Born in China, I was raised in Boston’s Chinatown. The Chinatown neighborhood has been my home all my life. With myself and my little sister both proud alumni of Boston Public Schools right from kindergarten to 12th grade, especially having Josiah Quincy Elementary School as part of this journey, the Chinatown community has become a part of me. My joys of growing up included playing basketball at the Castle Square courts and Wang YMCA, and exploring every corner of the City of Boston.
Growing up in Chinatown was and continues to be my great joy, but it is also filled with struggles. Social and economic inequalities experienced by Asian Americans in the United States are all too real and have had a tremendous impact on me, both personally and professionally. As a child of low-income parents who struggled to understand English fluently, we greatly relied on our local community resources such as AACA for assistance. These organizations provided us with the support that made all the difference during my formative years.
I currently serve as Mayor Wu’s Chinatown liaison where I work towards eliminating silos between Boston residents and City Hall. I strive to ensure the needs of Chinatown are met and represented in policymaking. From ensuring that information coming out of City Hall is properly translated and understood, to advocating for equitable development in Chinatown, I am passionate about working together with residents, community organizers, and public officials to create a stronger Boston.
The best part of serving my community is the opportunity to witness first-hand how change can be brought about when people unite and work together. I am inspired by our Chinatown residents’ passion and drive, many of which never give up in the face of adversity. Through learning from them, I hope to continue to make progress towards bridging gaps between different generations and advocating for a more equitable Boston for all. As a first-generation Asian American, I am committed to breaking down cultural barriers for all communities through effective communication, collaboration, and understanding.
Through my column with AACA, I’m committed to actively involving residents and responding to inquiries surrounding up-to-date news from the City; from teaching residents how to properly utilize 311 to ensure that Chinatown is getting proper access to the City’s Public Work repairs to helping small businesses navigate the complicated application process. I look forward to speaking with local community members and leaders, discussing ongoing initiatives in Chinatown, and nurturing an even stronger relationship between residents and the City of Boston.
Every 2nd and last Friday of every month from 9am-11am, I will be hosting open office hours at the Wang YMCA where I will answer questions and share updates from the City. This will give me an opportunity to hear directly from residents about their day-to-day lives in Chinatown and what we can do together to improve our community.
I am honored to be able to serve my beloved neighborhood and will continue fighting for a more equitable Boston Chinatown. I am excited for what lies ahead. I am a believer in the future.
