Fremont, CA

Who are you?

My name is Jenton Lee and I am a 2nd generation Taiwanese American. I was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and lived the first 15 years of my life not knowing much about Taiwanese culture, or even Asian culture for that matter. After moving to California, I learned to appreciate my heritage and my background (Not to mention all the delicious Asian foods that I was exposed to for the first time!) I also discovered my passion for songwriting. So what seemed at first to be a horrible uprooting of my life in Pennsylvania, became a wonderful opportunity of self-discovery and growth!

What do you do?

By day, I work a typical corporate job. But by night, I entertain thousands of people with my original songs, amusing parodies, and catchy song mashups. I have been uploading a video to YouTube almost every week since July 2008, and since then, have attracted over 2400 subscribers, and almost 900,000 video views. Songwriting has always been a very personal and satisfying endeavor to me, but being able to share my passion with people all over the world has become such a rewarding experience.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

As a 2nd generation Taiwanese American, I am extremely proud of my heritage. I have listened to stories about my father’s family’s struggles with the KMT, and my parents’ brave journey in starting a brand new life in America. I have heard many similar stories from my other Taiwanese friends as well, and I am awe-inspired by the courage and the tenacity that our ancestry summoned in order to put me and my fellow Taiwanese Americans where we are today. To better understand where we are going in the future, I feel that we must understand and appreciate our past and where we came from. That is why I am proud to be of Taiwanese Heritage.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

The future of Taiwanese America to me, would be not only seeing more Taiwanese Americans in mainstream American media, but also having that be such a commonplace event, that no one really thinks twice about seeing a Taiwanese American (or an Asian for that matter) on TV, Film, or Radio.

Any additional information you would like to share?

I recently read an blog entry about Oyster Vermicelli, and it made me very very hungry.

Visit: http://youtube.com/jenton

San Francisco, CA

Who are you?

I am Jack Tung. Before migrating to Taiwan & ultimately spending most of their teenage lives and early adulthood there, my father had roots in Jilin Province and my mother had roots in Fujian Province. I was born in Taiwan and moved to the US at age 5. I grew up in NY. I currently live in San Francisco, CA.

What do you do?

I create and perform instrumental music with a guitar, a drum machine, some pedal effects, and a synthesizer. I try my best to create music that’s a combination of everything that I enjoy listening to. I’ve had opportunities to compose scores for short films.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

I’m proud for many reasons. Primarily, I’m proud to be of Taiwanese heritage because I love my family. They inspire me, give me purpose, and help me understand myself more and more with age. I would not be who I am or have the confidence to at least try to do what I do, without them. They have my heart. I am 1st generation.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I hope the future of Taiwanese America will continue to embrace their heritage and roots. Learn about your family. Never forget where you came from.

Any additional information you would like to share?

http://www.jacktungmusic.com

Irvine, CA

Who are you?

I am a retired Nuclear Safety Specialist for the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety since December 2002. Subsequently, I founded RiskSolver Communications, a consulting service for industry and government agencies world wide. In the Taiwanese American community, I am known as one of the founding board members of the Taiwanese American Foundation summer conference, which has its roots from the Midwest Formosan Christian Fellowship (MFCF) since 1966.

What do you do?

Currently, I engage in development and optimization work as it applies to Reliability and Risk Assessment for multi-purpose applications. I look at risk-based information and risk-informed data for conducting probabilistic risk assessments.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

I came to America in the fall of 1956 for advanced study at the University of Michigan to study engineering science, but embraced a deep conviction, consciousness, and pride for my Taiwanese heritage. The underlying reason at that time was my feelings of deep sorrow for seeing the dreadful era of the post-1947, 228 KMT massacre. Everywhere in Taiwan, there prevailed an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness. So, I could not help but go abroad to seek a new horizon — and a new opportunity in America.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

Being Taiwanese and American, I forever acknowledge that our heritage is unique: I hope that (1) we possess a spirit of adventure; (2) we dare to take up any challenges; (3) we are so intelligent that we can pursue, discover and create many new things, new ideas and new ventures; (4) we all have integrity; (5) we are loyal to America; (6) we love Taiwan and support and provide safeguards against those that wish to overturn the existence of Taiwan.

Santa Clara, CA

Who are you?

