Maeley Tom

•  We affectionately nicknamed Maeley Tom "the Godmother of Asian Americans"

During her 20-year career in the State Legislature of California (1974-1994) she was the voice of Asian Americans in politics and public policy. She broke the glass ceiling twice in the State Capitol as the first woman and ethnic minority to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the State Assembly, and subsequently as the Chief of Staff to the President of the State Senate. 

In her illustrious career in the California State Capitol, she worked to empower the Asian constituency by organizing legislative workshops and creating institutions to inspire and mentor Asians to become more engaged in the political process, run for elected office and advocate policy issues affecting our community.

Her 30 years of campaign experience include serving as the Deputy Director of the California Dukakis presidential campaign. She was an advisor on Asian American issues to the Clinton/Gore presidential campaigns. Her last campaign was leading the Asian Leadership Task Force to re-elect California Governor Jerry Brown in 2010.

Maeley is the consummate role model of all Asian Americans and the author of the book "I'm Not Who You Think I Am: An Asian American Woman's Political Journey"