In Recognition of May Asian American Month
Yiting Liu, Director of Applications and Data for Texas McCombs School of Business at UT Austin and Program Quality Director for D55 Toastmasters, has a unique drive for solving problems and finding solutions. “I’ve always been interested in how the world works. Starting at age 10, I wanted to figure out how everything was put together. When presented a problem, I always ask myself, ‘What's a good solution for this?’”
Yiting grew up in Southwest China. In middle school, she became more interested in engineering, math, and programming. Her keen interest in problem solving led to a bachelor’s degree in physics. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she moved to Texas. “English is my second language. It was not easy to master another language, but it taught me to never give up on what you want to pursue. Today, my colleagues and friends consider me a naturalized Texan.”
After moving to Texas, Yiting received her master’s degree in computer science from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. She then began her career in public service in 1998. Throughout her career, she has led major modernization projects and worked in government technology innovation. While working for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Yiting served as the lead architect over modernizing tax systems. She led the effort to move paper processes and information onto an online platform. She has also led modernization efforts for the Office of the Attorney General. Texas Health & Human Services published an article stating, “Yiting has been fantastic in engaging with technical subject matter experts across the organization and helping determine technical solutions. Her work in running the Architecture Review Board has been instrumental in moving projects forward and removing roadblocks.”
In 2014, Yiting joined Toastmasters International, a nonprofit organization that promotes communication, public speaking, and leadership. At the time, her job required her to communicate technical strategies to senior management. Over the years, Yiting has produced more than 50 speeches through Toastmasters and public sector conferences. Along with communication skills, Yiting has learned leadership skills through Toastmasters. She has held various leadership roles for the organization and has received the Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Since 2022, Yiting has been the top-ranking executive leader for District 55 Toastmasters of Central and South Texas. Yiting has promoted a diversity of leaders during her term including appointing two valuable district directors, Amy Espinosa and Humberto Vela. Yiting brought in Public Relations Manager Dr. Maria-Cristina Spiak who has been a great new asset to the leadership team. “Texas State Government has created me an Information Technology Architect. Toastmasters has created me a leader. Today, I can apply my leadership skills in the public sector IT space.”
In her personal life, Yiting is married and has a 17-year-old daughter. Before the pandemic, her family enjoyed traveling. They have traveled to many counties in Asia, Europe and North America. She plans to travel to South America and Africa in the future. Yiting’s favorite way to relax is swimming. She frequents Austin’s Deep Eddy Pool year-round.
In recognizing the May Asian American Month, she is selected to be featured as an Asian leader by Public Sector Network. On May 2, 2024, she gave an inspiring speech at CLCON2024 District 31 Toastmasters. “There have been many leaders who have mentored or influenced me. I would like to specially thank Chief Information Officer Cory Wilburn, Texas McCombs School of Business at UT Austin, for bringing me into his leadership team and coaching me to apply my skills at Texas McCombs.”
