Nina Liang works to make Quincy more accessible for immigrant families

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.

Nina Liang

Age: 36

Community: Quincy and Greater Boston

Her story: Nina Liang, a lifelong Quincy resident, has served her community in various capacities. She’s served as an at-large city councilor in Quincy for the past eight years, with two of them as the city’s first minority council president.

“This is a job that I take very seriously because I want to give back to the city that gave me so much,” Liang said. “I want to ensure that each and every person who lives and works here has that same opportunity to enjoy everything that Quincy has to offer.”

Liang said that she sees her role as breaking down barriers and making City Hall more accessible for the people of Quincy, especially for immigrant families.

Liang said she was born and raised in Quincy, and that she comes from a family of Chinese immigrants “with a deep sense of community, strengthened by a shared desire to improve the place we called home.”

She said her family owns a group of restaurants in the Greater Boston area and that a sense of giving back to her community has informed her time on the council.

“I prioritize collaborative work among residents, small businesses, and community groups to address the evolving needs of our diverse population,” she said. “I understand the importance of smart growth and development that supports local entrepreneurs and Quincy’s best interests to truly create a future that is representative of all of us.”

In her words: “If you are passionate about changing your community, then jump into the power structure. Embrace the challenge, take the chance, and don’t be afraid to fail.”

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.

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