Honoring AANHP Heritage Month
In celebration of American Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika (AANHP)* Heritage Month, please join me in recognizing the cultures, histories, creativity and lasting contributions of AANHP communities who help shape the fabric of King County and our region.
This month is both a celebration and an opportunity for reflection. As we honor the richness and resilience of AANHP heritage, we also recognize the ongoing impact of exclusion, discrimination and systemic racism—from the Chinese Exclusion Act to the scapegoating of Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, to tragedies like the 2023 Monterey Park shooting and the recent attack at Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Festival. These painful events remind us that the work of creating a more inclusive, respectful and safe environment—within Metro and throughout the communities we serve—must continue.
In 2024, Metro launched the AANHP Visibility Project, recognizing that art can help us survive, heal, and connect in times of tragedy. The project featured employee-created artworks displayed as a bus wrap, a traveling worksite installation and murals on downtown Seattle bus shelters. As part of this effort, Metro also produced a 10-minute, Emmy-nominated video that brings to life the powerful stories and spirit behind the artwork. This project celebrates the history, strength and contributions of AANHP communities and serves as a visible affirmation of our ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging. To learn more about the project, visit: kingcounty.gov/metro/aanhp.
This year, we’re proud to highlight the voices of a few Metro employees who are part of the King County AANHP affinity group. Below are their stories, lived experiences and perspectives on what this month means to them.
Meet David Matsumoto (he/him)
Executive Assistant | Finance and Administration Division
David brings a blend of Pacific Islander and Asian cultural heritage to his work at Metro, shaped by his upbringing across the Northern Mariana Islands, Japan and Guam.
“To me, AANHP Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and richness of my heritage and of all the cultures represented in ‘AANHP.’ My background is a blend of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. My dad is from Japan, and my mom is from the Marshall Islands. I was born in Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands, and we lived in Japan for a few years before moving to Guam, where I grew up and where most of my immediate family still lives. I carry pieces of each culture with me.”
That deep cultural foundation has shaped David’s approach to work and relationships.
“Growing up, I often helped translate or interpret information for my parents, which taught me to be independent and adaptable. At the same time, both sides of my family really emphasized the importance of community and supporting one another. I try to bring that same balance to my role at Metro: being resourceful and taking initiative when needed, while also contributing meaningfully to the shared goals of the leaders and teams I support.”
Food also plays a meaningful role in David’s heritage and memories. He recalls the Marshallese kemem, a celebration of a child’s first birthday marked by a large community feast.
“With four younger siblings, my family hosted and attended many throughout the years. Invitations are usually extended beyond just close family— ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’ include neighbors and friends we may not be related to by blood but still consider family. What I appreciate about kemem is that the responsibility of organizing and providing food doesn’t just fall on the host—it’s potluck-style and many volunteer in different ways to help make the event happen. It’s a beautiful example of community and generosity.”
David also shared a few favorite comfort foods that reflect his roots.
“Nikujaga—a Japanese meat and potato stew—is one of my go-to recipes during the colder seasons. It’s a simple dish but brings me warmth and always reminds me of home.”
Another favorite is lukwor, a Marshallese dessert drink made with the spongy part of sprouted coconuts, milk and sugar.
“It can be served iced or frozen into popsicles and is something you’ll always find at a kemem celebration. It’s much harder to recreate on the mainland since mature coconuts aren’t easy to find, but whenever I visit home, it’s something my mom always has ready—she knows how much I miss it.”
His lived experiences also inform how he supports others.
Also being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ve navigated what it means to belong in cultures and communities where my full story isn’t always seen or understood. That experience has taught me the importance of making space for complexity, both in myself and others, and it’s helped me approach personal and workplace relationships with greater empathy and respect.”
Meet Devin Cabanilla (he/him)
Continuous Improvement Specialist | Employee Services Division
For Devin, AANHP Heritage Month is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection on legacy, activism and place.
“My family is now in its fifth generation here in Seattle, with deep roots in the International and Central Districts,” he shared. “This month is a time to remember when our elders declared themselves part of the American experience. It marked a transition—during the civil rights era, our community aligned with Black and Latino movements, and the term ‘Asian American’ became both a political identity and a call for unity.”
Devin’s family legacy includes pioneers like Pio DeCano, their first relative to arrive from the Philippines in the 1920s. Known to the family as “Lakay Pio,” he made history by winning the landmark DeCano v. Washington Supreme Court case, becoming the first Asian immigrant legally allowed to own land in the state.
