During a recent summit hosted by AAPI Strong, the national organization representing Asian American and Pacific Islander small businesses, Elaine L. Chao was honored with the “Legendary Achievement Award.” As the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and 24th Secretary of Labor, Chao addressed an audience of around 600, sharing insights from her remarkable journey.
Chao made history as the first Asian American woman to be appointed to a presidential cabinet, a role that highlights her significant contributions across public, private, and nonprofit sectors in two different presidential administrations.
Her journey embodies the essence of the American Dream. Chao immigrated to the United States at the age of eight and became a U.S. citizen by the age of 19. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for integrating Asian Americans and other communities into mainstream society and for ensuring equal opportunities for all. As Secretary of Labor, she made a groundbreaking decision to categorize Asian American employment data as an independent statistic for the first time, and she launched the inaugural Asian American Federal Career Development Summit and Opportunity Conference. Additionally, she ensured that Department of Labor guidelines were translated into multiple languages to better serve diverse communities. During her time as Secretary of Transportation, Chao implemented paid internship programs and championed workforce diversity within the industry to promote fairness and inclusivity.
When asked about the key to her success, Chao credited her family for their unwavering support and encouragement. “Like many Asian families, we may not frequently say ‘I love you,’ but they always pushed me to expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone,” she shared. She humorously acknowledged her introverted nature, stating that her professional experiences necessitated engaging with others. “Expanding your network is vital for career success,” she said, noting that professional achievements often depend on the support of others. “If you lack support, it’s worth reconsidering the validity of your endeavors,” she advised.
Chao also offered three essential pieces of advice to the youth in attendance: First, be bold in networking and don’t hesitate to meet new people. Second, have confidence and don’t fear making mistakes; she encouraged adopting the mindset that “no one is really paying that much attention to what you say,” as a way to reduce nervousness. Lastly, stay humble and open to feedback. She emphasized that leadership is a skill that can be developed over time and urged young people to get involved in public service as a means of contributing and gaining new knowledge.
In closing her speech, Chao passionately urged attendees to confront challenges with determination. “As you pursue your dreams, remember to focus not only on your own success but also on how you can positively impact your community and society through your efforts.”
