Saerlaith Anying Dunn 鄧安盈

miss los angeles chinatown - queen

Raised in Southern California by her mother alongside two sisters, Saerlaith has a deep love for animals, especially rabbits. When she’s not volunteering or caring for her beloved pets—Mei Mei the dog and Xiao Bao the rabbit—she’s dedicating her time to advocacy, educating herself and others on issues facing underserved communities.
Her favorite part of being on the court? The cultural advocacy and volunteer work. Saerlaith believes that representation matters, especially for young Asian children who need role models that look like them, both in our organization and in the media. “Representation impacts our children’s self-esteem and our relationships with one another. Supporting Asian/Chinese-American success is vital because when one of us rises, we all rise together.”
Inspired by women like Anna May Wong, Michelle Kwan, and Lucy Liu, Saerlaith joined the pageant to advocate for the community she cares so deeply about. It also fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming “big queen.” Now, she’s proud to represent such a historic and meaningful organization, continuing the legacy of Chinese-American culture in Los Angeles.

Michelle Situ 司徒美笑

2024 miss los angeles chinatown - 1st princess

Born and raised in Lincoln Heights, just steps away from Chinatown, Michelle’s deep connection to her community has shaped who she is today. After graduating from Lincoln High School, she earned her B.A. in Accounting at Cal State Fullerton. The diversity around her sparked a love for food, music, and inclusivity, and she enjoys everything from food adventures to concerts and comedy shows. Above all, Michelle treasures the sisterhood she’s built with her fellow court members, a bond that will last a lifetime.
Michelle joined MLAC to give back to the Chinese community that molded her. “Without this community, I wouldn’t understand my culture, tradition, or heritage. I wouldn’t be who I am today.”Standing alongside CCCLA and MLAC, Michelle is proud to preserve Chinatown’s rich heritage and ensure its legacy continues for future generations.

Charlotte Peng 彭与涵

miss los angeles chinatown - 2nd princess

At 20 years old, Charlotte Peng is pursuing a graduate degree in Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California, aiming to channel her business knowledge into advocacy and create positive change through sustainable ventures. She also holds a B.A. in Communications and Public Relations from Loyola Marymount University.
Charlotte’s journey extends beyond academics; she has been a fashion model for four years and recently signed with Wilhelmina Models. Charlotte believes that modeling is a powerful way to celebrate self-expression and individuality. She’s walked runways at LA Fashion Week and OC Fashion Week, and has been featured in over 20 magazines.
To Charlotte, pageantry is more than just a stage—it’s a platform for change, resilience, and authenticity. She joined Miss LA Chinatown to support Chinese Americans through assimilation, promote understanding, and celebrate our diverse American identity.

Ashley Yao 姚嘉琳

2024 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - 3rd Princess

Ashley is a dedicated transportation professional focused on enhancing safety and accessibility across the SoCal region. She earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly SLO and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA.
Her favorite part of being on the Miss LA Chinatown court? The deep sense of sisterhood with her fellow court members and MLAC alumni. She sees the Meet The Court event as a chance to gather support for their community service efforts.
Ashley joined the pageant to honor her family and the Chinese community that has been her anchor through many moves. The CCCLA’s commitment to preserving culture and traditions in LA Chinatown resonates deeply with her.

Grace Ellzey 玉龙平

2024 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - Miss Friendship

Born in Shenzhen and adopted as a baby, Grace has lived in LA ever since. While she never learned Chinese, her love for Chinese culture has always been strong—whether it’s watching Chinese TV shows on YouTube or enjoying meals at her favorite Chinese restaurant. She’s proud of her birth country and where she comes from!
Serving as Miss Friendship has given Grace the opportunity to be a leader and proudly represent the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce, while upholding the rich values and history of Chinatown’s vibrant community.
When a friend suggested she compete in Miss LA Chinatown, Grace saw it as a meaningful way to represent the thousands of children adopted from China, just like her. It’s been an honor to serve on the 2024 Court alongside inspiring women who share her passion for leadership, community, and friendship.

Esther Ho 何詠璋

2024 miss los angeles chinatown - miss friendship

Esther is a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, dedicating her career to breaking cycles of generational poverty as a program coordinator for a growing nonprofit. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.A. in Linguistics from Cal State Long Beach, and is currently training for her Community Counselor Certification in Watts to better serve her community.
In her downtime, Esther enjoys cooking for loved ones, cuddling with her cat, reading fantasy novels, and adding to her rock collection. But her favorite part of being on the Miss LA Chinatown Court? The unbreakable bonds she’s formed with her fellow court members.
Esther joined the pageant to amplify the voices of her community and bring accessibility to elders, especially after becoming the primary caretaker for her father. She’s been volunteering with local Chinese American organizations since she was 13 and applied to MLAC to continue serving with her newfound passions.
The CCCLA has been a cornerstone of Chinese American history in LA, and Esther deeply values their commitment to preserving cultural traditions and supporting local businesses.

Kathryn Yip 葉天恩

2024 miss los angeles chinatown - miss friendship

Kathryn is a Hospitality Management student at Cal Poly Pomona, set to graduate in May 2025. Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Kathryn was deeply moved when she connected with other Chinese Americans, discovering a deeper understanding of her heritage. This experience sparked her passion for community service and spreading awareness of Chinese culture, particularly within underprivileged communities.
Her favorite part of being on the 2024 Miss LA Chinatown court? Making a difference in underprivileged communities and bringing attention to the issues that matter. Kathryn encourages everyone to get involved in service because together, we can create lasting change.
From admiring Miss Hong Kong pageants with her mother to embracing leadership through MLAC, Kathryn’s journey celebrates both culture and courage. She believes in the power of community and is beyond grateful for this opportunity to serve alongside the incredible 2024 court.

Corrie Chan

2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - Queen

My name is Corrie Chan and it is an honor to be a part of the 2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Court, especially with the recent shift in focus to women empowerment, mentorship, and community service. As a first-generation college student, I am incredibly grateful for all the educational opportunities and mentors I have had and look forward to paying it forward by championing a platform focused on education and youth empowerment. I will be partnering with the Asian Youth Center (AYC), a San Gabriel Valley non-profit organization whose mission includes empowering low-income, immigrant, and at-risk youth of all communities.

