David Do is the director of the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA). David is a seasoned community advocate, a champion for neighborhood engagement, and committed to education issues. He previously served in the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM) of Washington, DC during the administrations of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Mayor Vincent C. Gray. He also worked with various community-based organizations to promote capital improvement grants during his previous tenure at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). During his time within EOM and DMPED, David developed a unique understanding of the District of Columbia and its most pressing issues. As acting director, David’s goal will be to move forward together by continuing to build bridges between the District’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and all Washingtonians.
David grew up in San Jose, California, and was raised by parents who were refugees of the Vietnam War. His parents arrived in North America in the mid-1980s, and worked in the fast food industry during the day and went to vocational school in the evenings. David’s family lived in poverty during his early childhood. His parents had limited English proficiency (LEP), and growing up David learned Vietnamese as his first language and was an English language learner (ELL) while he attended public school.
David fought through his adverse upbringing and became the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Merced and went on to receive a Master of Community Planning from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). David’s graduate work concentrated on community development with an emphasis on social equity and responsible economic development. He has taught courses on aging and multicultural communities within urban cities at UMCP.
David experiences have led him to a focus and passion as a tireless education advocate. David seeks to close the widening achievement gap in K-12 education between different socioeconomic groups and minority groups. To continue his advocacy, David founded and runs the Ward 1 Education Collaborative. The group provides a partnership for parents and community members to advocate for quality public schools. Prior to joining OAPIA, David was also involved in local elections in the District of Columbia, championing education issues. David has also served as Director of Academic Affairs for the Associated Students of the University of California, Merced.
Outside of his professional career, David is active in neighborhood engagement. He holds positions in several neighborhood associations including the Northwest Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association and the Park View Beautification Crew. David regularly volunteers in his community at the Armed Forces Retirement Homes, Bruce-Monroe Elementary School at Park View, Samuel Kelsey Apartments, and the Ward 1 Senior Wellness Center. He also holds membership in various AAPI organizations throughout the District of Columbia.
David is also a strong proponent of a healthy lifestyle and practices healthy eating habits and includes running, cycling, and swimming as part of his workout routine. He also keeps in shape by preparing for and participating in triathlons with the DC Triathlon Club. David is a homeowner in Ward 1 and has lived in the District since 2009.
