Civic Leader. Entrepreneur. Advocate for Equity.

Tanya Woo’s story is deeply intertwined with Seattle’s history. A proud daughter of the Chinatown-International District (CID), Tanya descends from one of the first Chinese American families to settle in the area. Her family's establishment of Seattle’s first Chinese bakery in 1887 marked more than a milestone—it became a symbol of resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride. That legacy continues to inspire her tireless work today.

Tanya emerged as a key voice for the CID and greater Seattle community through her grassroots activism and experience as a small business owner. With a clear-eyed view of the challenges facing immigrant neighborhoods—displacement, safety concerns, and economic inequality—she has led efforts to ensure redevelopment honors community needs rather than erasing them. Her commitment to public health, seniors' services, cultural preservation, and the arts underscores her holistic approach to community well-being.

In 2023, Tanya ran a competitive campaign for Seattle City Council’s District 2 seat, missing victory by a margin of just over 400 votes. Undeterred, she was appointed to the at-large Position 8 seat in January 2024. Her tenure was marked by a collaborative, pragmatic approach to urgent issues like homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety. Although she did not retain the seat in the 2024 special election, Tanya’s leadership left an enduring mark on City Hall and the communities she served.

Now, with her 2025 entry into the Democracy Voucher program, Tanya signals a continued dedication to representing District 2 and advancing inclusive policies that reflect the realities of all Seattleites.

Beyond politics, Tanya continues her work as an entrepreneur and nonprofit leader, building bridges between the private sector and community organizations. She believes economic development must include everyone—and she’s made it her mission to ensure it does.

When not advocating or organizing, Tanya can be found with her family, exploring cultural events, supporting local artists, or sharing a meal at a neighborhood restaurant. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: true leadership begins by listening, showing up, and fighting for those too often unheard.