2002
1 Lillian Chang
Sponsor: 99 ranch market
Age: 22
Born in Taipei, Taiwan and residing in West Covina, Lillian is currently a senior at California Polytechnic University, Pomona studying Apparel Merchandising & Management with a double major in Computer Information Systems, and has obtained an A.S. degree in Fashion Merchandising. Ever since an early age, she has been traveling around the world. In her spare time, Lillian loves fashion designing, jazz dancing, traveling and most importantly, spending quality time with her family. In addition, she is a member of Fashion Group International and Cal Poly's Apparel Merchandising & Management Association. In the future, Lillian plans to have a career in the fast-changing and exciting world of fashion industry as a merchandiser. Lillian is the daughter of Fernando and Wendy Chang.
2 Judy Chen
Sponsor: Modem Graphics
Age: 21
Born in Taiwan and raised in Los Angeles, Judy is currently residing in Monterey Park, California. Currently, she is working at a bank while finishing up her last year at the University of California, Irvine with a major in Psychology. After she graduates, she hopes to work for the government as a social worker and counsel underprivileged children. Eventually, Judy plans to pursue a Masters degree in Psychology. In addition, Judy is also a member of Kappa Zeta Phi sorority. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, dancing, watching movies, and meeting new people. Judy is the daughter of Tony and Sandy Chen.
3 Ruth Chen
Sponsor: Laserpro Eye & Medical Center
Age: 24
Born in Taipei, Taiwan and currently residing in Arcadia, Ruth obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting Information Systems from the University of Southern California. She has worked for prestigious companies such as Deloitte & Touche LLP, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Grant Thorton LLP, enjoying her career as an Information Systems Consultant. She was formerly a board Member and is still actively involved in Asian Professional Exchange (APEX), a non-profit Asian Pacific American community service organization of young professionals. Ruth loves to spend her free time traveling to new places, attending musicals and theatre shows, and spending time with her family and friends. Ruth is the daughter of Chun Nan and Eleanor Chen.
4 Theresa Chen
Sponsor: flex jewlery and gifts
age: 19
A resident of West Covina, Theresa is currently a second year Business-Economics major at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a dancer and she is the Financial Affairs President of the UCLA Chinese Cultural Dance Club, as well as a clarinet player in the UCLA Symphonic Band. She was recently named part or the 2001-2002 National Dean's List. After graduation, Theresa hopes to eventually obtain an MBA and someday start her own business. During her tree time, Theresa enjoys playing the piano, playing and teaching the clarinet, taking etiquette classes, and doing crafts. Theresa is the daughter of Tommy and Sookie Chen.
5 Sueanne Co
Sponsor:
Age:
Born and raised in California. Sueanne graduated from UCLA as a millennium Bruin after 3 years, studying International Economics/East Asia. Presently, she is in 2nd year at Columbia Law School in New York, and she is collaborating to form a nonprofit organization committed to Immigrants and minorities. Sueanne is fluent in
Chinese and strives to pertect ner spanisn ana Japanese, sne relishes in running and sketching landscapes. Sueanne's most poignant and gratifying experiences this past year include: crowding into an auditorium just hours after the WTC attacks for Red Cross training; winning political asylum for a client from Angola; waiting overnight in front of the U.S. Supreme Court for the Bush v. Gore oral argument; and witnessing the beauty and awe of her first white Christmas.
Sueanne is the daughter of Allen and Lina Co.
6 Kristie Gong
Sponsor: Modus Furniture International
Age: 22
Born and raised in Morro bay, California, Kristie moved to Los Angeles in 1999 after a six-month stint in London. Graduating cum laude from California State Northridge in May 2001, she majored In Radio-TV-Film with an emphasis on Media Management. During her college years, she was an active member in college students in broadcasting, the Golden Key National Honors society, performed in various CSUN theatre productions, and was chosen to participate in the NATPE 2001 convention (National Association of Television Programming Executives. She is currently working as a research analyst in primetime programming for the ABC Family Channel. When she's not working, she enjoys playing piano, flute, or bari sax, swing dancing, and eating far too much. Kristie is the daughter of John and Betty Gong.
7 Tina Huang
Sponsor: Chicago Title
Age: 20
Residing in Walnut, California, Tina is currently a junior at the University of California, Riverside. Majoring in Sociology with a specialization in Business Economics, Tina hopes to have a furute career in Marketing. Recently discovering a passion for sewing, Tina has been able to create various crafts and articles of clothing. While juggling her academic career as a full-time student, Tina has also been a part-time employee at Hammond Entertainment, a special events and music production company. After graduating, Tina plans to spend a year abroad traveling, and enrolling in classes at a Fashion School. Having only one more year in college, she is thankful for her acquired experiences and excited about those to come. Tina is the daughter of Bill and Theresa Huang.