I am a Texan-born, Michigan-raised, California-transplant who has found my life and Love in Jesus Christ. I am a sucker for people, principles, possibilities, perspectives, intuition, inspiration, activism, expression, resilience, revolution, and revelation. I attribute the greatest gift of God’s amazing grace for me in my parents – extraordinary ordinary people: 1st generation Taiwanese Americans who taught my brother and me to represent our people with a lifestyle lived out full of integrity (Proverbs 11:3) and selflessly shepherding our community (Leviticus 19:18). I believe humanity has a duty to become holistically egalitarian (Galatians 3:28), and I long to see our generation take collective responsibility in seeing social justice breakthrough to fruition worldwide (Psalm 82:3-4).

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
— Revelation 2:10

What do you do?

I am a full-time marketplace missionary contending for revival and church redefined. I am Co-Founder and Director of Communications + Marketing at DeoWorks.org, our Silicon Valley based Christian start-up non-profit ministry focusing on internet tools and community networks that aim to connect the body of Christ + accelerate the work of the kingdom. I’m also a trained volunteer international business consultant through rēp (repurposing.biz) working with mid-market companies in developing nations to reform their leadership based on eternal principles, which in turn transform their spheres of influence in society. I am a long-term sponsor of my two lovely girls in Guatemala and Uganda through WorldVision.org, and am an avid financial and prayer partner to various third-world development initiatives, missionary efforts, social entrepreneurship programs, philanthrocapitalism projects and microfinance groups abroad.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
— Luke 12:48

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

I am a 2nd generation Taiwanese American, and I represent our Taiwanese heritage wherever I go in the content of my character and the confidence in my identity. We are a distinctive people — a people of great honor, quiet strength, deep resilience, genuine hospitality, intimate community, and humble excellence. We are dichotomous blends of tradition and progress, nationalism and local familiarity, complex histories and history in the making. We are pursuant advocates of hope and tireless defenders of justice. It is my prayer for the nation that our politics would not divide our people as much as our commitment to Taiwan would unite our people as one.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I dream of a Taiwanese America that authentically reflects the very best of our people and heritage in who we are. The most powerful way in which we can represent our people and our roots is by intentionally living out our passions, hopes, dreams and desires to the fullest possible extent with fierce purpose and true meaning. The reality is that our generation is constantly redefining what it means to be American every day, and as Taiwanese America I believe we are blessed with great opportunity to be an influential part of our nation’s diverse strengths for the greater good of all.

“God calls you to the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” — Frederick Buechner

Los Angeles, CA

Who are you?

I am a mother, a spouse, and a defender of workers’ rights, animal rights, and the environment.  My amazing son Dylan Edward O’Malley-Lo was born August 24, 2008, and being his parent has been the best and of course at times most challenging experience of my life.  My husband Matt is my partner in raising him.  For the past 13 years I have worked in the labor movement.  I am currently coordinator for the Food Chain Workers Alliance, a coalition of workers associations organizing to improve wages and working conditions for workers all throughout the food system, from farms and food processing plants to restaurants and supermarkets. I am also a vegetarian, mostly because I think animals have rights to not be exploited for humans and because the meat industry plays a huge role in causing millions of animals pain and suffering, polluting our environment, and contributing to global warming.

What do you do?

In my current full-time job with the Food Chain Workers Alliance I coordinate 10 workers organizations that have come together to support each other and to collectively build power to end the exploitation of workers in the food chain, to work towards a sustainable food system, and to ensure that all people have access to healthy and affordable food.  This job is bringing together my passion for workers’ rights, the environment, and food.  In my spare time, I play with Dylan, take him to yoga with me, go to Huntington Gardens with him and my husband, hang out with friends, my mom, and my sister, volunteer for the North America Taiwanese Women’s Association (NATWA) II as co-coordinator with the fabulous Tsuann Kuo, travel (I’ve got the bug!), and eat yummy food.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

I am a 2nd-generation Taiwanese American.  Growing up in Ohio, my parents always told us that we were Taiwanese, not Chinese.  While at times it was confusing growing up surrounded mostly by Caucasians and feeling like I didn’t belong in America or in Taiwan, I was still always proud to be Taiwanese American – I knew that at least I was unique in that way.  I also think that the history of Taiwan as an oppressed but defiant nation and our culture of caring for others and putting others before ourselves has greatly shaped who I am as a person and the work that I have chosen to pursue.  The Taiwanese people have withstood many different forces trying to impose themselves on Taiwan to build a democratic country.  That is an amazing feat, and that powerful history inspires me to stand with the oppressed who are fighting back for dignity and respect.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I hope the future of Taiwanese America continues to broaden and become more accepting of different cultures, religions, and identities.  I think this is where the 2nd generation is leading the way.  I learned recently that Taiwanese Americans have the highest rate of marrying outside their own ethnicity, and I think our community is coming to accept more and more non-Taiwanese into our families.  I hope that our community can continue to be open to all, including gays and lesbians, blacks and Latinos, and even the Chinese.  By welcoming others, the Taiwanese American community will gain more acceptance in the U.S.

