Meet Irene

I believe leadership is about accountability to people, to the systems that sustain our communities, and to the future we are responsible for passing on together.

I grew up in an immigrant family, many of whom were healthcare workers. I saw firsthand how much people depend on public systems, and what happens when those systems fail. That understanding has shaped my life’s work, how I lead today, and why I believe government must show up with competence, creative solutions, and care.

Before serving on the Hennepin County Board, I applied my leadership across nonprofit, corporate, and education settings. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by questions about how people develop as leaders, how systems shape opportunity, and what it takes for institutions to actually serve the people who depend on them. 

These questions guided my doctoral research at the University of Minnesota, where I studied county elected office as a profession, matriarchy as a leadership model, and why these ideas matter to our shared future and participatory democracy. At its core, my work argues that counties are among the most consequential governing bodies, and that results-oriented, compassionate leadership on the county level is essential for our shared humanity and collective future.

I bring these values and commitments to my work as an elected official.

I was first elected in 2018 and currently serve as Hennepin County Commissioner for District 2, representing Golden Valley, Medicine Lake, southeast Plymouth, St. Anthony, North Minneapolis, Northeast Minneapolis, and the North Loop and Bryn Mawr neighborhoods of Minneapolis. Alongside Commissioner Angela Conley, I became one of the first women of color elected to the County Board in its history. I am the youngest to serve in this role and the first Filipino–American elected in Minnesota. In 2023, my colleagues elected me to serve as Board Chair. 

As Chair, my focus has been on building systems that work – not just in theory, but in practice. That means investing upstream, and strengthening the public institutions people rely on most. From investing in housing stability, healthcare access, transit, public safety-net institutions, and democratic accountability, my approach is grounded in care, competence, and long-term accountability. 

I live in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis with my partner, Kent. I love this community and can often be found on my front porch talking with neighbors or cheering on the Minnesota Lynx. 

To learn more about my priorities, accomplishments, and ongoing work, visit Issues & Impact.