Serena Lin
Serena Shiyun Lin is a media veteran and communications strategist based in New York City. She is the Founder and Principal of Alpha Dimension Communications, where she advises technology, AI, and Web3 organizations on media strategy, narrative development, and stakeholder communications. She also serves as an Advisor to Documented, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to reporting with and for immigrant communities in New York City, where she provides strategic guidance on media, storytelling, and audience engagement. In addition to her professional work, she serves as a Next Generation Leader with Committee of 100, where she volunteers her time to organize local events, engage emerging leaders, and help curate programming for the organization’s annual conference to strengthen AAPI leadership and community impact.
Prior to launching her consultancy, Serena spent over a decade as a journalist and producer with leading U.S. and international media outlets including CNBC, CBS, FOX Business, CGTN America, and CoinDesk. Her work spanned business, technology, and international affairs, and she has interviewed prominent leaders across the public and private sectors. Serena played key roles in producing live news programming, special coverage of major global events, and large-scale conferences. Her reporting and editorial work has been featured on CNBC “Make It,” CoinDesk, CGTN America, and Fox Business.
Connect with Serena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiyunlin
Committee of 100: What inspired you to work in your professional field?
Serena: Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. As a journalist and cross-cultural communicator, I see storytelling as a way to bridge understanding and create impact. As a first-generation immigrant, I saw early on how representation — or the lack of it — shapes public perception and opportunity. Journalism gave me a platform to ask questions, to give voice to the voiceless, and make complex issues accessible. Over time, that evolved into a broader interest in strategic communications and leadership, where storytelling, data, and community engagement come together to drive real change.
Committee of 100: What are some of the challenges you have encountered to become a leader in your respective field? Are Chinese Americans well-represented in your field, and what do you think are the reasons they are/aren’t well-represented?
Serena: The biggest challenge in my field has been navigating leadership spaces, particularly in editorial decision-making and executive roles. While there are many talented Chinese Americans in the media industry, I believe the percentage of AAPI in the executive positions is still lower than it should be. Cultural expectations around humility and risk-taking can also make it harder to self-advocate. I’ve had to learn how to speak up, claim space, and view leadership as service rather than self-promotion.
Committee of 100: What do you believe needs to be done so that more Chinese Americans feel empowered to follow and achieve their dreams?
Serena: I believe visibility, mentorship, and access are key. Seeing people who look like you in leadership roles matters. So does having mentors who can demystify pathways to success and encourage you to take risks. We also need stronger community ecosystems that support experimentation — whether in media, public service, entrepreneurship, or the arts — and that normalize failure as part of growth.
Committee of 100: How can your NGL community support you and your work? Do you have any recent or upcoming projects you’d like to highlight?
Serena: The NGL community has been incredibly meaningful to me. I’ve known some of the fellow members for almost ten years now. I think collaborations on events that bring together media, policy, and community leadership are always welcome. I am hosting an annual Lunar New Year gathering for NGLs, so please stay tuned for the details.
Committee of 100: For those who just recently graduated college or are early in their careers, what advice would you give to them?
Serena: Choose the less beaten path if it speaks to you — take calculated risks, be bold, work hard and work smart, and keep moving forward.