It angers and disheartens me when individuals, especially kids feel less than or inferior to others simply because of circumstances beyond their control. They did not choose the color of their skin; they did not choose to be low-income. All these factors are beyond control; yet, they actively affect how these kids perceive and are perceived in this world which in turn affects how they grow up and the opportunities that come their way.

As Nicholas Kristof says, “Talent is universal, opportunity is not.” There are so many talented kids who are just never given the same opportunity to develop their skills and interests as others are. Because of this, I am excited to partner with the AYC and help be a part of any of their existing programs and initiatives including the Emergency Food Program. We will also be sponsoring an essay scholarship contest for middle-school girls as part of our commitment to empowerment and mentorship. We may not change the world, but the work that the AYC and other community-based non-profit organizations are doing can make all the difference, however big or small, in someone’s life and I am so excited to be a part of this mission. 

Angela Zhou

2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - 1st princess

Heading into the year, my platform was primarily focused on mental health. In the Chinese American community, mental health often comes in the form of pressure and anxiety to look a certain way or to be high achieving in school. It is so important for us to tackle and breakdown the stigma and discrimination of mental health, which has caused so many in our community to suffer in silence. I hope to normalize discussions on mental health in our community so that those who are struggling are met with empathy and understanding.

2020 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in Chinese American history and US history. Over the next year, I want to use my platform to promote not only mental health, but also to focus on the most pressing issues facing our society. Which is why I plan to partner with multiple organizations that are moving forward the Black Lives Matter movement, pushing for institutional changes to end racism, and addressing mental health. This is the year in which we can really make drastic changes not only in our community but the community of others that are facing injustices.

I want to encourage us all to educate ourselves, work for change, and be an active part of the change because 2020 is proving to be the most important year of all.

Catherine Hang

2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - 2nd princess

Hello, my name is Catherine Hang. Going into the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 2020 competition, my platform was primarily focused on Asian American representation in American and Western media. Growing up, it wasn’t common to see Asians in American film, and because of that, I always felt as though Asians didn’t belong in media. It wasn’t until after the premier of 'Crazy Rich Asians' when I realized that Asian Americans deserve the same opportunities to express themselves in the mainstream industry. As Second Princess, I hope to set a good example for the Chinese community and be a positive role model kids could look up to. I want to use my voice to encourage younger Chinese Americans to pursue their dreams; big or small. As a vocalist, my goal is to help young individuals appreciate the importance of art, education, and perseverance. 
After searching through different organizations, I decided to work with Chinatown Community for Equitable Development because I appreciate their vision to maintain cultural integrity throughout the city, and their dedication towards quality education in their community. As a multi-ethnic and intergenerational organization, CCED aims to create a space where members are acknowledged for their individualism regardless of cultural or ethnic background. The demographic of Chinatown is constantly changing, but it’s reassuring to know that CCED has the community’s best interest in mind. The small city will always have a special place in my heart, so I’m glad I could find an organization dedicated to preserving its beauty. I have not yet had the opportunity to personally volunteer with CCED, but I plan to in the near future. I'm excited for what's to come, and although things may not have gone as planned, I'm excited for my remaining time on Court. Thank you!

Yiwa Lau

2020 miss los angeles chinatown - 3rd princess

The platform that I am engaging in this year, on court, is homelessness. Throughout my adolescent years, I have always been passionate about providing resources to the less fortunate. In high school, I spearheaded a volunteer organization for students to engage and build relationships with the homeless.

After befriending people on the streets over the years, I have come to know their stories and their needs. As a connector, I want to bring the appropriate resources to the homeless community so we can together, address the issue of homelessness while preserving their dignity. Christ Centered Communities has been an organization that I have actively been a part of before joining the Miss Chinatown court. We provide food twice a week to our guests, hand out supplies, and ultimately provide a safe space for people experiencing homelessness. I want to build new relationships I am excited to be able to continue this working relationship with Christ Centered communities, an organization that is so close to my heart.

Victoria Cua

2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - 4th Princess

Victoria is an avid supporter of music therapy and will use her education to research and develop various ways to serve the community.  With the passion to share music, she has been taking part in voluntary work for autistic children and play piano in senior homes.

Culture continues to change rapidly with the advancements in technology; music will always connect people from different cultures and bring people together. This can increase respect, empathy, and social connection for each other. With the power of music as an international language, Victoria would like to set up a music sharing group locally in Los Angeles to encourage each other to live a positive life.

Victoria chooses to advocate for AbilityFirst. AbilityFirst, with a long history of supporting local communities, provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives.  They empower individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and other intellectual/developmental disabilities to discover what is important to them in their lives and to develop the skills that are important for them to achieve their goals.  With mutual trust, participants are encouraged to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities and expand possibilities.

AbilityFirst’s supported employment programs provide adults with disabilities the level of support they need to find and retain meaningful employment in competitive job markets.  For the course of next year, Victoria will continue to volunteer and help to fundraise for the organization to support the employment services. 

Nicole Moc

2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - Miss Friendship

I am most concerned about the state of the world we are leaving to our future generations, which is why I championed the platform of sustainability. My carbon footprint, our deteriorating environment, and integrating sustainability into everyday life have always been concerns of mine. Overconsumption of single-use plastics, wasteful fast-fashion practices in the fashion industry, and excessive burning of fossil fuels are just a few contributors to our declining environment...the list is endless! The most vulnerable are recovering countries who do not have the access/ability to outsource resources that industrialized countries have. Coming from a first-world country, most of our communities around us may not sense the urgency of this issue because we have not been heavily affected yet, but the environmental crisis affects many U.S. citizens disproportionately everyday. An example is how the pollution surrounding many large cities like Los Angeles can cause medical issues like asthma in children growing up in neighboring, poorer communities and those living in these communities often cannot afford the proper medical care needed to sustain a safe, and healthy life. Environmental advocacy is not separate from working towards social justice because we all live under the same sky and breathe the same air. Humans need to practice more sustainability to preserve our environment and ensure that the generations that come after us will still have access to the natural, finite resources that we had. And so, I had selected the Sierra Club Foundation to be my nonprofit, a California based grassroots environmental organization that provides funding to a variety of organizations nationwide with a shared environmental goal. 
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted why we need to fight for environmental justice, now more so than ever.  A side effect of quarantining ourselves to stop the spread of the virus has been a reduction in carbon emissions on a global level, reducing a large portion of smog and pollution in many major cities. It also showed us how imperative accessibility to clean outdoor environments are to mental health. While in quarantine, our connection to the outdoors was cut off in fear of easily transmitting and spreading the deadly virus. What happened in turn was many people yearning to be outside again, be it a walk alongside the beach, playing in the park, or camping in the vast wilderness of national parks. Environmental justice has always been about the connection of people with the land, so we must continue to fight to preserve our natural resources in any way we can, no matter how small the action. 
Events in 2020 have brought out the best and worst in us as we continue to learn how to navigate these unprecedented events. The pandemic hit the Asian and Asian American community so hard that the Federal Bureau of Investigations issued a warning announcing an increase in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. 2020 has been a true test of humanity. Even though the amount of violence and ethically immoral behavior has exponentially grown in the Asian American community and other BIPOC communities like the increase in police brutality on our black and brown brothers and sisters, so has community work and grassroots movements. More and more people are taking the time to help their neighbors and strangers from across the country, such as donating food to an unparalleled unemployment population and donating PPE to healthcare professionals so that they can protect themselves while fighting for the lives our citizens, because at the core of our humanity is compassion and empathy above all else. That is why over the next year as Miss Friendship, I hope to not only advocate for sustainable lifestyles/choices, but to offer my full support in projects that our court members may partake in for their platforms to serve the community

