Get to Know APACE Director Kathy Jung
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The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community. Get to know our Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees ERG Director Kathy Jung.
Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for? What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?
A: I’ve worked in the Library department for over 15 years. In my current role, as the Poway branch manager, we provide resources and services to support the community. We offer educational programs for all ages, host cultural programs and support civic engagement by serving as a ballot drop box location. As a diversity and inclusion champion for the Library department, my goal is to partner with every ERG to host a program.
Q: What’s your workplace superpower?
A: I love planning large cultural programs that bring people together! Our biggest event is our Lunar New Year Celebration. The library partners with APACE and other local organizations to host a traditional dance performance, music, crafts, red envelopes and a lion dance.
Q. Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?
A: While there are numerous people that have inspired me, the former Director of the Escondido Public Library Cindy Smith has been an important figure in my life. She challenged me to seek out experiences that make me uncomfortable. For me, it was public speaking so I joined Toastmasters. This motivated me to share my story to empower others to face challenges courageously.
I’m also inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Outliers: The Story of Success.” In his book, he examines achievement and failure to determine what factors contribute to success. Based on his findings, the most successful people don’t rise on their own, but as a result of history, legacy, community and opportunities. I’m grateful for the community of people that mentored me to achieve success in my career. As a manager, I strive to lift up my staff and colleagues to help them be successful and am proud when they reach their goals.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
A: The best advice I received is to “embrace the uncomfortable” and “never stop learning.” This advice changed my approach and outlook when facing challenges. I try to keep a positive attitude and view challenges as growing pains that build character. I think it’s important to lean in and leverage resources to uplift the community.
Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?
A: As a librarian, I recommend downloading the Libby app to get 24/7 access to the library’s eBook and eAudiobook collection. If you’re interested in learning a language, we provide free access to 30 languages on the Rosetta Stone app with your library card.
When traveling internationally, I use Tripadvisor to research popular attractions, find reputable tour companies, read reviews and look at pictures for restaurant recommendations. I also use ChatGPT to come up with a sample itinerary for the destination.
Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?
A: Outside of work, I love to cook and try new recipes. I went to culinary school so I try to keep up my skills and am constantly scrolling through Instagram for new food trends. I check out all the latest cookbooks from our library and make one new recipe a week.
I also enjoy running and am currently training with the San Diego Track Club to run the Rock and Roll marathon in June. Since our long runs are at different locations throughout San Diego, I get to explore neighborhoods that I haven’t been to before.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I spend my time traveling, meeting new people and learning about other cultures through food and unique experiences. My goal is to visit 100 countries before I’m 50, I’m currently at 74 countries. I’ve climbed to the base camp of Everest and visited places that are hard to get to like the Solomon Islands, Oman and Bhutan.
Q: Tell us about your ERG.
A: APACE is dedicated to building a sense of community through celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander culture. I’m new to APACE and currently serve as a director. The APACE Board has been so welcoming, supportive and collaborative. I’m excited to assist with planning our social events to find the best boba, visit the Japanese Friendship Garden to view cherry blossoms and attend our annual Convoy District Walking Tour.
Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?
A: Being part of APACE, I’ve met so many people from different departments, ERGs and other organizations. We work together to present film screenings, cultural programs, and get the word out to underserved communities about library services such as free Wi-Fi hotspots and how to get a high school diploma through our online Library High School program.
Last summer, the APACE Board volunteered to support the Poway Library in our food distribution efforts. We partnered with Feeding San Diego to provide fresh produce and dry goods to over 200 families a week.
Q: What are your three favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?
A: I love trying new places, so it’s hard to narrow it down. My current favorites are Sidecar Doughnuts for their basil eggs Benedict doughnut, Eastern Dynasty for their roast duck and Desserts by Clement for their French patisserie.
Q: Who was the top artist from your Spotify Wrapped? Or favorite artist to listen to right now if you don’t have Spotify.
A: My niece turned me into a Swiftie, so we’re looking into getting tickets to see her on tour in Lisboa, Portugal in May!