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.