Category: Against the Grain Productions

Orphanage Update: The Summer 2012 Tour to the Orphanages

THE SUMMER 2012 TOUR TO THE ORPHANAGES

By Aileen Nguyen

Another year has passed.  I packed my bags and came back to Vietnam on another mission to visit the orphanages.  Because of my new job, I scheduled this trip later in the year as compared to the last one.  The weather in June is quite hot and humid in Vietnam, but I was so ready as ever.

Danang Red Cross-Orphan Center:

From the guidance of my friends in Vietnam, I paid my first visit to “Danang Red Cross Association-The Orphan Center.”  This center used to be supported by the American Adoption Agencies.  As the relationship between the government of U.S. and Vietnam deteriorated on the adoption issues, this center was mostly abandoned by the agencies and left with a small funding from the Red Cross.

The children at this center are mostly severely handicapped and/or affected by illnesses and therefore were left unwanted by potential adopted parents.  Some children are in their teenage years yet have never left their crib.  The child in this below picture is ten years-old.  He is blind and could not walk.  He has a certain illness that causes his stomach to be really big, but his legs are bared bone.  He is as big as a four year-old child.

There are thirteen children that are bedridden like this child.  The director told me that some  were affected by Agent Orange.  I visited each of the children, and thought of my granddaughter back home.  I thought of all of the love and attention that she receives every day and felt sad for the children.  Most people will not know his name or remember his face.  He is not a cute, chubby, bubbly, or talkative and not a baby anymore.  What is the chance for him to be touched, loved, and hugged by an adoptive parents or anyone?  In fact, when I slightly touched his hand (which was wrapped in a piece of cloth, because he constantly scratched his eyes with it), he seemed to be scared until I spoke to him softly.

The child at the bottom in the below picture is seven years-old.  Her head is abnormally big because of a rare neurological disease.  The child next to her is four years-old.  She also suffers a neurological disease that caused her body to bend like a shrimp.

The Director told me that she was left at the hospital where she was born.  Her parents, who live in the countryside, used to come and visited her when she was little.  They stopped coming a few years ago.  May be they have other children and have gone on with their life.  Or may be they could not afford the visits anymore.  Whatever the reasons, the child did not choose to be born and abandoned this way.  Again, I thought of my grandchild, and my heart sank.

To the right is a happy child, though.  I could not hold my tears when I saw her smiling face.

There are seven other children with Down syndrome.  One girl, who was born with one ear missing and has no speech.  She kept following me everywhere and wanted to be hugged. Her face was slightly defected, but she kept smiling.   She would not let go of my hands when I was leaving.

We brought milk, treats, foods, and supplies of approximately VDN$9,000,000 or US$430 for The Orphan Center.  The Director of the Center was very appreciative of our help.  This was our second time helping the center.  My friends brought supplies and treats on behalf of ATG in March.

Uu Dam (Hue)

My friend and I left Danang for Hue around 5 am the next day to avoid the heat.  We contacted PT, the nun who is the director of the Center and met up with her and the older children at Co-op Mart to shop for the foods and supplies for the center.  After spent almost two hours at the market, we drove the car filled with foods and supplies back to Uu Dam.

The center has finished with the library and filled it up with the books purchased with the fund from ATG last year.  The center still has around forty children.  I am happy to see the baby boy who was only eight months when I first met him.  He is now a healthy five-year old boy.

I also learned that the center now has 4 children who have completed high school and will compete for entrance to University this year.  XT and TX, the twin girls, are now in their second year in University.  They go to the University during the day and come back to the center to live and be the big sisters for the younger children.  The center now has 3 younger children ages 4, 3, and 2 years-old.   Besides food and supplies, we have helped Uu Dam with funds for tuition and books.  Every year when I come back, I look forward to see the progress that the center has made and the impact of our help.  I was so happy that I was able to see the baby boy who was eight months and the twins, the youngest and oldest children of the center when I first met them.  They represent the progress and the impact that ATG has made to this orphanage.  I felt encouraged and joyful when I looked at the boy’s eyes.  PT really does a good job of raising these children.

