The month of May marks Asian Pacific American Heritage month. As it comes to a close, we asked Alaska Airlines employees what this month means to them and how they have been celebrating in quarantine or during a lunch break.

“This month is a very special time where we get the chance to share our culture with the rest of the world. Tonga is known for being the friendliest island and so I’d like to keep that spirit alive whether I’m at work, home or out running errands. Be a light wherever you go.” — Ila Langi, a customer service agent in San Jose California

“This month has become a little more meaningful to me than it has in the past because I have finally taken initiative the past couple months to expand more on what I know of my culture. Especially being married to my husband, who knows the language and culture almost so fluently, he has helped me so much. He’s so encouraging and he makes it so enjoyable to learn and love our culture!” — Angelica Mapa, a customer service agent in San Jose California “Every day, I always try to make it a habit to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation in my family by trying to speak as much Tongan in the home and teach them traditions that we still hold on to today. At work, I always try to answer questions about my culture and heritage to anyone that asks. I always admire my coworkers who openly share what traditional foods they love to make or traditional events they keep up with their family because it also encourages me to share mine as well. It’s always a safe place to share about our heritage at work because no one judges,” she said.

Watch Ila & Angelica take over TikTok to celebrate API Month:

@illaa676

Wait till Sam comes in,he’s TONGAN at heart.We need a tulafale.(dc:@mtuipelehake) kataki toko we tried@mrsheitonga #fyp#polynesian#tongan

♬ Tau I Velata – LAKZ 🇹🇴

“This month means so much to me because not only does API month highlight my culture, it allows me to honor the generations before me that have paved the way for me, by their sacrifices and hard work. I am so blessed to have grown up in a multilingual household, and speaking multiple languages helps me stay connected to my heritage.” — Daniel Remigio, Seattle-based flight attendant

Watch Daniel & other Alaska employees hula to honor API Month

“When most people think of Polynesians, they usually think of song and dance, and rightfully so, as it is the root of our culture. Dating back thousands of years, singing and dancing has been an ancient tradition used to communicate and connect, from ceremonial rituals to preparing for war to reciting history through storytelling and more. And although hula might be one of the first types of dance that comes to mind, there are actually many forms of ancient melodic traditions from around the South Pacific, like Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. But no matter which island or country, we all share that same heartbeat of Polynesia through dance.” — Shanyn Wright, multimedia communications specialist

This is a senior year for high school and college graduates like none other.

Among so many things, the pandemic scuttled graduation ceremonies – one of life’s proudest moments. Those public events canceled for safety reasons.

But make no mistake: The Class of 2020 deserves to be cheered.

So, we brought together some of our friends to salute all graduating seniors in a special video, led by our Chief Football Officer Russell Wilson. He’s joined by Ciara, Macklemore, Joel McHale, Gov. Jay Inslee, a few surprise appearances and some of our frontline employees, as well as a personal message from Brad Tilden, our CEO.

“In world of uncertainty, one thing was certain for us – we needed the Class of 2020 to know their milestone moment still shines,” said Shaunta Hyde, Alaska’s managing director of community relations. “The importance and value of education should never find its way out of the spotlight. We see you! And, c’mon, graduating from high school or college is a huge deal!”

The short video is being shared today with more than 88,000 high-school seniors in Washington state by their school districts, and it’s landing in the inboxes of thousands of college graduates across the state. The video will also be shown during virtual graduation ceremonies in the weeks ahead.

To all graduates, congratulations! May you and your dreams continue to soar.

Feel free to share this post with family and friends on your favorite social media channels! And don’t forget to use our special hashtag #SeniorsTakeFlight and @alaskaair.

Photos courtesy of Hama Hama Oysters & North Shore Living Herbs + Greens

Today, many small businesses are flying products directly to consumers due to restaurants and retail stores being disrupted by COVID-19. Alaska Air Cargo is delivering the goods from shellfish to prepare in your kitchens to fresh herbs to mix with your soups or freshly baked bread.

“We’re grateful for the relationships we have with our shippers from small to large, and freight forwarders who help small businesses deliver their products door to door across the country. Together, we play a role in bringing joy to consumers during this uncertain time,” said Rick Bendix, cargo marketing and business development program manager. “At Alaska, we’re doing everything we can so businesses continue to thrive and people at home stay safe.”

