Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Editor’s Note: One of our core tenets as a company, championing people, is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of our employees. We believe in an inclusive, collaborative environment – one in which all parties involved seek to better their understanding of their fellow human beings. It is with this in mind that, this month, we will be highlighting our employees of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent. Stay tuned for this ongoing series.

Claire Luffborough was born in Guam to Filipino parents, so understands the nuances and obstacles often presented to new immigrants. After moving to the United States, and like many immigrants of AAPI descent, Luffborough and her family find strength and comfort in keeping their traditions alive.

So get to know one of our cherished employees… Here’s what she had to say.

How many years have you worked at SDG&E? What do you do at our company?

I’ve been with the company for almost 21 years in various marketing, communications and market strategy roles. I’m currently a senior marketing and communications advisor in our Corporate Communications & Marketing Department.

What advice would you give people outside of the AAPI community to be better allies?

I would just remind everyone that “AAPI” represents hundreds of ethnicities, cultures, languages and experiences. We can’t be defined by one general term -- please get to know and understand the individual experiences of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that are in your life.

I have the experience of being a Filipino-American, born on the beautiful island of Guam to Filipino immigrant parents. And that’s just the start!

What has been your favorite project that you've worked on so far? What do you wish other people knew about our company?

The current LOVELECTRIC ad campaign has been a two-year journey to get it launched. I really appreciate the strategy, planning and collaboration that went into it and I’m quite happy with how it turned out!

I would want people to know that our company values and provides resources for a healthy work/life balance which I believe really allows employees to thrive and be successful both personally and professionally.

What is a tradition you wish to pass down, that your family has passed down to you?

On New Year’s Eve, at midnight, we eat twelve grapes before the clock hits 12:01 a.m. The grapes symbolize 12 new months of good luck. I remember doing this each new year as a child and I’ve continued that tradition with my husband and our four kids.

It’s an old Spanish custom that was inherited by the Filipino culture – and I know many Filipino-American families who also carry this fun “superstition” even in the present day.

What makes you most proud of being part of the AAPI community?

I’m proud of being a first-generation Filipino-American to immigrant parents and inheriting a rich history of people who have fought and continue to fight against oppression and for fair and equal treatment.

Thank you, Claire Luffborough, for your continued hard work and bright future at our company!