Representation and Resolve

In the just-published Community Catalysts episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Ilryong Moon, a longtime member of the Fairfax County School Board and the first Asian-American elected to public office in Fairfax County, Virginia. His story is a quiet but powerful reminder of what leadership really means.

Ilryong came to the United States from Korea at 17. He didn’t speak much English. His family had little money. His parents, both undereducated, worked long hours to support their children in a new and unfamiliar country. Ilryong repeated a year of high school just to learn the language. From there, he went on to graduate from Harvard, build a successful law career, and eventually serve for decades on the school board of one of the nation’s largest—and most diverse—school districts.

But it wasn’t ambition that first drew him to public service. It was a moment of reflection. Years after immigrating, Ilryong realized that while he had built a comfortable life, it was largely confined to his own ethnic community—Korean clients, Korean church, and Korean media. Meanwhile, his children were growing up in America, and he wanted to be a role model—not just for them, but for all students who might not yet see themselves reflected in public leadership.

“I became embarrassed,” he told me. “I had expectations for my children, but I wasn’t doing the same for myself.”

That honesty—and his willingness to share it—stopped me in my tracks.

Ilryong didn’t run for office because he had a platform. He ran because he wanted to be part of the fabric of the country he now called home. His first campaign was more about personal growth than public victory. And yet, his election—and continued service—stand as a remarkable demonstration of how humility, perseverance, and representation can elevate local leadership into a force for belonging, opportunity, and collective advancement.

This episode is part of a special RELI-sponsored series featuring civic leaders from across Northern Virginia. Thanks to the Regional Elected Leaders Initiative (RELI) at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, these conversations are helping local leaders everywhere gain insights into collaboration, governance, and public service.

Would YOU be interested in sharing a story from your own journey to leadership? I’m always looking for instructive and inspiring voices to feature on the show!  Let me know: www.CatalystGuest.us. 

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