Panel: Empowered Voices—Chinese American Women Shaping Resilience and Community

Saturday, 3/15/2025
2:00 - 4:00
Chinese Center Exhibit Space - 3rd Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Bay Area Chinese American leaders Lucy Chen, Yan Zhao, and Anita Chan share their personal stories of resilience, leadership, and their contributions to the community. They will explore how Chinese American women are shaping resilience, building stronger communities, and paving the way for future generations.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Van Tran, providing thoughtful insights and engaging dialogue on topics that matter most to women and the Chinese American community. A book signing will be followed by the panel disscussion. 

 

Lucy Chen:   A speaker and author, who has received four prestigious book awards: the International Impact Book Award, the Golden Door Silver Medal, the PenCraft Spring 2024 Best Book Award, and Readers' Favorite Five Star Award for her book "Build Resilience: Live, Learn, and Lead." With a Master's in Environmental Engineering from UCLA and diverse expertise in engineering, finance, and as a risk executive, Lucy is also a certified Human Potential Coach and Distinguished Toastmaster. She's the founder of GiftedCoaching.Info and actively contributes to community organizations.  She teaches people to write a book of their own, so that more people may share their journey with the world.

Yan Zhao:

A  two-term Mayor of Saratoga, and a current member of the Saratoga City Council.  She was first elected to the Council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Yan holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Santa Clara University. Before her role on the City Council, Yan served on many commissions and boards. She dedicated eight years to the Saratoga Planning Commission, four years to the Saratoga Madonia Cemetery District Board of Trustees, and nine years to the Commission on the Status of Women in Santa Clara County. Yan’s contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognitions, 

Anita Chen:

Anita Chen (陳柔恩) is an educator, advocate, and former Congressional candidate for California’s 17th District. Her decision to run was a response to the deep anger she felt about the prevalence of child sex trafficking. Inspired by her with students, she believes that raising a voice for the voiceless is the definition of empowerment. With her deep understanding of cross-cultural communities, she brings a fresh perspective to public service and a dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.

Author Readings & Lectures

Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

Chinese American Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Chinese American community.

AANHPI Interest

Weaving Stories: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Interest
Connect with AANHPI heritage with programs and workshops, book recommendations and more.

Weaving Stories is the Library's celebration of the many diverse histories and cultures from Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.