Student Ambassador
Ying Wang’s commitment to public service and human rights is rooted in her lived experiences across the “publics” - growing up in public housing, attending public schools, riding public transit, and being supported by public programs. These early experiences shaped her belief that public institutions must work effectively and equitably for everyone, especially those who rely on them most.
As a government attorney, Ying works at the intersection of law, justice, and public policy. She currently serves as Associate General Counsel at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, where she helps build and enforce regulatory guardrails for the rapidly expanding gambling and sports betting industries. Her work centers on protecting communities from harm, ensuring ethical governance, and strengthening state capacity. Previously, she investigated wrongful convictions and claims of actual innocence as an Assistant District Attorney in the Integrity Review Bureau, advancing efforts toward criminal justice reform.
Ying also brings extensive community leadership experience. She served in the U.S. Army first as a Transportation Officer and later as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer - continuing her family’s tradition of service. Ying served on Boston’s Community Preservation Committee, helping allocate funding for affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects that strengthened neighborhoods across the city. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Asian American Lawyers of Massachusetts, supports LGBTQ+ nonprofits through The Boston Foundation’s Equality Fund, and previously co-chaired the national ASPIRE Conference for Asian American girls and women.
At Harvard Kennedy School, Ying is pursuing a Mid-Career Master’s in Public Administration with interests in criminal justice reform, public sector modernization, and ensuring that public systems uphold dignity, accountability, and human rights. As a Student Ambassador for the Carr-Ryan Center, she works to strengthen human-rights-focused programming and connect students to meaningful opportunities for engagement and impact.