National culture is reflected by organizations in both direct and subtle ways. So it’s no surprise a culture as distinct and inventive as Mexico’s holds so many kinds of influences at EarnIn. For Mexican Independence Day, we caught up with our Technical Lead Manager in Mexico City, David L. Romero-Antequera to talk about how the holiday and the culture inspire him and the people he works with. Are there any customs or traditions of Mexican Independence Day that you find particularly meaningful? Being adopted by this country, even after 19 years since my arrival, I am still amazed by the patriotism displayed by the people. I have never seen a historical date being celebrated by so many people gathering in squares, in the country, everywhere… El Grito de Independencia (The Independence Cheer) is an outstanding tradition that never ceases to inspire me. How do you think EarnIn's values align with the cultural values in Mexico? We are a people known for our inventiveness, for finding ways of providing solutions in the face of scarce resources. We like to try new things to accomplish that, we are curious and want to learn. The Independence celebration reminds us the complicated history that we have had as a country and how Mexico has stepped up to overcome obstacles. See more on LinkedIn!
Happy hashtag#Pride Month! On June 18, our LGBTQIA+ employee resource group, the Rainbow Alliance Network, welcomed Edwin Aoki, SVP of Global Tech at NASDAQ, for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation on what it means to exist outside the default. Moderated by our very own Kristina Hathaway, the discussion centered on the power of authenticity, the importance of intersectionality, and how identity and inclusion have shaped Edwin’s journey and career success, including the lessons he wishes he’d learned earlier, like embracing imperfection. His message was clear: everyone deserves the confidence and support to speak up, be heard, and feel valued. Here’s what some attendees had to say: “It was an absolute pleasure to moderate the discussion with Edwin last week. I've moved into the "Queer Auntie" phase of my life when it comes to PRIDE - which I absolutely love! This means I trek up to SF on the train with my kids (both born and chosen) to celebrate our fabulously queer selves - and make sure no one gets lost or misses the train home. It's so important to have people who see you and celebrate you for exactly who you are - and I'm honored to be able to work for a company that does exactly that!” -Kristina Hathaway, EarnIn Sr. Director, DIB & People Partnering, Event Moderator (she/her) See more on LinkedIn!
Happy #Juneteenth! Last Friday, our employee resource group Black at EarnIn hosted a virtual Juneteenth block party in celebration of freedom, culture, and community. Team members and colleagues from other companies joined from all across the country for an afternoon of games, history, connection… and even some dancing! The event featured a surprise guest, Dominic Miller, a motivational speaker renowned for his resilience and passion in empowering his audiences. His impactful session was a standout moment that resonated well beyond the length of the party. Together, these sessions were both a celebration and a call to action — to reflect, to lift each other up, and to keep building a culture of inclusivity and empowerment at EarnIn and beyond. No matter what. Keep reading for some of our attendees’ biggest takeaways: Was there a specific point Dominic Miller made that stuck with you? “The biggest thing that stuck with me was: ‘You don’t fail when you lose. You fail when you quit.’ He really made me think about how tomorrow isn’t promised. If this year was our last, how would we have lived it? What dreams and goals are we ignoring?” — Courtney Cromer, Compliance Product Analyst (she/her) See more on LinkedIn!
Mental health is deeply personal, but also at the core of how we relate to each other — coworkers very much included. Julie Maeda, Executive Assistant to the CMO & CPO, is an invaluable piece of the emotional glue at EarnIn, so we connected with her about her leadership in our Mindful Mates Employee Resource Group and why Mental Health Awareness Month matters in the workplace. Tell us about getting involved in the Mindful Mates Employee Resource Group (ERG). “I got involved with the Mindful Mates ERG because I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful mindfulness can be — both in and out of the workplace. Practices like intentional movement, breathwork, and simply slowing down have helped me navigate stress, stay grounded, and show up more fully for myself and others. I wanted to help create space for others to experience those same benefits. I believe that when we prioritize mental wellness and presence, it transforms how we connect, collaborate, and thrive as a team. Being part of this group felt like a meaningful way to contribute to a more compassionate, conscious culture.” See more on LinkedIn!
Celebrating #AAPIHeritageMonth means celebrating the rich history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, especially as a company headquartered in the Bay Area. We spoke to TaiHsu (Michael) Chen, CFA®, MBA, Senior Treasury Analyst at EarnIn, to learn more about his heritage and how this month resonates with him. What does AAPI Month mean to you? “AAPI Month is both a celebration of heritage and a call for greater representation. The Bay Area holds rich AAPI history—from San Francisco, home to the first Chinatown, to San Jose, which has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the state. As an Asian professional in finance, I’ve seen both progress and barriers that make it harder for AAPI individuals to break in. This month reminds me of the importance of advocacy and inclusion while also providing a chance to engage in conversations, educate others, and support AAPI-owned businesses, artists, and leaders in our communities.” What is your favorite thing about working at EarnIn? “The ItoEn Golden Oolong tea! Coming from Taiwan, where unsweetened tea is practically a staple of life, having this tea available feels like a true blessing. Fun fact: this Golden Oolong tea is actually a product of Taiwan!” See more on LinkedIn...
