3rd Monday Host | Politics

Dr. Martha J. Wong, a native Houstonian, is a third generation Chinese American and the first Asian American elected to the Houston City Council. Her history making election occurred on December 4, 1993, when she captured 62 percent of the votes in a run-off for the District C seat. She was reelected two more times by overwhelming percentages. In 2002 Martha made history again by beating a 22 year incumbent to become the first Asian American woman to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. She became two vice chairs of committees and served two terms in the House.

 

Martha has a long list of firsts: first Asian American School Principal in the State of Texas; first Asian-American recognized by the Houston Federation of Women’s Award for Excellence in Education; first Asian American in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame; the first Asian American receiving the University of Houston’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

 

Dr. Wong earned a Bachelor degree from the University of Texas and a masters and doctorate from the University of Houston. She completed her doctorate after the death of her husband, Billy, and had three children in Texas universities at the same time.

 

Martha currently serves on the Boards / Advisory Boards of the Texas Asian Republican Caucus, the University of Houston Alumni Association, the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association, the American Leadership Forum, and Asian American Family Services, the Eye Care for Kids Foundation and the South Central Region and the Texas Arthritis Foundations. Also Martha serves on the Board of the Magic Circle Republican Women’s Club as Legislative Chair.

 

Dr. Wong is a recognized leader in both the Asian American and the greater Houston Community. She was been recognized for community service and dedication by the Greater Houston Women’s Foundation, the Houston Lion’s Eye Bank, the National Conference of Christian and Jews, the Texas Asian Republican Caucus, the Young Women’s Christian Association, the Upper Kirby District, TREK, and the Texas Council of Women School Executives, the Chinese Community Center, the Variety Children’s Charity, to name some.

 

Martha J. Wong is a unique woman who has truly exemplified the best of two cultures. She has made Houston and Texas a better place to live through her work with many civic organizations and service as a Houston City Council Member and Texas State Representative for District 134. And in her education profession, has made Texas education better for students and educators.   Martha has been a key player in bringing people together and providing leadership in untouched areas.