What inspired your journey as a founder and leader in this space?

Chinatown has always been a significant part of my life; it was my second home, where I spent every Sunday at my late grandmother's apartment on Eldridge Street. In 2010, it became my only home. This neighborhood has profoundly shaped me as a person. My journey into founding Welcome to Chinatown began quite unintentionally during COVID-19, when my co-founder Jennifer Tam and I saw a critical need within the community. Our initial efforts to address the challenges faced by small business owners and residents in Chinatown gradually evolved. With each step, we discovered more ways to contribute, leading to the establishment of Welcome to Chinatown. This initiative wasn't just a response to a crisis; it became a committed effort to uplift and empower an entire community.

As a woman, what does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style and approach?

Leadership is about giving autonomy to our team and the wider community. We work with small business owners and entrepreneurs and it is important for them to have a voice, be empowered to take risks, and learn from mistakes. I strongly believe that the best lessons come from mistakes–it is about moving past the guilt that comes with it, and identifying what you learned and how you can be better. Also, a core value I practice and instill in my work is listening before we deliver. I lead with empathy and don't feel the need to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard. This approach helps foster inclusivity and empowerment, particularly in a diverse and dynamic environment like Chinatown.

What piece of advice would you give to women and girls aspiring to leadership roles?

I would advise women and girls to step out of their comfort zones and venture beyond what seem like safe, traditional career choices. Earlier in my life, I wish I had known to go beyond the conventional pathways to explore different industries and get more involved in community work. It's incredibly enriching to learn about what's happening within your neighborhood and beyond. My journey has taught me the importance of civic engagement and pursuing paths that may not initially appear conventional but hold the potential for significant impact and fulfillment.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to achieve through your work with your organization?

Through the Small Business Innovation Hub, we hope to make a lasting impact in the Chinatown community. Much of our work has been reactive, due to the urgent needs presented by the pandemic. We hope to transition to addressing more systemic challenges through thoughtful programming and policy work. Our goal is to facilitate upward mobility for residents and businesses, prevent wealth extraction, and ensure that Chinatown remains a vibrant, inclusive place for generations to come. Through the Innovation Hub, we aim to establish a foundation for thought leadership and education that tackles these critical issues head-on.