37th Annual Miss Asian Global Pageant 2022

A Note From THE HEAD MONSTER To

the Asian American Community

Congratulations to the Asian America Foundation for producing the 37th Annual Miss Asian Global Pageant to provide young Asian women the opportunity to be recognized for their excellence in beauty, elegance, culture, and talent.

Since 1996, Monster Products has proudly represented the Asian American business community at the pageant. We are delighted to show our support again by providing $5,00 0 through the Monster Educational Scholarship. At Monster, we encourage education in ever y way we can It’s the cornerstone of a strong community, and as we all know, Asian Americans have always considered education to be of primary importance. Hopefully, the Monster Scholarship will further this cause and help Miss Asian Global and Miss Asian America to continue her growth and knowledge.

Noel Lee, The Head Monster

ASIAN AMERICA FOUNDATION Presents

THE THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL MISS ASIAN GLOBAL PAGEANT

A Tradition Of Excellence. Dedication To Community Service. A Legacy For Tomorrow.

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

3301 Lyon Street

San Francisco, CA, 94123

Editor-In-Chief: Alex Fong

Brand Director: Kevin Lu

Editorial Director: Julunda Gean Mendoza

Proofreaders: Sidney Siu, Lina Ning

Photo Credits: Mommy Penny, Jonathan Lee, David Yu, Andreas Zhou

www.missasianglobal.com

www.asianamericafoundation.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from Head Monster | Noel Lee

Message From President & Founder

Vincent Ma & Rose Chung

Pageant Committee

Our Emcees | Trisha Bantique & Stephen Chun

MAG Queen’s Farewell | Oliva Wong

MAA Queen's Farewell | Vy Vo

MAG Queen’s Farewell | Stephanie Kim

MAA Queen's Farewell | Melanie Wardhana

Judges

Treasured

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

General Advisor - Edwin Hom

President - Vincent Ma

Honorary Advisors - Harrison Lim, Bill Quan

Pageant Director - Crystal Lee

Assistant Pageant Director - Lizel Fernando

Administrative Director - Julunda Gean Mendoza

Leadership Director - Dr. Francis Kong

Delegate Coordinator - Valerie Foo

Program Director - Alex Fong

Creative Director - Monique Zhang

Production Advisor - Chanh Pham

Media Production Director - Eranthe Mitome

PRODUCTION TEAM

Production Advisor - Janice Hom

Production Director - Brian Louie

Dance Choreographer - Kimberly Tom

Coronation Director - Amanda Lee

Production Assistants - Cezar Mendoza, Zachary

Mendoza

Backstage Assistants - Andrew Belleza, Flora Hui, Elaine Mak, Sarah Souza, Byron Wong

Makeup & Artists Hair Design Directors - Jamie

Huang, Ethel MH Reddy

Dressing Room Coordinators - Joyce Kwan, Linda Lam, Trisha Mao, Pauline Lee Mingfield

Dressing Room Assistants - Kylie Chang, Annie Dare, Kelly Dare, Dana Hang, Elaine Hang, Jenne Jew, Harriet Lee, Jenny Liu, Eva Yam

Etiquette Advisor - Syndi Seid

Flower Bouquets - Ragasa Family: Mariluz, Norman, Anastazja, Ava and Aidan

DELEGATE HOSPITALITY TEAM

Housemothers - Donna Tom, "Mommy" Penny WongBelleza

MAGineers - Crisly Cuento, Miko Fogarty, Russell

Fung, Ryan Fung, Hannah Galanty, Jessica Lim, Bryant Ling, Alexander Nguyen, Dina Zheng

MARKETING/OUTREACH TEAM

Social Media & Marketing Director - Sidney Siu

Social Media Team - Dr. Steven Chan, Marissa Fu, Kenn Gene

Brand Director - Kevin Lu

Tech Director - Thomas Li

Advertising Manager - Ed Jesswani

Charity Collaborator - Wendy Shew

Promotions Director - Betty Lem

Lead Photographer - Andreas Zhou

Photographers - Will Bucquoy, Paul Eng, Julunda

Gean, Frank Jang, Ed Jay, Steven Nguyen, Herm Pugay, Michael Rhuska, Alvin Tang, David Yu

