She immigrated to the U.S. as a child when she was exposed to a whole different culture and language.
What else should you know about the former transportation secretary?
Due to the growing instability in China, James and Ruth eventually moved to Taiwan.
At the time, according to Chao’s website, her mother Ruth was pregnant with her third child.
Still, the journey to travel to the U.S. wasn’t easy for Ruth Chu and the Chao daughters.
They traveled via cargo ship, a difficult trip that took 37 days.
The family toughed it through the Pacific Ocean between Taiwan and California.
I mean, that’s pretty rough," Chao toldCNNin 2017.
After the cargo ship journey, Ruth and her daughters then reunited with James in New York.
Nevertheless, Chao’s parents pushed her to succeed throughout school and also help out at home.
“I wouldn’t be able to find a job.
I couldn’t make anything of myself.
I’d be a disgrace to my family.”
She also revealed that she didn’t participate in many social conventions, such as high school proms.
She admittedly achieved this and more!
First, she attended Mount Holyoke College, which is a private all-women’s college based in Massachusetts.
It was also at this point that Chao realized she identified as a Republican, per CNN.
In between all of this, she also became a U.S. citizen when she was 19 years old.
Aside from Chao’s BA and MBA degrees, she also holds 37 honorary degrees.
These are all doctorates, primarily in the areas of law, the humanities, and public service.
She served as Peace Corps Director under President George H.W.
Then, her career shifted in 1991, when President George H.W.
Bush appointed Chao to the position of Peace Corps Director.
This also wouldn’t be the last time she would serve in a government-appointed leadership role.
McConnell was previously married to Sherrill Redmon until their divorce in 1980.
McConnell has served as a U.S. Interestingly, the couple chose to get married at the Capitol chapel outside of McConnell’s place of work.
“I try not to have too many regrets,” she told CNN.
And so it was thought, well, you have a career.
Well, it doesn’t work like that."
This time, she served under another Bush administration.
In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Elaine Chao as the Secretary of Labor.
According to information from theU.S.
Chao went on to serve under both of Bush’s terms until he left office in 2009.
After Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, she was asked to serve on his Cabinet.
This time, she was asked to serve as Secretary of Transportation.
Chao was sworn in as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on January 31, 2017.
During her time, she also dealt with crises, such as transportation management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This also included other noted establishment figures such as Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina.
Other controversies emerged during her directorship.
These included grants that helped his state of Kentucky get the money needed for highway improvements.
AsThe Washington Postreported, Chao first pledged a $1 trillion infrastructure project back in May 2017.
Such perceived failures angered Trump.
After 7 years of hearing Repeal & Replace, why not done?"
Chao was admittedly put in an awkward position, as her boss (Trump) publicly attacked her husband.
Still, other Cabinet secretaries soon followed her example.
Other workers throughout the White House also resigned.
Chao’s resignation marked the end of nearly four years working in a tumultuous administration.
However, the length of her tenure also can be perceived as speaking volumes about her work ethic.
“Asian Americans have worked hard to change that experience for the next generation.
In the public eye, she’s perhaps best known for serving as both secretary of labor and transportation.
But outside of government, Elaine Chao has also held several private-sector positions.
She’s also gained the admiration of other public servants who have commended her work and passion.
