Asian America Foundation

Hey, please support me in my pageant journey as my sponsor (funds go to “Asian America Foundation” a 501c3 non-profit that helps cultivate young AAPI speakers, are tax-deductible, and directly impact my eligibility if I don’t hit the minimum/affect the judges’ impression).

I initially decided to compete to utilize the pageant as a platform to empower the Asian American community through strengthening our voices. Growing up as a child of struggling immigrants and attending a southern state university, I found my voice by channeling my hardships to help the next generation by creating the first organization for Asian students at my business college (despite administrative pushback) to mentor them on leadership skills and harness their voices for self-advocacy, ultimately unifying us as a community to overcome racial stereotypes (such as being seen as “worker bees” rather than the CEO).

Today, living in San Francisco just a few blocks away from the nation’s largest Chinatown, I continue to mentor high school and college AAPI students on navigating their careers, serve on the Ning Yung Benevolent Association to award scholarships to Chinese American students in need, and continue to offer a helping hand on resumes/interviews/making connections for anyone who expresses need. In the daytime, I work as a Consultant at Deloitte within their Higher Ed/Non-Profits sector to utilize IT strategy to improve student experiences.

Though my original motivations for joining this pageant were for social change for my community, this journey has actually revealed itself as a personal growth catalyst -- from learning how to carry myself with poise and composure, to sharing my Christian faith in the q&a segment and in 1:1 conversations with my sisters, and finally in feeling unapologetic about investing into my appearance (something that was shamed in my household growing up) yet still believing that I am enough in my own no-makeup skin and body. I’ve discovered that being feminine and looking put-together can be a valuable asset that exists in harmony alongside good character and education, things I once mistakenly believed could not coexist. And the biggest learning curve of all - practicing how to strut, pose, and do a dance choreography in 6.5 inch heels with a sprained ankle and 40° scoliosis. (I came in as the girl who wore only sneakers with every outfit!)

If you're able to contribute, I would be more than thankful and humbled by your support. I'll receive a small amount to use towards my evening gown/cultural dress/etc. Proceeds will go to the non-profit we partner with (Asian America Foundation to inspire youth), and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt!

I wouldn't be here without your loving support & you believing in me, whether it’s as of recently or over the years, so I hope to make everyone who contributed along my path proud! On stage and off, I represent God, my family and friends, and the Asian American community - themes in my life I've been passionate about since my roots back home in Georgia.

The final show is on August 10th at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco, CA and I’d love to see you there! Use promo code WinnerMay for $ off: https://www.missasianglobal.com. (I may or may not be performing the clarinet!)