Age: 37
Occupation: Community engagement manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Email: mti.lingling@gmail.com
Education: Master’s degree, translation and interpretation, University of International Business and Economics; Master of Arts, communication, and Graduate Certificate, entrepreneurship, University of Illinois Springfield
Family: Spouse, Tommy; dog, Leia; cat, Mace; other family members in China and Switzerland
Affiliations/community activities: Springfield Immigrant and Advocacy Network; board member of Champaign County YMCA, certified medical interpreter
What is your guiding principle in life?
I believe our well being is communal.
What is your greatest hope for Springfield?
An equity-minded and anti-racist city council.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path?
I wish my younger self knew that she was outstanding and that life is a learning journey — don’t be so harsh on yourself.
What has been your greatest professional achievement?
Pivoting to a meaningful and fulfilling career during the pandemic, a career of serving under-resourced communities and addressing inequities.
Has any one event of the past year affected you and how?
A three-week trip in my home country, China. I admire China’s beauty, culture and food so much. Connecting to my roots was good for my soul.
What’s the best purchase (under $100) you’ve made in the last six months?
A set of used tools and beautiful glass for stained glass projects.
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.