Mother. Grassroots Advocate. Mayor of Yorba Linda.

I am a Deputy Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals, Writs, and Trial Section of the California Office of the Attorney General. I am also the first Taiwanese elected official in Orange County and the first Asian American elected to City Council in Yorba Linda.

I was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. I attended an elementary school that did not offer ESL and learned English by immersion.

My father was an attorney who believed that law should be used to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. He instilled in me about the importance of helping those in need. While in college, I volunteered at a women’s shelter and met a Chinese woman who endured years of abuse. She was trapped in an abusive relationship because her immigration status was tied to her husband’s employment. Because of her plight, I am passionate about child abuse prevention and assisting victims of domestic violence. I pursued a political and legal career to advocate on behalf of victims of child abuse and neglect and domestic violence. I volunteered at a shelter in Taiwan that rescued victims of sex trafficking. As a trial attorney, I prosecuted individuals who abused and neglected clients in facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services and represented foster children in juvenile court. I wrote two bills that were signed into law, which protected abused and neglected children. In addition, I successfully advocated for the decoupling of the Child Welfare Entitlement (Title IV-B) from the Federal Welfare Reform Act and protecting the Social Security Block Grant (SSBG) from reduction to ensure funding for at-risk and foster children. I was also part of the coalition that helped draft and advocate for the passage of the Adoption Assistance Act. Furthermore, I am the President of the Board of Directors for Lifesteps Children and Family Services, which provides services for developmentally delayed children in California.

Several years ago, I became active in my community and successfully led a community group to defeat a city planned project that benefited only a small group of residents. Subsequently, I ran for city council on a platform for economic stability and prosperity for the city. As mayor, my city realized a budget surplus which was used to pay down pension liabilities and save for medical retiree liabilities. I represent my city on many regional boards and agencies, rangning from transportation to public health to affordable housing. Further, I am the First Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Orange County.

How does being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American and/or community ally play a role in your life?

I am a proud Taiwanese American. I believe that I have a role in elevating Taiwan on the international stage. In my elected capacity, I invited the U.S. TECO Representative to speak at a meeting with members of the California Mayors Coalition about Taiwan’s response to COVID and economic recovery. I also invited the Director of Taiwan’s CDC to speak to my city council about Taiwan’s response to COVID and best practices to protect our constituents.

The Taiwanese American community has been consistent supporters of my political career. I was able to win my city council elections and garnered the top votes because the Taiwanese American community volunteered and made monetary contributions to my campaign.

If you could teach future generations 1 thing about being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American or Taiwan, what would it be?

Taiwan is a democratic country with its unique culture and heritage. It proved that an effective COVID prevention plan could be executed in a democratic society instead of a totalitarian regime.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I encourage all future Taiwanese Americans to be politically involved. Every day, decisions are being made that affect each of our lives. We must speak for ourselves and not allow others to speak for us. As Taiwanese Americans, we can be the bridge between the United States and Taiwan and facilitate innovations in science, health care, and the economy.

I hope that we will be recognized as Taiwanese Americans and that the history of Taiwan will be taught in our schools. We have many Taiwanese Americans working in fields ranging from the arts to science to law and business. It is imperative that industry leaders mentor our Taiwanese American youths and assist them in furthering their careers. Maybe one day, a United States Senator or the President of the United States will be a Taiwanese American.

Favorite memory of Taiwan/Taiwanese America?

My favorite memory of Taiwan was eating street vendor food.

Favorite Taiwanese food?

Oyster Pancake