PAGEANT NIGHT TEAM

Tabulators - Mah and Associates

Judges Hostess - Alicia Contreras, Julie Gramlich

Badges - Avery Melino, Angelina Ning

Flower Bearers - Alvin Lai, Aayden Lau, Ethan Wu

FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM

Reception DJ - Impact Sounds: Jensen Louie, Ernesto Banayos

Program Book Sales - Wendy Lee and Helen Dance Academy

Reception Hosts - Anjelica Lowe, Sebastian Lowe, Vicky Sun, Winnie Zhang

Ticket Staff - Selena Kwan, Beverly K. Lee, Susan Lee, Ophelia Wong, Lizabeth Young, Vickie Young

BACK OF HOUSE TEAM

Security - Wesley Dere, Chai Klein, Allen Salim

Muscle Crew Manager - Henry Liu, Fernando Mendoza

Muscle Crew - Don Chan, Ken Dare, Thomas D. Li, Alvin Louie, Omar Mendoza

Volunteers Food Service Supervisors

Yee

Food Service Team - Janet Dong, Chris Kunz, Raymond Kwan, Alisa Yee, Chris Yee, Lauren Yee, Melanie Zhao, Theresa Zhao

Special Thanks to

Cathay Post 384 for their many years of dedicated support as part of the Miss Asian Global Pageant Family.

C r eat i v e Di r ec t o r of P ho t ogra p h y

TRISHA BANTIGUE

is the CEO and co-founder of Queenly, the leading online marketplace for the formalwear industry. She was recently featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30: 2022 list as the main cover for the Art & Style category. She has also been featured in Fortune, Vogue Business, Refinery29, TechCrunch, Nylon Mag, and more. Prior to founding Queenly, she graduated from UC Berkeley and she has worked at some of the most prominent tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Uber. Additionally, she was our Miss Asian Global 2017 and Best in National Costume that year. Coming from a low-income, immigrant background, she was able to discover the opportunity to gain scholarships by competing in pageants. Afterwards, she then found her initial inspiration for starting Queenly from this unique experience by seeing so many women struggle to find and afford their dream dress for their special event.

STEPHEN CHUN

is a seasoned host with decades of experience emceeing weddings, special events, live and remote shows and large scale productions. With his signature baritone and charismatic delivery, Stephen is a regular host for the San Francisco Chinese New Year parades. In addition to emceeing several pageants, he has produced and hosted numerous AAPI film and music festivals, fundraisers and galas all across California. As a former Assistant Cruise Director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Announcer for Disney on Ice, Casino Game Show Host and Bay Area Traffic reporter, Stephen is honored to be a part of tonight’s event.

OUR JUDGES

ALLEN LEE

As a pageant coach, Dr. Allen Lee has mentored and trained many candidates, several of whom have won queen titleholders. He has judged an array of pageants and was most recently invited to be a judge for the Miss California Pageant. Dr. Lee has also custom designed many traditional qipao dresses worn by pageant title holders. Outside of pageantry, he is a certified international judge in lion dancing and is the founder and Sifu of, Lee's Golden Dragon, which is the official Lion Dance group for the Houston Rockets. He is also an ardent athlete and represented his university on the fencing team of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He has also played in the United States Volleyball Association circuit. In addition, Dr. Lee maintains a private practice in Cosmetic Dentistry.

APO BAZIDI

is an award-winning director and producer, and the founder of Burn A Light Productions. Born in Eastern Turkey to Kurdish parents, Apo grew up amid the social injustices and inequality that beset his community. These experiences drove his desire to become a storyteller so he could shed light on important issues. After high school, he immigrated to the United States and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Television Production from the University of Southern California in 2011. Apo's films are primarily concerned with social issues and the importance of global cultural interactions. His feature film Resistance is Life won eight festival awards including six for Best Documentary Feature.

FRESKA GRIARTE

is a radio personality at 96.5 KOIT and 98.5 KFOX and a Bay Area native. When she's not on air, Freska loves doing martial arts, and is a second degree black belt. She's a single mother, dog mom, and cancer survivor. Her story and infectious zest for life resonates and allows her to connect with her audience. Freska loves serving her community and giving back, and has collaborated with the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, The Alzheimer’s Association, SF SPCA, Daly City’s Fire Department’s Operation Santa Claus, and the 2nd Harvest Food Bank.

LAN KAY

is a Hollywood producer and the founder of Lankis Entertainment. Her goal is to provide support for female producers, and guide Asian American talent in the film industry. Her recent feature film, Dark Asset, was recently previewed at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to her work in the film industry, Lan is an entrepreneur and California-licensed corporate public accountant. Lan is also a philanthropist and provides ongoing support to charitable events in the Bay Area community. She is well-recognized and has received many awards for her generous contributions to non-profit organizations.

