Hung Wei (Mayor of Cupertino and Rotary District Governor) – We only die once. We live every day.
At the recent Rotary Cupertino meeting, Hung Wei (the Mayor of Cupertino and Rotary District Governor) was the speaker at the event. She spoke on the topic of “How to be a happy and a life-time Rotarian”.
In an interview with Diana Ding, Hung Wei said: “To share our story is to share our journey with our friends and people around us.” As Diana noted, Hung is one of the most optimistic and happiest people she knows. However, like all of us, she faced challenges.
As Hung shared in her speech, she lost her daughter to suicide in 2004. But, as she said: “I believe my daughter’s passing gives something back to the world, gives something back to me… I believe sharing her story gives power to other people to share their stories and really be a part of the community.”
Further, she added: “We only die once. We live every day. Every day we wake up is a day for us to do good in the world and to create hope around us.”
Hung Wei was born and raised in Taiwan, Republic of China. She came to the States in 1979 to study at UCLA. She received a master’s degree in teaching English as A Second Language, moved to west San Jose in 1981, and to Cupertino in 1990. While her children were in school in the Cupertino Union School District and the Fremont Union High School District, she volunteered in many school activities and took leadership roles as PTA President, School Site Council member, event chairs, and fundraising chairs. At Rotary District 5170, Hung served as Club President of the Rotary Club of Cupertino in 2013-2014, Assistant Governor to Area 8 in 2016-17, District Membership Chair from 2017-2021, and Lieutenant Governor in 2021-2022.
For over thirty years, Hung has been a dedicated community volunteer, serving on many local non-profit organization Boards. She was elected to the Cupertino City Council in November 2020. She currently serves as Mayor and believes in Service above Self.