When did you decide you want to work for an elected official?
- I think I was destined to work in public service. My grandmother was the mayor of our small town of Albany, CA at a time when there were few women in politics. She taught me that government can be a powerful means to contribute to your community. That is, when strong leaders amplify community voices and govern for the right reasons. I studied public policy in college and feel that my career in state service has been a dream come true.
Why did you choose to work in this office?
- Ever since joining public service, I’ve been an admirer of Controller Yee. She embodies public service – making the most of our collective resources and leading the way with clear values, particularly on climate change and economic justice. Governments have a responsibility to taxpayers to promote accountability and transparency. I knew that the Controller’s Office would support my pursuit of these goals.
Do you have any mentors? how have they helped?
- In state government I have been lucky to have had many AAPI women mentors, from Controller Yee, to Deputy Controller Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez, to Department of Finance Chief Deputy Director Erika Li. Just their presence in these key leadership positions reminds me that I, too, deserve my seat at the table.
What is a typical day at work for you?
- As a Special Assistant in the SCO Executive Office, I support the Deputy Controllers in their various policy arenas. As Chief Fiscal Officer of state government, Controller Yee serves on 70 boards and commissions with a broad portfolio of policy areas. I help recommend how the Controller’s Office should vote on issues before these financing commissions, and work to promote the responsible use of these taxpayer resources. I also coordinate and implement cross-cutting issues for our office, including the development and execution of our strategic plan.
As an AAPI, have you ever felt that it’s difficult for AAPIs to work in the CA statehouse?
- There have been times in my career when I have developed expertise on an issue and still felt the need to stand up for myself for my voice to be heard. There are occasions when I notice that people are quicker to listen to loud and outwardly confident voices in the room, particularly of my white male peers. In these times, I am so grateful for the AAPI leaders who experienced much greater hardships and yet charted the path for my generation. Until state government represents the diversity of California, we all have work to do in lifting up underrepresented communities including the AAPI community, among others.