Reflecting on his Enterprise career, Kevin C. has deep roots with the Enterprise Commute team, which he’s been a part of since 2002 when he started as an intern in Southern California. Today, Kevin is Commute with Enterprise’s Sales Director for North Central and Northeast.
On a personal level, Kevin’s roots are Vietnamese American. He actively shares his family’s history with his young daughters, so they understand the sacrifices and resilience of his parents.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Kevin describes the pride he holds for his heritage, and the importance of issues impacting the AAPI community today.
Describe your career path with Enterprise.
My entire career has been with Enterprise Rideshare/Commute!
I began my career at 19 years old as a part-time college intern for the Rideshare division in Southern California. After graduating, I began full-time and transitioned into a sales role in 2007. I had the opportunity to grow my career as an Account Manager, Account Executive and Account Development Manager.
In 2016, I was promoted to Corporate to develop a strategic account management plan for Commute and to manage the Zimride platform.
I spent the last two years as a Federal Business Development Manager until now, where I’m currently serving as the Sales Director for North Central and Northeast.
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
This month presents the opportunity to stop, reflect and commemorate all the traditions and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans.
I use this time to honor and celebrate my Vietnamese American background. After the fall of Saigon, my parents escaped Vietnam as refugee boat people and sought opportunities in the U.S. I tell this story and explain the sacrifices to my young Vietnamese American daughters – now 3rd generation Vietnamese Americans – so they understand our family’s history.
How does your manager or team encourage you to bring your whole self to work?
My team encourages me to share my perspective and viewpoint. They make sure I have a voice and take the time to ask so they can better understand my perspective.
Our Commute leaders, Mike Mangan and Melissa (Mo) Banigan, support and encourage me to get involved with the Asian community in St. Louis. I’ve been actively participating in the Asian American Chamber of Commerce St. Louis (AACC STL) and will soon be joining their board.
What makes you proud to be part of the AAPI community?
It is an honor to be part of the AAPI community. The AAPI story is great example of the American story: a group of people celebrating their diversity, honoring their individual culture or heritage, working hard to achieve success, while being proud of their American identity.
What excites you about your Enterprise future?
I’m excited about opportunities to continue advancing my career while simultaneously experiencing personal growth and development.
One of our greatest organizational strengths is our people, and I love being surrounded by talented, driven and thoughtful peers who push and help me grow as a person.
What do you think people can do this AAPI Heritage Month to raise awareness and learn about important issues that impact the AAPI community?
It’s critical that we raise awareness about the issues in the AAPI community.
The recent surge of hate and violence against the AAPI community is not getting much coverage and AAPI Heritage Month is a great time to educate the community.
We need to stand united against any hate, violence, harassment and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
