Tanya Woo’s journey into civic leadership, business ownership, and community advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal history and her profound commitment to the people of Seattle. A fifth-generation Seattle native and descendant of one of the first Chinese American families to settle in the region, Woo brings a unique blend of cultural heritage, entrepreneurial insight, and public service to her work. Whether through policy-making, historic preservation, or mutual aid, Tanya Woo has consistently focused her efforts on equity, safety, and opportunity for all.
Raised in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID), Woo grew up helping her family run a local bakery. This early experience grounded her in the realities of working-class immigrant life. This is where small businesses serve as community pillars, and cultural identity is preserved through everyday acts of resilience. The CID, both her childhood backdrop and ongoing focal point, has shaped her understanding of the complex interplay between local policy, cultural preservation, economic development, and public safety.
Civic Engagement Built on Lived Experience
Tanya Woo’s foray into public service began long before she stepped into City Hall. She became a respected community organizer and historic preservationist, playing a lead role in efforts to rebuild the Louisa Hotel after a devastating fire in 2013. The hotel, an important piece of the neighborhood’s history, was transformed into affordable housing—a project that required persistence, cultural sensitivity, and navigation of complex regulatory hurdles. Woo recalls, “We were told—especially as a family of color—that we wouldn’t succeed. But we did.”
This successful redevelopment demonstrated Woo’s ability to lead community-centered initiatives through partnership and perseverance. It also positioned her as a trusted advocate for equitable housing and anti-displacement measures in the city.
In 2023, Tanya Woo ran for Seattle City Council’s District 2 seat in a race that underscored the community’s trust in her leadership. She narrowly lost by just over 400 votes. Despite this, her commitment to public service was recognized when she was appointed in January 2024 to serve in the at-large Position 8 seat on the Council. During her tenure, she prioritized practical solutions to pressing issues—homelessness, housing affordability, public safety, and small business support—while maintaining close contact with residents and community leaders.
Although Woo was not elected to retain her seat in the 2024 special election, her work left a lasting impression. Known for her collaborative approach and willingness to engage with all sides of an issue, she remained a strong voice for communities that have historically been marginalized in local policymaking.
Professional Growth and Daily Leadership
In her own words, Tanya Woo describes her daily work as a balance of policy, community engagement, and direct service. “Whether I’m in meetings with city officials or walking the streets of the Chinatown-International District handing out supplies and checking on neighbors,” she notes, “my focus is always on building relationships and addressing real needs.”
Woo’s approach is rooted in presence. Physically showing up in the communities she serves, listening deeply, and responding with action. Weekly mutual aid walks and ongoing dialogue with nonprofit leaders and small business owners provide her with insights that aren’t often reflected in formal reports. She believes that the lived experience of residents should directly inform policy.
From Historic Preservation to Public Policy
The Louisa Hotel redevelopment remains one of the most formative projects of Woo’s career. Beyond rebuilding the structure, she ensured that its cultural and historical legacy was preserved. It was a test of leadership, resilience, and community trust.
This hands-on project informed her broader strategy for community initiatives: start with listening, co-design solutions with community members, and pursue pragmatic approaches grounded in equity. Whether working on public safety strategies or economic revitalization programs, Woo favors collaborative, locally informed frameworks.
One of her most difficult decisions in recent memory was whether to run for re-election after her council appointment. Though the race was challenging and the outcome not in her favor, Woo remains proud of her decision to step forward. “I wouldn’t change the choice to show up and fight for representation,” she reflects.
A Consistent Thread of Service
Throughout her varied roles—as a business owner, councilmember, organizer, and cultural performer—Tanya Woo has remained focused on a central mission: service to the community. Her nonprofit leadership includes advocating for seniors, preserving heritage sites, and promoting environmental stewardship. She emphasizes the importance of accessible resources in public health and the arts, arguing that healthy communities require more than just policy—they need support, space, and opportunity.
Her effectiveness as a leader stems not only from her advocacy but from her hands-on involvement. Woo notes, “I don’t just advocate from behind a desk, I walk the streets, administer Narcan, perform CPR, and support neighbors directly.” This kind of visibility and consistency has helped build trust across a wide range of stakeholders.
Skills and Influences
Woo’s professional development has included learning to speak publicly and represent issues on larger platforms. Public speaking, she admits, didn’t come naturally. “I had to work on it—watching other leaders, practicing constantly, and learning how to speak from both my heart and my experience.” Over time, she has embraced the power of storytelling to elevate the voices of others.
Among those who have most influenced her career are her father, a small business owner and community leader, and civic figures like Councilmember Cheryl Chow and Uncle Bob Santos. Their examples of humility, advocacy, and courage have served as models for Woo’s own leadership.
A guiding principle she carries is: “Advocacy is love in action.” It’s a philosophy that has shaped how she navigates difficult decisions, builds policy, and supports others.
Beyond Public Office
Though no longer serving in an elected role, Tanya Woo’s commitment to Seattle is as strong as ever. Her future endeavors remain grounded in the same values: equity, safety, cultural preservation, and grassroots collaboration. She continues to support small businesses, mentor young leaders, and engage in direct service.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Woo enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, and performing traditional Chinese cultural dances. Her connection to her heritage is not only personal but also a bridge between generations and communities in Seattle.
Tanya Woo’s legacy is defined not by titles held, but by trust earned and work sustained. Her contributions to Seattle’s Chinatown-International District and beyond reflect a long-standing dedication to community-based solutions and inclusive growth. As Seattle continues to evolve, leaders like Tanya Woo serve as a reminder that meaningful change often begins at the neighborhood level, with listening, consistency, and a willingness to act.
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