In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the SEC is spotlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander Committee (AAPIC) Co-Chair and financial economist Bill Young. In this Q&A, Bill shares his background, reasons he joined the SEC and AAPIC, and insights on the celebration of the month.

Q: You’ve been with our Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) in Chicago since you started in 2013. Can you share a little about your background and what drew you to the SEC?

A: Seeing that in writing is a bit surreal, I can’t believe it will be my 10-year anniversary in a couple months. I joined DERA’s Office of Litigation Economics (OLE) at the recommendation of some former colleagues that had already transitioned to the SEC from the private sector. I had been working at economic consulting firms like Charles River Associates and Navigant Economics, mainly focusing on antitrust and class action labor discrimination cases. In terms of school, I studied economics at the University of Chicago for both undergrad and eventually my MBA. My wife did the same, so we both like to joke that the university has all of our money.

There were two main draws to the SEC. First, there was the promise of a better work-life balance, which thankfully was not an exaggeration. And second, the flat hierarchy in DERA and specifically OLE allowed me to continue doing what I enjoy, which is working on data analysis. Had I continued on the private side, that path would eventually have me focus solely on business development and the management side of projects. As a bonus, the personal benefit I get from knowing we’re working to help protect people and right wrongs has been much greater than I would have ever anticipated.

Q. Why did you decide to join the AAPIC and what has been most rewarding in your role as co-chair?

A: I had already been an active member of the Chicago Regional Office’s AAPI group before I was tapped to lead as a co-chair. I think the most rewarding experience was pre-pandemic, when we hosted a large in-office potluck to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It was a great way of sharing our culture and few things bring people together like good food.

Q: What unique perspectives do you bring to your role as AAPIC co-chair that you may draw upon to help enhance diversity, equity and inclusion both internally at the agency and externally in the community that we serve?

A: I’d like to think I know a little about being an outsider, which is important if you’re trying to promote diversity and inclusion. Growing up as a second-generation Asian American in a predominantly white suburb of Chicago meant I didn’t fit in with the first-generation crowd and I definitely wasn’t raised as your typical all-American. Plus I was a nerd, which didn’t help my cause. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve since found my fellow cohort of nerds at work and in my personal life, but it took a while. And I think having those experiences helps you recognize when others simply want to be included, and it helps you recognize why somebody may not feel included. You have to understand why they do not identify with anybody in the group before you can fix it.

Q: At the SEC, we emphasize the importance of mentorship, sponsorship and internships as conduits for creating personal and professional opportunities. Is there a person, experience or event that was pivotal to helping you get to where you are today?

A: I completely agree – not only will those relationships open doors, but if you’re in a position where others are making decisions on your behalf, you need to have a voice in the room. I have had several mentors in my career (nobody said you only had to have one). But one colleague early on in my consulting days, was a fantastic mentor. Not only did he help me establish good working habits and best practices, but because he learned he could trust me, I often got funneled projects with more client-facing time and more management responsibilities. Those opportunities allowed my career to grow faster than they would have otherwise.

Q: What barriers have you encountered on your career path, and what advice might you give to help others overcome similar barriers?

A: As an Asian American, I found the “bamboo ceiling” to be very real as there were not a lot of Asians in management when I first started out. I think the situation has definitely improved, but progress can still be made. That means few Asian mentors and that can make it harder to see yourself going down various career paths. I think it’s something to be recognized, but to not let it deter you.

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

A: Hah, I’m a big superhero nerd, so this is both a great question and super difficult to pick just one. It’s also a debate I’ve had with my 7 year old and he’s adamant about choosing the ability to fly. So if I could have a superpower, chances are my son will too, so I’m picking the ability to fly to keep up with him.