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by Chang C. Chen Ph. D. (Author)
Lilly Lee Chen's story reads like a timeline of Chinese, American and Chinese American history. Lily was born in China and brought up in Taiwan. She came to the U.S. in early 1960's, lived throughout the Kennedy years, Johnson's Great Society and the Civil Rights Era. She balanced her work and raising her two children. With a master degree in social work, Lily began her public service as a front line medical case worker for the County of Los Angeles. In 1983, Lily became the first Chinese American woman to win the mayorship of an American city. As Mayor of Monterey Park, California, Lily was the force behind a great number of civic improvements and achievements in this city. In 1984, Lily was instrumental in bringing the Olympics to Monterey Park. in 1985, she was selected by USA Today as a recipient of the "All-America City Award". Lily has dedicated her life and continues to contribute, educate and inspire global citizens by blending the eastern and western cultures. It is her dream to build a world of beauty and peace.
