Like many women, my leadership path starts from being a daughter, sister, spouse and mother.I come from a family with a strong tradition of public service and philanthropy. I have seen firsthand how an individual’s efforts can benefit entire communities. This was especially clear in 1999 when my father–the late California State Assemblyman Lou Papan — proposed legislation to provide financial assistance to firefighters suffering from work-related cancers. This groundbreaking legislation not only helped a firefighter we personally knew who was fighting for his life, but has provided support for subsequent generations of brave men and women who continue to put their own lives on the line daily, to protect our communities.
I am working with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and local gun safety advocates to protect California’s ban on assault weapons from future US Supreme Court rulings. San Mateo County prides itself on welcoming, diverse communities. With our local law enforcement, the API Caucus, and local officials, I’ll lead efforts to monitor and prosecute any incidents of anti-Asian hate and any and all forms of discrimination and bigotry. Keeping our school sites safe, increasing access to state reporting of these crimes, and enhancing culturally competent state services are all part of my strategy to ensure we support equity and safety for all.