Life and Work with Rita Liu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Liu.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Shanghai, China, grew up in Taiwan where I received my BA degree before moving to Germany for advanced studies. I emigrated from Germany to the U.S., where I built a 34-year career at IBM in New York, as a high-level IT Manager and a certified executive-level Management Consultant. After retirement, I moved to Colorado in 2005 and has dedicated my life to serving the community.

I founded the Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont (A-PAL) in 2010 and serves as its President. A-PAL’s mission is to promote diversity and bridge cultural gaps through the development and hosting of cultural, educational, and artistic projects and events, as well as by encouraging active participation in city and school district initiatives and activities. A-PAL also urges greater utilization of programs and services offered by public institutions. Additionally, A-PAL provides referral assistance to those who have the need or are unfamiliar with available resources.

I’m a member of Longmont Rotary Club and has been a key member of the Senior Computer Tech Center teaching seniors computer skills at Front Range Community College. I served as Chair of Longmont Multicultural Action Committee for six years, and as the Chair of a St. Vrain Valley School District Task Force on a Bond Project that resulted in an approved $260.3 million bond.

In 2011, I developed the A-PAL Chinese New Year Project (CNY) to promote multiculturalism by connecting the many different nationalities within the greater Boulder area in an educational and interactive environment. My goal was the facilitation of long-term participation where diverse people can contribute their unique skill sets to community efforts. I also established a partnership with the Silver Creek Leadership Academy (SCLA), using the CNY project as an opportunity to mentor students in organization, leadership, management and social skills. CNY has grown into A-PAL’s largest initiative.

I received the White House’s President’s Service Award for six years, the Longmont Community Unity Award from the City of Longmont, the Multicultural Award from Boulder County, IBM’s Volunteers Gold Award, The Lifetime Leadership Award and Outstanding Mentor Certificates from Silver Creek Leadership Academy.
I continue to seek forward-looking opportunities for A-PAL, and new, innovative ways to further serve the community.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Things can be easy if you are well prepared. It took me 34 years to be prepared for everything I do and accomplished today. There is still a lot for me to learn, I’ll never stop learning and never give up.

When I went to Germany, it was very hard because I didn’t speak the language. I had to study and work twice or three times harder than anyone else for me to catch up. Eventually, I succeeded.

Four years later, I came to the U.S. At that time, I had never spoken English in my life. I only spoke Chinese and German. I went for a job interview in two weeks. It was so scary. Can you imagine learning enough English in two weeks before a job interview? Well, I did it and got the job as a programmer.

Two years later, I joined IBM Corporation. By then, my English wasn’t my biggest challenge anymore. Back then, for a Chinese woman to compete in a men’s world was very challenging, especially when you tried to be the first Chinese woman manager. But it didn’t scare me. I was determined to succeed. How? Work hard is a must, but hard work itself is not enough. Honesty, integrity, and respect for others, along with hard work are the keys to success.

To answer your question: It’s never easy, but once you are determined and put the right effort into it, you will succeed.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As the Founder and President of A-PAL, I’m currently working with our planning committee members to start planning for the 2020 February event. It will be our tenth anniversary. We will explore new ideas, new approaches and looking for new partners. In the meantime, I have started fundraising activities, such as grant writing and looking for corporate sponsorships.

As a result of the partnership with Silver Creek Leadership Academy, Silver Creek High School has facilitated student exchange opportunities between Silver Creek High School and schools in China. On August 19, 2019, I will be hosting a welcome breakfast and ceremony for 19 students and two teachers from China.

I’m a member of the Longmont Rotary Club. We have just had our 100-year anniversary. I’m the new Chair of the Compassion Award Committee. We will be working on nominating students and community members for the award.

I’m still actively involved in Senior Computer Tech Center (SCTC) to teach seniors computer skills at a local college. We have approximately 70 volunteers. We offer a different level of classes all year round.

I’m very proud of all the volunteers for the results they have achieved continuously. I admire their passion, courage and always ready to help. Together, we can make things happen!

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
• Consider education your top priority in life.
• Work hard to accomplish what you set out to do for your life.
• Respect people who are from a different cultural background. Respect the difference and learn from each other.
• Integrate, and in the meantime, preserve your own cultural heritage.
• Believe in yourself, take responsibility, and strive for excellence.
• Integrity and honesty will help you establish your status in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.apalconnect.org
• Email: ritawliu@aol.com

Image Credit:
Rita Liu, Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont

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