To celebrate Asian-American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are featuring several Philadelphia Water Employees throughout the month of May. We asked them to talk about their work with PWD, how their heritage has shaped their life and work, and what AAPI Heritage means to them.

Maylee Burgoon

Chinese-American

Graphic Design Specialist
Public Affairs

What is your favorite thing about the work you do with PWD?

I feel like I’m doing something that matters! Everyone needs water, and our environment is so important to keep clean. My coworkers are also so fun and great to work with.

How do you identify within the Asian-American/Pacific Islander umbrella?

I am half Chinese and half white. My mother was born in Beijing.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today? Does it shape your work?

I think it’s a little more complicated being only half, in that sometimes you feel like there’s no place that you fit culturally. Both sides view you as the other (at least when I was growing up), and that can really mess with your mind a bit. I don’t think it shapes my work, but it does shape how I approach people to treat them in a way to never feel like they are the “other” in any situation.

Does your family have any cultural traditions or practices that are especially important to you?

We celebrated Chinese New Year when I was younger, and I loved watching the dragon dances and throwing those bang snaps on the floor. I don’t do it as much anymore, but when I hear the sound of Chinese fireworks, it makes me really happy.

Who are the role models or mentors that have influenced you or helped guide you?

The easy answer to this is my mom and dad, but it’s true because I love them very much and they’ve given me everything to become the person I am today.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

A time where you shouldn’t be ashamed of your heritage, and a time to get together with like-minded people to celebrate it. Although, I think it should for sure be year-round!

Favorite AAPI food?

My mother’s handmade baozi. She still brings some to me every time she visits.