Grace Lee (politician)
Grace Lee | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1982 or 1983 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Known for | Member of the New York State Assembly from the 65th district; first Korean American woman elected to New York State government |
Grace Lee (born 1982 or 1983) is an American entrepreneur and political figure currently representing the 65th district in the New York State Assembly. After winning the election in November 2022, she began her term on January 1, 2023. Lee holds the distinction of being the first Korean American woman elected to a position within New York State government.
Education
Lee completed her undergraduate studies at Columbia University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and philosophy in 2002. She later obtained an MBA specializing in finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Career
Between 2002 and 2006, Lee was employed as an equities research associate at JPMorgan Chase. She had a brief tenure at UBS before joining FSI Group, LLC in 2007. In 2008, she established Nine Naturals, a company focused on skincare products. Although Lee was defeated by incumbent Yuh-Line Niou in her 2020 bid for the 65th district seat, she secured election to the State Assembly in November 2022.
Lee is affiliated with the Vote Blue Coalition, a progressive political action committee that supports Democratic candidates across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania by organizing voter outreach and mobilization efforts.
New York State Assembly
Within the Assembly, Lee serves as co-chair of the Asian Pacific American Task Force.
She spearheaded a pilot initiative partnering with Henry Street Settlement to distribute Ring video doorbells to elderly residents living in public housing on the Lower East Side, aiming to improve neighborhood safety.
In 2023, Lee worked alongside the New York City Sheriff's Joint Compliance Task Force to close down unauthorized marijuana dispensaries that continued operations following legalization in New York City.
Personal life
Lee lives in Lower Manhattan, New York with her husband and their three daughters.