We bought foods, treats, and supplies for Uu Dam in a total of VND$9,861,700 or USD$473.  We also gave the cooks and other poor helpers of the center  USD$50 to encourage them to continue to help PT and the children.

 

 

 

Center for Disabled Children Hoa Khanh

We visited this center in the past.  Like the Red Cross Orphan center, this one used to be sponsored by the American adoption agencies.  Once the adoption from America stopped, so was the funding.  The center has several severely handicapped children (about 30) and a few mentally challenged young adults who need a lot of support on their daily lives.  The center heavily relies on assistance from volunteers and private donors/charitable foundations like us.  Most of the children without disabilities were able to be adopted by foreign and Vietnamese parents.  However, the children with severe disabilities were not adopted by anyone.  In fact, the nuns told me that some of the physically challenged children had parents to begin with, but they were ultimately abandoned by their own parents for lack of economical means.

These two children, though alert at times, were born without the ability to walk.

This one could not either.

This seventeen year-old boy, who has been in the center since he was seven, has severe epilepsy.

So does this one…

Too many for me to remember their names….

This baby was born blind and without one hand.

Will he ever be able to see and feel the touch of a loving parent?

We spent VND$15,106,000 ($725) on food and supplies for this center.

Thanh Tam Center for Disabled Children

This place has about 70 children, half of which came from poor families, but they get to go home to their parents at night.  Most of the children were born without the ability to hear or speak, thus the school teaches them sign language.  Some children were born with Down Syndrome.

 

For some reason, Danang has many children who were born with neurological birth defects.  These children cannot walk.  Some have severe epilepsy problems. Some also could not even talk or hear.   Their families were not well-to-do to begin with, ultimately forced to abandon the children to the center because they could no longer afford the costs to care for the children.  The center, headed by a Catholic nun, aims at providing them with special education that enable these children to follow academic programs as much as they can.  However, most of the children who stay in the center were not able to pass the middle school or high school graduating exam, thus the center has been looking for the alternative vocational careers so that these children may be able to find the way to make their own living once they reach adult age.  The center received some funding from the Catholic Diocese.  However, because of the special needs for these children, the center has to hire a lot of caregivers to look after them. Thus, our support came in handy.

We purchased VND$10, 233,000 (USD$491) of foods and supplies for the center.

SPC-Danang

I contacted the Danang center for the Street children and learned that the children were allowed to visit with their relatives during the second and third week of June, thus we could not visit with them.  Since I have to go back to the US, I left USD$300 for my friends to purchase foods and supplies for these children.

On the long flight back to Dallas, I remember the voice of the child that sat next to me on the last trip to Vietnam who asked her Mom what did an orphan look like.  I could not help but felt very sad that most of the orphans I saw on this trip could not function normally like the children of Uu Dam or Son Ca orphanages.  Being without parents and/or without the appropriate economic means are difficult enough for anyone.  However, the orphans with disabilities will have even lesser chance to be loved and cared for by the adopted parents or other guardians.  They will have a lot less chance to have an independent lifestyle as they become adults.  Their journeys in life will be difficult, if not short.   I am glad that ATG could lend a hand to provide them with the much needed support on their journeys.  We hope to be there along the way to ease their pains.  I am also very glad to have friends in Vietnam likes HP to help me with transportations and deliveries of the goods to the orphanages on this trip.

To support ATG’s orphanage aid program and make a donation, visit our Donate Page.

Dallas Morning News: Nonprofit helps orphanages, awards scholarships

Aileen Nguyen of Dallas visits an orphanage in Vietnam that is helped by ATG, a Dallas nonprofit founded by her daughter 
Tammy Nguyen Lee of Dallas.

by Deborah Fleck

dfleck@dallasnews.com

Published: 27 June 2012 10:57 PM

Against the Grain does more than produce films about the Asian-American community. Founded by Tammy Nguyen Lee of Dallas in 2006, the organization is also a nonprofit that uses media projects to raise funds for international orphanages. And last year, ATG added scholarships to support Asian-Americans.

A first-generation Vietnamese-American, Lee has long held an interest in orphans. In 2009, she made the documentary Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam.

Donations to ATG provide food and medical supplies to needy orphanages in Vietnam. ATG has volunteers in the country who distribute aid on a quarterly basis.