Kellie Chin

2019 miss los angeles chinatown - queen

Isabel Lam

2019 Miss los angeles chinatown - 1st princess

Sela Wang

2019 miss los angeles chinatown - 2nd princess

Ashley Thompson

2019 miss los angeles chinatown - 3rd princess

Barbra Wong

2019 miss los angeles chinatown - miss friendship

Catherine Liang

2018 Miss Los angeles chinatown - queen

Angela Liu

2017 Miss los angeles chinatown - queen & miss photogenic

Angela Liu was born in China and immigrated with her family to Los Angeles at the age of 6. A recent high school graduate, she is currently completing her general education as a full time student while pursuing her passion for hotel and business management by working at the Sheraton Hotel. It is the value in independence and perseverance that gives her the stamina to wake up at odd hours, often 3am, to work 30-40 hours weekly. She has a passion for animal rescue and sheltering, and at only 18 years old she has actively volunteered in animal shelters for 6 years, earning her a spot as a Board Member of the nonprofit organization, Homeless for Forever Foundation. She hopes to become a successful business woman, philanthropist, someone her parents would be proud of, and a role model. In her free time she enjoys the arts, painting and drawing, indulging in exotic foods, and hanging out with her cats. As a first generation Chinese American, she understands the importance of valuing both cultures, driving her dream of becoming an ambassador for the LA Chinese American community in both business and charity.

Colleen Cheung

2017 miss los angeles chinatown - 1st princess

Colleen Cheung is an aspiring Doctor of Psychology, who currently lives, works, and attends community college in East Los Angeles with plans of transferring to UCLA. She has represented her college twice by being the only student in the psychology department to present at UC Irvine's HTCC research conference and has even led the ELAC Feminist Majority Club to New Orleans for the National Organization for Women's annual conference. Colleen is also a registered volunteer on the therapy app, "7 Cups of Tea" to strengthen her empathetic communication skills. On her free time, Colleen passionately improves her skills as a musician, poet, and "amateur bodybuilder," as she calls it. Her mantra is, "It's not what you do; it's how you do it,"

2017 Second Princess, Sabrina Kaing

Born and raised in Alhambra, the last stop on her parents' harrowing journey from war-torn Cambodia to a land of peace and polla asada fries, Sabrina Kaing is the youngest of three children and still trying to achieve all the hopes and dreams that carried her family from afar. She graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in International Studies: Economics, Communications, and Chinese studies which, in addition to reinforcing how terrible she was at math, added perspective to the stories she had heard growing up, but both from her parents and from the people she had met while traveling the world with them. But it was those stories that impacted Sabrina most, connecting her with her roots and a constant reminder that the bigger (global) picture is still a mosaic of individuals and communities that also need to thrive. Sabrina yearns to be the ambassador for one such community here at home, Chinatown, to better understand how to become one for the larger Chinese-American community - most especially its women in the professional workplace. In her spare time, Sabrina loves rock climbing, drinking tea, contemplating whether she is too old to start figure skating again and listening to the rain. Her deepest shame is not knowing how to swim. In California. Working right next to the ocean.

Tingting Shi was born and raised in China. She moved to the United States with her parents at the age of 16 where she learned English as her second language by continuing her education, joining school clubs, volunteering, and working at a shopping mall. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, emphasis in Management and Human Resources, from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in June 2016. Tingting is currently a manager at a cosmetics store called Nature Republic, and she continues to expand her expertise in managing and motivating individuals at work to be a better person and employee. During her free time, she enjoys cooking and traveling. She is also passionate about skin care and cosmetics. She hope to become a strong independent woman and own her own international cosmetic company in the future. Her approachable personality and positive attitude allows her to spread smiles to her surroundings and everyone else. 

Born in Guangdong, China, Ana Chen moved to Los Angeles, California at the young age of 8. Moving to a completely new environment was difficult, and her biggest challenge became one from within: would she stick to her Chinese roots or abandon them for an American identity? By constantly learning and taking the time for personal growth, she realized that she did not have to choose sides. Her unique background became her greatest strength. Through volunteering with her community in Chinatown, she had the opportunity to provide assistance for those linguistically isolated and bridged the gap between two cultures. By combining her love for medicine and passion for helping her community, she pursued a degree in Nursing at Mount St. Mary's University. Ana is currently working as a Registered Nurse in a long-term acute care hospital. Her professional interest focus on providing excellent patient care and advocating for under-served minorities with minimal health literacy.  

Li Qu

2016 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown - Queen

Li Qu was born in China, raised in Singapore and currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Li is passionate about the art, music, film and entertainment industry despite her endeavors in business. One of her favorite quotes is: “the purpose of life…is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Therefore, she enjoys using the arts as a medium to bring love, joy and share meaningful messages to those around her.
One of her greatest joy was serving as an art teacher to autistic children and organizing music workshops for elementary school children. An adventurous spirit, she also enjoyed traveling — but traveling with a purpose. For instance, she taught art and english to children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.
Li graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University with a B.S. in Human and Organizational Development. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society and served as the president of Global China Connection at Vanderbilt. She worked for Nissan (at Nissan North America Inc.) and BMW after graduation. She plans to return to school for another degree and attends classes at UCLA.

