'InspirASIAN’

 How does your lived experience positively influence your work?

I've worked in all facets of different communities from rural (800 population), to suburban communities to large urban metro communities (425,000). Also, I have worked off and on for 10+ years within a native environment having served as the City Administrator for a city located entirely within the boundary of Minnesota's largest federally recognized Indian reservation. Amongst the many things I learned was being a good listener, having patience, and being able to build mutual and reciprocal trust were essential skills to effectuate a positive and successful outcome.

Who or what inspires you?

I have many people who aspire to me, so to me, it's about character. Someone who inspires me stands on their principles and does not sell them out for political gain. I have seen so many politicians say one thing but then when it's convenient for them to say something against what they've stood for they go ahead and say it. Well to me, call me old, but when you don't know someone personally, words do matter, and someone who says things about other people to be used as scapegoats, for instance, is not someone who inspires me.

What career advice do you live by?

I strongly believe in the power of networking. I also believe strongly in professional development. Too often we feel trapped because we are dealing with such a big issue, but one needs to remember that there are probably hundreds of others who are dealing with the same issue or have dealt with it before, and so reach outside of your bubble to find those people; and while their solution might not be the right one, just hearing from others that they are facing the same problems is both therapeutic and can be beneficial in the long run.

What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today?

In addition to serving as a city administrator for 5 Minnesota and Wisconsin cities, I began to transition to academia first as an adjunct and later as a fixed-term professor. After getting my Ph.D. I nearly had 3+ years of FTE experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level. The courses I taught were primarily in local government management and urban studies. Therefore, after being in the city management profession for over 16+ years I decided to work for the University of Minnesota Crookston as an Associate Director for the Veden Center for Rural Engagement. I was able to use my experience as a city administrator and community and economic development to lead several initiatives including leading a rural entrepreneurial training program that, among many things, provided student interns to rural and tribal entrepreneurs. Another program developed through this was a financial literacy training program to help tribal members who wanted to start a business.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Being able to believe in oneself that they are capable of doing the same things as everyone else is one of the biggest challenges to my career that I've had to overcome. When I first entered the profession, for example, I was in my early twenties and had to manage department heads who were in their 40-50s and who were in their jobs longer than I. When I obtained my Ph.D. and entered the teaching profession, I was teaching alongside professors of practice and researchers who were renowned within their field. I will admit there have been many situations of "imposter syndrome," but for me, the best way to address this is by finding and surrounding yourself with colleagues and friends that want to help and see you succeed.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter or to those already involved in public administration?

For those new to the profession, local government is a great career, this is where the rubber meets the road; and where we can impact people's lives the most. As a result, it is a rewarding career; but it can also be extremely stressful and, at times, toxic. Find your ethical compass and stick with those principles. Build a peer network and find a mentor who can support your growth.

For those currently in the profession, continue to evolve professionally and personally. The work as a local government official can be stressful so surround yourself with people who can support you and want to see you succeed personally and professionally.

How did you get into the teaching profession?

I went to teaching because this was something I felt gave back to the profession, but also was a positive outlet for me as the job of an administrator can be one that is both stressful and challenging. Be sure to surround yourself with the things that you value, and look for those opportunities as those opportunities someday could open up a new horizon for you.

What favorite place have you traveled to or what is the next place on your travel bucket list?

I really enjoyed traveling to Venice, and our next trip is to go to Paris or Berlin. We finished a trip to London and just happened to be in London when King Charles was crowned as King so that was fun to see some of the pomp of the coronation.