APAICS | Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies

APAICS Alumni spotlight: Mayor Lisa Wong of Fitchburg, MA

APAICS Alumni spotlight: Mayor Lisa Wong of Fitchburg, MA

APAICS February 2012 newsletter

In 2007, Lisa Wong launched her distinguished career in public service by becoming the first minority mayor of the City of Fitchburg, and the first female Asian American mayor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mayor Wong’s innovative leadership has been instrumental in economic restructuring, environmental affairs, and redevelopment projects for the City of Fitchburg. 

Mayor Wong was one of seven participants of the APAICS Leadership Academy for Elected Officials in 2010. “APAICS was instrumental in giving me a foundation for understanding national politics,” says Mayor Wong. “I still strongly believe that all politics is local, and that government officials on the state, federal or international level who understand that are the most successful and impactful.”

Mayor Wong has been able to lower crime, make significant capital improvements, and attract private investment. She is also a leader in conservation efforts, setting aside over 1,700 acres for permanent conservation and building parks and trails along the Nashua River.

Mayor Wong grew up in Massachusetts and attended Boston University where she received a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics, and master’s degree in economics. She began working for the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority in 2001 and became the agency’s executive director in 2004. As director, she managed several urban renewal projects to revitalize Fitchburg, such as the redevelopment of a former General Electric facility into a modern business complex.

Mayor Wong has seen her hard work come into fruition with her recent reelection for a third term as mayor of Fitchburg. Mayor Wong’s close reelection continues to strengthen the AAPI leadership pipeline and reinforces the need for civic engagement from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

The APAICS Leadership Academy for Elected Officials was established in 1999 to provide AAPI elected officials with the skills and resources needed to excel in their current office as well as preparing them for opportunities to advance into higher office. The APAICS Leadership Academy brings together a bipartisan group of promising AAPI political leaders from state legislatures, city councils, and local governing bodies all across the country. Over 90 elected officials have participated in the Leadership Academy since its inception.

“Being an APAICS alumni gave me more confidence that my political career will not end with local government, and that there is a strong support network with APAICS to pursue further goals.”

For more information about the APAICS Leadership Academy or to sign up for this year’s Academy, contact APAICS program director at lmohib@apaics.org.

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