2016 First Princess, Ying Michelle Liang

Originally from Shenzhen, China, Ying (Michelle) Liang is a current resident in Downtown Los Angeles. Ying is pursuing her Master's Degree in Communication Management at the University of Southern California, after attaining her Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a minor in Fashion Merchandising. She is actively involved in the Honor Society of Lambda Pi Eta. She served the Multicultural Business Student Association as the VP of Media and the Chinese Student Association as the Event Director. These leadership roles allowed her to take on challenges and make positive impact in the community.
With a huge passion in fashion, she interned at one of the fastest growing fashion brands, helped coordinate in Los Angeles Fashion Week, modeled for magazines etc. She aspires to start her own fashion brands in the near future. Ying also has a passion for volunteering. She went to Haifeng, China to help build a library and fundraise for the local students. She has been a tutor in the Boys and Girls Club for 4 years. In her free time, Ying also enjoys cooking, traveling, dancing, and spending time with her loved ones.

Alice Wong

2015 miss los angeles chinatown - queen

Alice Wong is a recent UCLA graduate, ambidextrous and a lifelong science and animal enthusiast. She was raised in Chinatown and Carson, but all of Southern California is her home and playground. Growing up as a minority in an already minority community was a unique experience for Alice. As the singular Chinese student among her peers, she cultivated a deep understanding for many cultures ranging from Hawaiian, African-AMericans, Vietnamnese, Filipinos to Latin-Americans. Being a first-generation American raised in a traditional Chinese household led to Alice's passions of community, family, food culture, innovation and loyalty.
Alice also loves travel, leading her to eight European countries and throughout the U.S.. She loves being outdoors as she is lifelong athlete and an avid backpacker and hiker. She yearns to make a positive community impact as exposure to other's struggles has sparked motivation to be an ambassador for the Asian American community and to empower minority communities. Also, she has secretly always wanted to be an actress and being a wolf tamer.

Erika Liu was born in El Salvador, Central America and immigrated to California with her family when she was five years old. Her Chinese heritage originates from Guangzhou, China. Though her Cantonese was her first language, by the age of six, Erika also became fluent in Spanish and English and has since been heavily influenced by all three cultures.

As the eldest of four siblings, Erika fell in love with children at a young age and has always aspired to become a teacher. She graduated from California State of Fullerton in 2012 with a Bachelor's in Child Development and continued on to earn her Multiple Subject Credentials the following year.

Growing up, Erika dreamed of becoming Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen. She hopes to use her diverse background and degree in education to help spread awareness to others about Chinese culture and would be honored to represent the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Erika would love to give a big thank you to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, her sponsor, Customized Tour Specialist, as well as her family and friends. Happy Chinese New Years!

Clarissa Liu is from the serene city of Walnut, California. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. During her academic years at USC, she was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study abroad in Hong Kong, where she fulfilled a concentration in International Business. The time she spent abroad allowed her to form a deeper connection with her Chinese heritage, which opened her eyes to a culture that seemed so familiar yet so foreighn at the same time. She currently works in Banking Supervision and Regulation for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch, where she interacts with many Asian financial institutions. Her experiences at work and abroad helped her understand the importance that Asian-Americans play in maintaining relationship between the United States and Asia. These experiences motivated her to participate in the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant as a way to become deeper involved with the Chinese community and serve as a role model for other Chinese Americans like herself.

Vivian Tisi was raised in the city of San Gabriel, a city that has fostered her passion for her Chinese roots. She graduated summa cum laude (top 1%) from California State University, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Language Pathology, earning her position with the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and on the Dean's List.

Vivian is currently completing her Master's Degree at her alma mater, also serves as President of the local chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and as the graduate coordinator of her department's peer mentoring program. Through these ventures, she has been able to lead her peers in giving back to the community of communication sciences through mentorship, networking, and volunteering.

Upon graduation, Vivian aspires to work at a hospital to rehabilitate survivors of traumatic brain injuries and degenerative diseases. Her fluency in Mandarin-Chinese will help her work with the ethnically and culturally diverse populations of our beloved Los Angeles.

Tiffany Chi was born in Monterey Park and raised in West Covina, California. She graduated from UC Irvine on full scholarship earning a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Management. As a result of her empathetic personality and drive to care for others, Tiffany became actively involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a national service and leadership fraternity. Her most impactful moment came when she championed a silent auction to benefit Alzheimers Awareness. The success of this endeavor; over $3,000 raised, inspired her current vision to start a non-profit organization. Tiffany is a marketing manager for Fortune 500 companies by day and a user interface design student by night. She desires to share her entrepreneurial passion by being a role model within the Asian American community and produce positive change by leading fundraising initiatives. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring new foods.

Tracy Jung

Tracy Connie Jung was born at Pacific Alliance Medical Center in Chinatown. She was raised in Van Nuys and then later moved to South Pasadena, where she currently resides. Tracy works as a Senior Assistant Buyer for a fashion manufacturing company in Downtown Los Angeles and is currently studying to receive a degree in Business Administration. She hopes to start her own business in the near future. Tracy loves exploring different parts of Los Angeles and spends her free time trying out new restaurants, activities, and social events with her family and friends. Tracy is a wanderlust who was traveled all around the world including South Korea, Singapore, France, England, Switzerland, Thailand, the Netherlands, and her parent's home country, China. She also has plans to explore more of China in order to gain a deeper understanding of her roots. She entered the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant in order to get in touch with her Chinese-American community she was born into and cherishes with all her heart. 

Katrina Lee

2014 miss los angeles chinatown - Queen & Miss Photogenic

Katrina Lee was born in San Gabriel Valley and raised in Walnut, California. She graduated from the University of Southern California with disciplinary studies in Real Estate Development and a degree in East Asian Languages. She continues to expand her expertise in commercial real estate in asset management and development. After her academic studies at USC, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Beijing, China. Within that year, she also travelled to nine different countries around Asia; including India, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Her unforgettable experiences inspired her to take on greater challenges in life and within the business realm. Katrina enjoys traveling, deep-water diving, running outdoor activities, and community outreach. As a young emerging individual, she recognizes the importance of representing herself as a young woman with strong values as a Chinese American, and to her community. Katrina is bold, determined, optimistic, and enthusiastic for greater experiences!

