Iwen Chu, the first Asian American woman in the New York State Senate, arrived in New York 18 years ago for her Master’s degree in sociology. She experienced firsthand the challenges many new Americans face. As a community journalist, she saw others’ hardships. Her experience led her to public service, serving as chief of staff for an assembly member for a decade. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Asian woman in the Senate’s 246-year history. She is committed to representing and amplifying the voices of the South Brooklyn community, women, and immigrant families.