Her Story
About Shirley
Shirley Lee is the Director of US China Business Cooperation and AP CEO representative, positions she assumed in 2023. In this capacity she focuses on international trade and US-China business cooperation, participating in global conferences and building relationships across countries. Prior to her current role Lee operated an import business that she expanded into Mexico and the United States, developing it into a medium-sized company. After her husband passed away she managed the enterprise independently, an experience that strengthened her resilience and business acumen. She completed paralegal studies at West Valley College and is pursuing a communication major on a part-time basis at San Jose State University to enhance her English and professional skills. Lee is active in APCO and APAPA, where she supports civic engagement in the Asian community, and previously participated in the Rotary Club. She attributes her success to her entrepreneurial background and the independence gained through personal challenges, and she advises young women entering the field to never give up on their plans.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shirley
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my import business where I expanded to Mexico and America making it a medium big company. After my husband passed away I had to struggle by myself which made me very strong and independent. Through all this hardship I gained more knowledge and experience to handle things and attract people to me. I started from the basic and worked my way up to this position.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just never give up. Always have hope in your plan and your future plan and never give up keep working on it. You will be gutted yeah. That's what I've received.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The big challenge is I have to learn the international relationship and the cooperation how the geopolitics related to the different political with the business. All connected. That's why I have a lot to learn. First I have to learn better English improve myself and I can study more. The great opportunity is I can get to know more people worldwide countries and to meet those people some very successful some may not but they're still like startup CEOs those people is very talented educated. That's giving me inspiring me yeah.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Important to me is I have an ambitious rate. I don't want to give up I want to keep going. Keep going to find the right things to do yeah.
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