MICHAEL DUONG

immigrated to San Francisco from Vietnam with his family in the 1980's. As a struggling immigrant family, Michael often helped his family collect trash to sell for money and eventually created a waste collection empire with California Waste Solutions. Currently, California Waste Solutions serves several cities and provides a multitude of opportunities to new immigrants. In addition to his family waste collection company, Michael is an avid entrepreneur, creating a coffee brand, and making the AsianNet tv channel.

NICHOLAS BONARDI

Director, Designer, Audiophile; Nick has been working in the gaming industry of the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 15 years. Nick has been passionate about the intersection of video games and music from a young age. Connecting with GameTank in 2007, Nick was one of the original two people who created Guitar Rising, which was later developed into Rocksmith, the first ever video game to use a real guitar. Following the success of Rocksmith, Nick directed the audio team on South Park: The Fractured but Whole. He is currently an Audio Director on XDefiant.

SHEKHAR RAHATE

is an Indian-American fashion designer and stylist whose work has been featured on the Oscars red carpet and at fashion weeks across the globe. He has more than twenty years of experience in the industry and received his training at the Dubai Beams International Fashion School and at the Parsons's School of Fashion Design in New York. His experience extends far past the runway as Rahate has directed and choreographed more than 100 beauty pageants globally, and is an award-winning costume designer, producer, and actor. Rahate's creations have garnered numerous accolades in the fashion arena and is the only designer in history to present his work at the prestigious United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York.

SUSIE LEE

is the first Queen to win the Miss Asian Global title. She is the founder of the Susie Lee Group. Named the top 1% realtor in San Francisco by Bay News Lab, Susie Lee is recognized as a 30 Under 30 Honoree by National Association of REALTORS®, and notable recipient of 2022 Rising Star Award by California Association of REALTORS®. Susie is a proud member of the non-profit Home for a Home, and for every one of her home sales transactions, she donates a part of her commission towards a fund for building homes in Guatemala. Susie is an ardent supporter of women empowerment, cultural diversity, and community philanthropy. A native San Franciscan, Susie received her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) and BA in Pharmacy from Northeastern University. She is also an active member of the Korean American Community Center.

Lisa Yan

Lisa Yan

TREASURED ME

MEMORIES

Ada Jin Amy Lee

Sunnyvale, California

Age: 29

Manchurian-Chinese

Sponsors: Ada's Friends

IG: @adajjy

List three personality traits: Hardworking, Strategic thinking, and Highly committed

Life motto:

Suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.

Last book you read:

A Guide to the Good Life by William B. Irvine

What is your current school or occupation: Data Engineer at Meta (formerly Facebook)

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I began skiing and scuba diving at a young age. I have dived in more than 10 countries and spent half the year skiing in Truckee. Being Manchurian, I love challenges and adventures. Scuba diving and skiing are completely different, but they taught me the greatness of nature and how tiny we are as human beings.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

I appreciate the Chinese attitude towards eating well, since food is a basic need for one’s health and life. Not just that, we have various cuisines from every region and we care about the display, the sophisticated layered taste, and freshness.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will be the CEO of a consumer marketplace company. I've had this idea for a while and am attending Y Combinator's startup school to learn about founding a company. I used to be a sales manager and now an engineer, all in the tech industry. With both technical and soft skills I believe I can run a very successful company.

San Francisco, California

Age: 30 Chinese Sponsor: Lion’s Den

IG: @amy.l.xy

IG: @_dearcommunity

List three personality traits: Resilient, Observant, and Lighthearted

Life motto:

If I don't regret it, it's not spicy enough.

Last book you read:

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

What is your current school or occupation: Executive director for the nonprofit organization Dear Community

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

A passion that I can trace back to my childhood that still defines me now is talking back to my parents. I was a sarcastic and defiant child and I think that characteristic in me resurfaced when I felt like my community was under attack during the pandemic. Talking back also helped me maintain my Chinese language so yay.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

My favorite aspect of my culture is how family oriented we are. I love that we are raised to be respectful to our elders and adhere to traditions. And I love seeing the new faces (babies!) at every family gathering.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself surrounded by a new community in Chinatown, San Francisco. I would still be operating my nonprofit Dear Community and hope to station at an office space in Chinatown. My dream would be to see the younger generation start businesses, live, and plant new roots in Chinatown.

