'InspirASIAN’

Who or what inspires you?

During a spring break in my graduate studies, I joined Operation Blessing International in New Orleans to assist with disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. I worked alongside local residents to rebuild homes destroyed by the hurricane. This experience deepened my passion for public service, which continues to inspire and drive me.

What has been your biggest professional achievement?

Over the past 16 years of my professional career, I have achieved numerous milestones that continue to drive me forward. One recent highlight is co-founding and leading the Nudge Mesa - City Behavioral Insights Team. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I established and led this 25-member cross-departmental team, dedicated to improving the city's internal operations and service delivery using behavioral science.

In this role, I managed nudge projects across various city departments, facilitated team discussions and collaboration, and developed training materials. Our team's efforts have been nationally recognized by Bloomberg Cities as one of the top four municipal nudge teams in the country. Additionally, I was invited to present at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, sharing insights on using behavioral science to enhance municipal operations and city services.

What career advice do you live by?

As a public servant, the career advice I live by is to always serve with integrity and a commitment to the greater good. Public service is about more than just managing resources or implementing policies; it’s about making a positive impact on the lives of the people you serve.

I believe in continuous learning and adaptability. The challenges in public administration are constantly evolving, and staying informed and flexible allows you to address those challenges effectively. Collaboration is also key—working across departments, listening to diverse perspectives, and fostering a team-oriented environment leads to more innovative and effective solutions.

Lastly, I remind myself to stay grounded in the mission of public service. The work we do can be demanding and complex, but keeping the focus on improving communities and supporting the public's well-being is what drives me forward every day.

What do you/did you love the most about your job?

I have opportunities to work with people across city departments to improve the internal operations and city services.

What is your favorite hobby? How did you get into this hobby?

My favorite hobby is playing badminton with my family. We started playing together as a fun way to stay active and spend quality time. It quickly became a cherished family tradition, and now we regularly have friendly matches and tournaments, which not only keep us active but also strengthen our family bonds.

What’s your favorite part of being a member of I-NAPA?

My favorite part of being a member of I-NAPA is the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of professionals and learn from their experiences. The collaborative environment fosters creative problem-solving and offers valuable insights into best practices and emerging trends in the public sector.

Have you developed relationships with our other members? If so, what do you get out of those connections?

Yes, I have developed relationships with several members of I-NAPA. These connections have been incredibly valuable for sharing knowledge, discussing challenges, and exploring collaborative opportunities. Building these relationships has enhanced my professional network, provided support for my initiatives, and enriched my understanding of various approaches in local government.