Everlyn Chen was born in Whittier, California. Raised in Fullerton by her traditional Chinese grandparents and mother, she was touched by the sacrifices they made in order for her and her older sister to pursue their dreams. Driven by her grandparents' stories and love of cinema, Everlyn graduated from Chapman University's prestigious film school, Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, cum laude with a degree in Screenwriting. During her time there she achieved both the Founder's Scholarship and selection for the Filmaker-in-Residence program, where she was mentored by producer, Jonathan Sanger (Vanilla Sky, 2001; The Elephant Man, 1980). In the winter of 2012, Everlyn began volunteering for the non-profit organization CoachArt, affording her the humbling experience of altruism and the honor of being a positive influence in a child's life. Inspired by that opportunity, Everlyn was encouraged to participate in the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant as a way to continue her involvement in the Chinese community while gaining greater insight on her heritage.

Dorothy Wong has lived in the quiet city of Diamond Bar since the age of five. She graduated from UC Irvine in Spring of 2012 with B.A. in Business Administration, double-specializing in Marketing and General Management. Aside from her academic endeavors, she was an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. As the philanthropy chair, she and her committee raised over $7,000 for CampFire USA, a non-profit youth organization for underprivileged children thatdevelops self-esteem, positive characteristics, and leadership skills. In the future, she hopes to continue to pursue activities and/or a career that will allow her to inspire younger generations and to help them grow with a positive and ambitious outlook. Currently, she is a sales manager for a German cosmetics company but has hopes of entering an MBA program this Fall. During her free time, Dorothy enjoys dancing, playing badminton, taking small adventures to Disneyland, and participating in obstacle course challenges.

After graduating from UCLA with B.A. in Business Economics and a minor in Chinese, Diana began her career as a Contracts Manager for the United States Air Force where she acquires multi-million dollars space satellite systems to support the troops on behalf of the Department of Defense. Diana is aspired to become a Senior Executive in the Federal Government to bring a positive influence into the American Government and serve as a role model in the Asian American community. In 2013, Diana earned her M.B.A. from Webster University as a Distinguished Graduate with Honors. Diana believes what makes her "whole" as a person is not limited to the plaques of recognition displayed on her wall but her ability to make a positive impact in this world. Diana is inspired to share her passion to educate the community about the Chinese culture through her participation in the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant.

Qian (Jennifer) Jiang was born in An Hui, China and immigrated to the United States when she was 10 years old. Growing up, her parents taught her the values of diligence, persistence, and compassion when facing obstacles and challenges in her life. In 2010, Qian graduated from UC San Diego with her Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacology, Chemistry and a minor in Photography, Visual Arts. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Western University of Health and Sciences, Pomona. At Western University, Qian serves the student body as the Director of Public Relations and Historian for the National Community Pharmacy Association. These professional leadership roles allowed her to serve as a strong advocate for her school and the community. In the future, Qian is looking forward to utilizing her Chinese heritage and healthcare skills to serve the unique and diverse cities of Los Angeles.

Becky Lam was raised in the beautiful suburb of San Dimas. She graduated from Laguna College of Arts & Design in May 2013, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. During her time at LCAD, she attained the leadership role of Student Body President, where she was able to coordinate student events that encouraged participation in activities such as volunteering within the community. It was through her leadership position that she developed an aspiration to explore and be more involved with the city she calls her home. Having had the incredible support from her family and friends in her pursuit of art, she is currently in the process of publishing her first children's book. With this passion in art, she hopes to use her talent as an inspiring revelation that creativity can also be healing and an innovation beyond entertainment purposes for the ever-changing culture of Los Angeles. In addition to her accomplishments, Becky enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

Wendy Shu spent her childhood moving around the country but eventually settled with her family in Southern California when she was ten-years-old. After graduating from Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, she attended USC and studied International Relations and East-Asian Languages and Cultures. The dual degreee taught her to appreciate the ongoing relationship the United States has with Asia and the role Asian-Americans play in maintaining that connection today. After graduating with honors, Wendy remained at USC and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Gould School of Law. During that time, working with various clinics made her aware of the diversity in Los Angeles, and she currently looks forward to a rewarding career in investment immigration law. Wendy was inspired to participate in the Miss Chinatown pageant because she believes that Chinatown contributes to what makes Los Angeles so cosmopolitan. She wants to be deeper involved with a community interested in both tradition and innovation, where the progress forged transcends the individual and can reach across the world.

Kellye Ng was raised in the city of Alhambra. She graduated Cum Laude from California State University Fullerton this past May, with a double major in Criminal Justice and American Studies, and a minor in Political Science. At CSUF, she held leadership positions in the Pre-Law Society and Criminal Justice Honor Society. As a leader in these organizations, she coordinated community services to benefit foster youth and cancer research. Kellye also participated in her school's Moot Court team, leading her team to excel in the national competition in January 2012. Now, Kellye strives to become an attorney specializing in criminal law and plans to attend law this year. She has demonstrated her commitment to the community by volunteering as a Creative Writing and Journalism teacher to at-risk youth. When she is not volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family, salsa dancing, ice skating, modeling, and exploring the unique cultural neighborhoods within Los Angeles.

Christina graduated from UC San Diego in 2010 earning her Bachelor's Degree with dual concentration in Mathematics and Economics and is currently involved in Healthcare Finance. She believes in open-mindness that we're not created to do everything, but we may not know our potential until we try different things. During her free time, she enjoys playing and watching sports, exploring new places to eat, networking, and managing her savings so that she can someday retire early to spend more time with friends and family and to travel and explore the world!

She feels strong and grateful for her Chinese heritage and her ancestors. The gift of legacy is evident when you value and consider it as a gift passed on to the next generation of your family. Being one of the first ABC in her family, it is knowing the sacrifice that her family made and the struggles with poverty, that she is truly able to appreciate the family, friends, and life that she is blessed with today.

Born in Los Angeles Chinatown, Annie later grew up in Diamond Bar, California. Moved by the sacrifices her immigrant parents made in order to give her and her sister a better life, she strived to succeed in all her endeavors. Annie graduated from UCSD with a major in International Relations. Her scholastic achievements not only put Annie on the Honor List but also allowed her to receive her Bachelor's Degree in three years. While in college, Annie started and continues to manage a cosmetics distribution company. Following college, Annie graduated from Southwestern Law School's prestigious 2-year accelerated SCALE J.D. Honors program in May 2012. Recently Annie has passed the California State Bar Examination. She is now an Associate of the Taschner Law Firm, practicing international law and serving as legal counsel for an international pharmaceutical company. In her free time, Annie enjoys dancing, playing piano, and being with her family.

