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News
Local attorney shares perspective on leadership
May 27, 2009
By Patrick Bloodgood
Norfolk District Public Affairs Office
NORFOLK, Va.—Polly Chong, an attorney and first generation-born Cantonese Chinese American, shared important moments of her life growing up in America, and what being a minority leader in society means with employees here May 21.
As part of her speech for the district's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration, Chong also revealed happy childhood moments and how her parent's marriage was arranged.
She drew upon her parent's discipline and cultural heritage, telling employees how it molded her into the lawyer and woman she is today.
"I felt like my upbringing in a very strict environment and my culture has taught me a strong sense of work ethic," said Chong. "I consider myself a workaholic."
Chong, citing an inappropriate comment made to her in a courtroom, also talked about facing discrimination for how she looks.
She closed her speech with an important lesson for District employees.
"Each of us regardless of color, gender or background, can bring our life's differences together to be better leaders," she said.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month began in 1978, when President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution designating 10 days in May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. In 1990, the week was expanded by President George H.W. Bush into Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.