Angelina Choy Angella Lee

San Mateo, California

Age: 17

Malaysian/Chinese

Sponsors: Shreve & Co., Global Financial Empowerment American Brokerage Network, CH Premier

IG: @angel.inachoy

List three personality traits: Tenacious, Thoughtful, and Curious

Life motto:

Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings

Last book you read:

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

What is your current school or occupation: Rising high school senior at Crystal Springs Uplands School

What is a hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Ever since I took my first ballet class at age 8, dancing has served as an outlet for me to destress, express, and create. Besides the obvious physical benefits, dance has taught me the invaluable lessons of self-correction, introspection, poise, discipline, abstraction, and imagination, and has allowed me to meet numerous talented dancers from all over the world.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

Food has allowed me to share my Malaysian heritage with my peers, and even though they may never be fond of the smell of durian, their valiant efforts to simply take a whiff of the stinky fruit absolutely warms my heart.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will have just obtained my undergraduate degree and will continue my education at a reputable business school. I would then dabble in the world of startups and hopefully serve on the boards of a few well established biotech companies. I also want to continue competing in pageants and modeling on the side.

Los Angeles, California

Age: 26 Korean

IG: @angellaleee

IG: @nurseangella

List three personality traits:

Honest, Hard-working, and Easy-going

Life motto:

"I dream my painting and then I paint my dream." —Vincent Van Gogh

Last book you read:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

What is your current school or occupation: Aesthetic Nurse Injector

What is a hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

A passion that I have had since I was a child is using my hands to create things. I remember being 3 years old, coloring blank papers blue to create a make-shift jean skirt. Now, I use my creativity and hands in my career as a Nurse Injector, using aesthetic medicine to help others look and feel beautiful.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

One of my favorite aspects of Korean culture is the importance of enjoying meals with family. My parents were always very big on having meals at home and now, I value those memories we had while having my mother's amazing cooking at the dinner table.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself continuing my career as an aesthetic injector and becoming a mother. Although at this current moment, I am very career- and goal-oriented, I am very excited to one day prioritize building my family.

Aymi Lin

San Francisco, California

Age: 21 Chinese Sponsors: Begoni Bistro

Osmanthus Dim Sum Lounge

Singtao Daily

IG: @xoaymi

List three personality traits: Creative, Bubbly, and Empathetic

Life motto:

If you don't try, you'll never know

Last book you read:

Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans by Ronald Takaki

What is your current school or occupation?

Incoming transfer student at UC Berkeley

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I discovered my love of dance at a young age. My family's situation prevented me from enrolling in dance classes when I was younger, but that didn't stop me, and I started learning through Youtube videos. Dance defines me because dance is one of my creative outlets where I am able to express my mood through my body.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

One of my favorite aspects of my culture is the importance of family. Growing up with this value, I was able to learn how to respect my elders and learn to cherish the moment we have together as a family. I am grateful to say, with my family as my biggest support system, I know I can overcome all challenges that stand in my way.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will be done with college and have bought my very first home in San Francisco. I have found my passion for film and media and would love to focus my career in the entertainment industry. I would love to start acting and take part in big productions. Most importantly is to try to retire at least one of my parents from working their 9-5 job.

Cindy Phillips

Orlando, Florida

Age: 27 Chinese/Vietnamese/Caucasian Sponsors:

Top Therapy Academy & Grant

Plaza Hotel

Young Real Estate

IG: @cportiap

List three personality traits:

Authentic, Thoughtful, and Passionate

Life motto:

C'est la vie

Last book you read:

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

What is your current school or occupation: Field Marketing Manager, Public Sector at Slack Technologies

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I've always loved designing and building things with my hands. Whether it was designing outfits for my paper dolls out of scrapbooking paper when I was 10 or completing home renovation projects now, I get excited by creating ideas from my head into something physical.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

My favorite part about the Vietnamese culture is the food! I appreciate all types of cuisine but there's something about a big, steaming bowl of beef pho on a chilly day that feeds my soul.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’ll be 31 years old. I hope by this time I am with a loving partner who enjoys eating their way around with me. Maybe we would also be planning our future as parents. At this time, I would also hope to have started a dog farm for rescues.