“He argued that Filipinos were American nationals because of U.S. annexation of the Philippines,” Devin said. “It was a bold and defining moment for our presence here.”
Transit has always been part of Devin’s story.
“My grandfather, Tony Israel, was a Metro driver for several years. All my relatives took the bus and taught us how to ride it as kids. Since many Filipino Americans work in healthcare, I got to know the routes to hospitals really well,” he shared. “My relatives are pharmacists, nurses, hospital assistants, janitors and surgeons. Taking the bus to visit them or run errands was normal for us. The 3 and 4 took me home to the Central District or past Harborview. The 2 goes across First Hill near Swedish and Virginia Mason. The 43 and 44 go by UW and the hospital there. Being city people rooted in healthcare work, Metro was—and still is—a big part of our daily life.”
Family traditions run deep, especially when it comes to basketball and dancing.
“My dad and grandpa played in local leagues for decades, and my cousins and I even won the 3-on-3 tournament one year at Seattle’s Pista sa Nayon,” Devin shared. “Dancing has also been a big part of our family for generations. My kids perform the Tinikling in the Kalahi Filipino folk-dance group, and almost all my elders and cousins were part of the Filipino Youth Activities drill team founded by our Uncle Fred Cordova. I danced with my aunts in the Filipiniana troupe, where we did Singkil, a more intricate bamboo dance using up to six poles.”
When asked about inspiring AANHP leaders, Devin named two trailblazing Filipino American women: Dolores Sibonga, the first Asian American woman to serve on Seattle City Council, and Velma Veloria, one of the state’s first Filipino American legislators.
“Even in retirement, they continue to support our work. Their dedication is lifelong—they keep showing up and mentoring the next generation.”
And when it comes to food, there’s one dish Devin’s family can’t live without: Spam Musubi.
“My kids and relatives demand it constantly. It’s a simple rectangle of rice, Spam, seaweed, and teriyaki sauce—a perfect Asian American fusion food. Time-consuming to shape, but a guaranteed hit at every picnic or party.”
Meet Huoi Trieu (she/her)
Zero Emissions Program Director | General Manager’s Office
Born in Sóc Trăng near Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Huoi grew up surrounded by Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer communities. At age five, she arrived in the U.S. as a refugee—a journey made possible by her mother’s bravery in brokering their family’s escape by boat.
“My mother raised us with deep cultural pride,” Huoi said. “She taught me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about instinctively knowing what’s right, building trust and leaning on community.”
Huoi’s early career took her around the world—from founding a private school in Jordan to working on global development projects across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. She joined Metro in 2017 and now leads the Zero Emissions Program.
“I was born in a village without electricity, so it’s not lost on me what a privilege and responsibility it is to lead this work,” she said. “Our small but mighty team—mostly women—collaborates across departments to push through complexity and drive climate action. I care deeply about how we work: empowering those closest to the work, respecting each other and leading with decency.”
For Huoi, AANHP Heritage Month is both a celebration and a call to reflect.
“It’s a chance to honor our cultures and contributions and acknowledge the ongoing work to break down barriers. Representation at the highest levels still lags, especially for Asian, Latinx and Middle Eastern women. We have more to do—not just to recruit diverse leaders but to ensure they’re supported and retained.”
Huoi continues to carry forward the rich traditions that shaped her upbringing.
“Despite limited resources, my childhood felt full—of culture, food, and community. I have such fond memories of piling into a minivan with my four siblings to visit Boston’s Chinatown or gathering for Lunar New Year surrounded by symbolic foods, vibrant decorations and storytelling.”
Now a mother herself, Huoi passes those traditions on to her daughter.
“I express love through food—Vietnamese clay pot fish, tamarind soup, Jordanian maqluba, oysters. Each dish is a connection to the people and places that shaped me.”
She also draws inspiration from figures like Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
“She reminds me that quiet, thoughtful leadership can have transformative impact. Like her, I believe in the power of memory, reflection and storytelling to create change.”
Through it all, Huoi stays grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy: I am because we are.
“I’m deeply grateful for the people and communities that have shaped my journey. I strive to not only deliver quality work, but to help transform the culture of how we work—so everyone feels seen, valued and connected.”
Meet Jeff Lee (he/him)
Transportation Planner | Mobility Division
Jeff was born in Seattle, but his roots trace back to southern China. His mother immigrated from Canton (Guangzhou) as a child and grew up in Seattle’s Chinatown.