Amber Phung is an undergraduate Biology/Pre-Med student and Biology Teaching Assistant attending the University of La Verne. Amber also works for AHMC Health Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the health and wellness of those underserved. There is not just one word to describe Amber. Barely turning 21, she has accomplished much more than many of those at her age. Amber has been involved in Speech and Debate for seven years, using her unique sense of humor to advocate and inspire others to be better on a local and national scale. She also conducts research on Orchids' genetic development for preservation. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, and telling jokes. She also has an interest in cars, comedy, and modeling.

Elizabeth An is pursuing her Master's Degree in Educational & Clinical Counseling at Azusa Pacific University after attaining her Bachelor's in English. She works as a residential counselor at a facility for at-risk young women and children. Her desire to help the youth has spanned from over seven years of tutoring in the San Gabriel Valley to Hong Kong where she volunteered to teach English upon completing her undergraduate studies. Elizabeth aspires to become a middle school or high school counselor. She hopes to help mold her future students into good people, assist them in their personal problems, and lend a helping hand in achieving their personal and professional goals. Throughout the past few years, Elizabeth has stayed active in the community by volunteering and fundraising for different philanthropic organizations that benefit cancer research and at risk youths in the area. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys cooking, traveling, baking, and spending time with her loved ones.

Lauren Zhou Weinberger

2012 miss los angeles chinatown - queen

Lauren Zhou Weinberger was raised in Pasadena. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Vanderbilt University May 2011, with a double major in Communication Studies and Spanish, and a minor in Corporate Strategy. Lauren plans to pursue a graduate degree in the near future. She currently works in television production and aspires to impact Hollywood by becoming a feature film producer. In addition to her interest in the entertainment industry, Lauren has a passion for volunteering. She joined Best Buddies, an organization that pairs students and individuals with mental disabilities, tutored student immigrants in Nashville, and participated in service trips to animal sanctuaries throughout the South. In her free time, Lauren enjoys traveling, playing basketball, practicing the piano, and spending time with her family. She is happy to be back in Los Angeles after college and is excited to increase her involvement within the Chinese American community. 

Eileen Kwan

2012 miss los angeles chinatown - 1st princess & miss friendship

Eileen Kwan completed her Master's degree in Strategic Communication Management from USC after attaining her Bachelor's degree in Media Studies from UC Irvine. She believes that communication commands the ability to transform and empower communities throughout the world. Following her mission, Eileen designed and taught her own university-accredited course, Careers in Broadcasting while still a student. Soon after, she achieved global reach for her vision as a program director in China for a non-profit migrant farmers' children. Today, Eileen strives to redefine the Chinese American identity in media as an acclaimed host for several televised programs, champion of KAZN's Pop Star competition, senior advisor to the International Association of Business Communicators, and national anthem singer at her high school and college graduations. She continues to expand her repertoire as media professional with companies such as Warner Brothers Studios and MTV Networks. Eileen would like to thank her sponsor WY International Inc. and the LACCC for their unwavering guidance and support. 

2012 Second Princess, Jane Yap

Jane Yap was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is the only daughter of Siong Yap and Bee Leong. Her interest and passion in leadership was developed at an early age when she was elected president of her elementary school in sixth grade. She has been involved in student government ever since. She has demonstrated her ability to plan and coordinate large scale events and programs. She is good in motivating her peers. Jane is currently a fourth year student at the University of California, Riverside. She has completed the University Honors Program and is majoring in Accounting and Financial Economics. As a student employee for UCR Housing Services, she utilized her leadership abilities by putting large scale events as a program coordinator in her second year and serves as a mentor and leader to first year students in her current role as resident advisor, a duty she proudly took on in her third year. After graduation, Jane will work to achieve her CPA and start full-time with Ernst & Young LLP. Her long-term career goal is to become an entrepreneur by starting her own business. Jane enjoys the company of her family, friends, trying new foods, bargain shopping , traveling, and supporting the Los Angeles Lakers. She is grateful to all her family, friends, and mentors for supporting her throughout her life and is excited to have their support as she goes through this experience.

Ruby Chen was born in Guangdong, South of China in 1992. During her childhood she studied in Traditional Chinese Painting. She has won several awards in following contests such as Junior Painting Contest in Guangdong Province. Moreover, she is fluent in Mandarin and Teochew dialect. She graduated from high school in Singapore two years ago. Meanwhile, she went to nursing home to help the homeless people on weekly basis, and such action is completely out of her own faith of kindness. The way she defines kindness is to help people without anything in return. In 2010, Ruby was accepted with UC Riverside as an international student. Currently she attends Mt. San Antonio College for her Associated Degree in Communication major, and she is preparing to transfer to Pepperdine University in the future. Ruby is always appreciative and grateful for the unconditional love and support from her family and friends.

Celine Cecillia Linarte was born and raised in Southern California, but has traveled the world extensively. After visiting many cities in China as well in Taiwan, Celine feels a strong cultural identity and hopes to expand on international relations. As the youngest contestant, she just graduated high school and is current on dean's list with a 4.0 GPA at her university. In the future, Celine aspires to become a successful international business lawyer after graduating.

As an active member of the community, Celine has volunteered in numerous projects and events such as the Golden Dragon Parade as well as Lupus Race for Life and local community work. In addition, she has been involved in numerous sports as well as dance, piano, ice skating, modeling, acting, and pageantry. Celine hopes to expand her perspective on the world and embrace every opportunity.

Stacey Cheung was born and raised in the beautiful suburb of San Marino. She graduated with a double major in Economics and Chinese from UCLA. In her leisure, she enjoys travelling, dancing, and volunteering. Her outgoing personality and inclination to be a positive role model inspired Stacey to be an active member of the American Cancer Society, a Resident Assistant at UCLA, and a mentor for young adopted children from China. Stacey finds personal strength in the words of wisdom taught by her parents, one motto being, "Nothing in life worth having come easy." It is through her parents' support and compassion that have given her the confidence to accomplish anything she puts her mind to. She is now currently working full-time as a Customer Service Manager at Update International, a leading supplier in the food service industry, and pursuing her MBA at USC's Marshall School of Business.

