Hei Hei Depew

What do you consider the top 3 priorities for the Board of Trustees to address? Using specific examples, how will you use your position as Trustee to improve Cornell?

1. Cost of Living: It used to be that Inflation was somewhat in line with SIP. From 2013-2020 inflation ranged anywhere from 1.2-2.4% which was in line with traditional SIP. However, in 2021 inflation was 4.7%, in 2022 it was a staggering 8%; in this period when the cost of goods increased so drastically, SIP did not keep up. The high cost of goods/services and housing in this region is a burden for our staff.

2. Long-Term Career Development: I have spoken to many staff members who want to progress in their roles but they are finding it challenging to develop in their careers. I think we need to do a better job of career development and succession planning.

3. Diversity/Free Speech: We should to strive to be a community of belonging, for all identities. How can we embrace the diversity of the staff community and their voices in the Year of Free Speech?

In the past 8 years there should have been 2 EET but there have been 4. Moving into a 9th year I think it is important for us not to have a 5 EET. It is critical for there to be stability/continuity in the EET position so that Board members know who to turn to for staff inquiries and who to discuss staff concerns with.

We live in a very expensive area, with a lot of challenges unique to this region, and it is very important to build strong relationships with the Board to help advocate for staff. As the EET I would leverage my pre-existing relationships and understanding of the Board to advocate for support of staff.

Relevant Experience

 I have worked at Cornell for over 9 years. I've participated in Employee Assembly for over 5 of those years. I've been filling out the Employee Elected Trustee (EET) position for over 2 years. I have built so many relationships across campus with staff, faculty and students.
   

In addition, I've been building strong relationships with Board members in my time as the EET. With all the work that I've done in community building and problem solving across the University at all levels; I think I am really well equipped to take on another 4 years as the Employee Elected Trustee.
   
As the currently Employee Elected Trustee I've participated in Board meetings, and had many conversations with Board members, leadership, staff, students and faculty. I enjoy sharing my experience, the experiences of others and using my knowledge of constituencies to help paint a picture of the staff experience. Wherever and however I can advocate for staff, I do so.

Community Involvement

I am a part of the Women of Color Colleague Network Group. I am a part of the Young Professionals Colleague Network Group. I have participated in Employee Assembly. I am the current Employee Elected Trustee. I am a volunteer for Ithaca Asian American Association. I have volunteered for the local Advocacy Center and the Ithaca Welcomes Refugees non-profit.
   
I am the recipient of the Tompkins Connect 2022 Fab6 Young Professionals Volunteer of the Year Award.
   
I live in Ithaca. I am fortunate enough to own a home in Ithaca. My son goes to Day Care at a local Community Nursery. I am uniquely aware of the challenges faced by staff who live in Ithaca, who struggle with the difficulties of the cost of living here, along with the challenges of finding childcare.

Special Interests

I love cooking and sharing food with others. In 2021 I participated in Soup and Hope, which highlights my love for cooking and community.
Nothing brings me greater joy than getting people to gather for food and good company.
   
When I am not walking around Northeast Ithaca with my 2 year old son, working at Cornell or volunteering, I am also working on completing my Executive MBA here at Cornell. This experience has helped me learn frameworks around leadership and strategy. It has also challenged me to think of my values and what drives me.
   
And my values are:
   - Commitment to family: Ensuring that I prioritize family, and am mindfully present.
   - Being kind and spreading kindness: Ensuring that however I can show up for others with empathy, grace and understanding, I strive to do so.
   - Building community: Being inclusive of all individuals, taking time to listen and build bridges strong enough to withstand the weight of our history.