Reflections on Leadership and Growth

Dr. Tiffany Khong-Lii has been involved with STL for many years. She served as president/CEO from 2022-2025, and this past May has handed off her position to Rose Hoang. We asked her to share her reflection upon her years as President.

1) What was the most rewarding aspect of being president?

I was honored to be chosen as president after Dr. Kelly Kao Lee's tenure as president and founder for over 10 years. The most rewarding part was to continue living out and leading the members and volunteers "to serve the underserved around the world by providing healthcare, Catholic ministry, and education" (STL's mission statement).

2) What have I learned from my board members, staff, and volunteers?

I was privileged to work alongside talented and dedicated Vice Presidents, board members, staff, and volunteers. Each individual brought their enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and drive to make the world a better place. In turn they motivated me to be a better version of myself.

3) How did this experience shape me?

Being STL's president helped me to learn how to effectively delegate, lead with formative goals, have quality leadership and support, and navigate changing circumstances. It was an educational journey to set up mission trips again post-COVID, to motivate and increase community involvement, and to organize our first international mission trip since 2020 while I had a newborn.

4) What hopes and advice do I have for the next president?

STL is in the very capable hands of Dr. Rose Hoang, whom I have worked with since her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley. Though I doubt she needs any advice from me, I hope she continues to lean in on her family, friends, STL VPs, and most of all God in all that she does. Also to enjoy it all because it goes by quickly just like everything in life.