Women in Political Leadership: Interview with Seattle Deputy Mayor Kendee Yamaguchi
The Spark Behind Public Service
Q: What sparked your interest in serving in public office?
A: My interest in public service stems from my family’s experience being placed in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Early on in school, I realized that history might have looked different if more diverse policymakers had been present at the table to raise critical issues and concerns.
The impact those policy decisions had on my community—and on the generations that followed—fueled my passion for public service. I learned firsthand the importance of representation and how the absence of it can shape society for years to come.
In memory of my grandparents and family, I’ve dedicated more than two decades to serving in government at every level, working to build a stronger, more inclusive community, nation, and world.
Being a Woman in Public Office
Q: What is it like being a woman in public office? What are some strengths and challenges you experience that might be unique for women in policymaking spaces?
A: As the first person and woman in my family to attend college, I’ve experienced many “firsts” in both my personal and professional life. I was fortunate to become one of the youngest AAPI women to work at the White House, serve as a state agency cabinet member, and hold several executive management positions in government.
Breaking new ground comes with challenges, including gender bias, discrimination, and age bias. Early in my career, there wasn’t a manual or clear role model to follow, so I learned by trial and error. Those early experiences built my resilience and confidence.
Now, I see those challenges as lessons that prepared me for leadership. Breaking glass ceilings for others—and paving paths for future generations—gives me strength and purpose.
Seattle’s Most Pressing Issues
Q: From your perspective, what are the most pressing issues facing our region today?
A: Public safety, homelessness, COVID recovery, and restoring trust in government are among Seattle’s top priorities.
In my current role, I focus on driving an equitable recovery for small businesses, working families, and arts and entertainment organizations across the city. We have an opportunity to come back stronger—by leading with equity, innovation, and community voices.
Equally important is rebuilding faith in government. Mayor Harrell has emphasized getting “back to the basics” of good governance—serving residents well, meeting immediate needs, and showing tangible results.
For me, that means ensuring local government acts as a bridge for community organizations and small businesses to thrive. It’s about uniting our city around shared goals and demonstrating what we can achieve when we work together.
Policy Solutions and Collaboration
Q: What are some policy solutions that you’re particularly passionate about?
A: Our Office of Economic Development (OED) is playing a crucial role in helping Seattle recover from the pandemic. Under new leadership, OED is distributing recovery dollars to small businesses most affected by COVID-19.
The mayor and I believe OED can serve as a hub for small business support, workforce development, and the advancement of women- and minority-owned enterprises.
Collaboration is also key. Working together across public, private, and philanthropic sectors allows us to tackle challenges more effectively. For example, the City, County, Regional Homelessness Authority, and business leaders recently launched a partnership to address homelessness downtown.
When we reduce silos and unite our efforts, we can create lasting, equitable change. That gives me hope for the future.
Curiosity and Leadership
Q: How does curiosity aid the policymaking and decision-making process?
A: Curiosity is essential to leadership. It allows us to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. When leaders remain curious, they open the door to creativity and innovation—qualities we need to solve today’s complex problems.
Diverse perspectives and critical thinking lead to stronger policies. If we approach challenges the same way every time, we’ll keep getting the same results. Curiosity helps us break that cycle.
Our world needs leaders who can think outside the box, collaborate with partners, and design solutions that serve the community. Staying curious is how we continue to grow and lead with empathy.
Continue reading our Women in Political Leadership Series:
- Senator Yasmin Trudeau
- Representative Debra Entenman
- Redmond Mayor Angela Birney
- Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda
- Bellevue City Councilmember Janice Zahn
Interested in learning more from women in leadership? Check out our Leadership Book List, where we have compiled 350+ books written by women in leadership.
