Grace Ellzey 玉龙平
2024 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - Miss Friendship
Born in Shenzhen and adopted as a baby, Grace has lived in LA ever since. While she never learned Chinese, her love for Chinese culture has always been strong—whether it’s watching Chinese TV shows on YouTube or enjoying meals at her favorite Chinese restaurant. She’s proud of her birth country and where she comes from!
Serving as Miss Friendship has given Grace the opportunity to be a leader and proudly represent the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce, while upholding the rich values and history of Chinatown’s vibrant community.
When a friend suggested she compete in Miss LA Chinatown, Grace saw it as a meaningful way to represent the thousands of children adopted from China, just like her. It’s been an honor to serve on the 2024 Court alongside inspiring women who share her passion for leadership, community, and friendship.
Esther Ho 何詠璋
2024 miss los angeles chinatown - miss friendship
Esther is a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, dedicating her career to breaking cycles of generational poverty as a program coordinator for a growing nonprofit. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.A. in Linguistics from Cal State Long Beach, and is currently training for her Community Counselor Certification in Watts to better serve her community.
In her downtime, Esther enjoys cooking for loved ones, cuddling with her cat, reading fantasy novels, and adding to her rock collection. But her favorite part of being on the Miss LA Chinatown Court? The unbreakable bonds she’s formed with her fellow court members.
Esther joined the pageant to amplify the voices of her community and bring accessibility to elders, especially after becoming the primary caretaker for her father. She’s been volunteering with local Chinese American organizations since she was 13 and applied to MLAC to continue serving with her newfound passions.
The CCCLA has been a cornerstone of Chinese American history in LA, and Esther deeply values their commitment to preserving cultural traditions and supporting local businesses.
Kathryn Yip 葉天恩
2024 miss los angeles chinatown - miss friendship
Kathryn is a Hospitality Management student at Cal Poly Pomona, set to graduate in May 2025. Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Kathryn was deeply moved when she connected with other Chinese Americans, discovering a deeper understanding of her heritage. This experience sparked her passion for community service and spreading awareness of Chinese culture, particularly within underprivileged communities.
Her favorite part of being on the 2024 Miss LA Chinatown court? Making a difference in underprivileged communities and bringing attention to the issues that matter. Kathryn encourages everyone to get involved in service because together, we can create lasting change.
From admiring Miss Hong Kong pageants with her mother to embracing leadership through MLAC, Kathryn’s journey celebrates both culture and courage. She believes in the power of community and is beyond grateful for this opportunity to serve alongside the incredible 2024 court.