May is #AAPIHeritageMonth, a time to honor and celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and the contributions they’ve made to our collective culture. We chatted with Lyndzi Phan, PMP, SHRM-CP, Senior Human Resources Information Systems Analyst at EarnIn, about the importance of AAPI Heritage Month and her connection to her culture. What does AAPI Month mean to you? “AAPI Month is a time to honor the contributions, struggles, and rich cultural heritage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. For me, it’s both a celebration and a reflection — on my own identity, my family’s journey, and the responsibility I carry to uplift others and open doors where I can.” Are there any AAPI figures or leaders who inspire you? If so, why? “I’m inspired by Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American author and professor whose work around identity, memory, and displacement is both powerful and deeply personal. His voice brings nuance to the immigrant experience and challenges the dominant narratives around AAPI history.” Why did you decide to join EarnIn? “I was drawn to EarnIn’s mission of building a more equitable financial system and empowering people with tools that give them greater control over their money. From my very first conversation, it was clear that this company not only cares about its customers but also invests in its people.” See more on LinkedIn...
April is Financial Literacy Month! It’s always a great time to learn more about money (and never too late to start), but this is one of our favorite times of the year for it. So we chatted with one of our own financial educators, Ross Howden, VP of Financial Planning & Analysis at EarnIn, about financial literacy and how it impacts EarnIn’s mission. Why did you decide to join EarnIn? “I really connected with the mission of EarnIn and the opportunity to truly change how money moves for millions of people. The entire ‘batch’ money processing system around pay is antiquated and primed for a huge leap forward.” What does Financial Literacy Month mean to you? “I view Financial Literacy Month as a reminder that we can all uplevel our knowledge and feel a greater sense of control and peace. On a deeper personal level, it is a prompt to take full advantage of a very natural opportunity for me to discuss financial literacy with my teenage sons.” In your experience, what are some common misconceptions about financial literacy, and how can individuals overcome them? “There are three primary misconceptions that I see associated with Financial Literacy Month: 1️⃣ ‘It’s not for me, I don’t have enough money to be concerned with saving or investing - I am just trying to survive.’ I know that it can be daunting or intimidating, but the sense of control and hope that can be gained by learning and applying something new can be a relief in a pressurized situation. See more on LinkedIn!
It’s #NationalPetDay, and we love our furry office friends! We spoke with Julien Altieri, Senior Staff Product Manager at EarnIn — and more importantly, Loki’s human — to learn more about his connection with his dog and how Loki (she/her) fits in with the team. What is your favorite thing about working at EarnIn? Wonderful colleagues. When I started, I made it a habit to take the longest possible path to my desk to have the opportunity to connect with colleagues. Fostering these connections gave me strength to overcome challenges and the inspiration to tackle bigger problems. Loki is a beloved part of the EarnIn team! How does she brighten your workday? I love seeing her express her personality. She always wants and claims a seat at the table, celebrates the end of every meeting, participates in leadership AMAs, and loves being clapped for during all-hands meetings. She is also an incredible time keeper: she somehow knows when it’s 5pm, also when it’s 5:30, and especially when it’s 6 and dad is late to go home. If Loki had a job at EarnIn, what role do you think she’d have? She is totally my second boss. She also shares traits in common with the role of Project Manager (time keeping, accountability, scope protection, meeting facilitation, etc). See more on LinkedIn....
#WomensHistoryMonth reminds us to keep supporting women in the fight for equity and inclusion, especially in the workplace. We sat down with Sunita Liggin, Senior People Practices Partner at EarnIn, to hear how she’s doing just that, co-leading the Women’s Impact Network ERG. What does Women’s History Month mean to you? When I first started working in the 80s, women were just beginning to step into leadership roles. We had to dress a certain way, speak a certain way, and often prove ourselves twice over. As an immigrant, I was fortunate to have mentors who guided me - teaching me not only the technical aspects of my job but the unwritten rules of navigating the corporate world. Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and focus on pushing forward. It’s about honoring those who paved the way and making sure the next generation faces fewer barriers. How do you envision an inclusive and equitable future for all women? A truly inclusive future means women don’t have to change who they are to succeed. It means diverse leadership is the norm, not the exception, and recognizing that inclusion isn’t just about gender but about intersectionality — ensuring women, regardless of race, background, or economic status, have access to opportunities. See more on LinkedIn!
Opportunities to recognize and reflect on the triumphs of Black Americans are always worth taking. We sat down with Lana Lawson Commercial Counsel at EarnIn, and talked about how Black History Month resonates with her. What does Black History Month mean to you? Black History Month is a time to remember the sacrifices my ancestors made for me and recognize the path that Black Americans are creating today. I celebrate Black History Month because it reminds me of where I came from so I can remember where I am going. Can you share a moment or person in Black history that has impacted you? When I visited Madam C.J. Walker's Legacy Center in third grade. I came from very humble beginnings so visiting the factory of the first self-made black female millionaire changed my perspective of what a black woman could accomplish in America with hard work and perseverance. How can EarnIn’s DIB efforts continue to honor Black history and culture? As a leader of Black at EarnIn (“BAE”), having the support of my People Experience Team, EarnIn co-workers, and leadership, I feel we do a phenomenal job celebrating and honoring Black history and culture throughout the year! If you’re looking for a career that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and belonging, EarnIn is hiring. Check out our careers page for open opportunities: https://bit.ly/48iksmZ
