Jessie lives torn between different worlds: Chinese & American, low-income living in a wealthy area, queer but closeted. However, they learned growing up entailed living in the middle of their colliding worlds—to become a unique whirl of contradictions, nuance, and complexity. With their experiences in hand, they hope to pursue policy and law to make an impact on their communities.

While Jessie has explored their passions through various outlets, they are most proud of their work in Connecticut’s state legislature. Working as an intern under Senators, Representatives, and legislative aides, Jessie has had the unique opportunity to advocate for bills to address real issues within their communities. They initially focused on preparing weekly newsletters and designing posters to working on legal cases, researching and testifying for bills, and even proposing their own legislation, seeing immense success. This, alongside their dedication to community service and local politics, demonstrates their devotion to social policy, democratic advocacy, and making a positive change in the world.

Jessie’s source of encouragement and support is their parents. Living in a local family restaurant, they have always looked up to their parents, both rural, low-income immigrants. From a young age, Jessie watched their mother fight against insulting customers, while their father taught them math and politics. They strive every day to be as hardworking, strong, and intelligent as their parents. Jessie feels extremely privileged and thankful to become the first person in their family to graduate high school, attend college, and begin a career in government, breaking a cycle of poverty that has plagued their family for generations.