Name and Pronouns: Francis Choe. Him/Her.
Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown & Current City of Residence: Honolulu, Hawaii. Redmond, Washington.
Current Job Title and Employer: Strategic Advisor to Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa
Having just moved to Washington in August last year, Francis was eager to get involved in his new home and to make new connections. Unexpectedly, through WAIDF, he forged new connections and found a welcoming network that helped him return to public service. Francis served in government, political, and community affairs roles in Hawaii throughout his 15+ year career. When he moved to Washington, WAIDF played a crucial role in helping him establish his network and new career. Learn more about Francis’ journey as part of the Class of 2024 and his current role as a Strategic Advisor to Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa.
Why did you choose to participate in WAIDF?
After moving to Washington, I reconnected with Kelly Drake (Class of 2010), whom I knew from my Young Democrats of America days. She encouraged me to apply for WAIDF. Initially hesitant due to my recent move, Kelly’s positive experience inspired me. Kelly applied upon moving from Iowa, got accepted, and cherished the connections and opportunities she was able to make. Intrigued, I realized WAIDF was perfect for networking with like-minded individuals, learning about my new home, and the chance to travel throughout the state. I applied and was thrilled to be selected for the 2024 cohort.
How has your experience as a WAIDF fellow impacted your life, personally and/or professionally?
Meeting the incredible changemakers in my cohort was a highlight — I can’t wait to see the amazing things everyone achieves! The dynamic speakers, movers and shakers we met throughout the program left a lasting impression, and I’m grateful to WAIDF for my job at the Port of Seattle.
During the second week of our program, we visited the Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), where a panel of alumni (now my colleagues), shared their stories. Commissioner Sam Cho (Class of 2019) was among them. Their stories of how they were making a difference at the Port of Seattle resonated with me, reminding me once again of the power of government to impact positive change, especially through economic development in the region. Not long after that visit, I saw my current position posted at the Port and decided to apply. I went through the application and interview process and was overjoyed when I got the offer. Seeing so many WAIDF alumni in the Commission office and throughout the Port is amazing. WAIDF alumni truly are everywhere in Washington!
Class of 2024 at SEA
Tell us about one of your favorite memories of your time as a WAIDF fellow.
There were so many fun and exciting memories to count! But if I had to choose just one, I’d have to choose our D.C. trip. Being in our nation’s Capital as a class and to be front and center of the political process was incredible. A highlight was when we got into U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s Appropriations Committee Room, and everyone jockeyed to find a seat at the table. Each seat was assigned and marked with a gold nameplate. As a Hawaii boy, I had to find Senator Brian Schatz’s seat. From the speakers, which included Washington’s federal delegation, other notable alumni, and policy experts, the various tours of significant landmarks, and the amazing bonding and social time, it was definitely a fun and memorable experience!
Class of 2024 in the U.S. Senate Appropriations Room
What are you most looking forward to as a WAIDF alumnus?
I’m excited to pay it forward as a board member. I’m incredibly grateful for everything that WAIDF has given me — an opportunity to learn about my new home, new friendships, relationships, and connections — and I want to pay it forward to contribute to the organization’s continued success. I’m also excited to see the amazing and wonderful impact that the Class of 2024 will have throughout Washington (and elsewhere) in the years to come.
What does your job as Strategic Advisor to Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa entail?
As a strategic advisor to Commission Vice President Hasegawa, I support her communications, policy, and scheduling needs. She’s busy working on a childcare policy for the Port, her budget priorities, and exploring ways to accelerate the Port’s renewable energy goals. From working with stakeholders to draft policy proposals to various communications needs, it’s rewarding to support the first woman of Asian ancestry elected to the Port of Seattle.
Francis with Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa at an event
If we run into you at a future WAIDF event, what topic should we ask you about?
Ask me how the WAIDF board is doing to do our best to serve you or about my job at the Port of Seattle!
What would you tell someone who is considering applying to the program?
Just DO IT. Come in with an open mind and have fun. The program is not just for aspiring elected officials but also those who want to learn more about government, the electoral process, and what’s happening throughout Washington. You can impact change in many ways. The weekends crisscrossing the state may be tiring, but they are so much fun!