[Next Generation Leader: Evette Kim]
Who should residents talk to when they want to see changes in the city? Even in a city often hailed as the “safest” and “best-planned” in the nation, such as Irvine, concerns among residents are inevitable. Who listens to the frustrations of Irvine’s residents? Perhaps someone they can approach and speak with.
Evette Kim serves as the Chief of Staff at the Office of Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim. In this role, she not only supports the council member’s office but also advocates for changes in city policy and addresses residents’ concerns.
Originally from Korea, Kim moved to Fullerton in 2005, where she has lived for nearly two decades. She attended Parks Junior High, Sunny Hills High School, and Chapman University, majoring in Political Science and Peace Studies.
Where she works, Irvine boasts a significant Asian American population. As an Asian immigrant who has assimilated into the Asian American community, Kim understands the challenges immigrants may face in their daily lives in the city.
“One time, there was a Korean American mother who had two kids with their father still in Korea, who came asking for help. Her car hit a light pole on the street, and the police officer told her the city would contact her to pay compensation. At the time, she had to make an emergency visit to Korea, but she said she was afraid to talk to authorities or officials of the city, especially because she could not speak English and it involved the police, even though she worried that she might have a problem upon re-entry. This incident showed me what my job has to be. It is my duty to listen to people who need help. I should be the first person they can talk to about their concerns.”
Kim’s dedication to her community is evident throughout her career. She began as a Bilingual Outreach Specialist at the LA City Clerk-Election Division and later served as a District Representative for State Senator Anthony Portantino in several cities, including La Cañada Flintridge, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena.
Transitioning into nonprofit work, Kim served as the Director of Development at the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), where she generated financial resources for organizations and coordinated events across the greater Los Angeles area, demonstrating her commitment to community empowerment. She assumed responsibilities at the California School Boards Association, facilitating interactions between school board members and state legislators, and focusing on advocacy for educational policy in Los Angeles County. Her tenure as a Legislative Aide for LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt of District 10 provided her with valuable experience in legislative affairs and constituent services.
“The experience from my past careers helped me in various ways,” Kim reflects. “For example, working in LA District 10 taught me how to handle hands-on tasks within the city. However, a downside of the work process in LA is the slow pace, even for minor tasks like repairing potholes after a winter storm. Resources are limited, and it often takes a significant amount of time for complaints to be addressed, as they are often transferred between different departments before any action is taken.”
Since November, Kim has served as the Chief of Staff in the office of Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes managing the legislative agenda, formulating policy, and meeting with authorities. Reflecting on her responsibilities, she emphasizes a shift toward a focus on legislative policy, community outreach, and campaign management.
Drawing from her experiences in Los Angeles, Kim aims to streamline processes and improve access to government services for her constituents. “As Chief of Staff here in Irvine, I have the opportunity to address residents’ concerns directly, which directly impacts their quality of life. Even in situations like this interview, where I can speak with the media and address questions from the public, it’s clear that the city and the office I work in are committed to listening to the voices of the community. I believe it’s crucial to have someone in city government who actively listens to the community’s voice and takes action accordingly.”
Her transition to Chief of Staff was a significant career challenge for Kim. Reflecting on this transition, she acknowledges the responsibility it entails. “It was a big decision for Councilmember Tammy Kim to bring me into her office, despite our longstanding relationship. Stepping into a management role required careful consideration, knowing it would demand more time and effort in every aspect. I strive to do what I can do well, monitoring every contact made to the office to actively respond to questions and opinions regarding current city government.”
Kim’s efforts to improve the city are becoming increasingly apparent. “I’ve noticed that communication between the councilmember and the communities has become much more fluid. I prefer to take a hands-on approach to problem-solving. The entire process, from identifying an issue to community reports and ultimately solving the problem, has become much faster. I take pride in being part of these positive changes.”
Addressing the pressing issues of her district, Kim highlights transportation congestion and public safety as key priorities. She plans to tackle these challenges through initiatives such as town hall meetings and targeted policy solutions, drawing on her experiences in legislative advocacy.
“Irvine, with a population of over 310,000 people, faces significant traffic issues that demand attention. The recent proliferation of electric bikes has raised concerns. These bikes accelerate like motorbikes but do not require a license, leading to confusion about where they should be ridden. We are planning to convene a meeting with state senators and representatives to seek a solution. While seemingly small, this issue directly affects the people of Irvine and can make a tangible difference. Addressing such issues is crucial for Irvine to maintain its status as the safest city in the nation, including ensuring public safety.”
Summarizing her role, Kim explains, “I meet people more often and more closely.” She recounts an instance when Councilmember Tammy Kim swiftly responded to a broadcaster’s request for comments, saying, “I learn a lot from Councilmember Tammy Kim too. She never refuses requests for comments. One time, she went to speak to one of the broadcasters within just 30 minutes after she received a request, considering the urgency of the situation.”
Despite the challenges she faces as an assistant staff member, Kim finds her job both amusing and worthwhile. “I’ve never thought knowing to speak Korean would be a big thing because there are so many of them who can,” she reflects. “But that is why they need me. I hear from Korean American residents of the city that they are glad their voices reach the councilmember who can make a difference. As a Korean American, I am very proud. And I am glad that I can serve the people of Irvine.”
Looking ahead, Kim is focused on fostering the next generation of Korean American leaders. “This is something I have been planning for the past two years,” she explains. “Last month it finished paperwork and became an official nonprofit organization. Korean American mentors in the political fields will come together to find a way to train competent Korean-American legislative aides and to pass down what we learned from our experiences.”
Kim stresses the importance of passing down knowledge and experience to future generations of legislative aides, especially in understanding the cultural and historical context of community issues. “I hope to teach what skills they need to have or any curriculum they should follow,” she says. “When they start to work at the office, they should know the reason why some resolutions about Korean history are being passed in the cities. They’re not just like any other paperwork, but they mean something important to people of this cultural background. They should know the correct history in order to be a part of and serve a culture-based community.”
She firmly believes that good politicians are made with the assistance of competent staff. “This is a job where they have to be willing to talk to people first, ask their concerns,” she emphasizes, “at the same time it is being the friendly one to listen to them and someone who really cares about the city like mine although may not reside in the city.”
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
