Briana Booker

Cybersecurity Specialist, Office of Cybersecurity

Why do you think it is important for AAPI’s to be involved in public service?

It is important for AAPI’s to be actively involved in public service because it is how we create and maintain a nation, a world of innovation and hope. At the core of our humanity values is to help people, make a difference, and be the wildest dreams of our ancestors.

Public service effectiveness determines whether our political systems, economics, and social justice succeed. And more importantly whether we meet our commitments to support quality government,truly serve the American people in establishing fair access to a life of dignity.

From quality education and healthy eating, to helping people buy homes, start businesses, and uplift underserved people, it’s our civil duty to provide guidance and inspiration to the People. We determine the direction we go as a nation and as global citizens. We set the tone for millions of people hungry for quality leadership.

Every public servant plays an important role in whether our government provides good services to the public. It takes a village and it’s important AAPI’s maintain a seat at the table.

Name one person you look up to and explain why.

Give a man/ woman a fish, and you feed him/ her for a day. Teach a man/ woman how to fish and you feed that person for a lifetime. I admire people who live and die by that principle. Among the living, Robert F. Smith is someone I look up to because he is not only focused on paying it forward but also showing people they have skills and grit to take care of their communities.

To care for community is to truly respect the bodies of work we put forth into the world, to hold our heads up high in every room we step in knowing we are not only enough to belong but also to contribute in meaningful ways.

We are always standing on the shoulders that came before us and it’s the greatest responsibility in character to have the self confidence and grit to make for sturdy shoulders for those to come. To me, that’s living a life of service and utmost honor.

Please share one piece of advice or a hope that you have for the future of Asian America.

One piece of advice I have for Asian Americans is that positivism is a superpower and working together can accomplish anything we set out to do. I read recently in Bloomberg that the 2020’s are set to be the ‘Asian Decade’ with the continent dominating an exclusive list of economies expected to sustain growth rates of around 7%. Andrew Yang is a presidential candidate drawing crowds with a campaign focused on utilizing math to put humanity first.

I find these strives remarkable and can see a first Asian American President not too far behind. If it doesn’t happen in 2020, I say 2024 or in the next decade it’s a ‘never say never’ possibility. I might even run.

Lastly, what is your favorite or go-to comfort food and why?

I am big on slow cooking so chicken and seafood Sotanghon is big on my list because it’s warm and nourishes the soul. It also reminds me of my mom cooking for my brothers and me as kids as well as teaching me this pinoy dish to pass to my children someday. Those early life memories put a smile on my face, especially with the passing of my older brother. The tradition and family enjoying a meal together are the little acts of kindness and love that make this whole life experience worth the journey.