Collaboration and Innovation in a Time of Scarcity

Over the past 18 months, the state of California and county governments have been called on to fill in massive budget gaps -- ones that were intentionally legislated by Congress to grow in the coming years, shifting the burden to communities. Specifically, we must provide health care where the federal government has pulled back, supply food as it squeezes federal nutrition programs and protect public health amid federal claw-backs of prevention programs.  Collaboration has become necessary between all sectors of society – local government, business, nonprofits and citizens.

Margaret Abe-Koga was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in November 2024, making history as one of the first two Asian American women on the Board in its 175-year history. Her journey—from translating for her immigrant parents as a child to becoming a Harvard graduate and now shaping policy at the local, regional, and state levels—reflects her deep commitment to service.

Margaret has held several leadership roles: She was Mountain View’s first Asian American female mayor, she chaired key regional transportation and environmental boards, and she served under California Governor Jerry Brown on water quality oversight. She has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing, public safety, and sustainability.

In July 2026, the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute honored her with the 2026 Drs. Kenneth Fong and Michael Chang Civic Leader of the Year Award. She's also been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Working Partnerships USA Champion for Change, and the California Assembly’s Woman of the Year. She was once singled out as one of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40.”

Early in her career, Margaret worked for U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, who became a lifelong mentor and helped shape Margaret's approach to leadership. She created Eshoo’s High School Student Advisory Board, which provided opportunities for students and shaped career aspirations for decades. Supervisor Abe-Koga’s summer intern program is modeled on that life-changing experience.