AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight Series: John Vergel de Dios

As part of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration, we’ve asked our colleagues to reflect on the significance of this month.

Cleary Gottlieb treasury manager John Vergel de Dios shares some of his thoughts below.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Cleary.

My name is John Vergel de Dios. I’m a Filipino American born and raised in New York City. I work in finance as a treasury manager and am responsible globally for ensuring the firm has enough funds to make all payments and that the firm’s money is maximized to earn interest and grow.

What does AANHPI Month mean to you?

As a child of Asian immigrants, and one married to a first-generation Asian immigrant, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month helps reminds me—as well as teaches my children—about the history and culture of Asians in America. Having been a New Yorker and growing up with friends from so many different backgrounds, AANHPI makes me feel proud to be part of that melting pot.

Has your identity impacted how you approach your work and career?

I have worked at an American company in Asia as well as worked at a German company in America. In both instances I worked with many expats and with managements of different cultures. Having grown up an Asian American made it easier for me to relate to challenges in communication as well as working styles and helped me succeed, as well as make many friends.

Are there any leaders, activists, writers/artists, professionals, or family members who have inspired you?

This is going to sound cliché but Lucy Liu went to my high school and seeing her success throughout the years in so many roles has been inspiring. We literally had the same classes in school!

When you’re underrepresented in your chosen field, why is it important to have mentors and sponsors who are invested in you and your career?

It’s really important for your confidence. I grew up in Queens but commuted to Manhattan for high school. Meeting older people who were able to eventually get jobs in the city and move to Manhattan was a big confidence booster for me. The same holds for being underrepresented in your field.

What are the benefits of joining an affinity group at Cleary?

For younger staff, it’s meeting people who have had experiences and success you can learn from and for older staff it’s being able to share your experiences.

Are there any programs at Cleary that you have been part of that have contributed to your professional journey and feeling included at the firm?

I’ve really enjoyed the Wine and Cheese socials and getting to meet so many diverse individuals at Cleary.

What is your favorite thing about working in the legal industry, and why did you choose to work at Cleary?

As someone who’s always worked in the financial industry before Cleary, I really like the more patient style that people at Cleary have. All give me a feeling that there is time to get to know you. I chose to work at Cleary because I felt that I can make solid contributions to the bottom line as someone from the finance industry in growing the firm’s cash.

Is there anything I haven’t asked you about that you would want to share with the Cleary community?

Cleary is a firm where I feel an effort is made to make everyone feel they belong. Whether you’re a partner, associate, or professional staff, everyone is made to feel comfortable and that makes working so much easier.