Tell us a little about your team’s role at Annalect.
I’m Regional Director of Platform Logistics — essentially, the information hub serving Annalect and our partner agencies. You can come to us to find out what every team, agency, and ad tech vendor does — and how to work with them. It’s very satisfying to match each request with the appropriate party. That, and our fantastic team, make my work truly enjoyable.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Family time is always at the top of my list. My nearly 12-year-old daughter and I enjoy walking around New York City together, or just watching TV on the couch with chips and South Korean soft drinks. My husband and I trek to New York’s Upper West Side for my favorite “cheap eats” (he loves it now too).
“Me” time is often spent at the grocery store, gathering ingredients on my endless quest to find the ultimate quick-and-easy recipe.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I’m proud of my career. Working in the digital space was not even a thought when I graduated from college, yet I’ve spent my entire career there. I started as a trafficker and now lead a team of four trafficking experts. From one account … to supporting dozens of clients. But, I’m most proud of the relationships I share with my co-workers.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
In chronological order…
My parents taught me diligence and hard work. By working consistently toward your goals, nothing can be turned into something. They immigrated from South Korea with a two-year-old daughter (my older sister), very little formal education, and even less knowledge of the English language — but they persevered and achieved.
Connie Chung was the first Asian American face I saw on TV (and I watched a lot of TV). She showed me that any dream is possible. Inspired by Connie, my college major was Broadcast Journalism.
My family is my biggest inspiration; they are the gas that keeps me going. My husband helped me find my own voice, and reminds me that I must use it. I want to show my daughter that if I can do it, she can too (even if it’s a one-footed-wall-handstand social media challenge)!
What message do you have for others, who may be early in their career and looking to grow into positions of leadership in their schools, workplaces and communities?
The best leaders know how to do the jobs of the ones they’re leading. Be curious and learn the ins and outs of your current role — plus the role you aspire to be in. Meet people and build relationships. When people help each other the world runs smoothly.