Claire Ong Emily Smith

Seattle, Washington

Age: 18

Chinese/Vietnamese

Sponsors: Shoukang Herbals

Eastside Little Learners at Overlake

IG: @clairemong

List three personality traits: Creative, Outspoken, and Compassionate

Life motto:

“Have courage and be kind” —Cinderella

Last book you read: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

What is your current school or occupation: Incoming freshman studying business at the University of Washington

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and tap, and danced competitively for five years before joining cheer. I like that the purpose of cheerleading is to support. I taught cheer camp to kids and even traveled to China to teach underprivileged kids. I love the athleticism and artistry, performing, and bringing joy to people's lives.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

Something I used to loathe about being multicultural has become one of my favorite things: Every holiday is celebrated multiple times. I go to my Chinese grandparents' house to gobble up hot pot and then to my Vietnamese cousins’ to scarf down pho.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to be continv ing my education and have established my coffee shop. Coffee is consumed in multiple cultures and each one has its unique spin on it. My dad taught me how to make and enjoy cà phê sữa đá, which brought me closer to my Vietnamese culture. I believe coffee brings people and cultures together.

Mililani, Hawaii

Age: 19

Japanese/British

IG: @emilyysmith13

List three personality traits: Creative, Compassionate, and Hardworking

Life motto: Always give your 100%

Last book you read: I reread the entire Harry Potter series

What is your current school or occupation: Masters student at the University of Southern California studying Communication Management

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

As a child, I was timid. I started creating films when I was eleven years old because creative projects allowed me to be vulnerable. After having my film chosen for the Hawai’i International Film Festival, I became a mentor, now instructor, with the Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking to encourage young women to share their emotions through filmmaking too.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

Japanese food is culturally significant. Okonomiyaki is a dish that was created after World War II because it was cheap to make. We still eat Okonomiyaki to this day to honor all the struggles that our ancestors went through.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself utilizing my master’s degree at the Hawai’i State Capitol. I hope to be the voice for Hawaiian citizens to create a more sustainable and financially stable environment. For my enjoyment, I will continue my passion of journalism as a contributing writer with the HONOLULU Magazine where I write food articles. Overall, I see my hard work paying off.

Gloria Leung Jackie Teer

Hong Kong SAR, China

Age: 29 Chinese

IG: @miss.sunshine.glo

List three personality traits: Empathetic, Fun-loving, and Imaginative

Life motto:

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Last book you read:

What Happened To You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey

What is your current school or occupation: IT Project Supervisor/Company’s Film Director

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I have played piano since I was 3, and my piano is my best friend. When I was a child, I would improvise music and my friends loved to sing along. A piano is not just an instrument to me but also encourages me to be a warm and joyful person that loves using music to build connections with others.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

The attitude of respect for parents that is called filial piety. It reminds us of all the efforts our parents have given us and reminds us to give back to them in return.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to use my media and project management skills to serve the people with family brokenness and personal mental issues and give people the love and positive energy. With my professional training, I also hope to become a successful emcee.

San Francisco, California

Age: 25 Filipina

IG: @teerrex

List three personality traits: Ambitious, Adventurous, and Confident

Life motto:

Whatever good things we build, end up building us.

Last book you read: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

What is your current school or occupation: Senior Financial Analyst at Hines Development

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Ever since I was a kid, my parents would make me dance various different Filipino dances like the "otcho-otcho" and the "spaghetti pababa" for friends and family. I find that now even as an adult, I like to express my creativity and personality through movement.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

The humor and comedy of the Philippines is my favorite aspect of my culture. Since life is hard in the Philippines, due to poverty and inequality, the humor that emerges is uniquely funny and dark, but also incredibly necessary.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself having broadened my experience set within my current career path: commercial real estate development to the point where I am poised to branch out and start my own specialized real estate investment company focusing on properties in the Bay Area and affordable housing.

Jade Lun

Honolulu, Hawaii

Age: 28 Chinese

IG: @jadelun

List three personality traits: Ambitious, Compassionate, and Kind

Life motto: Spread love and gratitude

Last book you read: The Secret by Rhonda Byrn

What is your current school or occupation: Senior Art Director at Guaranteed Rate, Founder and Creative Director of Jade Agency Hawaii

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

My passion for figure skating has helped me become who I am today. I had to take lots of falls during practice. Falling down and getting back up has helped me in every aspect of my life. If you fall down, always get back up! Failure is redirection and what is meant for you will always find a way.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

Family. I love how my Chinese family history and lineage is so strong and loving. We have so many memories and values that we hold strongly and proudly. My family has taught me how to love my culture unconditionally.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself working completely for myself at Jade Agency Hawaii. I want to build my company, hire a team, and create impactful advertisements for local Hawaii brands. It would be a dream to be recognized by Forbes 30 under 30, and in the meantime, I will continue working passionately and with purpose.

