In the bustling landscape of San Francisco’s labor movement, Ying Shan Mei represents a powerful story of immigrant resilience and community advocacy. What began as a necessity, helping her father navigate a new country, transformed into a meaningful career representing janitors at Service Employees International Union Local 87.

Mei’s journey started in 2011 when she unexpectedly became a janitor alongside her father, a common immigrant experience of finding economic stability through service work. As a City College student, the night shift allowed her to pursue education while supporting her family. Her role quickly expanded beyond cleaning, becoming a critical translator and support system for Chinese-speaking workers struggling to adapt to digital job assignment platforms during the pandemic.

The union’s workforce is predominantly immigrants, with Chinese speakers comprising about 10% of members. Mei recognized the unique challenges faced by older workers who struggled with technological transitions, offering personalized assistance through phone support and WeChat groups. Her leadership emerged not just from technical skills, but from deep cultural understanding.

Despite economic challenges, Mei remains committed to supporting her community. She helps members navigate complex work environments, understands their physical challenges, and provides a lifeline for those feeling isolated. Her work goes beyond job assignments, it’s about preserving dignity and creating pathways for immigrant workers.

As San Francisco’s office landscapes slowly recover post-pandemic, Mei continues advocating for stable work opportunities. Her story exemplifies how personal experience can transform into powerful collective representation, bridging generational and linguistic gaps within the labor movement.