I’m fearful all the time, but manage to push through it.

Secretary Chao

Elaine L. Chao, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, shared the story behind her title with Women To Watch Media® on May 24, 2020.

This is Secretary Chao’s second cabinet position. She served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2001 to January 2009, and is the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President’s cabinet in American history.

Secretary Chao comes to the U.S. Department of Transportation with extensive experience in the transportation sector. Early in her career, she specialized in transportation financing in the private sector. She began her executive career in public service working on transportation and trade issues at the White House. She then served as Deputy Maritime Administrator, U. S. Department of Transportation; Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission; and, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. As U.S. Secretary of Transportation, she is a strong advocate for safety, and the importance of infrastructure and innovation in our nation’s economic competitiveness and growth.

Sue says…

One might not expect a woman who has achieved such a high level of leadership to admit that she’s fearful all the time, but that’s exactly what Secretary Chao revealed in our candid interview. Perhaps her ability to push through began during a 37 day voyage from Taiwan at the age of 8, or perhaps it is a part of her Asian culture. Either way, what she is led by is an innate curiosity and an appreciation for the education she was able to receive here in America.

Listen to our full interview with Secretary Chao below or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Radio.com or iHeartRadio!