Orinda resident Emily Wu, Managing Director for First Republic Bank’s East Bay Business Group, was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF).
When Emily Wu was a kid, she wanted to become a flight attendant so she could travel the world, but instead she dove into finance and became Managing Director for First Republic Bank’s East Bay Business Group in Walnut Creek.
In the meantime, Wu, an Orinda resident for the last 22 years, recently got elected as one of nine Board of Directors for the Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF).
Accepting the position Sept. 11, 2020, her role includes governing responsibilities as well as serving as an ambassador to increase awareness of LLF work in the community. She’s also on the Foundation’s Finance and Investment Committee.
Wu, born and raised in Hong Kong, brings her expertise and knowledge to the foundation to help kids begin realizing their childhood dreams.
“I like the ability of the Foundation to collaborate with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to focus STEM efforts on bringing young scientists to experience the unique capabilities of the Lab and mentorship,” she said. “It makes perfect sense to bridge the gap between the Lab and donors who want to support scientific and educational work at the Lab.”
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Wu said she’s also impressed with the diverse programs the Foundation supports such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research and climate initiatives.
Dona Crawford, then an Associate Director of Computation at LLNL, founded the Livermore Lab Foundation in 2016.
LLF is a non-profit dedicated to advancing fundamental science and research initiatives, STEM programs and fellowships at LLNL.
“Emily Wu is a wonderful addition to Livermore Lab Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Crawford, the current board’s chair, in a press release. “Her financial expertise, insight and broad knowledge of the greater East Bay area and her passion for STEM education will help our organization execute our 2021 vision. We’re honored to have her on the board.”
Wu graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1989 with a BA in finance. An avid supporter of science, technology, education and math, she can attest to the fact that in her case the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree since her two adult children, Bradley (20) and Stephanie (18), are following in her footsteps.
“Both my kids are pursing STEM in college,” she said. “My husband Dan is in the medical field. I am also involved with another non-profit group focused on afterschool education and skill development for disadvantaged youths in Oakland (East Bay Asian Youth Center). Innovation is critical to our future. All children should have equal opportunity to access STEM education.”
Focusing on equity and diversity is equally important to Wu. The programs that stand out to her the most are “Girls Who Code – Big” (via Supercomputers), student field trips to the LLNL, summer internships (annual Student Poster Symposium) and scholarships to support student research augmented by dedicated Lab mentors and early career women scientists.
Wu also serves on the Board and the Development and Audit committees at “A Better Way,” based in Berkeley, and recently served as Treasurer of Walnut Creek’s “Tuesday Forum.” Before joining First Republic Bank 13 years ago, she served in leadership positions at Greater Bay Bank and Union Bank.
Before the pandemic hit, Wu enjoyed her downtime at S.F. Giants games, but during lockdown, she’s had to pivot.
“I started working out with my friends on Zoom and crocheting cute animals, Amigurumi (crocheted stuff toy). I would love to join a crochet club when we can socialize in person again!” said Wu. “On a serious note, I truly look forward to traveling around the world –to fulfill MY childhood dream.”
