Event Recap – AAPI Representation on Capitol Hill: Navigating Careers and Sharing Advice

On May 27, U.S.-China Education Trust (USCET) and the US-Asia Institute co-hosted an in-person panel discussion featuring four Asian American professionals shaping policy on Capitol Hill in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Moderated by Nicholas Wu, congressional reporter at Semafor, the event explored how policy is made in Congress, what AAPI representation looks like in the legislative branch, and how young professionals can build meaningful careers in legislative politics and policymaking.

The panelists — Allison Dong, Tiffany Ge Elzey, Jason Li, and Catalina Tam — brought experience from across the House, Senate, and congressional committees. Together they shared how their Asian American identities have uniquely shaped their career paths in Congress.

USCET Executive Director Rosie Levine opened the evening by introducing USCET’s recent work on Asian American affairs. She then introduced Wu, who kicked off the conversation around the professional realities of congressional work and the personal dimensions of navigating the Hill as AAPI staffers and public servants.

Tam echoed a similar point by emphasizing that congressional work requires not only policy knowledge but also “street smarts” — staffers must learn to handle different personalities, respond to changing circumstances, and adapt quickly in a workplace where no two days look the same. Ge Elzey added that the uncertainty of political work is itself a lesson. Congressional jobs are shaped by elections, seasonal leadership changes, and shifting power dynamics, so staffers should make the most of their time on the Hill by absorbing expert-level knowledge, attending briefings, and building relationships while they have access to the institution.

Dong, speaking from a communications perspective, shared that changes in party control can affect how much influence staffers have over hearings, messaging, and the broader congressional agenda. When a party is in the minority, staff may have less control over which topics receive attention. At the same time, she noted, elections can also prompt staffers to reassess where they want to go next — whether that means staying in their current offices, moving to another role on the Hill, or pursuing opportunities beyond Congress. Tam also shared that being a minority makes it especially important to seek out community, as there is still a broader network on the Hill that can offer support, guidance, and solidarity.

Li reflected on his family background and identity. His father is a Taiwanese immigrant, and his grandparents were part of the Nationalist migration to Taiwan from mainland China during World War II. Although Li said he identifies primarily as American, his Chinese and Taiwanese heritage has still shaped moments in his professional life. Li’s interactions with officials from mainland China and Taiwan carried a sense of familiarity, but also highlighted the complexity of identity when personal background intersects with diplomatic and policy work.

Ge Elzey offered a concise reminder that diversity matters, but so does competence. Representation is meaningful, but it must be paired with the ability to do the work well. Dong emphasized the importance of building community among Asian Americans across political parties. Across the conversation, the panelists made clear that identity can be a source of perspective, connection, and responsibility — but it is also only one part of the broader work of public service.

On work-life balance, Ge Elzey acknowledged that congressional work can involve long hours, but noted that those extra hours can also create opportunities for team-building and stronger staff relationships. Dong and Tam added that many Hill staffers are drawn to the excitement and unpredictability of the job. The pace can be demanding, but recess periods and the constant variety of the work can also help sustain people who enjoy a fast-moving environment.

When asked what they had learned or what they would have done differently, the panelists offered practical and candid advice. Dong encouraged attendees to seize every networking opportunity, sharing that she found her second job through a cafeteria meeting during a prior internship. Ge Elzey reminded students that it is acceptable to say no and that they do not need to attend every event. Tam said she wished she had spent more time appreciating the friends, mentors, and colleagues who helped her along the way. Li reflected that he had learned to listen and learn more, rather than trying to be an authoritative voice in every setting. No one, he noted, can be an expert on everything.

During the Q&A, students asked how interns can make the most of their time in Congress. In response, speakers suggested that interns be proactive in connecting both internally within their teams and externally across the Hill, and to circle back with their networks every few months so that when opportunities arise, they are remembered.

Li urged students to take full advantage of their access to the Capitol complex: “Get lost in the Capitol building!” he added.

The panelists also discussed how young staffers can position themselves for promotion. Dong encouraged them to always offer help, whether through drafting memos, conducting research, or taking on additional projects. Tam emphasized the importance of advocating for oneself. Strong work matters, but so does making sure others understand what one is capable of contributing.

Another question focused on how to make information accessible in a media-saturated environment. Dong explained that communications work requires breaking policy down into the simplest possible terms and using language that reflects the voice of the member of Congress or resonates with constituents in a state or district. Staffers do not need to enter their jobs as experts, she noted. Much of the learning happens on the job, and prior experiences can become useful in unexpected ways. Her own experience at USAID and the State Department helped shape how she approached congressional communications.

USCET Administrator David Yao asked how staffers continue to reach across the aisle amid intense partisan polarization. Dong emphasized that bipartisan outreach remains important because consensus is central to how Congress functions. Tam added that respect is essential, especially in an environment full of disagreement. Staffers must remember that there is life beyond work and that humanizing one another remains necessary even when political differences are sharp.

USCET Managing Director Ryan McElveen closed the evening by thanking the panelists, moderator, attendees, and the US-Asia Institute, and by underscoring the importance of USCET’s work on Asian American affairs. The conversation ended on a note of encouragement. Capitol Hill can be unpredictable, competitive, and demanding, but it is also a place where young professionals can learn quickly, build meaningful networks, and contribute to public service. For AAPI professionals in particular, the panelists’ reflections made clear that identity, competence, community, and humility all matter. Their advice to students was straightforward: be proactive, stay curious, listen carefully, advocate for yourself, and remember that success in Congress depends not only on what you know, but also on how you build trust with the people around you.

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