Francis Allen-Palenske, the first Asian American woman ever elected to public office in Nevada, is actively working to amplify the voices of Asian and immigrant communities as a member of the Las Vegas City Council. She is also the council’s only Korean American representative.
On May 15, local broadcaster KTNV featured Allen-Palenske’s leadership, highlighting her focus on public safety and diversity as core priorities. She is leading initiatives to expand police substations across Las Vegas and improve the efficiency of 911 emergency response systems. “Better leadership is possible when residents from diverse backgrounds, including Korean Americans, actively participate in city affairs,” she said.
In the interview, Allen-Palenske reflected on her journey, sharing how her Asian identity and humble upbringing fueled her political aspirations. “I grew up sleeping on flour sacks behind a donut shop,” she recalled.
Her historic career began in 2004, when she was elected to the Nevada State Assembly at age 25, becoming the first Asian American woman in the state legislature. After operating a small sandwich chain, she was elected to the Las Vegas City Council in 2022.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
