Connie So

Professor

Connie So is an immigrant from Kowloon, Hong Kong. In February 1969, her family of 8 rejoined her maternal grandparents in the United States. She grew up in Seattle’s Beacon Hill (Asian American) neighborhood, graduated from the University of Washington with B.A.s in English and Communications (1987). She received her Master’s in Public Administration from Princeton University (1989) and her Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies (emphasis Political Science) at U.C. Berkeley (2000).

Since 1992, she has taught at the University of Washington’s American Ethnic Studies Department. In 2002, she became a Senior Lecturer and the Supervisor of the Department’s Community Practicum and Internship. In 2017, she was promoted to Principal Lecturer at the Department, then in 2020, became a Professor of Teaching. In 2016, her course, American Ethnic Studies 150: In-Justice for All – the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, Class and Gender in the United States, was recognized by College Magazine as one of “10 Classes to take at the University of Washington.”

Outside the UW, So and her family has stayed involved with the Asian American community and the South Seattle neighborhood. She has been particularly active in her local PTSAs and as the Vice President of OCA Asian Pacific Advocates, Greater Seattle. So was recognized by the International Channel (2002) with the “Vision for America” award for her service to the immigrant community. In 2015, So received Community Voices Award for “Service in Teaching,” International Examiner, the “First Citizens Award” – Community Teacher, Chinese American Citizens Alliance – Greater Seattle, and the Seattle Parks and Recreation’s “Denny Award” for service. She is currently the President of OCA (formerly the Organization of Chinese Americans) – Greater Seattle.