Xiayi (Shirley) Zhang

2011 miss los angeles chinatown - queen

A current resident of Chinatown, Xiayi (Shirley) Zhang has been living in the Downtown Los Angeles area for over 5 years. She was born in China and immigrated to the United States with her parents at the age of 6. Her childhood was spent in the cities of Chengdu, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Detroit and she considers herself a citizen of the world. Always seeking a challenge, by her junior year of high school she had already exhausted the AP curriculum and was taking coursework at a local college. This, combined with her perfect SAT scores, gave her the opportunity to forgo her senior year and instead enroll in the prestigious Resident Honors Program at the University of Southern California.

While at USC, Xiayi was actively involved in the Asian-American and Chinese-American student community serving as Vice President for her sorority, Delta Phi Kappa, and as Event Director for the Chinese Student Association. She is currently pursuing career opportunities as an entrepreneur in an internet start-up. She would like to give her gratitude to her family and friends for their support and to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for the honor of competing in the Miss LA Chinatown Pageant.

Jane Sha

Jane Sha was born in Guangzhou, China and immigrated to the States at a young age. In June of 2010, Jane received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.  During her 4 years in college, Jane dedicated her time to China Care Bruins, a student group focused on mentoring Chinese American youth in the surrounding communities. She assumed a leadership role as Youth Coordinator, successfully starting a program that helps pre-teenage girls adopted from China develop positive self image and identity.

Currently, Jane is employed as a financial analyst for Northrop Grumman Corporation. Having an interest in entertainment, Jane pursued internships at Warner Bros. and Fox and aspires to delve back into the industry in the future. Always excited to experience new places, Jane spent a semester studying abroad at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology where she made lifelong friends. She enjoys traveling, photography, musicals, dancing and nature. Jane thanks her family and friends for their unconditional love and continuous support.

Ashley Fong was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. While attending South Hills High School, she founded the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter at her school, held leadership positions in various clubs and student body, and actively competed in a multitude of piano competitions, winning prestigious awards such as Bach Complete Works Audition medals, Panel State, and Panel Master Class. Her passion for the arts has brought her to University of California, Los Angeles, where she is culminating her Bachelor degree this quarter as a Music major with two concentrations, Piano Performance and Music Education.

aving a personality that cares for others, she is interested in Music Therapy and Education for graduate studies. Aside from teaching kids piano and dedicating time to community service, Ashley loves to travel and discover different cultures, enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, golfing and catching the latest movies.

Alysha Chan

Alysha Chan was born and raised in the beautiful suburb of Arcadia to proud parents Dr. Paul Chan and Mrs. Debra Yee-Chan and younger siblings Melany and Tyler. She just graduated with two degrees in May as part of a five-year dual-degree engineering program. She first attended Scripps College for three years and studied Engineering and Hispanic Studies. Her involvement in the Asian American Sponsor Program and the Asian American Student Union enabled her to protest for minority workers’ rights through the Bus Riders Union and the Hilton LAX Boycott.

For the past two years, Alysha studied Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University and was on the Dean’s List. She was Vice President of the Asian American Alliance and Senior Events Director of the Engineering Student Council. She is very passionate about the environment and aspires to become an environmental policymaker to be at the forefront of enacting environmental change. Alysha has been playing basketball competitively for over 12 years, and she also loves running, making YouTube videos with her friends, and vacationing with her tight-knit family.

Jani Wang

2010 miss los angeles chinatown - queen

Los Angeles Chinatown was the very first Chinatown establishment in the United States. Despite residing 15 miles away for the past 4 years, I still had never wandered through Hill Street or Broadway to explore this historical landmark, until this year. Chinatown is a place that preserves and showcases Chinese culture, and personally, opened my eyes to a community beyond what I had known. One of the highlights of this year was our trip to China. Our first location, Beijing, was an educational and inspirational stop that demonstrated the glory of China’s past and present. We trekked up the Great Wall (which contains over 2000 years of history), and visited the pride of the 2008 Olympics – the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

lthough I was born in China, I had never had the opportunity to return and experience the rich history and truly appreciate how much my home country has accomplished.As a graduating college student, I gave myself the goal of accomplishing something both memorable and impactful. Having the honor of being Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 2010 has given me an amazing opportunity to do just that. I have been able to expand my network from beyond just the college circle to meet much more of the Los Angeles Asian-American community, as well as influential figures in politics, entertainment, and business. More importantly, I’ve been able to act as a goodwill ambassador alongside my court to serve the community and also enrich my understanding of my own culture.

Janice Jann

2010 Miss los angeles chinatown - 1st princess

I can’t believe it’s already been half a year since I was crowned 2010 Miss LA Chinatown First Princess. Since coronation night, my life has been packed with events and functions, charity dinners and special appearances. Though every function I have attended has been eye-opening and special to my heart, a few stick out. Our summer trip to China would definitely have to count as being the highlight of my reign thus far. Being able to see the metropolitan cities like Beijing and Shanghai but also living the simple life in Deng Feng has opened my eyes to how colorful, cultured, and expansive my ancestors’ home land is.

Janice was very proud to be traveling alongside the other girls and being able to represent my Chinese ethnicity alongside my US nationality. To be able to learn about China’s history and reflect on just how far the country has come and how far it will continue to go.

But besides the trip, I’ve also enjoyed attending all the local community events we have had around the Los Angeles area. Being able to take part in the community and just seeing how much Asian Americans support each other in causes as diverse as going from The American Cancer Society Run/Walk to the Chinese American Museum Lantern Festival has really made me proud of being Chinese American and dispelling any notions that we are an apathetic bunch. If only more people could see how many individuals in the community really do care about each other and about causes near and dear to our hearts! I remember attending the celebration banquet of one group, China Cares. This group was filled with families who have adopted children from China. Getting to spend time with the little girls all who were starry-eyed at these tall ladies in tiaras because after all, what little girl didn’t want to be a princess growing up. This really made me feel like my role as a goodwill ambassador to the Chinese American community was shining through. I hope that we will be just as impactful on the events coming up for the rest of the year!

Dow-Ning Kuo

2010 Miss los angeles chinatown - 2nd princess & miss photogenic

The past 8 months as second princess on the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Miss Los Angeles Chinatown court has truly opened my eyes and taught me a lot about the Chinese community and where I fit in as a Chinese American. From Chinese New Year events such as the LA Firecracker Run and the Golden Dragon Parade that showcases the rich history and spirit of Chinatown, to events that have expanded my Chinese American Network such meeting the successful businessmen of Hong Kong Benevolent Association Dinner or elected Asian American politicians, I have truly experienced the pride in being Chinese-American.