With so many of you staying home and cooking possibly for the first or the billionth time, we get that it can be overwhelming to cook a meal from scratch. So, we reached out to some of the small businesses we partner with that bring fresh food to your tables. Here are a few tips & must-trys:

Be shellfish & stay home

Hama Hama Oysters sits at the mouth of the Hama Hama river on Hood Canal in Washington state, a Pacfic Northwest region packed with delicious oysters, mussels and clams.

For nearly 12 years, Hama Hama has partnered with Alaska Air Cargo to fly oysters to cities all over the country including Chicago, New York and Miami. “There’s probably more oysters flying on planes than people think,” said wholesale manager Justin Stang.

“If you want to eat fresh oysters in Chicago, the oysters might actually beat you there if you went to the airport and tried to get on a plane,” he added. “Air travel allows Northwest shellfish to be consumed as fresh as possible all over the U.S.”

“We want oysters and clams to be iconic Northwest foods and that’s why being able to sell them through Alaska Air Cargo to get them super fresh to places around the country is really key,” – Justin Stang

Adapting on the fly at home and in business

These days, Hama Hama is shipping more shellfish straight to consumers’ homes rather than restaurants. Stang says it’s helped their small business survive the pandemic, but restaurants help them thrive. Regardless, it’s been exciting to watch oyster culture grow as people step out of the comfort zones in their kitchens to test their shellfish cooking skills.

“Being stuck at home and still being able to get fresh oysters and clams delivered to your doorstep has really broken down some of the intimating barriers that can come with preparing shellfish and has inspired people to try things they have never tried before or to experiment with different recipes to prepare oysters or clams,” Stang said. “We’re always trying to educate people to become familiar with shucking oysters, I think taking away restaurants has really empowered people.”

How to shuck oysters at home:

What you’ll need:

• Oysters
• A pot of water
• Oyster knife
• Heavy duty gloves
• Cloth towel
• Ice & lemon wedges for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Wearing gloves or using a kitchen towel, hold the oyster firmly in one hand, cup-side down. The curved side of the oyster should be against the palm of your hand. The point, or hinge, should be facing toward you.

Step 2: Insert an oyster knife into the hinge to pry the oyster open. Tip: Point it down into the cup of the oyster and twist to separate the top and bottom shells.
You should feel a pop! Be careful not to spill the juice or puncture the meat.

Step 3: Transfer oysters on the half shell to a bowl or plate filled with ice.

Step 4: Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Spending more thyme in the kitchen?

“Herbs are the ultimate sidekick, they go with everything!” – Jules Buehler from North Shore Living Herbs + Greens

Jules Buehler has worked for North Shore Living Herbs + Greens as a business development manager for three years, she says you can never go wrong by adding a pinch or two of fresh herbs to any dish (like beautiful basil or rich rosemary).

“Whenever you use a living product, such as culinary herbs, it amplifies the flavor and dish and creates that finishing touch to elevate your dining experience,” she said. “We’re thankful to have such a wonderful and consistent delivery method for our product.”

Every year, Alaska Air Cargo carries about 20 million pounds of food, including herbs and other perishables like vegetables and fruit. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of herbs come from California, Hawaii, Michigan and more.

North Shore Living Herbs + Greens, based 60 miles East of Palm Springs, uses a unique proprietary growing method so their products remain living with the root ball still attached. Every herb is packed with everything mother nature intended and has three times the shelf life, says Buehler.

“We have a very unique product that is fresh and beautiful – it can’t be tossed around or mishandled, it needs to be at a certain temperature and delivered efficiently,” she said. “We can always count on Alaska to ensure our product can deliver delight to kitchens all across America especially in a time when people are looking for something to brighten their day and to freshen up their plate of chicken and rice or soup.”

Herbal homemade cleaners

Not only can living herbs bring out so many flavors, but they can also be used as disinfectants and natural remedies for health and wellness. Pair sage with water with a little alcohol to make your very own natural disinfectant that smells wonderful, says Buehler.

