Ginny Gong – From Ironing Board to Corporate Board

From Ironing Board to Corporate Board

My return to writing for Asiance’s career section could not have been timelier! May is Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage month and we celebrate the struggles and successes, then and now, of Asian American women around the world with none other than Ginny Gong.

From Ironing Board to Corporate Board

My return to writing for Asiance’s career section could not have been timelier! May is Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage month and we celebrate the struggles and successes, then and now, of Asian American women around the world with none other than Ginny Gong.

As one can imagine sitting in Ginny’s home and having her make breakfast for me was a bit surreal! With that aside, my purpose was to understand Ginny Gong beyond her role at OCA and to no surprise there are no boundaries for this woman. Currently Gong is the Director for the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities in Montgomery County, Maryland and is the first Asian American appointed to head such an agency in Montgomery County. Ginny has been appointed and reappointed to both the Governor’s first Asian American Advisory Committee and the Governor’s Advisory Council on New Americans, serving as its first chairperson. In 1996, she was nominated to the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2008 was honored as the recipient of the Women of Achievement Award. On her “spare time” she is the host of her own television talk show, talk show, “Ginny’s…where East meets West,” in its 11th year and airing its 100th episode August 2009. Gong has recently added “author” to her list of accomplishments through the release of her autobiography and first published book From Ironing Board to Corporate Board: My Chinese Laundry Experience in America (Homa & Sekey Books, 2008). However, the most rewarding and precious “role” for Ginny is being a mother and a grandmother.

Ginny Gong

ASIANCE: Where were you born in China and have you returned?

Ginny Gong: Born in Canton, China and went back to visit with my parents at the age of 32 after leaving the country at the age of 2.

ASIANCE: What first inspired you to write From Ironing Board to Corporate Board: My Chinese Laundry Experience in America.

Ginny Gong: About six years ago, I realized my parents were getting older by the day, as was I. I was in a good place in my life, feeling professionally and emotionally fulfilled. I had reached a level in the community where my name and word meant something and the last of my 3 children had graduated from high school. In reflecting on my life journey, I realized that there was much to share and much of it stemmed from growing up in the back of a Chinese laundry. But the Chinese laundry experience was one that had become a thing of the past and I wanted readers to know that growing up in back of a Chinese laundry was a common way of life for a whole generation who, like me, came to this country as young children. Schools and communities across the nation are rapidly changing with the influx of immigrants. I believe this book will shed light on the immigrant experience for students, those responsible for the education of students, immigrants (new and not-so-new), English as second language learner, Asian American studies educators and enthusiasts and anyone else interested in the experiences of newcomers to our country and in the making of this nation.

ASIANCE: Describe your relationship with your mother and father.

Ginny Gong: My parents were typical of first generation parents. They were wonderful providers of the basic survival needs. We always had food on the table and did well in school. College was paid for. However, aside from the basic needs, other things were considered frivolous and not necessary. They did the best they could with their limited understanding of the new culture. I wanted my parents to relate to my emotional needs but that never happened. They were at a very different place in their acculturation than I was. The interdependence and bonding that is a part of Asian culture was always a part of our relationship. Whether it was based on guilt, respect, honor, or obedience, it just was. For example Saturday evenings were always difficult because my natural social tendency was to go out and be with friends, however, I always felt guilty leaving mother with all the Saturday laundry tasks. I would quickly get the tasks done and then do what I wanted to do.

From Ironing Board to Corporate Board: My Chinese Laundry Experience in America

ASIANCE: Are there certain traits that you notice of yourself that have come from your parents.

Ginny Gong: My mother tells me that I am just like my father in my love for socializing and for volunteering for positions with non-profits. My father was Secretary of the Eng Association and very involved with the Kimlau Post for Chinese American veterans in New York City Chinatown. Like my mother, I am very devoted to my children and would bend over backwards to provide for them. It is a constant to focus on cooking for my family – always making sure they have enough to eat. I grew up in a home that always had the aroma of chicken soup on the stove and rice for most meals…and consequently, my children have as well. The tradition of making home made Chinese pastries for the family continues from my mother to me. I helped my mother as a young girl make dumplings and other pastries and wrote down the recipes (although she never used one). My children tell me that I am just like “Pau-Pau” in putting food on their plates and insisting that they eat.

ASIANCE: You are a busy woman. What do you feel are three key elements to balancing motherhood (and being a grandmother!), a career and time for yourself.

Ginny Gong: My formula consists of three basic things: to prioritize, to be flexible, and to take time to smell the roses!

One must always prioritize responsibilities and make sure the most important are attended to in order. For me, family always comes first, followed by those activities for which I have a level of responsibility (e.g. president). Create lists (written and mental) of all that needs to be done and make sure to complete what is on the list. When moving through a very busy week, I tell myself that once I get through this week, things will get better and slow down. Then I find after getting through the week that the next week is just as jam-packed and nothing has slowed down. But that kind of thinking helps me get through.

I am always flexible and very able to “go with the flow”. One needs to have this perspective because anything can happen to change the course of things-especially when one is responsible for so many decisions in the workplace, volunteer roles and when functioning in a single parent role.

And through it all, one must take time out “to smell the roses.” It is important to know when one needs that break from the daily rigors of life. I give myself time for R & R – even if just for 30 minutes. I always make sure to leave some time each evening to relax and do something mindless for a little while. That might be watching television, listening to music, or just sitting and reading. I’m one of those people who don’t mind cleaning my house and feel good when my house is clean. That is often therapeutic for me.

ASIANCE: What has been your biggest challenge on a personal and professional level and how did you overcome it.

Ginny Gong: I was married in 1972. From 1972 to 1997, when my husband and I separated, we relocated 10 times in pursuit of his career. That was very difficult when moving meant relocating the family (with 3 children) and giving up one’s own career multiple times. For years, we had a long distance marriage – one in which my husband came home on weekends. Each time we moved, I had to start all over and for a teacher, that was always a challenge. The impact on my pension is still being felt today. But being the dutiful Asian wife, I agreed to the moves to ensure the family unit would remain as intact as possible. With each move, I did everything possible to enable my husband at that time to adjust to his new jobs. Ultimately, we came to realize the marriage could not sustain the challenges. I became a single parent in reality. It was difficult adjusting to a one-income family but I managed. This last home was completely purchased on my own because it was important for the children to have a place they could call home and would always be a symbol of stability for them. I am proud to say I have always been there for my children.

ASIANCE: How do you define success?

Ginny Gong: Success is being able to look back over life’s meanderings and be able to point to things that you have done that have made a difference in the lives of others, to know that you have raised children who are thoughtful, kind, and respectful, to be able to turn to good friends and loyal colleagues in good and bad times, and have your name associated with integrity, honesty, empathy and generosity of heart. Of course, the obvious – live in a comfortable home and work in a position that allows you the opportunity to make impacting decisions are visible signs of success.

ASIANCE: When carving time out for yourself, what things do you enjoy doing.

Ginny Gong: I am a “people person” and love to spend time with family and friends…but that does not mean I do not relish quiet time alone as well. Over the years, I have hosted many gatherings at my home. I love to cook and as such, have generally prepared the food myself. It is not unusual for me to cook for 50 or more at my home. I love music, all kinds of music and will feel inspired to get on the dance floor and dance. Now that I have stepped down from being National President of OCA, my two personal goals are to be a more proficient ballroom dancer and tennis player. And of course, spend a lot of time with my little grandson who is almost 1½ years old.

For more details on Ginny Gong, please visit http://www.ggcommunications.net