Home: Monroe, NY. Age: 34. Profession: Learning and development; DEI. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My husband, Will Zhu. Alma mater: Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.
Recent professional development: Selected for the inaugural class of ADCOLOR Leaders, a program to support historically excluded professionals in creative industries as they rise to executive roles. Latest accomplishment: Being a first time author of the book, The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers. It will be published this November. Latest contribution to others: Co-founding Asians in Advertising, making it into a 501(c)(3) and launching a Future Asian Leaders Scholarship for twelve recipients to go through a three month leadership coaching program facilitated by Nicole Cruz. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Becoming a first-time mother. It has been the best gift in the world. Last book read: Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans, by Jenny Wang. Recently viewed and recommended: Workin' Moms (Netflix).
Personality profile: Caring, creative, curious connector. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Nurturing. Moral compass: Would I want my daughter to see this? How do you define a perfect friendship? Real friends are the ones that fill your cup and soul with joy and love. As Maya Angelou says, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What is your greatest joy? My daughter, Summer. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling. How do you relieve stress? Meditation, therapy, Peloton, journaling. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Our travel itinerary. My husband and I collaborate to create detailed trip itineraries to make sure we are making the most of our time in the destination.
What was your first paying job? CVS. What book have you repeatedly read? The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, by Michael D. Watkins. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Do what makes you happy; follow your heart. What is your favorite app? Love the Shine for meditation.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Helping people follow their passions to seize their potential; creating a better future of the workplace that is more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
What change would you like to see in the world? More people celebrating and spreading love to everyone around us. What message do you want to send out into the world? Treat yourself like your own best friend and make sure you are taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Joy of Jessalin. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My aunt, Lily Lam. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An artist. What advice would you give your younger self? It’s okay to not have all the answers. Feel all of your emotions and ask for help. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I met my husband, who is now my lifelong partner and for whom I am so grateful.
Personal motto: Believe in yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Favorite quote: “Tend to your thoughts with care. They have the power to grow weeds or flowers” (Cleo Wade).
