While preparing for the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown pageant held in March, Nina Koh, a senior majoring in business administration, drove across Los Angeles in search of the perfect dress. Her mother, Sylvia Koh, was there every step of the way, including helping Koh as she wore high heels everywhere in preparation to walk the runway.
When Koh, competing in her first-ever pageant, was crowned Miss L.A. Chinatown, she felt grateful for the support of her family.
“[Being Miss L.A. Chinatown] is really about being a role model for the younger girls,” Koh said. “That is the main thing that I'm excited for this year.”
In addition to Koh’s victory, Jennitine Chang, a senior majoring in business administration, took home third overall and Miss Friendship — the popular vote of the Chinatown community.
The top five placing contestants are now part of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of L.A. court, which aims to encourage economic and cultural growth within the Chinese American community.
While the current court has only recently started its role as community leaders, Koh said she is excited to take part in and choose what events to host. She plans to propose a Lunar New Year celebration in her hometown, San Marino, where her father is the president of their local Chinese club.
“I'm very excited to see what this year holds for this court, because they are trying examples of what our future young, powerful women will be,” said Mamie Hong Weinberg, a member of the board of directors for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of L.A.
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Photo: Tom Eng
Design: Ashley Adji / Daily Trojan