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.
South Hadley town administrator Lisa Wong. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)
Lisa Wong
Age: 44
Community: South Hadley
Her Story: The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Lisa Wong said she’s always been drawn to work in policy and education — particularly how she can support opportunities and help people to thrive.
In her career, which has spanned more than two decades in local government and non-profit organizations, Wong said she works hard to provide quality services that positively impact people’s everyday lives.
“It’s wonderful to work with a great team and have the opportunity to teach and engage the public about the way our local government works,” Wong said.
The root of her career was in economic development, housing and advocacy, she added. She later went on to serve as elected mayor of Fitchburg for four terms until 2016.
Wong was the first Asian American woman to become a mayor in Massachusetts, having first been elected in 2007, according to Mass.gov — predating the tenure of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
Wong then served as the town manager for Winchester, a role she took on in 2018 before she transitioned to the role of town administrator in South Hadley in 2021.
That year, she was unanimously chosen by the town’s Select Board for the role, with all five members lauding her prior accomplishments.
Wong has a master’s degree in economics from Boston University and graduated magna cum laude. In her youth, she graduated from North Andover High School in 1997, where she was class Valedictorian, The Republican newspaper previously reported. She is married to former Holyoke City Councilor Anthony Soto.
In 2022, Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg appointed Wong to chair the state’s task force exploring the creation of a trust fund to benefit newborns in the state called the “Baby Bonds Task Force.” The goal was to create a publicly funded program that would make money available to these children once they turn 18 and chip away at the racial wealth gap.
In Her Words: “Love what you do and build a good support network personally and professionally.”
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.
