On December 3, San Francisco welcomed another promising young Asian American leader. Tiffany Deng was officially appointed by San Francisco Mayor London Breed to serve as a commissioner on the city’s Asian Art Commission. She was sworn in on December 17 at the Asian Art Museum, making her one of the youngest commissioners in San Francisco City Hall. This appointment marks another milestone in her journey of public service and dedication to arts and culture.

A Political Awakening: Gratitude to APAPA

Tiffany Deng expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) for providing her with a platform to grow and thrive. Since joining APAPA’s San Francisco Chapter in 2023, she has actively participated in events such as the Lunar New Year Parade, a joint media conference with the Association for the Advancement of Asians (AAA), and the “Amplifying Asian Voices” community gala co-hosted by APAPA and AAA on November 16 at the Marines' Memorial Club. As a gala co-chair, she emphasized how APAPA has not only offered Asian Americans vital opportunities in civic engagement but also strengthened her confidence in advancing cultural and artistic development.

Art and Education: A Multifaceted Cultural Ambassador

Tiffany graduated with honors from San Francisco State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in music, and later pursued a master’s degree in music education at the Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, she collaborated with the Institute for Accessible Arts Education to develop inclusive music education strategies for children with special needs.

A talented musician, she is proficient in both Western classical piano and traditional Chinese instruments such as the pipa and guqin. Through various media platforms, she has promoted Asian music and expanded the reach of traditional arts.

Her musical accomplishments include winning the title of Miss Chinatown USA in 2015, as well as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Talent Award and the AT&T Innovation Award. These accolades highlight her innovative ability to blend tradition with modernity. Tiffany has also appeared as a guest on media programs such as FOX and KTVU’s Bay Area People, showcasing the guqin, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage instrument.

Community Service: An Advocate for the Asian Community

A resident of San Francisco, Tiffany has been actively engaged in community service since her college years, including an internship in the office of California State Senator Richard Pan. She has worked tirelessly to amplify Asian American voices, frequently visiting family associations in Chinatown and participating in various community events to promote cultural diversity in San Francisco.

Tiffany is also a passionate supporter of philanthropy. She served as co-chair for the San Francisco Symphony’s Fiesta Día de los Muertos concert and gala, ensuring its success as a major sponsor.

Looking Ahead: Enriching the Arts and Cultural Landscape

Tiffany views her appointment not only as a personal milestone but also as an opportunity to further serve the community. As a commissioner on the Asian Art Commission, she is dedicated to advancing San Francisco’s multicultural arts development and promoting global recognition of Asian art.

“To be part of San Francisco City Hall and contribute to the arts and community service is an honor and privilege. This appointment reflects my commitment to this city and Asian culture, as well as my gratitude to those who have supported and believed in me.”

Tiffany Deng’s journey is a testament to the power of Asian American civic engagement and cultural preservation. Her appointment not only underscores the strength of the Asian American community but also inspires younger generations to participate in public affairs and build a brighter future together.

Special Contributor: Adrian Wang