Iwen Chu

Iwen Chu (曲怡文; born December 16, 1978) is an American politician serving as a member of the New York State Senate for the 17th district. A Democrat, she is the first Asian American woman to be elected to the state senate.

Early life and education
Chu was born in Taiwan and moved to New York at the age of 27 to pursue a Master of Arts in Sociology at Brooklyn College.

Political career
Chu previously worked as chief of staff to former Assemblymember Peter Abbate and as a reporter for World Journal.

The newly drawn 17th district includes the Southern Brooklyn communities of South Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Sunset Park, Borough Park, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Gravesend.

Personal life
Chu lives with her husband and daughter in Dyker Heights.