As the Vice President of Member Relations, I'm responsible for overseeing and enhancing our membership program to ensure it aligns seamlessly with our organization's overarching mission: to enhance the economic prosperity of greater Silver Spring through robust promotion of our member businesses and unrelenting advocacy on their behalf. In this capacity, I take great pride in overseeing a multifaceted membership program that caters to the diverse needs and interests of our valued members.

Co-Founded a K-8 micro-school focused on the principle that learning is preparation for life. Through discovery, students are encouraged to wonder, explore, connect, create, and find their calling. Springwell’s pillars include honoring the whole child, creating meaning through a constructivist approach, providing developmentally appropriate instruction, finding belonging together through inclusion, and cultivating a global and community mindset.

I joined National ACE, a national chamber of commerce for Asian American and Pacific Islander (“AAPI”)-owned businesses — when it had only 1 employee, its CEO. I was recruited to facilitate organizational growth; and scaled the organization by leveraging an intense moment of national interest from media, corporate, and government sectors during the pandemic and subsequent and alarming trend of anti-Asian hate incidents. Together, we seized the moment to innovate and pave the way for aggressive fundraising, high-quality programming, and sustained nationwide expansion. Under my operational tenure, National ACE established a $6M fund for small businesses, conducted 8 national and regional surveys over 3 years, and recruited and hired 20+ cross-functional personnel, both employees and vendors. I managed intentional and sustainable growth by establishing new operational infrastructure and processes. In our startup culture, the COO role included oversight of the development and growth of a diverse array of departments including programs, policy, government affairs, communications, marketing, finance, and special projects.

A proud Hondista, I worked eight years on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Mike Honda. Through this experience, I gained the skills, knowledge, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment as his Senior Director of Operations and Scheduler. My work included scheduling, travel administration, office management, and balancing a legislative portfolio. I managed all front office staff, office operations, and also served as a liaison to VIPs from the White House, Cabinet Members, Members of Congress, ambassadors, CEOs, and other dignitaries. Through this position, I was able to develop my passion and knack for relationship building. Today, one of my core strengths is building strong, long lasting relationships among the internal team and outside stakeholders alike. I have expertise in the art of discretion, diplomatic gate-keeping, and maintaining high morale with a positive attitude and a drive for getting the job done right. I have Congressman Honda to thank for this opportunity. It has been an honor to serve our government in that capacity.

Participated in highly selective, intensive congressional internship program with the Honorable Leon Panetta.

Taught over 1,400 students as graduate assistant lecturer and teaching assistant in political science courses, and advised over 50 international relations students on career and coursework direction.