Get to know some of United’s Asian team members this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

United recognizes that the diversity of its team supports the Company’s overall mission to provide excellence in service to its stakeholders. Its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fosters respect and a shared purpose that aligns with the Bank’s core values and community leadership. Since the Bank’s founding in 1839, its leading principles have helped United grow from a single-office bank to a premier regional banking company with a strong presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Today, the Company holds approximately $30 billion in assets and serves a consumer and commercial customer base that is diversified across lines of business as well as geography, with more than 225 offices located throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, as well as Washington, D.C., where it is the largest community bank headquartered in the D.C. Metropolitan region.

United’s employees are its greatest asset – when team members thrive, so do customers and so does business. That’s why, this Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, United is spotlighting some of its Asian employees, their accomplishments, and the work they are doing to support their communities, bolstering the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that employees from entry-level to management are empowered to reach their full potential and make a difference, contributing to a culture that is entrepreneurial, efficient, relationship-based, and service-oriented.

Growing up, Tuan Nguyen was surrounded by very honest and direct voices. Witnessing his family start their lives over in the U.S. after leaving their home country following the Vietnam War instilled in him a set of values and qualities that he’s carried with him in his career. For Nguyen, transparency, straightforward communication, and integrity are integral for lifelong success. And he credits the environment he was raised in – as a child of Vietnamese immigrants, born in Washington, D.C. – as what has guided him and allowed him to see the success that he’s experienced to this point.

Today, Nguyen is a desktop engineer in United Bank’s Parkeast location in Chantilly, Va. In this role, he utilizes Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to configure, maintain, and support the Bank’s end-user computing environment.

Nguyen studied information technology with a focus on information security and network administration at George Mason University. After graduation, he began his career as a help desk technician, providing technical support for several Virginia-based companies. Prior to joining United, Nguyen had his first introduction to the financial services industry as a desktop engineer at Friedman, Billings, Ramsey, an investment banking and brokerage firm in Arlington. It was there that he learned about the intricacies and unique needs of a financial institution and found that he could make a significant impact with his skillset, a prospect that he found very exciting.

Nguyen lives in Ashburn with family. With a daughter who swims competitively and a son who competes in e-sports (both are black belts in Taekwondo), the Nguyens are an active family. And while his job in IT means he’s never too far from a computer, Nguyen also makes it a habit to get out often and explore the great outdoors. A desire for exciting fitness activities and social gatherings led him to his current interest of gravel biking. He regularly rides with Leesburg-based bike club, VeloPigs, in his free time, and he likes to take his children on rides for family bonding.

Were there any Asian leaders that inspired you in your career journey?

While there are many Asian leaders who have made significant contributions in various fields, the most influential figures in my career journey have been my own family. My parents, aunts, and uncles, who came to the U.S. after the Vietnam War, have been my greatest inspiration. Starting from scratch, they built their lives from the ground up with tremendous resilience and determination. Their journey of establishing themselves in a new country, overcoming numerous challenges, and creating opportunities for our family has deeply influenced my approach to my career. They taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and never losing sight of one’s values – all lessons that I carry with me in my personal and professional life. Their leadership, demonstrated through their life stories, has been a constant source of motivation for me. So, while I respect and admire many Asian leaders in the business world, it’s the leadership I witnessed within my own family that truly influenced my path in life.

What has your experience been like as an Asian business leader?

My experience has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve faced unique challenges related to cultural differences and stereotypes, but these challenges have – personally – provided opportunities for growth, learning, and being open to differing viewpoints. I hope that my background has allowed my team to foster a more inclusive environment in the workplace, promoting understanding and respect among all team members. While there undoubtedly have been hurdles, my experience as an Asian business leader has been a journey of continuous growth.

What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

To me, AAPI Heritage Month is a time of reflection and anticipation. It’s a time to look back and appreciate the rich history and diverse cultures that make up the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, while also honoring the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors and the path they paved for us. At the same time, it’s also a time to look forward. I reflect on the opportunities and influences that I’ve had, and I’m filled with hope and excitement for what the future holds for my children. I believe that the increased awareness and visibility brought about by AAPI Heritage Month will lead to greater acceptance of our culture, which I hope will translate into more opportunities for my children and future generations. I want them to grow up in a world where they can be proud of their heritage and where their culture is not only accepted but celebrated. AAPI Heritage Month is a celebration of where we’ve come from and an optimistic look at where we’re heading.