books
AUTHOR
Mary Hayashi, an award-winning author, is among this country’s most accomplished advocates for diversity and gender equality. As a national healthcare leader, public affairs consultant, non-profit director, and former California State Assemblymember, Mary Hayashi has championed meaningful reforms to expand the delivery and coverage of healthcare. She also established unprecedented partnerships in support of social causes that previously had no financial or public backing.
In the California State Legislature, Mary Hayashi authored several bills focused on healthcare reform and gender equality, including AB 25, a concussion safety bill that placed California alongside Washington as the state with the toughest return-to-play laws for student-athletes. She also authored AB509, which led to the establishment of
California's Office of Suicide Prevention, and AB73, creating permanent funding for domestic violence prevention, intervention, and prosecution efforts in Alameda County.
Mary Hayashi has been named “One of the 100 Most Influential Asians of the Decade” by A Magazine: Inside Asian America” and one of the “Women to Watch” by Ladies Home Journal. In addition, Mary was named Legislator of the Year by the American Red Cross and the California Medical Association. She also received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Alameda County Democratic Lawyers Club and the Above and Beyond Award from the California Dental Association.
FAR FROM HOME
“Mary Hayashi is a tireless advocate for women’s health issues and an inspiration to the Asian American community that has long struggled in silence.” Redbook Magazine
“…a sensitive, brave account of Mary Hayashi’s journey from an immigrant girl who speaks no English to a woman who knows the importance of breaking silences…this book could save lives.” Peggy Orenstein, Author of School Girls, Young Women, Self-Esteem, and the Confidence Gap.
“Far From Home is an inspiring personal story that carries a powerful message of prevention to Asian Americans at risk for serious health problems.” Kathy Kneer, President, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
“In recounting her pioneering health advocacy work and her family’s often painful journey of migration, Mary Hayashi tells a story that is both inspiring and sobering. She gives voice to the silent and gives the lie to many myths, and her message deserves to reach a diverse readership of parents, practitioners, and policymakers.” Eric Lui, Author of THE ACCIDENTAL ASIAN and former Senior White House Domestic Policy Advisor
Mary Chung, founder of the National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO), shatters the myth that Asians are the model minority group in the U.S. and reveals the hidden health crisis that endangers 11 million people in the Asian American community. In the last decade, NAWHO has worked to establish the facts to demonstrate how serious and widespread the problems are.
Mary Hayashi’s remarkable journey from her childhood in Korea to prominence as a healthcare leader is documented in her book, Far From Home: Shattering the Myth of the Model Minority. She has been honored by diverse organizations for her work on behalf of minority health and women, from Redbook magazine and Ladies' Home Journal to Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center.
Women In Politics (Coming soon!)
In Women In Politics, public affairs consultant and award-winning author Mary Hayashi showcases the work of women leaders in government, the lessons we can learn from their progress, and the barriers they’ve overcome to make a difference in the lives of their constituents. With a series of interviews with women leaders combined with research on the current political landscape, Women In Politics provides encouragement and guidance to the next generation of women leaders.
Mariel Hemingway Shares Her Thoughts on Women In Politics by Mary Hayashi
work with mary
At the intersection of diversity, equality, public policy, and healthcare, Mary Hayashi is not your typical public affairs consultant. She’s a strategist and advisor, advocate, and philanthropist. She pursues meaningful reform and creates steadfast partnerships.