Employee Spotlight: Christina Khim, Creating Value and Inclusion
Q: What is your role at DENSO, and what motivates you most?
A: I’ve been with DENSO for over 6 years and had opportunities to learn and grow in different parts of the Human Resources (HR) department. Recently, I took a new role as an Advanced HR Business Partner focusing on our full-time workforce and talent management at our thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Michigan.
What motivates me is to “try not to become a person of success, but try to become a person of value,” as Albert Einstein once said. In everything I do, I want to be a valuable person for the people surrounding me, the organization I work for and the community I live in.
Q: As co-chair of the Business Resource Group (BRG), DENSO Burmese Network, can you explain what the group does and why it’s important?
A: People unfamiliar with Battle Creek might not know it, but we have a large Burmese population in our area. This is reflected in our workforce, as many work at DENSO. The DENSO Burmese Network does many things, including:
Deliver important policy and benefit information to Burmese employees who struggle with English;
Support local nonprofits, such as the Burma Center, which provides assistance services to Burmese people locally and internationally; and
Work with leaders to ensure we create an inclusive and equitable environment for Burmese applicants an employees
In one our prouder achievements, we recently raised over $72,000 in employee led donations for the Burma Center to support humanitarian aid in Myanmar.
Our work is important because it’s rooted in DENSO’s belief of treating people with dignity and respect. We want to be the employer of choice for Burmese people. To do that we need to spread cultural awareness among our employees, ensure our environment is welcoming to all and offer people opportunities to advance, regardless of background.
Q: May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. What does it mean to you?
A: In my early years trying to adjust to the U.S., I was often embarrassed. To have an accent, to eat foods that can smell quite strong to other people, to complete college without much assistance, and when helping my family with their limited English skills.
All these experiences, however, make me who I am today – resilient, persistent, adaptable, and courageous no matter what circumstances come at me. Today, I am so proud to be a Burmese Asian American who speaks with an accent and stands out uniquely to share my beautiful culture and identity to my American friends. To me, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month means we are seen and celebrated for who we are. It is also a great reminder of my roots, my history, and my upbringing that makes me who I am today.