“Whenever you’re eating living herbs, you’re getting those healthy enzymes and oils that mother nature intended and are naturally helping your immune system,” Buehler said. “Herbs are great when you’re trying to take small steps toward living a healthier lifestyle.”

Gary Locke, Former Governor of Washington:

As the first Chinese American to be elected governor in United States history and the first Asian American governor on the mainland, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke has been a leader in the areas of education, employment, human rights and more. As an avid traveler (Alaska MVP Gold) who celebrates diversity and enjoys experiencing different cultures, Locke was troubled to hear stories of COVID-19 triggering bias and harassment of Asian-Americans.

Locke: Over my many trips in and out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, I’ve always been greeted by the warm and friendly faces of travelers and Alaska Airlines employees. Now, more than ever, I realize how valuable and meaningful a smile is in creating human connection. Today, many things remain uncertain, but I know when the time is right, we will be seeking travel and human connection like never before and Alaska Airlines will be there to get us there safely and with the upmost care and welcoming service.

This month, we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage month – honoring cultures and traditions as varied as those from Tonga to Indonesia to China and Japan. As U.S. Secretary of Commerce, I have had the great privilege of traveling around the country and firmly believe the strength and essence of America is our diversity of people, cultures, customs, and perspectives of every shape and color. That diversity has been the fuel of our nation’s dynamism. And generations after generations of Asian American Pacific Islanders have contributed mightily to the progress and defense of America and have much to be proud of.

I thus find it troubling to hear many Asian-Americans have been targets of harassment and bias amid the COVID-19 crisis.  We can and must do better. Now more than ever, it’s imperative we all come together to overcome this pandemic. During Asian Pacific American Heritage month, I hope all of us can take the time to recognize and reaffirm to a friend, colleague, neighbor—whether in person or virtually—that they are cared for, respected and play an integral part of our country’s ability to rise up from this crisis.  As a former diplomat, I’ve learned that we can build lasting bridges by starting with a simple act of kindness to our fellow individuals.  I am heartened to learn that Alaska Airlines has always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion and is taking additional steps to spread awareness of this topic and is equipping their employees with the tools to support each other and Alaska’s guests.  Keep up the great work! 

Annabel Chang, Alaska Airlines Bay Area vice president and executive sponsor of the Air Group Pan-Asian (AGPA) business resource group:

Chang: Alaska has always strived to cultivate a workplace where different points of view are welcomed, where employees feel empowered to discuss tough issues and where successful—and unsuccessful— practices can be shared across organizations.  

Last month, we virtually brought our employees together to have an open conversation about COVID-19 and the impact it has had on the Asian American community.  By talking about the topic openly and discussing best practices, our hope is to empower our employees to do the right thing, lead with kindheartedness and support each other and the communities where we fly.  Our Alaska Airlines Foundation is also supporting free virtual training that is being jointly provided by Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Hollaback.  The virtual training shares practical tools and tips to respond to discriminatory situations.  

This year’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is more important than ever – it provides us the opportunity to share our stories and highlight the contributions of Asian Americans.   And as we begin to travel again, I look forward to the sheer joy of experiencing new places, catching up with old friends, and simply smiling at each other.  

Last month, in partnership with the Alaska Airlines Foundation, Alaska Airlines donated more than one million meals to help local food banks across the country. To help double our impact, we launched the “Million Meals Challenge” to invite our guests and employees to join us in supporting the most vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19.

When our Food & Beverage team approved another round of donations earlier this month, more than 250 Alaska employees banded together to deliver a total of nearly 90,000 pounds of food throughout 35 communities in 20 states, providing an additional 100,000 meals to help feed those in need.

In Alaska, even flooding won’t stop our employees from doing the right thing

The state of Alaska is known for its mesmerizing glaciers, rich culture and breath-taking landscapes, but also communities that never give up. That’s why employees throughout the state didn’t hesitate to participate in the #millionmealschallenge — even during inclement weather.

Together, employees delivered a total of 7,328 pounds of food across four small Alaskan communities, which included donated onboard items such as picnic packs, crackers, nuts, shelf-stable creamer and granola bars.

