LP 40 for 40 – Maria Tu
The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.
Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 36 Graduate, Maria Tu. Maria was first elected to the City of Plano’s City Council in 2020. She currently serves as the Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Prior to her putting downs roots in Plano, Maria was born in Taiwan. When she was 9 years old, Maria’s parents decided to seek a better life in the U.S. After graduating from college at age 19, Maria campaigned for Senator Daniel J. Evans and followed him to Washington D.C. when he won the United States Senate seat. Later, she came back home to go to law school. After passing the Washington bar, Maria was hired by one of the top six Washington law firms to develop legal representation in the area of international business transactions between United States and Asian companies.
She left Washington state and came to Texas to start anew. When Maria arrived in Plano she had no money in her pockets – just a pocket full of dreams. Because of Plano, Maria and her husband became pioneers of a brand-new market: they founded the first company to sell sushi directly in grocery stores across North Texas.
Eventually, the Tus sold their company and Maria went back to the practice of law. Then a non-practicing attorney, Maria sat and passed the Texas Bar exam and was hired as a prosecutor for the Collin County District Attorney’s office. She successfully prosecuted hardened criminals and helped make our community safe. Today, she owns her own criminal law practice. She lives by her adopted principles to always “help those who cannot help themselves” and “speak for those who cannot speak for themselves”.
1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?
When I decided to enter the Plano City Council Race in 2018, I sought the advice of my Collin County judges. Judge Andrea Thompson and Judge Jennifer Edgeworth both suggested that I apply for Leadership Plano.
2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?
I remember being very excited about the opportunity to learn about Plano and the 35 classmates in my Leadership class. I love teaming up with my forever “twin,” Lawrence Mann, Founder of Top Achievers. I live in a bubble surrounded by the Chinese community and my Collin County Courts. This is the first time I have ever stepped out of the role of being a wife, a mom, and a lawyer.
At the end of 2018, my late husband was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. I literally leaned on the experience and expertise of my classmates to carry me through this transitional part of my life.
3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?
For residents who seek to get involved, it is sometimes difficult to know where and how. Leadership Plano gives a roadmap as to how the City became and what it has become. Once we understand Plano, we can share in its becoming. It is the most comprehensive “get to know where you live” program I have ever experienced.
4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?
I found my voice in my Leadership Class. I learned about myself and how others perceived me. Then, I was humbly elected to Plano City Council in 2019.
5. Why was your class the “Best Class Ever”?
Leadership Class 36 is the Best Class Ever because many of us continue to serve in our community as leaders and volunteers. We continue to impact the City in every aspect of the City’s development.
