Employee Spotlight:
Ali Raack
Growing up Asian American
For most of my life, I found myself consistently presented with the inevitable question,
“What are you?”
In my younger years, I learned that it was confusing to most that they couldn’t place my identity in one singular box. I struggled with that often and because of that, it was a constant push and pull of attempting to focus on just one half of myself in order to conform. This led to me feeling ashamed of who I was. Was I white? Was I Vietnamese? Can I just be both?
While growing up in the Bay Area, we lived in a predominantly Asian community and it was clear that I didn’t entirely belong. I could tell that my peers felt that they couldn’t connect with me because I didn’t look exactly like them or understand their version of a traditional Asian upbringing. Similarly, when we moved down to the Central Coast years later, I was put in a position of being forced to choose my Asian heritage amongst my white schoolmates because I was different. Once again, it felt as though I was a puzzle piece unsure of where I could fit. It was a never-ending battle of not feeling accepted for both of my heritages that make me whole. It’s this unparalleled understanding of identity that exemplifies the experience of being a biracial individual – incapable of finding a sense of balance between being too much of one race.
It’s taken a lot of self-reflection, cultural understanding, and confidence to realize that I should never feel scared to embrace all parts of who I am, and to never lose sight of what has made me the person I am today. I feel so proud of my family, who were brave enough to travel to America in search of a different life. That alone ignited the fire in me to learn more about Vietnamese culture: the traditions, food, art, language, etc. I also feel so blessed that I’m able to experience American culture and to have opportunities that many people dream of. Being part of the Deckers Brands family has only proven the fact that diversity is an essential part of creating a larger community of acceptance and appreciation. We’re stronger together.
I am honored to take part in Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and no longer do I sit in anticipation wondering when I’ll be asked of my race or how I identify; I encourage it.
Deckers Careers 