Welcome back to another episode of Spill the Tea!

On today’s episode, we delve into the world of politics with Sam Cho! As the youngest and first person of color in his position, Sam has been serving as a Port Commissioner since 2019 and currently holds the position of president. As an immigrant from South Korea, he is passionate about the economy of the future. Sam's role as a Port Commissioner involves setting policies that govern the seaport and airport, including the SeaTac and Port of Seattle. He oversees the docking of fishing vessels, engages in business development for the port, and views the port as an economic development agency that creates jobs and provides economic stimulus through imports and exports.

The Start of Sam’s Political Career

Sam's journey into politics was unexpected. With a background in international relations and economics, he initially aimed to become a foreign service officer dealing with foreign policy. However, he transitioned into local politics when he worked as a legislative assistant in Congress and later served as a special assistant during the last two years of President Obama's term. After not being reappointed under the Trump administration, Sam returned to Seattle, where he encountered challenges finding employment. An opportunity arose when he noticed an egg shortage in South Korea due to avian influenza, leading him to export eggs to South Korea with low tariffs.

His path eventually led him to the Port Commissioner role, where he ran and won, and he is now up for reelection soon. As president of the commission, Sam sets the agenda, priorities for the year, and serves as a spokesperson for the port. His genuine and approachable demeanor has made him stand out in the world of politics, breaking down barriers and fostering personal relationships with staff and colleagues. Sam embraces new opportunities as they come and hopes to redefine political relationships by focusing on building connections and making decisions faster.

The Importance of Representation

During the pandemic, Sam learned valuable lessons, particularly the importance of accessibility and listening to the concerns of businesses in the airport. Through creative solutions, no businesses at the airport closed, showcasing the impact of approachable leadership. Sam's motivation for entering politics stems from a desire for public service and bettering the human condition, especially within minority communities. As an immigrant himself and a business owner's son, he understands the significance of representation and believes diverse leaders in governance are essential.

Sam recognizes the skepticism and hesitation within the AAPI community towards politics due to historical experiences and distrust in the system. He hopes to serve as a model for future leaders and emphasizes the importance of diverse representation to ensure marginalized communities have a seat at the table. He encourages being proactive rather than reactive, amplifying voices before situations escalate. Sam's American Dream story, from his parents' hard work to his white-collar profession, highlights the value of perseverance and finding one's unique path.

Advice for Newcomers

For anyone considering a career in politics or working for a port, Sam stresses the importance of networking and building relationships within the political space. He advises seeking mentors and understanding personal motivations for entering politics, focusing on the desire to effect change and serve the community. Sam emphasizes that making a difference does not require elected office and encourages individuals to think beyond titles.