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MEET NOYA WANG

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I’m a mom, a wife, a first-generation Asian American immigrant, and a Civil Engineer who loves solving problems to help build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Building the American Dream
 
I came to this country at the age of 19, not speaking a word of English. I had to juggle multiple jobs to put myself through college while supporting my immigrant family that lived on food stamps. My college days were spent driving from one job to another after class, while managing all of my parents’ medical care and household needs. Every month, I would sit down at the kitchen table nervously counting coins and bills we had accumulated, hoping it would be enough to pay for rent.

During those challenging but formative years, I met barriers at all levels of government. Whether it was fighting for renters’ right to safe living conditions, or helping my parents get access to essential government services, I often struggled with feeling invisible. The government was supposed to help families like mine, but we often couldn’t get people to listen and act. I learned how to persevere, but I also learned that our government could do better for the people it serves.
 

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I was fortunate that the public education system provided me a pathway to opportunities. Because of my outstanding academic performance, I received a generous scholarship that funded the rest of my undergraduate and graduate studies at UC Berkeley. With determination and hard work, I graduated with Honors earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering and M.S. in Structural Engineering. When I was invited to meet with the scholarship donor, I walked up to her and thanked her for the scholarship. She took my hand, looked me in the eye and said the words that have stayed with me ever since: “take the money, and do great work. When it’s your turn, pay it forward.” Since then, I have worked to put those words into action.

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Alhambra: My Chosen Home

When I first moved to Alhambra, I was pregnant with my son. I would take walks through the Midwick Tract, taking in the sight of the colorful maple leaves covering the streets against the backdrop of a clear blue sky – it felt like home. I knew immediately this is where I want to start a family and raise my kids. I want to get involved and contribute to our beautiful city.

A few years later, after having volunteered in schools and in the community, I found an opportunity to volunteer my time at the city level. A vacancy had opened on the Alhambra City Planning Commission. I applied and Councilmember Katherine Lee appointed me to serve based on my qualifications. I have been very proud of the critically important work we have accomplished in moving city policy forward, including updating our General Plan, addressing the Housing Element, and rewriting our 30+ year old Zoning Code. This process gave me a first-hand understanding of how our city functioned and how we can enhance government so that it better serves the people of Alhambra. Whether navigating the city’s permitting system to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or jumping through the various hoops to open a small business, I not only gained a complete understanding of the challenges, but appreciated how I can personally make a positive impact in the daily lives of our residents and businesses. I saw the power of government when it truly represents the people – capable of solving problems and creating a better life for all.
 

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Solving Problems in Our Community
 
Collaborating with fellow Commissioners and City Staff, I worked to: expand housing affordability and equity, advocate for a vibrant downtown with improved pedestrian safety and walkability, and support businesses and development that make our community better. Subsequently, as the Chair of the Planning Commission, I facilitated a transparent and collaborative public process, and led the Commission through policy discussions that will shape how our city grows in the future in a manner that works for all – residents, renters or owners, businesses, the young and the old, native born or immigrants like me.

As a professional Civil and Structural Engineer, I've dedicated my entire career to protecting public safety. By meticulously designing and reinforcing streets, buildings, bridges, and utility infrastructure, I ensure their resilience against the forces of nature, including wind and earthquakes.  In my current job as the Public Works Director for the City of Rosemead, I oversee a staff of 30, a Capital Improvement Program budget of over $50 million to improve the parks, buildings, streets, and transportation infrastructure to make life better for Rosemead residents. My team supports a range of multicultural community events to celebrate and promote Rosemead’s diverse culture, similar to Alhambra’s equally diverse culture. My job experience has ingrained in me not only a deep understanding of city government administration but also the value of responsibly and efficiently using taxpayer dollars to address community needs.
 
Whether in my professional life or involvement with our community, I have not only participated in but also assumed leadership positions to effectively advance our collective goals.  Listening with empathy, working effectively with others, building consensus among competing viewpoints, arriving at a common goal, and then implementing change are essential leadership qualities that I have lived by.

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Building our Future Together

Now, I am running for Alhambra City Council District 4 in 2024.  I believe that my experience, my perseverance, and my demonstrated leadership skills have prepared me to be an effective Councilperson. As your voice in City Hall, I will not only represent all people of District 4, but will also work for the collective good of the entire city.  I care about our city and all who call it home. Having faced and overcome many challenges myself, I have a deep and empathetic understanding of the needs of our community and the work needed to truly make Alhambra work for all. I will work hard to ensure that all of us can afford the opportunities to establish roots and flourish in our beautiful city.  Our best days are ahead of us and I will play my role – in collaboration with all residents – to continue that journey.

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