration drives, volunteering in retirement centers, and engaging with local city government. He is a graduate of Portland State University, where he earned a BA in Marketing and Advertising and an MBA. In addition to his role in Public Affairs and Communications for Washington County and Marketing for the PCC Small Business Development Center, Christian is deeply engaged in the community. He is the President of API Forward, which works to create the next generation of Asian and Pacific Islander leaders. He serves as Director of Collegiate Relations and President-elect of the Portland chapter of the American Marketing Association and previously held leadership roles in communications and DEI. He has mentored youth through The Contingent’s SINE program and PSU School of Business, organized community-building events like Michael Jackson Thriller flash mobs and the first Filipino American festival in Oregon, and received numerous honors, including Portland Trail Blazers’ Hometown Hero, PSU President’s Diversity Award, Best In-House Marketing, Rising Star in Marketing, and Outstanding Under 40 Leadership & Service. In 2024, Christian was selected as one of 12 delegates nationwide —and the first from Oregon—to participate in the Philippine Embassy’s prestigious Filipino Young Leaders Program.
