In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re featuring our talented AAPI-identifying employees across the Company. AAPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect, celebrate and recognize the influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans in our history, culture and achievements. Here at Atlas, we celebrate our Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues and their contributions.
Hassan Hoque, Lead IT Security Analyst.
This week’s employee spotlight is on Hassan Hoque. Hassan has been at Atlas for six years and was recently promoted to Lead IT Security Analyst. In his role, Hassan is primarily focused on protecting the Company’s sensitive data from cyber threats. Ensuring that our operating environment is secure every hour, every day is a big job, but as Hassan explains, “working alongside talented colleagues who are committed to the same vision is how we get the job done.”
Hassan, who’s Bangladeshi, kindly answered a few questions about his career, life and heritage. Here’s a bit more about Hassan in his own words.
What was your career path and how did it lead you to Atlas?
I started my career in financial services. I graduated college with a degree in mathematics, and my first job was at investment banking company, where I worked on the trading floor. After a few years, I started to gravitate toward technology and eventually took a position as a systems engineer. After 15 years at the company, I went to work at a cable news channel as a security and systems engineer.
The aviation industry wasn’t on my radar until a recruiter called and suggested I interview for a position at Atlas. I met with Nate Maurer, who is now my manager, and knew immediately that this was the right next step for my career. It continues to be a fabulous opportunity.
How important is it to you that Atlas recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
Hassan with his wife Safa.
It’s important for Atlas not only to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but also to recognize the many cultures that contribute to the Company’s diversity. The different ideas and perspectives found within Atlas are what will make our organization thrive. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a great opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures from our Atlas colleagues. I am proud to be part of Atlas’s recognition.
Please share something that is unique about your culture.
One of the things that I would say is different in Bangladeshi or the Asian community is the timing of when children leave the family home to go out on their own. Instead of going out on your own immediately after graduating from college, it’s very normal to continue living with your parents until you get married. That’s what I did. I graduated from college and moved back home to be with my parents. I left when I got married. The family unit is very tight and very close in our culture.
Which traditions are most important to you today? Which ones are you focused on instilling in your children?
Growing up, I read the Quran twice. My parents had a tutor come in at various points while I was growing up to teach me how to read Arabic. Learning how to read the Quran is a really important part of our religion. Now that I have my own children, I want them to learn how to say the prayers – just like my parents made sure I did. So, I am sending my children to Islamic school to learn about Islam, how to do the prayers and the significance of Ramadan. I love that they are following in my footsteps and learning all of this.
What’s a fun fact about you – personal or professional – most people at Atlas don’t know?
I was born in Russia and spent a significant portion of my childhood in Thailand. While both my parents are Bangladeshi, I only lived in Bangladesh for two years. My father was a diplomat and we lived abroad in a number of different countries. We moved to the United States – Queens, New York – in 1989 when I was 13 years old. My parents still live in Queens today.
Hassan with his wife Safa, son Aayan and daughter Anayah.
Do you have a role model or mentor in your life?
I would say it is Nate Maurer, not because he is my boss but because of who he is as a person. Nate has a natural gift that makes people gravitate towards him, especially when he speaks.
His willingness to share his skills, knowledge, and expertise has positively impacted my career and personal life.
