The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is thrilled to announce the inaugural event of a new speaker series MOCA Forum, featuring prominent Chinese Americans working within the U.S. government. This series aims to delve into critical historical and contemporary issues concerning Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI), with a particular focus on legislative actions affecting these communities. From the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese incarceration to recent hate crimes, we will host discussions surrounding significant historical moments and explore the evolving role of AANHPIs within the broader context of American history.
About Ambassador Christopher P. Lu
Chris Lu was sworn in as Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations for Management and Reform on January 4, 2022. Nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Chris leads negotiations on the UN budget, coordinates oversight of UN programs, and manages cross-cutting reform issues for the U.S. Mission. His public service career has spanned all three branches of the federal government, including roles as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor and White House Cabinet Secretary and Assistant to the President during the Obama Administration. Chris has also served as Legislative Director and Acting Chief of Staff for then-Senator Obama. Outside of government, he has held senior advisory roles at FiscalNote and fellowships at various universities. Chris is a magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University and a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School.
About Congressmember Mark Takano
Congressmember Mark Takano represents the people of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, and Perris in the United States House of Representatives. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee. Mark’s commitment to public service began early, shaped by his family’s experience during the Japanese American Internment in World War II. He graduated from Harvard College and began his career as a teacher before being elected to the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees. In 2012, Mark became the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress. He has authored significant legislation, including the Honoring our PACT Act, which expanded VA healthcare eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
About Scott Wong
Scott Wong is a Senior Congressional Reporter at NBC News. Previously, he was a senior staff writer for The Hill, covering Capitol Hill, and spent four years at Politico. Scott began his journalism career covering local government in the San Francisco Bay Area and later wrote for The Arizona Republic. A UCLA graduate, he is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association. Scott lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two daughters.