Q&A with Michelle Picard of Siemens Mobility, Inc.

Dec 22nd, 2022

Blog

The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Board Members who provide valued perspective to our work. We chatted with our Board Chair Michelle Picard, the Director of Business Governance & Risk Management at Siemens Mobility, Inc. Michelle reflected on her time serving as the Board Chair before she passes the role on to Amanda Merz, the Community Impact Manager at SAFE Credit Union, in 2023. Read Michelle’s Q&A below.

Q: Tell me about your time serving on the SacAsian Board — What were some of your highlights and successes as Board Chair?

A: Working on the SacAsian Board was a wonderful experience I found both informative and eye opening as I was given the opportunity to work with other members of the community. I loved sharing and hearing ideas on how to move the board’s mission of creating a more inclusive regional economy forward as it related back to the promotion of business, economic sustainability, and servicing our small businesses and diverse community in the region.

My two-year board term did take place during the pandemic, so we were given the challenge of navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic without losing the personal touch of working with the community. Though a tough line to walk, we successfully pivoted and went virtual when possible to keep everyone safe and businesses connected.

One of my favorite memories from my time on the Board was our first ever AAPI Night Market! Taking place along downtown Sacramento’s Capitol Mall, the event was a huge success with a few thousand people attending. The event brought together local businesses and politicians, AAPI vendors, families, and local food trucks. It was a very well received event and the fundraiser outdid itself – I can’t wait to see what the Chamber does with the event in 2023.

Q: How do you hope to see the region change and progress in the next few years?

A: In the next few years, I hope to see the region continue its journey for AAPI development and thrive. I’d like to see our AAPI community here in Sacramento continue to grow and make sure the population continues to feel included. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are important to us all, and I hope we continue to acknowledge the diversity of the Sacramento region as we work toward sustainability, economic and workforce development for the AAPI community, and beyond.

Q: What is some key advice that has helped you throughout your career?

A: The best piece of advice I can give is to be your true authentic self and network when you can. Building strong, professional relationships across different industries – different levels, different walks of life – will give you different viewpoints and allies down the road. Especially as a female leader, building strong relationships while having a strong voice and being present will give you a seat at the table and make you resourceful as you navigate your career.

Q: As you leave your role as Board Chair, what’s next for you?

A: As the soon-to-be past Board Chair, I will continue to support the organization by serving the board as an individual contributor. I also look forward to continuing my efforts in supplier diversity with Siemens Mobility as we strive to transform the everyday experience of our employees, customers, and society itself through our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives.

Learn more about our Board here.