Interview with Dalana Chow

The next interview in my “Elevating Asian Women” series is with Dalana Chow.

1. What led you to your career in environmental/civil engineering? 

Growing up in a divorced household, I witnessed the impact of suffering at a young age and thus the need for abundant healing in our individual hearts, homes, and communities. Having minimal life experience at the time and a natural affinity to nature, I thought of no better way to contribute than through our physical environments - bringing more of the natural world into our everyday lives. As I pursued this idea with uncles/aunts, professors, and guidance counselors, I was directed into the field of sustainability with the Los Angeles Sanitation department. Once I began coursework down this path, I simply stuck with it and enjoyed the subjects as problems became more complex and challenging.

2. What challenges did you face as a woman of color going into a predominantly white, male dominated field?

Luckily, California is a progressive state, championing ideals such as environmentalism, diversity, equity, and inclusivity, so I hardly experienced pushback or discrimination. The focus in meetings and work interactions is always on tackling project issues with respectful communication and teamwork.

3. What did your role as an environmental engineer at LA Sanitation and Environment look like? Were there any initiatives or projects you spearheaded that you are proud of?

My roles at work have changed from conducting technical hydraulic studies, to water recycling and sustainability, to climate resiliency and adaptation. We are currently in the development of a climate resiliency tool that would ideally be available for public use, allowing users to overlay existing and future climate hazards encompassing a given location. The tool would generate potential threats and risks for the designated area and provide engineering standards, adaptation measures, and associated costs to adapt to those risks. It is a hefty undertaking but one that has received support from our executives and that I hope to see through.

4. What concerns do you have about our environment given the current administration? What can we do to make a change?

It is difficult for me to fully wrap my head around the mess and destruction that is happening with our current administration. There is irreversible damage being done to programs that were hard-earned and heartfelt. It is deeply regrettable and troubling. I hope the setback encourages people to take stronger stands in their beliefs and come to understand themselves on a deeper level. I think this happens by encouraging open dialogue, having perseverance and patience, and building friendships. 

5. Does your identity influence the way you think about the environment and sustainability?

Certainly; growing up with principles like compassion, spirituality, and interconnectedness informs every aspect of the way I think, speak, and make decisions. The same is true in my work life - I generally view problems based on their long-term and far-reaching effects.

6. Can you talk about your volunteer work at the Dharma Seal Temple and the Vipassana Center?

I have spent significant time at vipassana centers through volunteer work and attending meditation retreats. There is a practice at the centers to wish goodwill upon the center grounds and its inhabitants, called Metta. I believe lands can be charged with these vibrations through repeated and focused intentions as everything exists interdependently, including between humans and the environment. So I enjoy spending time at the centers due to their uplifting effects. Besides this, the practice of vipassana (a meditation technique) itself can be immensely beneficial. I consider it to be a lifelong gift that I try to practice whenever I can.

7. How has being an Asian American woman shaped your relationship with mental health and spirituality?

Being Chinese inversely made me value the importance of mental health. I did not put much stake into the concept in part due to the stigma around it but also because of my teachings on Eastern philosophies and traditions. At home, I was taught that uncomfortable feelings were to be trumped by group harmony or filial piety, and pain was spiritually bypassed. But being American gave me a set of values that were often in opposition to my Asian roots - mainly critical thinking and autonomy. I think it was the battle between these incompatibilities, in addition to living in a country that promotes mental health awareness, that continually brought me back to reexamine its merit and ultimately form a deep respect for its importance and impact. 

Spiritually speaking, my father was a huge influence but it is also inherent in so many Asian cultures. To me, spirituality is intertwined with and informs all the above: mental health, psychology, and philosophy.

8. What would you tell young, Asian American women who are struggling to prioritize their mental health?

For young people struggling to prioritize their mental health, I would say to listen to your inner voice/that quiet inkling because it is wiser than you know. Also:

• You are 100% not alone. Mental health struggles are more common than you may think.

• Seek help from mental health professionals.

• The internet abounds with free resources like psychoeducation, support groups, and crisis lines.

• Start small, like looking up definitions and examples of things you have heard.

• Social media is not real life. Ignore it. Comparison is a pitfall.

• Limit screen time as much as you can.

• Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you.

• ChatGPT can be a very helpful tool.