How Jeannie Wong Helps Tell Sacramento State Stories

Feb 10th, 2023

Read time: 3 minutes

At the SacAsian Chamber, we know the power of telling stories. They help us understand the communities around us; they inform us on how we can support in times of need; they connect us to people and places we might not otherwise know. As a Vice Chair on our Board of Directors, Jeannie Wong knows this too. Jeannie is the Senior Associate Vice President of University Communications at Sacramento State. She is a voice for Sacramento State students and alumni, and a leader for impactful storytelling.

Jeannie chatted with us about her role in Sacramento’s community and how her career has led her here. Read a brief Q&A below.

Jeannie Wong

Q: Tell me more about your role at Sacramento State and what drives you.

A: As the Senior Associate Vice President of University Communications, I oversee communications and marketing for Sacramento State. This includes media relations, crisis communications, social media, multimedia, brand strategy, and visual identity. I helped conceptualize and develop the award-winning marketing campaign, “Made at Sac State,” and am a member of President Robert S. Nelsen’s senior leadership team, serving on his Cabinet.

My job, in a nutshell, is to help tell Sac State’s story — of the lives we’ve touched and our impact on the region. But on a personal level, it goes beyond that.

As the daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to graduate from college, I can speak firsthand of the great opportunities that an education can provide. It has quite simply changed the trajectory of my life, and in doing so, has given me the chance to positively affect the lives of others.

Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make in California’s diverse communities?

A: I would love to inspire young girls and young boys — actually, people of all ages — to live out their dreams. Of course, it’s not always easy. I’ve seen my parents and my grandparents struggle. I wish things had been different for them.

A lot of systemic barriers still exist, especially for communities of color. I started my career as a journalist because I wanted to help shine a light on some of these stories. Today, I continue to care deeply about helping lift up all our communities, to help create a more just and equitable society. It’s so important to give back if you can, too. That’s why I serve on regional boards like that of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce. For me, it’s an opportunity to collaborate and partner with people of like minds, working toward a common goal.

Q: What is some key advice that has helped you throughout your career?

A: If you love what you do, it won’t feel like work. Hold on to your dreams. Don’t listen to the doubters, and don’t doubt yourself. But first, coffee.