[2][3][4][1][5] Pao stated that she was attracted to the arts from an early age, and began painting, drawing, dancing, and performing as a child.
She obliged her parents' wishes to focus on an academic career instead, earning a scholarship to attend the University of Washington.
[2] Pao has credited the movie The Motel for showing her there was space for Asian American stories in visual culture.
[2] Pao stated that she exercised several times per week to prepare for her role in the TV series Z Nation.
[5][7] In addition to film and TV work, she also appeared in the play what you are now, from Sam Chanse, at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York.