Cindy Ryu
Cindy Sinhikim Ryu[1] (born November 14, 1957) is an American politician serving as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 32nd district.[2] She was the first Korean-American woman to be a mayor in the United States.[3]
Cindy Ryu | |
|---|---|
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| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 32nd district | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Maralyn Chase |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 14, 1957 Seoul, South Korea |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Cody Ryu |
| Residence | Shoreline, Washington |
| Education | University of Washington (BS, MBA) |
Early life and education
Ryu has lived in South Korea, Brunei, and the Philippines. She earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and a Master of Business Administration in operations management from the University of Washington.
Career
While serving as a member of the Shoreline City Council, Ryu was elected mayor in 2008, becoming the first female Korean-American mayor in the United States. Cindy was president of both the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and its Dollars For Scholars Chapter. She helped create Shoreline's Green Business Program.
Cindy was first elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 2010, and was reelected in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020. Cindy is the chair of the Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee. She also chairs the Overseas Korean Politicians Council and is Vice Chair of Women In Government, a national organization of women state legislators.
References
- "Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions, Washington State Democratic Party". Public Disclosure Commission, State of Washington. 2017-11-02. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
- "Cindy Ryu". votesmart.org. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
- "History's First Mayors". nlc.org. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
