1 Debbie Li-Yin Yeh 葉理銀

Sponsor: Columbus Pharmacy

Debbie Li-Yin Yeh has devoted a lot of her time to improving herself inside and out. She recently graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Currently, she is nearing completion of her ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate and, at the same time, she is also gaining legal experience as a Litigation Assistant for a prestigious law firm in Pasadena. In her spare time, she does not part from her motivating characteristics as she does ballet, rock climbing, hiking, camping, yoga, playing with her dogs, and any other activities that keep her mind and body well-balanced. Her future goals are to attend law school and be a partner in the ownership of a wellness center focusing on the holistic approach to healthcare.

2 Dow-An Kou 郭德安

Sponsor: I/O Controls Corporation

Dow-An Kou was born in Torrance and raised in Rolling Hills, CA. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology Pre-Law with a minor in Cinema-Television at the University of Southern California. She plans to go to law school next fall and study Corporate/Business Law, as well as continue working for minority public interest at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center. Dow-An has been an avid volunteer in her community since high school and continued in college by volunteering as a high school mentor with the Joint Educational Project, tutoring juniors and seniors in English and science. She also enjoys raising money for various charity organizations. Some of her hobbies include playing instruments such as piano and guitar, watercolor painting, traditional Japanese flower arranging, tae kwon do, dancing, singing, and building computers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to remote places. Dow-An is the proud daughter of Ming-Bin and Fung-Shu Kou.

3 Janet Chu 朱曉紅

Sponsor: Chow Fun Restaurant

Janet Chu was born and raised in Los Angeles California, Janet Chu is the younger of two daughters. Currently residing in the city of San Gabriel, Janet graduated in 2000 from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing. Presently, she works as an office administrator in a garment manufacturer. She handles and develops new clients while maintaining business relationships. Besides her expertise in the fashion industry, Janet has a great interest in the performing arts. It was in a speech class where she developed a love for performing which lead to the art of acting for film and television. Janet enjoys the great outdoors and being around her close friends and animals. She often takes her time off during the weekends either at the beach or in the beautiful green mountains. Janet is the daughter of Ada Law and Norman Chu.

6 Kaye Ponnusamy 魯海婷

Sponsor: Office Pro Furniture

Kaye Ponnusamy was born and raised in California. Now residing in Walnut, CA she is an active member in the Chinese community. Kaye attended Chinese School for 10 years and speaks Mandarin Chinese fluently. She loves the Chinese culture, participating in many different Chinese arts, including Wushu and Chinese Folk Dancing. She has also worked and volunteered at many of the Chinese Schools in the area, teaching English and dance classes. Kaye is currently a student at Mt. San Antonio College. She has been accepted to the University of California at Irvine and plans to transfer in the Winter or Fall quarter to major in International Studies. In her spare time, Kaye works at a private institute teaching disabled children. She is also an active member of Mt. San Antonio College's speech and debate team. Kaye is the proud daughter of Sammy and Jye Ponnusamy.

Sponsor: Cathay Bank

Melody Chi Cheng was born in Taipei, Taiwan and immigrated to the United States in 1987. She is currently in her second year double majoring in International Studies and Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. With these two fields, Melody hopes to enrich her understanding of international relations and explore her fashion and business interests. Melody has immersed herself within her surrounding communities in a multitude of ways. She volunteered at the American Red Cross, assisted in homeless shelters and worked closely with seniors at the Joyful Adult Day Health Care Center. For a recent project, she was asked to co-host the Taiwan Benevolent Association of California's Young Musicians Competition which encourages children and teenagers' involvement within the community by showcasing their talents with various musical instruments. She especially enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Through them, she has learned the value of love and compassion. In addition, Melody enjoys reading, cooking. Japanese archery and playing with her dog, Blackie. Melody is the youngest daughter of the Cheng Family.

Sponsor: Chicago Title

Nancy Kwong was born and raised in sunny California, Nancy now resides in the city of South Pasadena while she studies business at USC. She enjoys challenging herself with work while attending school and currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Project Development for a Private Label Packaging Firm. Her projects have been seen with companies such as MGM Grand, Caesar's Entertainment, and The Four Seasons Hotel. Nancy is fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin. While embracing the work environment, Nancy is actively involved with USC's Delta Sigma Pi, a coed professional business fraternity where she served as the Community Service Chair working with the Ronald McDonald House. She is also a productive member of USC's Asian American Business Association, an organization that fosters cultural awareness and business leadership for students. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys traditional Chinese cooking, eating her favorite fruits (grapes and durian), reading grocery ads, bike riding, traveling, and sharing inside jokes with her younger brother. Nancy is the daughter of Almon and Rona Kwong.

Sponsor: Southern California Fukienese Association

Phung Thai, born in Saigon, Vietnam, came over to the United States when she was 1 year old and was raised in the city of Monterey Park. Phung graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004 and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and minored in Asian American Studies. Through Asian American Studies, she has been inspired to raise awareness in the Chinese-American community by bridging the generation gap. She has done clinical research at UCLA's endocrinology laboratory that focused on a growth and differentiating factor named myostatin. Phung's career goal will ultimately lead her into the field of healthcare catering to the underserved popula-tions. She has volunteered at the Union Rescue Mission and with Habitat for Humanity. Phung loves to scrapbook, do crossword puzzles and snowboard. Phung is the proud daughter of Thai and Mui Chuong.