Any additional information you would like to share?

Visit the NATWA II website: natwa.com/natwa2

Downers Grove, IL

Who are you?

I’m an energetic college student full of initiative and in need of constant variety throughout my lifestyle, goals, and work. Born and bred in the suburbs of Chicago, much of my current passion for Asian American advocacy stems from past experiences searching for identity as an Asian American male in an ignorant and sometimes racist environment. I’m an advocate of media’s power in creating social change and use a variety of media forms to claim representation for Asian Americans as complex and three-dimensional people. A perpetual chaser of independence and new experiences since adolescence, I love to travel and dive into new hobbies. At the end of the day however, there is nothing more enjoyable than falling asleep in my own bed watching cartoons.

What do you do?

I’m an aspiring filmmaker and founder of Turtlistmedia.com, a site and organization that seeks to encourage Asian Americans in the arts by creating quality creative content and giving artists a space to showcase their talents in hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions. Turtlist Media began as a personal website to showcase my own film/video work but has since grown into an organization staffed by devoted contributors from various regions throughout the country.  I’m currently studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign under a created major in Asian American Film and Media.  I’ve also served as an Airman in the Air Force National Guard since 2006, recently transitioning from a crewchief on F-16’s to a Public Affairs Specialist dealing with everything from media relations to internal publications for the military. In my free time, I produce media work for various artists, organizations, and weddings.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

My family’s history in Taiwan and the struggles they have gone through in the face of unrest give me an incredible attachment to a land I have only visited. Throughout my life, I have constantly been dubbed several intersecting identities without regard to whether or not I wanted these labels. I think the most empowering thing I’ve done has been to embody these identities that have been stamped upon me and reclaim them in my own ways. The greatest strength of the Taiwanese American community is that we have always worked hard to make life just a little easier for the generations after us. We’ve traveled so far in spite of many who didn’t want us to move, speak, or even show our faces in the spotlight. We’re no longer walking. We’re running.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I hope my children will never be confused about their Taiwanese American identity and that they will have have a limitless number of heroes to look up to that look like them.

Any additional information you would like to share?

Check out TurtlistMedia.com

La Jolla, CA

Who are you?

I am a sophomore at the University of California, San Diego. I was born and raised in Taiwan, and migrated over with my mom when I was 10 years old. Even though I’m not technically American because I don’t have dual-citizenship, I still like to consider myself Taiwanese American. I have attended the Taiwanese American Foundation summer conference since 2000, and love everything about my Taiwanese heritage. I sang and danced all throughout high school, and participated in competitive show choir and musicals. I am currently in an a capella group, the Tritones, on my college campus, and am also actively involved in my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma.

What do you do?

Currently, my life is centered on a combination of school, singing, school, sorority commitments, and school. I am pursuing an international studies-economics major, and I plan on attending graduate school for hotel management. I am actively involved in both my a capella group and my sorority, taking up leadership positions in both while juggling coursework and a social life at the same time. Basically, I am living the life of a very busy, but also average college student.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

I am proud of my Taiwanese heritage because it is a country with a sad and beautiful past with a strong fighting spirit for the future. I was also born in Taipei and lived half of my life there, so I feel a special connection to the country – probably more so than my American-born peers. Even though I’m suppose to be 2nd generation because I am super Americanized and all of my mom’s siblings all immigrated here from Taiwan, I am technically 1st generation since I wasn’t American-born.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

Very bright, with lots of beautiful half-Taiwanese babies.

Any additional information you would like to share?

An exciting experience I recently partook in with my college a capella group was singing on stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA) with Taylor Swift. Long story short, my a capella group did a rendition of a Taylor Swift song that was discovered by her via YouTube, and the producers of ACMA contacted our business manager to perform as her background choir for the award show. This lead to a whirlwind adventure for me and my group, everything from meeting famous celebrities, performing on national TV, being interviewed by and performing at local news stations, and a live country radio performance and interview.

