Hello!
Like so many other things these days; I was created in China. I found my way to America at the age of two, ready to solve problems there. My kindergarten teacher awarded me with the “Mind like a steel trap” placard I keep near my desk to this day. At the age of ten I was waking up at five in the morning to study for my Friday exams before my mother was awake for her job.
As I reflect on my time at the University of Washington in Seattle, I am appreciative of the numerous experiences that have helped me develop my talents and grow as a leader. Taking in multiple leadership roles has sharpened my talents and widened my perspectives. This leadership portfolio highlights some of the most influential experiences I’ve had.
Accepting these many leadership chances has not only sharpened my skills but also widened my viewpoints, allowing me to comprehend leadership in a more holistic sense. As I prepare to graduate, I am confident that these experiences will be helpful in providing me with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in the real world.
Core Values
Ambition: Ambition propels my unrelenting quest for perfection, propelling me to overcome challenges and exceed expectations. It acts as an inner compass, leading me through uncertainty and enabling me to turn obstacles into opportunities. By embracing ambition, I not only increase my own potential, but also motivate others to pursue their goals with steadfast dedication.
Curiosity: Curiosity is the foundation of my intellectual journey, sparking a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It compels me to examine preconceptions, broaden my horizons, and develop empathy for different points of view. Curiosity not only helps me comprehend the world, but it also fosters innovation and sparks real change.
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to my persistent determination to live in accordance with my inner principles and beliefs, especially in the face of adversity. It promotes true connections and trust, allowing me to build lasting relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. By embracing authenticity, I am embracing my genuine self, which allows me to navigate life with integrity, purpose, and self-acceptance.
Reliability: Reliability is more than just a pledge; it is a vow to honor my duties and keep my word. It serves as the foundation of trust for solid partnerships, strengthening both personal and professional interactions. By exemplifying dependability, I demonstrate not just my skill but also my integrity, laying the framework for long-lasting partnerships based on mutual respect and steadfast reliability.
Leadership Identities
Innovative Visionary: As an Innovative Visionary, I am driven by a tireless quest of novel solutions and bold ideas to complicated problems. Drawing on my entrepreneurship experience, where I built my own company from the bottom up in the education tech field, I understand the transformative power of innovation in tackling real-world challenges. My entrepreneurial adventure developed in me a strong desire to use technology to empower students and improve their learning experiences. Now, as a visioning leader, I am dedicated to sharing my insights and skills with future generations of innovators, providing them with the tools and resources they need to design game-changing ideas that define the future of education. I seek to challenge the current quo by pushing limits and cultivating an environment of innovation and discovery. By visualizing possibilities outside conventional boundaries, I enable individuals and teams to accept change, adapt to emerging trends, and capture opportunities for growth and advancement.
Empowering Mentor: As an Empowering Mentor, I am committed to promoting the personal and professional development of others, leading them on their path to reaching their greatest potential. I prioritize empathy, active listening, and constructive feedback to foster a supportive workplace in which people feel appreciated, supported, and empowered to grow. In this capacity, I understand the intrinsic benefit of mentorship in developing talent, confidence, and leadership skills. My dedication to mentoring goes beyond typical borders; I actively support and guide new exchange students at UW who are here for a quarter. By offering mentorship, I enable these students to adjust to their new surroundings, overcome obstacles, and maximize their academic and cultural experiences at UW. Through this mentorship, I hope to instill resilience, confidence, and a feeling of belonging in each of the students I guide, as well as provide them with the skills and resources they need to prosper academically and personally.
Collaborative Catalyst: As a Collaborative Catalyst, I believe that collaboration, inclusivity, and communal problem-solving are essential components of successful leadership. I believe in the power of collaboration and diversity, leveraging individuals’ aggregate intelligence and unique views to achieve common goals and promote long-term change. In this capacity, I want to bridge gaps, build trust, and develop a collaborative atmosphere in which every voice is heard and respected. My dedication to collaboration extends to my participation in The Women’s Network club, where I support and advocate for women on all college campuses. This group, which coincides with my core value of ambition, seeks to provide women with the resources and assistance they require to pursue opportunities in any sector.
Why Do You Do What You Do
My driving force, or “why”, stems from an inner fire of ambition and an unwavering devotion to personal growth and self-development. I’ve always had an innate desire to succeed, and I’m continuously looking for new challenges and opportunities to push myself beyond my comfort zone. This intrinsic ambition has driven my career through school, leadership roles, and numerous personal interests, motivating me to set lofty goals and pursue them with steadfast dedication. I believe that true progress occurs when you venture beyond your comfort zone, embrace discomfort, and dare to reach previously uncharted heights.
How Do You Envision Engaging in Leadership in the future?
In the future, I hope to participate in leadership by not just achieving my own professional goals, but also actively empowering and coaching younger women who aspire to be in leadership positions. I am genuinely devoted to creating a supportive atmosphere in which young women can grow and develop the skills, confidence and resilience required to excel in leadership roles from an early age. Whether through mentorship programs, leadership workshops, or one-on-one coaching sessions, I hope to provide guidance, support, and practical advice to help these rising leaders manage the obstacles and opportunities that await them on their leadership journey. By investing in the next generation of female leaders, I aspire to foster a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, where all individuals can fulfill their potential.
What does leadership mean to you & What are key principles of (good) leadership?
How has your understanding of leadership evolved over time?
My concept of leadership has evolved significantly over time, influenced by personal experiences and increasing self-discovery. In my younger years, I saw leadership synonymous with being in the spotlight, demanding attention, and bearing the burden of decision-making alone. Not liking public speaking, this thought originally discouraged me from aiming for leadership positions. However, once I entered high school, I began taking on more responsibilities with Link Crew and being in many leadership positions. Through these responsibilities, I learnt that leadership is much more than visibility or authority. It requires embracing essential principles like organization, determination, compassion, and respect, all of which contribute to an inclusive and cohesive team environment.
As I matured and grew in my leadership journey, I realized that it is a dynamic and ever-changing process. It requires ongoing self-reflection and change as well as the willingness to admit both successes and faults. This introspective approach helped me see the value of sharing experiences and learning from others, encouraging adaptability and growth in myself and my teams. Furthermore, I learned that good leadership is more than just individual efforts; it feeds on teamwork and community support. Genuine intentionality, the ability to inspire and the ability to deliver constructive feedback emerged as crucial leadership attributes that went beyond official titles or positions of authority.
In essence, my increasing understanding of leadership has taught me that anyone can be a leader, regardless of title or position. True leadership entails mastering a wide range of talents in order to empower and inspire people to achieve common goals. It is a journey of continuous learning, self-awareness, and collaboration, motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive difference and create inclusive environments in which everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect!
1206-384-1515