You could say public service was in Ann's blood, and although Philip
is no longer with us, I know he would feel the same way. What a proud
moment it must have been for him, watching his youngest daughter being
sworn in to a top Federal job--appointed by the President of the United
States--while holding the family Bible. Growing up as Philip Kalayil's daughter, Ann had a front row seat in
how to be a leader in the community and has waged countless successful
campaigns, issues ranging from education policy, campaign finance
reform, immigration reform, and documenting Asian American history. During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Ann cochaired Obama's Asian
American and Pacific Islander Leadership Council and was among a select
few who was in a reserved area near the stage in Grant Park when Obama
greeted a crowd of nearly 200,000 to celebrate the historic election. For all she takes on, her brother Tom only recalls seeing Ann nervous
once, and it was when she was asked to throw the first pitch at a
Chicago White Sox game following her appointment at the GSA.
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