Posts by Mary Hayashi

As Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight of the 2024 presidential race, backed by President Biden’s endorsement, we’re forced to confront an uncomfortable truth. Despite progress, the political arena remains an uneven playing field for women. As a long-time advocate for women’s representation in government, Harris’s candidacy strikes me as a litmus test…

Over the past 30 years, I have served the political arena in several roles—as an elected official, healthcare advocate, and most recently as a public affairs consultant. On panels and at events I’ve attended throughout my career, I’ve consistently heard the age-old question: “Can women have it all?” It’s a question that challenges women, who…

I remember a photograph that was taken of my sister, brother, and me around 1972. We were on vacation somewhere in South Korea, holding hands and smiling for my father, who was taking the picture. I was five years old then, not called Mary yet, but Chung Mi Kyung. My older sister, Bo Yoon never…

As a woman who has ventured into government and politics, I am keenly aware of the importance of women’s representation in these spheres. My name is Mary Hayashi, and I have had the privilege of serving as a California State Assemblywoman from 2006 to 2012 and as a Commissioner of the California Mental Health Services…

Are you ready to dive into the world of thought-provoking books that challenge our perceptions and shed light on important societal issues? Books have the incredible power to transport us, expand our perspectives, and ignite meaningful conversations. In this blog post, I am thrilled to recommend two captivating books that have impacted me: “The Likability…

Hi there, I’m Mary Hayashi, and I’m excited to share my experience with Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Mental health has always been important to me, and I’ve advocated for mental health resources and awareness for many years. Didi Hirsch, Mental Health Services, is a non-profit organization providing mental health and substance abuse services to…

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas. This shortage has significant consequences for healthcare access and outcomes in these areas. For example, patients may have to travel long distances to access healthcare services, face long wait times for appointments or emergency care,…

In the halls of power, where decisions that shape our society are made, a resounding absence cannot be ignored. Despite our tremendous progress, a glaring disparity remains in the need for more representation of women of color in elected offices. The underrepresentation of women of color in government is a critical issue that demands our…

As an Asian American woman who has navigated the political landscape, I believe it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of other Asian women. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Asian women in politics and the progress we have made in recent years.…

The gender pay gap is a long-standing issue that affects women of all races and ethnicities. It refers to the difference in pay between men and women who perform the same job, and it has been a persistent problem in the United States for decades. However, women of color face an even more significant pay…