Lastly, my favorite Taiwanese food include: 鹽酥雞 [crispy chicken], 牛肉麵 [beef noodle soup], 小香腸 [mini Taiwanese sausages], 蓮霧 [lien-wu fruit], and much much more!

New York, NY

Who are you?

I am extremely restless, easily bored with living in the same place, eating the same food and learning the same things. During college, I studied science but found myself passionate about areas as diverse as psychology, urban planning and new media. Finance internships allowed me to learn about the business world, while my first job out of college as a management consultant allowed me to work on short, interesting projects in extremely different industries. During this time, I was able to explore new cities, cuisines and cultures – and experience numerous hotels. Ironically, I became increasingly enamored with hotels, loving the immediate sense of comfort and peace that they provide amidst bustling cities. I am currently working at a major hotel chain before going back to business school, where I will hopefully figure out a career path that allows me to keep wandering.

What do you do?

I started Mochi Magazine, an online magazine for Asian American teen girls, two years ago with a fellow Taiwaneser, Steph Wu. Mochi consists of 40+ volunteer staffers ranging from high schoolers to college graduates. It creates a community for girls to gain access to sisterly advice – such as my “little sib” Rayne, an adopted Chinese girl who I have mentored since high school. In Mochi’s first issue, we interviewed Brenda Song of the Disney Channel, and have since interviewed James Kyson Lee of Heroes, Yin Chang of Gossip girl and Harry Shum Jr of Glee. That these celebrities were so receptive to us reinforced to me the lack of Asian American role models for our demographic. By covering topics such as fashion, school and relationships, and by profiling successful Asian Americans, we are able to help our readers expand the range of their dreams.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

TCS, TAF, ITASA, BITSA, NATWA II… there are so many acronyms that I associate with being a second-generation Taiwanese. The seemingly never-ending invitations to various conferences and networking events, while sometimes overwhelming, always amazes me. The Taiwanese American community is a true Community that supports and connects us to help us achieve our goals. I remember receiving e-mails from all directions when the movie Formosa Betrayed was just an idea, and I continued to receive e-mails as it became a reality and eventually hit theaters. The Taiwanese American community is such a motivational and inspirational part of my life.

Any additional information you would like to share?

Check out our magazine and blog: www.mochimag.com

San Francisco, CA

Who are you?

I was born in New Jersey, and grew up in Cerritos, CA. I have been involved in the Taiwanese American community as the National Chairman of Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP), the National VP of the Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL), Coordinator of the TACL Political Internship Program, and Leadership in Development (LID) camp adviser. Previously, I served three terms as the TAP President. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in Business Administration and Ethnic Studies. At Cal, I was the ASUC (student body) President, as well as 3-time President and founder of the Asian American Association, which is still today, the largest pan-Asian American collegiate organization in the nation. I am largely credited with creating the foundation for TAP, as I authored the Mission Statement and Constitution, and drove the structural reorganization that has allowed TAP to grow to its current 2000 person national membership.

What do you do?

I am currently the Director of Strategic Services at LiveOps, an SF-based technology company. I oversee strategy, business development, and service delivery for that particular business unit. Outside the rigors and hours of any other Silicon Valley start-up, I enjoy traveling and golf when I’m grounded.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

As a 2nd generation Taiwanese American, being Taiwanese American is not just an ethnic background to me. It’s an ideology, rooted in principals and ideologies such as freedom, innovation, perseverance and democracy. Taiwan is such a rich and beautiful country, with its greatest asset being its people. Taiwanese people have made such amazing contributions to the world, across many industries, professions, and fields. Taiwanese Americans have made an enormous footprint in the young Taiwanese American history already.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I see a Taiwanese America that is solid and strong, built on a foundation of community organizations that address the wide diversity that is the Taiwanese American community. Taiwanese Americans will be leaders throughout America – in government, business, law, medicine, engineering, and non-profit worlds. The common fabric that will bind the diverse community will be a shared sense of pride in Taiwan, support of Taiwan’s self-determination, and a common desire to continue to invest into Taiwanese Americans. The Taiwanese American community will focus less on colors that divide and more on values that unify. Young Taiwanese Americans will be eager to learn about their identity, there will be an abundance of organizations to explore themselves, and older Taiwanese Americans will continue to invest into the youth generation.