Secretary Chao leads a department of over 77,000 people with a budget of $88 billion. Previously, she served as Secretary of Labor, the first Asian American woman appointed to the President's cabinet in history. Secretary Chao has a distinguished career in the private, public, nonprofit sectors. She was a banker with Citicorp and Bank of America before working at the White House on trade and transportation issues. She then served as Deputy Maritime Administrator, Department of Transportation; Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission; and Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation. She was also President and CEO of United Way of America and Director of the Peace Corps. Secretary Chao has noted the importance of innovation and infrastructure in boosting our nation's competitiveness, productivity, and prosperity. As Secretary of Labor, she focused on increasing the competitiveness of America's workforce, and achieved record results in workplace safety and health. Secretary Chao received her citizenship at the age of 19. The recipient of 37 honorary degrees, she earned her MBA from Harvard Business School and has been a director on several Fortune 500 corporate boards.
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Leadership
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Centers and Practice Areas
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Asia Center
Extends the reach and impact of the Milken Institute to the Asia-Pacific region
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Center for Financial Markets
Conducts research and constructs programs designed to facilitate smooth and efficient operation of financial markets
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Center for the Future of Aging
Advances healthy longevity and financial security for all through high-impact policies, research, convenings, and multisector partnerships.
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Center for Public Health
Develops research, programs, and initiatives designed to envision and activate sustainable solutions leading to better health for individuals and communities worldwide.
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Center for Regional Economics and California Center
Analyzes the dynamics that drive job creation and promote industry expansion
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Center for Strategic Philanthropy
Empowers philanthropists to effectively address some of the world's most urgent problems
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FasterCures
Clears roadblocks that prevent medical breakthroughs from reaching patients sooner
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Financial Innovations Labs
Addressing society's greatest challenges through a financial lens
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Global Market Development
Working with government partners in emerging and developing economies to build strong, domestic financial markets.
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Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Anyone with a dream should have the opportunity to make it come true—through determination and an economic system that works for all
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Research Department
Addressing global policy issues on Health Economics, International Finance, and Regional Economics
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Government and Policy Engagement
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