8 Angela Hwang
Sponsor: Golden Security Bank
Age: 24
Angela was born in Walnut Creek, CA and currently residing in Torrance. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Angela worked for Pepperidge Farm as their Account Manager in Dallas. TX for one year before moving to Los Angeles to work for Tom James Company as an Executive Clothier. She is fluent in four languages and has lived in three different countries. In her leisure time, Angela loves playing the piano, singing, and exploring new cities. In the near future, she plans to obtain an MBA in Human Resources. Angela is the daughter of Richard and Elaine Hwang.
Nancy Kwong
Sponsor: Far East American Inc.
Age: 18
Nancy Kwong was born in Victorville, California and is now residing in the city of South Pasadena. She is currently attending Rio Hondo College and is soon transferring to the University of Southern California as a business major. Nancy is also working at KMM Product Inc. as a national sales representative for promotional and packaging tems. In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. Nancy has also volunteered for the American Red Cross and was part of the float decorating team for the Pasadena Rose Parade. After graduation, Nancy will focus on expanding her family's business. Nancy is the daughter of Almon and Rona Kwong.
Michelle Lee
Sponsor: Ying Enterprises
Age: 23
Michelle spent her youth both in the Los Angeles Area as well as the Bay Area. She holds a B.A. from UCLA in Economics Specializing in Computers. Her past employers include Columbia Tristar Interactive, doing computer networking and DreamWorks Interactive, programming video games. She enjoys partaking in Wushu, a Chinese martial art, and has a passion for acting. Both are her choices for self-expression. She is currently co-producing and co-starring in an independent film about the Asian American experience. Her goals are to break boundaries for the Asian community and to remain true to her heart. Michelle is the daughter of Jason and Lily Lee.
Tiffany Liu
Sponsor: Cathay Bank
Age: 22
Born in Pusan, South Korea, Tiffany has traveled all over Asia as a child. Currently residing in Alhambra, Tiffany is a fourth year student at California Polytechnic University, Pomona double majoring in Apparel Merchandising/Management and Music Performance. Tiffany has been playing piano for 13 years and received the Certificate of Merit Honors in Piano from 92-97 Advanced Level. She also received the Kelly Piano Studio Pianist/Student Recognition in 1997 and plans to continue her career in music as well as obtaining an MBA. Tiffany is an active member of the Mandarin Baptist Church of Alhambra and volunteers in local community churches with her family. individual with a wide array of interests, Tiffany is an avid chess player, enjoys taking Latin dance classes, and loves to study foreign languages for her annual TROSTO EUIOOC. Tiffany is the daughter of Sam and Joan Liu.
Connie Ma
Sponsor: Pacific Alliance Medical Center
Age: 24
Born in Los Angeles, California where she currently resides, Connie is currently attending her second year at the University of Southern California majoring in Business with a minor in International Relations. She currently works part-time at Wirelesslines, Inc. as an assistant to the Chief Financial Officer and Accounting Assistant. She is currently pledging for Alpha Delta Kappa, an Asian-American sorority, a social and service club. In her spare time, Connie loves to cook gourmet food, attend theatre events, museums, dancing, and spending time with friends. After graduation, she plans to continue her education and pursue an MBA degree at the University of Southern California. Connie is the daughter of Stuart and Grace Ma.
Victoria Meng
Sponsor: DELTAMAX-DLS LOGISTIC SERVICES
Age: 22
Victoria was born in Taipei, Taiwan and she currently resides in Fountain Valley. Victoria is now completing her final years at UCLA with a major in Psychology Victoria is a prominent voice for Taiwanese Americans on campus in her role as the president of UCLA’s Taiwanese American Union She has also devoted much of her time and effort to infant developmental program at UCLA. Outgoing by nature, Victoria enjoys snowboarding and traveling. She is also very fond of Chinese culture especially of Chinese cultural dancing, which she performs on campus with the Chinese Cultural Dance Club. After her graduation, Victoria plans to obtain a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy where she would utilize these skills to help others. Victoria is the daughter of Eric and Iris Meng.
Dorenda Wong
Sponsor: Wing Hing Noodle Co.
Age: 23
Born in West Covina, California, and residing in Los Angeles, Dorenda enjoys spending her time helping others. In an effort to enhance the lives of the seniors in our community, Dorenda works for the Alzheimer's Association of Los Angeles, helping to educate the Asian and Pacific Islander communities about Alzheimer's disease. Dorenda is a graduate of University of Southern California, where she earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Gerontology. Currently, she is serving her second term on the Board of Directors of the Asian Professional Exchange (APEX). Dorenda is most passionate about participating in charity work. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, shopping, and having afternoon tea with friends and family. Dorenda is the daughter of Leland and Dorothy Wong.
Tina Yao
SPONSOR: QUON YICK NOODLE CO.
AGE: 21
Currently in her senior year at the University of California, Los Angeles, Tina is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in the fields of Business Economics and Art History with a minor in Accounting. As the International Representative for her parent's business, Garfield International Co., she works with clients from China, Japan, Spain, and Italy. During this past year, Tina also served as the West Coast Finance Director for the Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association (ITASA), a nation-wide, non-profit college organization. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar, practicing photography, and laughing at her brother and sister's jokes. Tina is the first daughter of George and Grace Yao.