Ginny Gong just added “author” to her long list of achievements with the publication last August of her autobiography, “From Ironing Board to Corporate Board: My Chinese Laundry Experience in America.”

The book is one immigrant family’s journey from survival to success in America. It’s also a tale of one community’s acculturation to the mainstream. Grab a copy, and tell others to get hold of one, too. (Visit amazon.com or Homabooks.com)

“My hope is that this book fills a needed void in schools and libraries, and be included in recommended and/or suggested reading lists of schools across this nation,” said Ginny. “Although this book is about my experience growing up in the back of a Chinese laundry, it is really a book about the immigrant experience and the stories of so many young children like me who had similar upbringing.”

She added: “Whether it is the English as Second Language (ESL) student, the historian, the Asian American studies enthusiast, or the teacher or parent hoping to broaden their understanding, this book is a good resource for all.”

Actor George Takei of “Star Trek” fame said the book is a story of transformations, and Ginny is “the embodiment of the American dream come true.”

Dr. Hwa-Wei Lee, recently retired chief of Asian Division at the Library of Congress, noted the book “deserves a place in every library and personal reading list.”

Currently, Ginny is on her fourth term as National President of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA). Under her leadership, OCA became the first Asian Pacific American organization to have a permanent presence in the nation’s capital. It purchased a building in Dupont Circle, and established the OCA National Center.

“Ginny’s…where East meets West,” now on its 10th year, on local cable TV, will hit a milestone 100 shows soon. Ginny is also in demand as a keynote speaker. Recently, she was one of the 2008 Women of Achievement, which is co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Business and Professional Women (MCBPW) and the Montgomery County Commission for Women.

Ginny is the Director of the Community Use of Public Facilities Office in Montgomery County. She’s responsible for the community’s use of 250 county facilities–schools, libraries, service centers and other public buildings. Before coming to the county in the 1990s, she taught math in secondary schools in New York State and Pennsylvania.

She’s also a mother–and to be sure, role models, too–to Jennifer, Brian and David. She’s “a proud grandmother of a bi-racial grandson, Trenton O’Brien.” Asked about her role models, she mentions her mother, “who exemplifies some very important values on hard work and unconditional love of family.”

She also admires former US Commerce and Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. “He’s competent, personable, sincere, committed to family and community, grounded in his roots and accessible,” she said. “He always has a clear sense of what is important in life, and he’s not afraid to speak up and take risks.”

Interview Q & A

What took you so long to write a book? Writing an autobiography is always a challenge. One is constantly assessing what information to share with the reader. The project was on and off for about six years. I started it around 2002. I was very fortunate to find a publisher immediately. Initially, I jotted down every fact I could remember about the laundry experience. Writing the book was like walking down memory lane–some memories are clearer than others, some happier than others.

What challenges did you overcome in your life and career? I recall passing a group of students who called me “chink” during my first day as a teacher in one school. That hurt a lot. But I knew as an experienced teacher that I had to get passed it, and make sure that these students knew that I was the teacher. After the first day, all went well.

What is your philosophy in life? I look at the glass as always half full and not half empty. Life is good, but it could always be better. I’ve come to realize life is not always what you envision it would be. Life is not always fair…especially when you are different. But what is most important is how you deal with that knowledge.

You can do anything you set your mind to if you have a goal worth pursuing and the will to make it happen. I had a vision that Asian Americans should be on TV to promote visibility and understanding of our community and our issues. My book is another goal that was set and fulfilled.

Were you born here? I was born in Canton, China and immigrated to the United States at the age of 6. I’m a member of the 1.5-generation. We came as young children and are very westernized. But we are connected to our eastern heritage in our hearts.

Please tell us about your parents. My parents are Oy Jee and Bing Kuey. Mom is 89 and dad is about 91. They have been together for 71 years. They currently live in Queens, New York. Both practice Tai Chi in the mornings. My dad is very involved with the Eng Association, where he serves as one of the officers.

What is their reaction to your achievements in life? Dad is very proud of my commitment to the community, and often reminds his friends that I’m his daughter. He’s proud of my involvement with OCA. My mom feels I should stop volunteering so much and get more sleep.

What did you learn from your parents? My parents always worked very hard in the laundry, ironing many hours a day, 365 days a year, year after year. We never took a single vacation because of the business. I realized the importance of instilling in children a rigorous work ethic and pride in everything one does.