July 21, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
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Asian Austin debuts its new series, "The A-list," profiling Asian community and business leaders in the Austin area. We will feature profile stories periodically, and we welcome your suggestions.
I first met Jennifer Kim when she was campaigning as a candidate for Austin City Council. Seeing an Asian face out there, I was so excited by the possibility.
Having Jennifer Kim as a candidate, and then as a member of City Council got me engaged in local politics in a way I have never been before, and I think many others can say the same.
I had a chance to chat with Jennifer about her work with the city, her thoughts on the Asian community in Austin and what’s next for her.
AA: What are some things you learned from serving on City Council?
JK: The Asian community was a really great community to have … they are so supportive. There were people out there for the first time voting, people getting involved for the first time. I learned how to get things done. I helped get people appointed to key Boards and they were able to use their talents and they were able to do more the community. I’m really proud of them. There were a record number of Asian American appointees.
AA: What do you feel are the top priorities of the Asian community in Austin?
JK: [Local Asian community members] wanted to access to getting government work. Small businesses employ a lot of people. They want to make sure they had a fair shot. They pay taxes and want to be able to be heard and have access to information.
Another thing is having a good representation of Asian Americans represented in all areas in the city. For example, Vietnamese applying to WIC [ACRONMY] now have a translator. We were able to secure a stipend for a translator for Asian Americans and for sign language.
It’s important we have people joining the police, fire department and have lots of them. [Jennifer explained that promotions only come from within, so all high-ranking officials in Austin have to start as a cadet here.]
The third thing is that we need resources for programs that bring us together and give us a sense of community. We are still in fundraising mode for the Austin Asian Resource Center. There are still a lot of hurdles [such as design and hiring executive director.]
That Center will be able to house a lot of programs – educational, cultural, humanities, sports – things all families are interested in. It will also house language classes and other classes, for example, we might have a “law day” to go over immigration.
Having Asian Americans as elected officers can do so much. The community wants to be open, but they just want to know how. We need to be doing some of the brainstorming. The opportunity is there. We just need to dream big. People just need to step forward and say, ‘how can I get started?’ I’m always available as a resource to help advise people on how to get started.
It’s an amazing calling to be a public servant. That’s something I will always have in me, one way or another. That’s something I’m doing now – consulting for a non-profit to get additional funding and to find jobs for people. I used the information I learned from City Council every day helping these people and also helping the Austin Asian Resource Center.
Asian Americans should really be thinking of a career in public service, even if they’re not running for elected office. You learn so much, and you get to help people. There are good benefits. It’s our responsibility to get out there, advocate and make our case.
AA: Tell me about your latest project working for Mary Kay.
JK: I was approached by a national sales director for Mary Kay. At first I thought, no way. Then I thought about my mother and the fact that she loved selling Mary Kay and how much fun she had doing it. And I thought, this could be fun.
I started my training in November 2008. After only three weeks selling, I ended up being the number one seller in my group for the quarter. It’s a great company and I love meeting other women and helping them look and feel great.
My goal is to become a national sales director and to open up Mary Kay in Nepal. I love to do it for the women. If you want to help children, you have to empower women. The [women in Nepal] would earn their own pay and the they would be able to make an impact in their communities.
AA: I liked the fact that your Mary Kay site features Asian faces. It’s so nice to see Asian features considered in the line.
JK: Mary Kay is the most affordable of department store brands and it is the number one selling brand in 30 different countries including China, India and Taiwan. Mary Kay made sure products are customized for a broad customer base, including Asian; you see more yellow and olive tones. People can go to my website and get looks that are really customized for them. You can get a virtual look makeover using an Asian model or upload your own photo.
Right now, I get to focus on my personal passions and enjoy my life more. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I really happy with the way things happened.
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2 comments
Delighted to hear current, good news about Jennifer. Many thanks
Delighted to hear current, good news about Jennifer. Many thanks