At 28, Lisa A. Wong became the youngest female mayor in Massachusetts history as well as the first minority Mayor in Fitchburg. She is known throughout the state for her leadership working to restore economic vitality to Gateway Cities. Her colorful upbringing includes growing up at her parents' Chinese restaurants in Cambridge and Haverhill, MA.
As Mayor Wong turns just 36, she offers her exceptional wisdom. Mayor Wong is an education champion: “Youth today have so many more opportunities but more is not always better. We need to do a better job teaching kids how to think critically about choices they make rather than making choices for them. A lot of young people overlook politics as a place for executive leadership. There are many youth who are starting businesses so creativity and energy are seen as assets. That
same energy is needed in politics, especially if youth are frustrated by government.”
Former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, inspires Mayor Wong: “I became an admirer of Madeline Albright when she became Secretary of
State while I was in college. That motivated me to major in international relations and travel all over the world. I knew that even though Madeline became the most powerful woman in US government, she
spent her 20s and 30s raising her family and didn't reenter the workforce until her late 30s. The path to success and power does not mean focusing solely on success and power but rather to lead a fulfilling life not based on a formula.”
Mayor Wong adds further insight, “It's never too early to start a bucket list. The key to making your dreams happen is to continue to dream big but to focus on achieving small goals. It keeps you motivated, but it also may help you find happiness in unexpected places.”
Alison Harris, is a communications professional in Boston and served in Governor Patrick’s administration, held three rising PR positions at Harvard, wrote for the Boston Herald, and worked for Liz Claiborne and Tommy Hilfiger.
From Boston:
Making It Mayor
Lisa A. Wong’s Way
Sage Advice from the Youngest Female Mayor in
Massachusetts History
By Alison Harris
Mayor Lisa A. Wong in Action!