The donated items were delivered to a local food bank in Barrow, a soup kitchen and women’s shelter in Kotzebue, and homeless shelters in Nome and Bethel, who are preparing to serve Alaskan villages displaced by possible evacuations due to spring flooding.

“Rondi, Tracy and I delivered snack packs to the local homeless shelter just in time as the Kuskokwim River was reaching the banks,” said Michael, Bethel station manager. “Fortunately, the ice broke with minimal flooding on just a few roads in town.”

Bay Area surprises & delights children

Last month, employees donated close to 40,000 repurposed onboard kids snack packs to the San Francisco Mayor’s office for the purposes of feeding youth in-need during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The snack packs were delivered to Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, where the food was distributed to community partners including the Latino Task Force, Code Tenderloin and Hope SF.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit underrepresented communities, particularly Hispanic and Black, the hardest, and I am so thankful to be a part of a company that is constantly looking for ways to give back,” said Oriana Branon, who co-leads the Latin Culture Resource group at Alaska Airlines and is the director of Community and Public Relations in the Bay Area.

New York never stops

Team JFK made three rounds around New York, delivering food provided in partnership from our catering partner LSG, restaurants Bean Post Pub in Brooklyn, Leo’s in Bay Ridge and Love Conquers Cancer’s ‘Feed Them First’ campaign.

The group of employees delivered the donations to the New York Fire Department Engine 247 in Brooklyn who supports the community of Borough Park, one of the hardest hit neighborhoods with over 6,000 residents infected with COVID-19. 

Employees made their second stop at Staten Island University Hospital to help feed health care workers. Lastly, team JFK visited the New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in the neighborhood of Park Slope.

Alaska spreads the ‘aloha spirit’ during an overwhelming time

With one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, many families in Hawaii have been hit hard by the economic impact of COVID-19. Following the reduction of our flight schedule to the Hawaiian Islands, we donated over 26,000 pounds of food to help support several organizations across four islands.

On Kauai, we joined Mayor Derek Kawakami and the Hawaii Food Bank, Kauai Branch and the Kauai Independent Food Bank in the County of Kauai’s first food distribution, which has been providing 500 food boxes to Kauai families every Saturday this month.

“The need has been overwhelming, but we are humbled by the outpouring of support,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Mahalo to Alaska Airlines for their generous donation of 14 pallets of food for the cause.”

Similarly, on Maui, our donations have supported Mayor Michael Victorino’s weekly food distribution, which has handed out over 5,000 bags of food and produce to residents across Maui County.

Bon appétits et coeurs in Las Vegas

Alaska employees in Las Vegas are used to organizing monthly volunteer events, but as the current pandemic has affected the ability to volunteer at local food banks, they had to get creative. That’s when Las Vegas’ ‘swag team’ came up with a brilliant idea to give back while supporting a small business.

Employees reached out to a local French bistro called Rosallie Le French Café, who was more than willing to support the cause. With the help and support of other employees, the LAS team managed to fundraise enough money to pay the bistro to prepare and box food for people in need. Employees then delivered the food to Desert Springs Hospital’s Emergency Room department as an act of appreciation.

Snack packs were also donated by Alaska to 150 nurses between the ER department and ICU at the Sunrise Children’s Hospital and Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. The remainder of the snack pack donations, totaling 1,250 pounds, were gifted to the local Three Squares Foodbank in Las Vegas.

There’s still time to join the #MillionMealsChallenge

Every day, we hear more stories like these, all because people like you and our employees recognize that even in times of uncertainty, there’s a need to keep going for each other, for our guests and for our communities, and we can’t thank you enough.  

Between now and the end of May, you can support your local food bank through our Million Meals Challenge Virtual Food Drive. If you’re in a position to help, please give what you can to the following food banks below:

Alaska

Alaska Community Foundation
Armed Services YMCA of Alaska
Fairbanks Community Food Bank
Lutheran Social Services of Alaska
Southeast Alaska Food Bank

California

Alameda County Community Food Bank
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Hawaii

Hawaii Foodbank
Hawaii Foodbank Kauai
Maui Food Bank
The Food Basket

Oregon

Oregon Food Bank

Washington

Food Lifeline
Northwest Harvest
Philanthropy Northwest – WA Food Fund