1) What inspired you to run for office and become a legislator?

I came to this country with my parents when I was six years old. I worked hard to learn the language, excel in my studies and eventually graduate from law school. I know I had the quintessential American dream, but I also know that dream is becoming harder and harder to capture. I got into politics to serve the community and the country that has given me so much.

2) What is your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment as a legislator? If you could change one thing in Trenton, what would it be?

This is a big question for a freshman legislator, but I would say my greatest achievement has been getting my Lunar New Year Resolution through the Assembly, and I look forward to getting it through the Senate in the coming months. I don’t know that I see anything as a disappointment quite yet. I see obstacles as learning opportunities. I am still learning the ins and outs, so whenever I hit a roadblock, I learn more about the legislature, our role, our relationship with the administration, the advocates, and how it all works together. Again, it isn’t easy, but it’s the business of getting things done on the state level.

One thing I would improve in Trenton if I had a magic wand — and I think we are moving in the right direction, especially in the last election cycle — is increasing diversity. Not just the diversity of color, but the diversity of gender, creed, and class to make sure that diversity is reflected at the decision-making table. Again, I think we are really improving, especially here in District 37, but that’s one thing I think we could still use some movement on.

3) What are the legislative priorities, issues, or areas of concern you would like to focus your attention on?

I want to bring our state and local levels into the 21st century. Right now, we are operating on computer systems from the 1980’s. We need to improve the way we communicate and interact with the public. There is no excuse for this, especially when it comes to systems people rely on for food, heat, and housing.

4) Coming out of the pandemic, what are the lessons you’ve learned, and how do you think those lessons should guide public policymakers going forward?

First, we must have the systems New Jerseyans need in times of crisis working in a way that makes them easy to use, understand and access. That is urgent, and we can’t wait for the next pandemic to make these changes.

Second, on a state and national level, we have to have a better way to combat misinformation. For me, the clearest thing that came out of the pandemic was how connected we truly are, meaning we are only as safe as our most vulnerable neighbors and are only as informed as our least informed communities. So, we cannot ignore, silo, or isolate anybody or group because, whether we like it or not, we are all in this together.

5) What was the make and model of the vehicle you learned how to drive in? What was the first vehicle you owned, new or used?

My first car was a Nissan 240SX that I had in my senior year of high school. I loved that car. We drove it everywhere from Queens to Canada and down to Virginia Beach, too.