After graduating from college, I spent almost six years as a Community Advocate for the Workers’ Rights program at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus (ALC), a non-profit organization based in San Francisco’s Chinatown. There, I empowered and represented low-wage and immigrant workers on issues including unpaid wages, retaliation, and discrimination. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I co-managed and partnered with UC Berkeley’s Labor Occupational Health Program and other community-based organizations to launch a state-wide survey and report documenting the health and safety conditions of low-wage workers during the pandemic. Meritus College Fund and Maisin Scholar Award (before they merged with 10,000 Degrees) played a role in my passion for workers’ rights because they encouraged me to follow my dreams. They also played a role in my education because they provided academic support, mentorship, and financial support so that I was able to be the first person in my family to attend (and graduate from) college.
2023 Alumni Changemaker Semi-Finalist