Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Thomas Cheriyan
This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), we’re excited to spotlight Thomas Cheriyan (he/him), Vice President, Business Process Assurance and executive sponsor of our Pan Asian Council (PAC) Business Resource Group. 
What is your ethnic background and a few aspects of your culture that are unique?
South Asian – Growing up in Mumbai, India exposed me to a variety of different traditions, religions, languages, cuisines, music and festivals – a true multicultural city.
In what ways do you celebrate your heritage?
I look to celebrate my Indian heritage on any occasion. My parents live in Mumbai while my in-laws live in Chicago. My wife and I got married in three different cities (Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chicago) over a span of six months just so we could celebrate with our parents, extended family and friends. We never miss a chance to break out into Indian dancing whenever we can.
What are you most proud of as an Asian American?
Family values.
Looking back, what was the most impactful experience that led you to your current role?
Working for Deloitte and leading multiple client service engagements, one of them happened to be CDW.
What are your future career aspirations?
Continue to develop teams, inspire people to be their authentic self and strive to make a difference each day.
Why is PAC involvement important to you?
PAC allows me and other CDW coworkers an opportunity to enhance cultural awareness, mentor and develop leadership skills while working with coworkers across all functions and levels.
Choose 3 words that kept you motivated during COVID times.
Cross-functional partnership.
Coming into the new virtual world of working is there any advice you can share?
Find ways to be available for yourself (reenergize and avoid working 24/7) plus travel when you can!
How do you recharge to ensure a work/life balance?
Spending time with my wife, kids and friends, watching movies, yoga, working out, running with friends.
Learn more about Pan Asian Council and our other Business Resource Groups.
This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), we’re excited to spotlight Thomas Cheriyan (he/him), Vice President, Business Process Assurance and executive sponsor of our Pan Asian Council (PAC) Business Resource Group.
What is your ethnic background and a few aspects of your culture that are unique?
South Asian – Growing up in Mumbai, India exposed me to a variety of different traditions, religions, languages, cuisines, music and festivals – a true multicultural city.
In what ways do you celebrate your heritage?
I look to celebrate my Indian heritage on any occasion. My parents live in Mumbai while my in-laws live in Chicago. My wife and I got married in three different cities (Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chicago) over a span of six months just so we could celebrate with our parents, extended family and friends. We never miss a chance to break out into Indian dancing whenever we can.
What are you most proud of as an Asian American?
Family values.
Looking back, what was the most impactful experience that led you to your current role?
Working for Deloitte and leading multiple client service engagements, one of them happened to be CDW.
What are your future career aspirations?
Continue to develop teams, inspire people to be their authentic self and strive to make a difference each day.
Why is PAC involvement important to you?
PAC allows me and other CDW coworkers an opportunity to enhance cultural awareness, mentor and develop leadership skills while working with coworkers across all functions and levels.
Choose 3 words that kept you motivated during COVID times.
Cross-functional partnership.
Coming into the new virtual world of working is there any advice you can share?
Find ways to be available for yourself (reenergize and avoid working 24/7) plus travel when you can!
How do you recharge to ensure a work/life balance?
Spending time with my wife, kids and friends, watching movies, yoga, working out, running with friends.
Learn more about Pan Asian Council and our other Business Resource Groups.
