Carianne Lee
Legislative Correspondent, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)
My Bio: I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I went to school at Washington University in St. Louis for Environmental Policy and International Development. After graduating, I served in the United States Peace Corps in Burkina Faso, West Africa, however due to an unexpected evacuation, my service was cut short. I started my time on the Hill as an intern with Congressman Mark Takano and then became a staffer for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.
What inspired you to get involved in public service?
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As the daughter of a Chinese-American father and a Welsh immigrant mother, my sisters and I would always call ourselves “citizens of the world”. We traveled all the time and had the opportunity to see and experience many different cultures. When I was in high school, I received a grant to teach English in rural China and it set me on a path of wanting to give back. With the opportunities that I have been afforded, I believe it would be negligent of me to recognize the help needed in the world but not do anything about it. Simply put, I want to leave the earth a little better than how I found it. As a “citizen of the world”, I think I have a responsibility to look out for everyone and support people where I can.
Name one person you look up to and explain why.
I greatly look up to my mother. She gave my sisters and me the tools to navigate our lives with dignity and grace. We were raised to work hard and never think we were less than anyone else. In a household of primarily women (including our pets!) we were always observing examples of the strength of women. I admire her greatly for always promoting and fostering creativity and growth.
What is one hope that you have for the future? Or what is one piece of advice that you would like to share?
A quote that I’ve held onto for years is “A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for” by John A. Shedd. Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks. It could really end up taking you some incredible places.