Juliecar Faith Amian

Honolulu, Hawai’i

Age: 27 Filipina

Sponsor: Island Green Landscaping

IG: @faithamian

IG: @foodfaithlive

List three personality traits: Brave, Confident, and Fun

Life motto: Faith without action is dead.

Last book you read: Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsay

What is your current school or occupation: Quality Assurance Management

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Cooking, definitely! I've seen and experienced my mom take care of us through this. This is very therapeutic as it brings me to the present moment and helps me take care of myself even more.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

We have lots of delicious food at our gatherings—my favourite one has always been Christmas!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself continually leading the food manufacturing industry while balancing being a mother.

Kimberly Szeto

Dublin, California Age: 24 Chinese Sponsor: Kimberly's Family and Friends

List three personality traits: Compassionate, mature, and childlike

Life motto:

“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” - African Proverb

Last book you read:

Love Letters From Janey by Richard Cheu

What is your current school or occupation: Programs Coordinator at the Chinese Historical Society of America; Social Media Specialist at CheuWrites

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved learning about history. In college, this passion allowed me to pursue a degree in History with a concentration in East Asia and the Islamic World. Today, my passion for history has led me to work with community organizations like Save Cantonese, the Okinawa Memories Initiative, and the Chinese Historical Society of America.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

My favorite aspect of my culture is the Cantonese language. As a kid, this was something I was embarrassed about. Today, I’ve learned to champion it and to use Cantonese to communicate and connect with my family, friends, and community.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself as a community advocate, bringing positive change and happy smiles to all. For me, it warms my heart seeing the community come together at events, in solidarity, and building genuine relationships. Ultimately, we’re all here to support each other and grow together and I LOVE THAT.

Kristina Choi

Vienna, Virginia Age: 28 Korean

IG: @ktinachoi

List three personality traits: Keen, Genuine, and Inventive

Life motto:

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.

Last book you read:

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

What is your current school or occupation: Physician Associate/Assistant

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Someone once asked, “Where is your favourite place to be lost?” When playing piano, my usually-omnipotent mind must wander from the activity at hand—focus too hard, I’ll miss the next key. My fingers flow across the piano as if part of another entity. By being lost, I know exactly where I have to be, where I have to go.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

There is a Korean concept called “jung”, that can be hard to define and has no direct English translation; the concept of “jung” encompasses a sympathetic, positive, genuine, affectionate connection, gesture, or act for another.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

While continuing to practice medicine and caring for my patients, I hope to have found ways to broadcast general medical information in a way that is easily, publicly accessible—podcasts, broadcast programs, etc. Finally, I am surrounded by friends and family I love, hopefully married and ready to raise my children with the same unconditional love my parents have shown me.

Lisa Yan Makenna Ma

San Francisco, California

Age: 27 Chinese

Gold Sponsors: Best Friends

Asian Googler Network Wellness Sponsors: Waymo coworkers, Google coworkers, CMU aKDPhi, CMU friends, Volleyball friends, SF Friends, Ali Healy

IG: @lisayam_ Tiktok: @lisatok__

List three personality traits:

Ambitious, Curious, and Open-minded

Life motto:

“Being a role model is challenging, because what you really need to do is show students how imperfect people can be and still succeed.” - Karen Uhlenbeck, the 2019 mathematical Abel Prize winner

Last book you read:

The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova

What is your current school or occupation: Software Engineer at Waymo

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Being active and playing sports has always been a part of my life. I figure-skated and swam since I was 6, and have been playing volleyball since I was 13. Volleyball still has a big influence on my life today, from making new friends at open gyms, to training regularly in preparation for the annual national tournament I play in.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

My dad is from Xi’an, China, and that region is known for their noodles and dumplings. My family always hand pulls noodles and makes dumpling skins from scratch. My dad even used to hand pull noodles for my school breakfast.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will finish business school and use my technical background to start my own company as an entrepreneur or work in venture capital advising other startups. Given how much has changed in the last 5, 10, and 20 years, I’m excited to be a part of the ecosystem that pushes the boundaries of innovation.

