Washington DC – This past May marked Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, honoring the cultures and values that they bring to the United States. This year, the National Association of Asian Pacific in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA) nominated Jason Tengco, a former senior White House advisor, as one of the top 40 AAPI public affairs professionals under the age of 40. 

Tengco dedicated his life to the world of public policy. His 15-year career features a diverse combination of experiences – the White House, federal agencies, presidential campaigns, and non-profit organizations.

His unique cultural background adds diverse elements to the world of public policy and politics. Born to a family of Filipino American immigrants, Tengco grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He finished his bachelor’s degree at UCLA. He later attended UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and received his master’s degree in public policy.

Tengco’s passion for his academic journey inspires him to pursue a career in politics. In the early years of his career, he served as the National Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Outreach Director for the Clinton-Kaine 2016 Campaign and Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs under the Obama-Biden Administration. He also participated in fellowships with multiple organizations throughout his career – Filipino Young Leaders Program, New Leaders Council, Asian Pacific American Leadership, and so on.

After years of accumulating experience, he became the coalition’s Chief of Staff for the Biden-Harris 2020 campaign and later the AAPI Outreach lead for the Biden-Harris Transitional Team. These roles led him to his political appointment in the past administration. During Biden’s Administration, Tengco served as a Senior Advisor in the White House Office of Administration. He also served as the White House Liaison and Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Tengco will continue to be an advocate for inclusion and diversity, bringing his experience, culture, and heritage to the world of public policy.