MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community throughout the state, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published through AAPI Heritage Month in May. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Connie Wong, deputy commissioner at the Boston Fire Department.Boston Fire Department
Connie Wong
Age: 56
Community: Boston
Her story: Connie Wong is a deputy commissioner at the Boston Fire Department, where she conducts outreach and advocates for greater diversity within hiring. Specifically, the recruitment of women and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) candidates, the two smallest demographics in the department and within the fire service nationwide.
Under Wong’s leadership, the diversity of each Boston Fire Department recruiting class has been near or exceeded 30%, and she hired the first AAPI female firefighter in the department’s history. AAPI representation within the BFD has increased more than fourfold since her arrival.
A graduate of Boston University and Suffolk Law School, Wong grew up in Boston’s Chinatown, from where she gained a perspective on the dearth of AAPI representation in many sectors and organizations. Her path to the Boston Fire Department wasn’t linear, but it was a “full circle” story.
Earlier in her career, she was a lawyer in Boston City Hall where she first worked for the fire department as its legal counsel. After three years there, she went onto work for Suffolk Superior Criminal Court, before returning to the Boston Fire Department 15 years later in her current capacity.
Proud of her Chinese culture and heritage, Wong has been an active participant in local AAPI nonprofits, where her passion lies in empowering AAPI women and young girls.
Last year, she was given an “Unsung Hero Award” by the state’s Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission.
In her words: “Find your passion; pursue all opportunities that come your way. Work hard and learn as much as possible, especially so if you are newly out of school, or starting a new career. Never stop asking questions. And even if you do not enjoy your job, find some passion or endeavor outside of your professional life. It will be enriching to your own personal and professional growth, even if you may not recognize it at the time.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
