Chiling Tong has extensive domestic and international experience in economic and business development, with a focus on enhancing the growth of small and minority business enterprises competing in the global market. She is the President of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE). Tong was the founding of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF). Over 20 years, Tong has built a strong nationwide network of 20 chapters consisting of entrepreneurs and community leaders to support ILF's mission. Tong was also an Ash Center Research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. In 2017, Tong received an "advocate of the year award" from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Chiling Tong previously served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of Commerce and was also the Chief of Staff and Associate Director at the Minority Business Development Agency. Tong has been a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Tong was on the Board of Directors of the Congressional Awards Board for young leaders. Tong was awarded a Coro Public Affairs Fellowship and the Chairperson of the Los Angeles County Community Action Board.