I help organizations and people communicate across cultures.
Speaking the same language does not equate to complete understanding. With work experiences that span 3 countries + 2 continents, I know first-hand how formalities and a desire to get along across cultures can come in the way of connections necessary for innovation and effective collaboration.
Marketing & Writing
The current Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Social Justice (IDEAS) landscape remains very U.S.-centric, ie. the framework, research, and concepts are from a Western lens. With my international background, I communicate and translate IDEAS in ways that global audiences can relate and apply to their environments.
As a panelist and moderator, I have engaged with over 200 HR and DEI leaders across the globe on how to implement DEI in ways that align with their workforce.
“Thank you for sharing your wisdom and personal stories in Thursday’s Psychological Safety Roundtable - I found it a very rich and insightful conversation!”
-Participant of the “Psychological Safety with a Global Lens” webinar
I have also written blog posts and content for marketing resources with tips for inclusion in the workplace, catering to individual contributors and people leaders alike.
I also have experience with non-profit and internal marketing communications + research. As part of a globally distributed team engaged by B Lab, over 20 focus groups in several languages were conducted. I led the efforts for the APAC and U.S. East Coast regions, facilitating focus groups in both English and Mandarin before analyzing and translating key findings for reporting.
Beyond advancing inclusion in the corporate world, I leverage my ability to connect and convey important messages for important causes and social issues.
LinkedIn was where I got my start, be it my professional career in the U.S. or venturing into thought leadership. Today, I use my platform to discuss global DEI issues, the importance of cultural awareness and competency, as well as a glimpse into the life of a first-generation international professional.
Inspired by the conversations I have had with people both in a personal and professional capacity, I started writing a newsletter documenting the numerous ways I changed my mind in hopes to normalize people changing theirs when dealt with new information. Click the image to browse past editions of my newsletter!
Trainings & Facilitation
A key tool for facilitating change and courageous conversations in the workplace, I have extensive experience creating and leading training + workshops that are action-oriented. I also understand the needs of different modalities, from asynchronous learning modules to hybrid workshops. My repertoire includes and is not limited to: racism, immigration, identity oppression and privilege, authentic allyship, and inclusive language.
As the DEI subject matter expertise for a culture and inclusion organization serving Fortune 100 companies, I worked alongside the product team to create new learning solutions that cater to market needs that are backed by research. Some of the deliverables include Allyship in Action and Gender Diversity: Beyond the Binary. Both are available in live workshop as well as learning module formats, modified to cater to different use cases and learning styles.
Click on the image for a sample of past works I have completed as an independent consultant.
Community Building & Engagement
As someone who identifies as “community-made and never self-made," I find ways to rally people for a common cause and take ownership for my role as part of the societies I am in.
Ever since the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes broke the news, the Asian American activism landscape has burgeoned. Alongside calls for justice and visibility, there was also a missing piece - the understanding of the intersectionality between systems of oppression. The Asian Accountability Circle (AAC) was a community space for folks within the Asian diaspora who are interested in ways that they can activate and advocate without perpetuating other systems of harm.
Inspired by my own journey with being let go and having to find a job under stressful circumstances, I organize LinkedIn Livestreams to be in community with others as well as provide any resource or assistance that I can.
As a student, I was driven by the desire to serve the student population. On top of being a DEI scholar at the college’s D&I office, I was also nominated by my peers to be the first Senator-at-Large representing international students. During COVID, spring break was removed to deter students from travelling. I wrote a resolution with other Senators in the Student Government to advocate for a mental health day. It was passed and accepted by the school administration, where March 17 was allocated as a Mental Health Day. Click the image to view the statement and data.
As members of different communities of practice, I contribute in ways that help others advance their movements as well.
As a member of People Geeks, Culture Amp’s Slack channel with over 33,000 members, I was spotlighted as Top Community Contributor of the Month. The Top Community Contributor is selected based on the level of engagement a member has contributed to, answering questions and discussing with other members around HR & DEI topics globally.
I am constantly looking to expand my knowledge and meet new people. The Product Marketing Alliance exists to create a space to help individuals and organizations drive company-wide alignment around product marketing as the scalable, sustainable source of business growth.
Publications & Press
As a thought leader with a LinkedIn following of over 3,000 professionals, I use my platform to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable world of work. My authentic voice, informed by research as well as lived experiences, is what resonates with people.
During my time as Global DEI Product Manager, I was approached by HR Exchange Network to discuss possible trends the market will see in 2024. Click on the image to read the article.
As a first-generation international student, I continue to give back by speaking on podcasts and live streams about my journey to achieving professional success and ways to expand one’s network + opportunities. The above is one example.
Awards & Recognitions
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Every year, Suffolk University recognizes young alumni who, within 10 years of graduating, are making major contributions in their field and in the community.
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COLOR’s POWER 40 Under 40 is a celebration of exceptional young professionals of color who are reshaping industries, igniting change, and inspiring a new era of leadership. As the world evolves, these trailblazers stand out for their innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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Nominated by their peers and the student population, winners of the “Exemplary Leadership” Award demonstrated a commitment to improving the academic experience in their own unique ways.
“Xin Yi is such a wealth of knowledge and infinitely passionate about the work she does. She is adept at challenging the status quo with thoughtful ideas, solutions, and strategies to implement positive change. She is a wonderful thinking partner, innovative, and is both curious and empathetic when working with clients. Xin Yi is a true voice for the communities she uplifts.”
- Taylor Kunselman, Senior Client Success Manager & Consultant