San Jose, California

Age: 18 Chinese

Sponsors: Bay 101, Lai Hong Lounge

Mayflower, Sau-Wing Lam

IG: @makennaaprill

List three personality traits:

Free spirited, Social Butterfly, and Empathetic

Life motto:

A life can be measured in many ways, but the one that stands above the rest is a life with NO REGRETS!

Last book you read:

The Kitchen God’s Wife by Amy Tan

What is your current school or occupation: College freshman at UC San Diego

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

Even as a toddler, I loved to sing and dance. I wore pants on my head to emulate Hannah Montana’s long hair and performed in my living room. (Thank you to my family for putting up with my loud singing and dancing noises, even now...) Performing in musical theatre has helped me grow and express myself, and I love spreading joy through singing and dancing!

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

My favorite aspect of Chinese culture is filial piety. I love caring for my elderly grandparents and hearing stories from their childhood. My culture's emphasis on revering the elderly taught me how to be respectful, as well as greatly improved my Cantonese speaking skills.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself as a successful real estate agent, and fresh out of college as a fulfilled educator. I’m following my parents’ footsteps in real estate, potentially working alongside them at their company, as well as educating younger generations to prepare them for their futures.

Ploypailin Thitinaphaphong

New York City, New York

Age: 29 Thai/Chinese

Sponsor: Commissioner Irene Yee Riley

IG: @shiyi25

List three personality traits: Confident, Independent, and Highly emotionally intelligent

Life motto:

Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.

Last book you read: The Complete Collection of Letters to Children by Warren Buffett (Chinese version)

What is your current school or occupation: Storywriter at Thai websites

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I've liked the stage since I was a kid—especially singing and dancing! I've been singing Deng Lijun since I was three and competed in singing competitions. Being able to dance and sing on stage made me very happy and I won my school singing competition when I was seven, which was a very good memory for me.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

I love the beautiful art of traditional Thai desserts—they are exquisite, beautiful and unique. The taste is sweet and savoury and everything is made from natural ingredients. The smell, the color and the taste are mesmerising.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I aspire to become a bestselling writer, with my book being translated into many languages. I hope that my YouTube and online presence will inspire women to follow their dreams and see that every woman can achieve success through action and dedication. I also see myself working as an actor and screenwriter in America, Thailand, and China.

Rosalia BarawidDawn

Mexico City, Mexico

Age: 27 Filipino

IG: @rosaliadawnyoga

List three personality traits: Enchanting, Warm, and Ambitious

Life motto:

"When we're in touch, when we're fully aware of the wonder of walking on Earth, each step nourishes and heals us." -

Thich Nhat Hanh

Last book you read: Becoming The One by Sheleana Aiyana

What is your current school or occupation: Product Manager at Casai; Yoga Retreat Leader and Founder at Root to Rise MX

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I grew up dancing. I was fortunate to be able to dance on competition teams which taught me so much about sisterhood, leadership, and commitment. When I was performing, it felt like the greatest expression of love back to me. In the coming year, I plan to audition for pro sports teams, such as the Miami Heat, to go back to the place of excitement.

What is your favorite aspect of your culture?

If you've ever met a Filipino, you know that we are warm, hospitable, and great cooks. For me, that's translated into adulthood as having a heart of service that never falters. I love that Filipinos have become known for having open doors.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will be launching my own yoga retreat center in Mexico. Alongside my work with Root to Rise, I will provide scholarships to survivors of abuse who may not otherwise be able to experience such a healing space. I want my retreat center to be a home that guests feel long before they walk into the doors, and long after they leave.

Tunjitra May Pahurat

Phoenix, Arizona

Age: 30 Thai Sponsor: JT Market

IG: @Pmainy

List three personality traits: Optimistic, Friendly, and Compassionate

Life motto:

When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine.

Last book you read:

One Up on Wall Street by John Rothchild and Peter Lynch

What is your current school or occupation: Restaurant Manager

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I was a runner for 12 years until I finished high school. I didn't focus on my schoolwork because I didn't feel confident in that area, choosing to focus on running stead. When I achieved my goal of being the first runner of Bangkok, it gave me confidence to reach my academic goals and I made it to the top university in Thailand.

What is your favourite aspect of your culture?

My favourite Thai culture aspect is ending every meal with fruits. We always have fruits on the table after every meal, and I always feel so healthy after.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will be a mommy because I love kids so much.

