GOVERNMENT
“ He always said focus on the thing you ’ re trying to get done , and you ’ ll be able to get past any personal issues or ideological differences . If we all agree we need to do this thing , let ’ s just focus on getting that thing done ,” she says .
Elder stateswoman
When Doris Matsui first began working in the public sector , she leaned on successful women for guidance . Former Sacramento County Supervisor Muriel Johnson was one of those mentors and taught her “ that you don ’ t have to be divisive in order to be effective .”
With decades of experience , Matsui is now opening doors for the next generation of women and offers advice for those starting out . “ As a woman , there are times where you are asked to prove yourself more than some of your colleagues . But never forget that your voice and leadership are needed to continue building a better country for all Americans ,” she says . “ There is a reason you were elected to represent your constituents . You belong in that seat , and those you serve see themselves in you .”
Matsui first ran for office in 2005 in a special election held to fill the congressional seat of her husband , Robert Matsui , after he died . He had occupied the seat for 25 years and was set to start his 14th term . “ When I first ran , it was deeply personal for me ,” Matsui says . “ I had served the Sacramento region for most of my adult life — not in office but in other ways . I served on boards , I did community service and worked in a presidential administration . Yet , I never went in assuming that I would still be a ( congressional ) member today . I just knew that I wanted to continue to serve Sacramento , and I would do so for as long as my constituents would have me . I am grateful that Sacramentans continue to place that trust in me .” She has been reelected eight times .
Matsui starts the day early , usually at 5 a . m . She serves as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and says she is proud of the work she has accomplished on expanding health care , fighting climate change and securing the region against flood risk , among other things . As a Japanese American woman , she is encouraged by the number of women stepping up to run and serve . “ Having people who share the same perspective and experiences in places of power is instrumental in moving the needle forward ,” she says . “ Women from diverse backgrounds — economic , cultural , social and so on — need a seat at the table , in real and substantive ways .”
Laurie Lauletta-Boshart has written for Dwell , ESPN , The Wall Street Journal , Sports Illustrated and others . Online at www . wordplaycommunications . com and on Twitter @ laurieboshart .
In honor of International Women ’ s Day , Studio W Architects celebrates the outstanding contribution of the women of our firm . well beyond design . StudioW-Architects . com
68 comstocksmag . com | March 2021