I came to this country from Hong Kong because I believed in what America promised: the chance for an immigrant from Asia like myself to build a better life through hard work, integrity, and service. Like so many others, I came here seeking greater opportunities and a brighter future. This belief wasn’t abstract; it was why I got on the plane. It grounded me then, and it continues to shape every decision I make today.
When I arrived, I didn’t have connections or shortcuts. I just wanted to make something of myself and learn as much as I could. At the University of Oregon, I studied architecture and business, exploring how cities grow and how thoughtful design shapes the way people live and interact. I was drawn to architecture because it offered a tangible way to improve people’s everyday experiences. Early in my career, I experienced setbacks that tested me deeply. The dot-com crash and the recession forced me to adapt and find new paths forward. But instead of retreating, I kept moving forward and eventually joined a design firm, where we worked with Steve Jobs to design the first nine Apple Stores.
Our work reshaped global retail and pioneered the concept of “showrooming,” translating technology into human experiences. At Apple, I managed real estate and development for over 230 stores across North America and studied business management at Apple University under Stanford faculty. There, I gained a deeper understanding of what makes innovation work — and why the most successful projects always start with people.
Leading teams on projects like Pixar Animation Studios and the China World Trade Center for the Beijing Olympics taught me a valuable lesson: meaningful architecture always centers on people. These experiences reinforced for me that the strongest results come from open communication and genuine collaboration. Later, a serious health challenge forced me to pause. I ended up pursuing a Certificate in Commercial Real Estate Investment at MIT Sloan School, allowing me to refocus on projects closer to home. First, I founded a startup and eventually launched my consulting firm dedicated to improving people’s everyday lives. We expanded schools, preserved multi-generational homes, and created spaces designed around dignity and belonging.
Being Asian American isn’t an obstacle to overcome; it’s why I deeply understand what’s at stake when people feel invisible in the cities they help build.
Serving in public leadership as an Asian American woman is central to my work. When I first began, I didn’t see many Asian women serving on city commissions or stepping into public service roles. My identity is shaped by a culture that values discipline, family, sacrifice, and perseverance — principles my parents lived by and passed down to me. Being Asian American isn’t an obstacle to overcome; it’s why I deeply understand what’s at stake when people feel invisible in the cities they help build.
Recognizing the importance of representation motivated me to step into public service. Over nine years as a city commissioner, first under Mayor Ed Lee on the Arts Commission, then under Mayor London Breed on the Historic Preservation Commission, then the SFMTA Board of Directors, and now as president of the Planning Commission, I’ve championed transit-oriented housing, protected architectural heritage, and advocated for visionary yet practical policies. My goal has always been to ensure that our diverse communities, including Asian Americans, are heard and represented in city decisions.
On the SFMTA Board of Directors, I worked directly on San Francisco’s transportation systems. One of our biggest wins was finally upgrading Muni’s train control system — believe it or not, we were still running it on floppy disks! I also helped install speed cameras in high-injury areas, reform public safety tracking, and facilitate labor agreements. I made it a priority to talk with the people most impacted by our decisions, hosting town halls and working closely with community members. One of my most memorable experiences was driving a Muni bus at the annual bus rodeo, where I placed third. It gave me a deep appreciation for the skill and dedication of our frontline workers.
As president of the Planning Commission, I’m thinking a lot about the future of downtown San Francisco. I believe it can become more than just office buildings and commercial spaces — it can be a place filled with art, entertainment, housing, and real community life, perhaps even enhanced with immersive technology like virtual and augmented reality. Getting there won’t be easy, but with thoughtful changes and consistent effort, I know it’s possible.
San Francisco gave me, an immigrant from Asia, a future built on the promise of hard work and resilience. Out of gratitude and a sense of responsibility, I focused on putting my unique blend of innovative design, corporate savvy, and deep civic understanding skills to work on giving back to this city in ways that feel meaningful. As an immigrant, a mom, and a proud Asian American, I carry with me the experiences of my journey here and the values of my heritage. My story isn’t unique — it’s shared by others like me who have quietly shaped this city. We are San Francisco’s future, and together we’re building it, brick by vibrant brick.