Yilin Wang

San Francisco, California

Age: 28 Chinese

Sponsor: KK Chiu

IG: @graceyilin

List three personality traits: Compassionate, Inquisitive, and Adventurous

Life motto:

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

Last book you read:

Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis by Jared Diamond

What is your current school or occupation: Investment Associate at Manulife Investment Management

What hobby or passion that defines you as a person and can be traced back to your childhood?

I love music because it brings joy and positive energies to people. I started playing violin when I was 7. I used to play for my church and the SF Youth Orchestra. I’ve made a lot of friends who shared similar interests. I always mentor and encourage young girls to learn music which can bring joy to themselves and others.

What is your favourite aspect of your culture?

China is a nation of etiquette. I was taught etiquette in every aspect of my life from a very young age, which has allowed me to be confident and aware of the feelings of others, and show respect for different cultures.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I want to be a decision maker for a larger scale of commercial real estate equity investments. Besides developing my career, I also want to dedicate my spare time to community services. I hope to assist universities and non-profit organisations to research for better solutions to toggle the social issues such as affordable housing and sustainability in the built environment.

COURT ACTIVITIES

Picture Perfect: Mental Health Lessons I Learned From Pageants

AsIjumpto“2010”inmyGoogle Photosalbum,Iscrollthroughan archiveofpageantmemories.I noticemyformerself:19years old,mid-college,venturingto competeinMissAsianAmerica. Itfeelsbittersweet.Sweet, becausethephotosportraya beautifulyoungwoman,perfectly imperfect.Bitter,becauseatthe time,Icouldnotseethat.Inthis erawhenIwashighlyvisibleto thepublic,Icouldneverbethin, photogenic,norperfectenough.I wasunsureofmyfuture, grapplingwithinterpersonal relationships, struggling to be accepted. And yet, there is sweetness again, because I now know the complexity of navigating mental health to be universal.

As a life coach, I have the honor of peering into the minds of our generation’s most brilliant perfectionists, aka Asian American women. The mother/attorney/executive who wants to be everything to everyone. The young woman who fills her social calendar, but struggles to think of a time she has truly, authentically, expressed herself to others. The college student is too afraid to fail at a dream career, so she won’t even try

Through guiding others, I am learning that true perfection is not doing everything, but doing the right things. Living intentionally may be simpler, but not easier. Below are tools that I have found most helpful for myself and my clients to navigate our mental health:

●Learnyourpersonalhistory,uncoveryourhabits,andnoticethenarrativesthatguide your decision-making.

●Protect the time, space, and commitment to practice calmness for your own sake.

●Connect with others, build community, and create systems of mutual abundance.

Iamsoproudofthisyear’sMissAsiaGlobalambassadorsforbravelysteppingoutonstage, exuding the power and intelligence of a woman who defines her own happiness.

In community, Liza Chu, Life Coach (IG: @Lizachu) Miss Congeniality, 2010

LoveIsTheCure is a global awareness campaign created in collaboration with the Asian America Foundation and the Miss Asian Global Pageant. Our mission is to promote equality, unity, and love in times of civil unrest and social rift. Join us on our mission to spread awareness and togetherness. In times of darkness, Love is the Cure.

Our 2022 LoveIsTheCure theme is Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal. Please check out our messages of love and unity curated by our 2022 delegates on Miss Asian Global's social media platforms.

Our 2020-2022 LoveIsTheCure Ambassador, Marisa Chin, is a UC Davis graduate with a Bachelor of Science. She is the youngest senior technical recruiter in her financial technology startup, where she is continuing to build a more equal and inclusive workplace for everyone. Marisa is also a mentor at various non-profit organisations dedicated to empowering youth in underrepresented communities to reach their full potential.

Makenna Ma

Makenna Ma

®

Monique Zhang

Angelina Choy

Angelina Choy

Angelina Choy

Angelina Choy

Aymi Lin

Aymi Lin

“

Aymi Lin

Aymi Lin

Claire Ong

Claire Ong

Cindy Phillips

Cindy Phillips

Ada Jin

SUSIE LEE

FOUNDER &

Lisa Yan

Lisa Yan

Lisa Yan

Tunjitra May Pahurat

Amy Lee

Ploypailin Thitinaphaphong

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Angelina Choy

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Edge

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【精辦】

生前信托、遺產認證、財產規劃、婚前協議

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