“I have fond memories as a child going to Chinatown with her—shopping for Chinese groceries, dining at restaurants, or visiting her friends,” Jeff shared. “Although I’m an ABC (American Born Chinese), my heritage is very important to me and is something that I am very proud of.”
For Jeff, AANHP Heritage Month carries deep meaning.
“I strongly feel that representation matters,” he said. “Particularly in today’s political climate, it’s extremely important to recognize and celebrate historically marginalized groups. Despite being labeled the so-called ‘model minority,’ Asian Americans constantly fight the perception of being seen as ‘other.’ Having a month to celebrate the customs, contributions, community leaders and historical figures of the AANHP community can help shed that perception.”
One of Jeff’s favorite family traditions is celebrating Lunar New Year.
“It was always fun to receive the lai see (red envelopes)! But now, I’m the one who gives them.”
Jeff also shared how Bruce Lee inspired him as a child. That inspiration led Jeff to take Kung Fu lessons at the Seattle Kung Fu Club for three years during junior high.
“I remember seeing his movies for the first time and being blown away,” he said. “For the first time, I saw a leading actor who looked like me and was a total badass. Before that, if Asians showed up in movies or on TV at all, they were just stereotypical gang members or wimpy nerds. Bruce Lee inspired me so much I begged my parents to let me take Kung Fu.”
Reflecting on his time at Metro, Jeff noted how his heritage has shaped his experience at work.
“When I first joined Metro, I was initially surprised by the lack of diversity—particularly the lack of other Asians. There were very few in Service Development and none in Service Planning where I work. In fact, for eight years, I was the only Asian planner, which at times made me feel unseen. Today, however, I’m now one of six Asian planners within Service Planning.”
Meet Nasir Khudaiberdiev (he/him)
SaFE Reform Program Manager | Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance Division
“AANHP Heritage Month is a deeply meaningful occasion—an opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, languages and histories of our communities. It’s also a time to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced and continue to overcome. Recognizing and honoring our histories and traditions is essential to fostering inclusivity, understanding and unity—especially in a society that thrives on diversity.”
Nasir was born and raised in Kyrgyzstan and identifies strongly with its culture and traditions. Of Uzbek descent, he draws from the rich heritage of both Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities.
“The cultural heritage of both Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities’ shapes much of who I am,” he said. “I grew up immersed in the languages and customs of these Central Asian cultures, and those experiences continue to influence my values today—especially around community, collaboration and resilience.”
Those values show up in his work every day.
“I bring with me a strong sense of community, resilience and the importance of collaboration. These values are ingrained in the way I interact with colleagues, work through challenges, and advocate for the needs of diverse groups within the organization.”
As co-chair of the Refugees and Immigrants Support and Empowerment (RISE) affinity group, Nasir is especially attuned to the experiences of immigrant and refugee employees.
“I strive to ensure that underrepresented groups are not only supported but empowered to succeed and thrive.”
One tradition that brings Nasir joy is Navruz, the Persian New Year, which is widely celebrated in Uzbek and Kyrgyz cultures.
“It’s not just about welcoming the new year—it’s about honoring the renewal of life, hope and community.”
Growing up, he looked forward to preparing traditional foods like plov and samanu, gathering with family, and enjoying cultural music, dance and storytelling.
“Sharing these meals and stories created a deep sense of connection to our heritage.”
He also finds inspiration in the legacy of Alisher Navoi, a 15th-century poet, philosopher and statesman who championed the Uzbek language and the preservation of cultural identity.
“His commitment to education, social justice and the richness of Central Asian culture continues to inspire me.”
That connection to cultural identity and advocacy carries into Nasir’s own journey as an immigrant.
“As an immigrant from Kyrgyzstan with Uzbek heritage, my identity as an AANHP person is deeply intertwined with my experience as a refugee. Being part of the AANHP community is not just about cultural pride—it’s about resilience, adaptability and the responsibility to uplift others who may not have the same privileges. That’s what guides me, in both my personal and professional life.”
*Footnote: In alignment with the King County’s American Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika (AANHP) affinity group, Metro uses the term AANHP—rather than of AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander)—to reflect the expansive and intersectional identities of these communities, including Indigenous peoples of Asia and the Pacific Islands. This intentional naming was developed by the AANHP affinity group to ensure greater inclusion, visibility and solidarity across communities historically grouped together yet uniquely diverse.