CHERRY HILL, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Susan Shin Angulo is breaking barriers as the first Korean American woman to be elected in New Jersey, and the first Asian American mayor of Cherry Hill.
"I take those first very seriously, because I know how important representation is, especially when it comes to encouraging the next generation to explore public service," she said.
After a couple months in office, the coronavirus pandemic hit, leading Angulo to confront unprecedented challenges facing the township.
"We were able to be agile, responsive and proactive, all at the same time," the mayor said.
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Angulo spoke out against anti-Asian hate at a Asian American Alliance in South Jersey rally in Cherry Hill this past month.
During the pandemic, the mayor launched a rental and housing assistance program to help low- to moderate-income residents who needed help paying their rent or mortgage.
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She also rolled out a grant program that helped nonprofits reach residents in need during the pandemic.
"My goal is to do everything I can to help our community bounce back and become stronger on the other side," the mayor said.
This story is part of Asian Americans Making a Difference, a KYW Newsradio series in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Each week this month, KYW's Denise Nakano profiles prominent individuals and community groups in the Philadelphia region to draw attention to the contributions of people of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.