Not only has the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Miss LA Chinatown allowed us to grow culturally and personally, they have also given us the opportunity to give back to the community. By participating in events such as the APEX Youth Olympics, we were able to support and guide our younger generations. In addition, we were also able to raise money through raffle tickets for the many Chinatown Family Associations, as well as the Chinatown Public Safety Association. Although I was unable to attend the trip to China with the other court members, I still feel that the experiences here have changed me. Meeting so many successful Asian Americans who have broken stereotypes and racial barriers has taught me to always be persistent and follow my dreams. Anything is possible! In addition, the opportunity to be a goodwill ambassador and give back to my community makes me realize my fortunes and the importance of sharing it with others. I try to live by the saying, “Life is not about the number of breaths we take, but moments that take our breath away.” And, participating in Miss LA Chinatown has definitely taken my breath away.

Nebula Gu

2010 miss los angeles chinatown - 3rd princess

Since being crowned the 2010 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 3rd Princess, I have had the pleasure of taking part in many new experiences. So far this year, we've attended numerous events as goodwill ambassadors, from attending the East West Players Visionary Dinner to riding on a Nisei Week Parade float. None, however, was more exciting or rewarding than our recent trip to China. From learning authentic Kung Fu birthed in the mountains of Henan to entering the Olympic Stadium at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, China is a true blend of the old and the new. It is amazing to see how the nation has evolved and changed through the years, yet still maintaining the heritage of being one of the oldest cultures in the world.
Nebula was truly able to admire and appreciate how China has perfected this balance, and embrace my cultural identity in the process. During our trip, there was no city that I looked more forward to visiting than Shanghai. Since I had family in Shanghai, I was, in a way, returning to my roots. The few days we had in the city went by quickly. The four of us spent the first day on our own – visiting family, shopping, walking down the beautiful streets, or simply resting. In the evening, we went on the Wang Pu Jiang River Cruise, which showcased the beautiful sights of the Shanghai bay. The second day was spent at the World Expo, where we visited the China National Pavilion, USA Pavilion, Coca-Cola Pavilion, and the China Mobile/China Telecom Pavilion. As special guests, we fortunately did not have to wait in the long lines and were given a tour of the pavilions, each of which had their own inspirational film. We especially enjoyed the Coca-Cola pavilion, where an assortment of candy and beverages were available to us, including a newly developed plant-based bottle that we marveled at. In the evening, we attended a presentation highlighting the fashion and culture of 1930s Shanghai. While watching, we dined with two representatives of the Shanghai Police force and enjoyed authentic (and delicious) Shanghai cuisine. Indeed, this was a trip that will forever be memorable. It was an honor to represent the Los Angeles Chinese-American community in various cities of China. I look forward to the rest of my reign here in Los Angeles and celebrating the unique and amazing community that I am so thankful to be a part of.

Carrie Gan

2010 miss los angeles chinatown - 4th Princess

Six months has passed since the day of thrill and excitement—the day of the 2010 Miss LA Chinatown pageant.

I was recently interviewed by LA 18's LA Living and it was a wonderful experience.

This year I had the privilege to China with the rest of the Miss LA Chinatown court to represent the Chinese American community.

I consider myself extremely lucky because, thanks to our sponsor Yihua Company, the ENTIRE Miss Los Angeles court was able to go to China. Usually, only the top two winners get to go, so I feel very fortunate that I had this opportunity. Some of my favorite memories of the trip include practicing Cantonese in Hong Kong, witnessing China’s beauty through the Great Wall and World Expo, as well as learning Kung Fu from the Shaolin monks. However, for me, the one highlight of the China trip that I will always remember is visiting Yihua Company in Shantou. My whole trip to China was made possible by this company, so I really wanted to meet the owners and thank them personally. It was amazing to see how big the company grew in just a matter of years—starting with only a few hundred dollars in the 1980s and now employing over 8,000 employees as an international power brand. Everyone in the city knew about Yihua—the company even has their own song that is available in the local karaoke selection! Despite their presence, the owner and vice president of Yihua still took time to meet with us and make sure our stay was pleasant. They gave us a tour of their many factories, museum, farmland (that they give provide for their employees), lumber yard, as well as their five-story guest vacation villa. As the vice president explained the history and current operations of Yihua, there clearly was a sense of pride in their company and city. Through our bicycle rickshaw rides in the city and attentive meals, I truly felt humbled by Yihua’s warm welcome into their home. Who was I to be granted this experience of a lifetime by such kind individuals?

The entire pageant experience from the application process to the trip to China has truly been about being the best ME. Through meeting amazing individuals such as the owners of Yihua as well as the current Queen and court members, each experience helped me become a better person. I realized this pageant was not about competing with the other girls—there are always girls who will be taller than me, prettier than me, smarter than me, “fill in the blank” than me. When I reflect back on why I decided to compete in the pageant to begin with, I realized it was because it was something that scared me, and something that I had never done before. I was scared of being on stage, of being stereotyped as “one of those beauty queen types,” and of investing so much heart into the pageant only to be disappointed. However, I also realized that the opportunities for personal growth would be greater than all my fears combined. It was the lure of becoming someone of grace and poise, of elegance and confidence, and also of maturity and integrity that drew me to compete with my inner being for a solid four to five months of pageant preparation. From public speaking practice to memorizing dance routines (I’ve never took a formal dance class before) to learning what my views are on every current event topic, I challenged myself to look beyond the skin and the physical events happening around me. The most important part of the pageant would be growing and learning from it.

On the night of the pageant, I got much more than I had hoped for. I had a screaming crowd of over 50 friends, family, and supporters cheering me on. All my fears quickly dissipated with each step I took on stage. My support crowd occupied a good sixth of the room in the back and was waving their “Carrie” posters frantically with fervor and passion. I was awestricken with emotion about how many people came to support me in this competition against… my best self. With so much loving support from friends who believe in whatever I commit to, I knew I had won already. The pageant experience was ultimately about learning lessons of love for my friends, family, and for MYSELF and not about whether or not I had placed high enough. So would I take back any of the precious lessons I have learned? Absolutely not.

Elizabeth Yan

2010 Miss los angeles chinatown - Miss Friendship