Lee’s mother, Aileen Nguyen of Dallas, just returned from her annual summer trip to the country. While there, she distributed nearly $2,500 in aid and supplies on behalf of ATG. This year alone, ATG plans to give $13,600 to orphanages.

ATG is also reaching out to help orphans in Thailand for the first time, with plans to expand to other Asian countries.

Back in the States, ATG just awarded $7,000 in scholarships. U.S. Olympian Rebekah Kim of Fullerton, Calif., received the 2012 ATG Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship. The 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship went to Thoa Nguyen of Arlington and Britt Espinosa of Kingston, Wash.

To learn more, visit againstthegrainproductions.com.

Click here to see the original article online.

ATG Brings Together Asian American Leaders for Inaugural Groundbreakers Speak Panel Discussion

 

DALLAS, TX – For the first time, Dallas-based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions brings together influential and successful Asian American leaders to host an engaging and educational event called Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation with Asian American Movers & Shakers. The panel is comprised of dynamic and influential industry leaders who will speak on their inspiring path to success. The family-friendly event will take place from 2-4 pm at the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas, TX on Saturday, July 28th. In addition to the panel, event guests will get an opportunity to enjoy Asian art, champagne, coffee and dessert.

The 2012 Groundbreakers Speak panel includes leaders from areas of business, law, medicine, sports, fashion, the arts and philanthropy.  They include NASCAR/Formula One Racer Nur Ali, U.S. Olympian Rebekah Kim,  judge and activist Ramey Ko, plastic surgeon/entrepreneur Dr. Sam Lam, marketing executive Sunna Lee,  fashion designer Khanh Nguyen and filmmaker Patrick Wang. The panel will be moderated by ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee.

Admission to Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation with Asian American Movers & Shakers ranges from $10-15 and can be purchased online at www.againstthegrainproductions.com/events.

The “Groundbreakers Speak” Panelists:


Nur Ali

“I am honored to be part of the first Groundbreakers event, highlighting Asian-American Movers and Shakers in the community. I look forward to the panel’s conversation and their insight.”

Nur Ali grew up in Germany surrounded by Formula One Racing. Ali developed his passion for racing at a very young age. Through his fourteen year career, Ali has amassed two Championships in the Southwest Formula Mazda Regional Series and a second place finish in the Legends Series. He has also raced in twelve countries for the A1 Grand Prix Series – The World Cup of Motorsport, with a top ten finish in Durban, South Africa. By 2011, he received his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series license and later on in 2012, Ali was sanctioned and licensed by the NASCAR Nationwide Series and hopes to make his debut in the current season.

Rebekah Kim

“I feel extremely honored and excited to be attending ATG’s very first “Groundbreakers Speak” event.  I’ve been impressed by reading about all of the things ATG has been doing for the Asian American community, and I am hoping that I can be a positive addition in supporting their vision and purpose.”

Rebekah “Becky” Kim is currently attending the University of Southern California pursuing a M.A. in Teaching. In 2004, she she led Ohio State’s Synchronized Swimming Team to win a National Collegiate Championship, winning gold in all three events (duet, trio, team).  The eight-time national team member helped the U.S. win gold at the 2006 World Trophy Cup in Moscow, Russia, which marked the first victory over the Russians who have been reigning champions for the past ten years. In the following year, Rebekah participated in the 2007 Pan Americans Games, where the U.S. finished gold, securing their spot in the 2008 Olympic games.  She is the first Korean American to have ever made the U.S. Olympic Synchronized Swimming team. Kim made her Olympic debut in Beijing, 2008 where the U.S. placed fifth. Following the Olympic games, she returned back to OSU to complete her schooling where she led the team, as team captain, to win another National Championship in 2009.  That same year she was named Athlete of the Year.

Currently, Kim gives back to the sport by raising and coaching the next generation of synchronized swimmers.  She is involved in the governing body of USA Synchro. She was selected as the United States Olympic Committee Athlete Advisory Council Representative, where she was one of five officials who selected members of team USA for the 2012 London Olympic Games.  To help her community, she partners with the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG), is a speaker for Ready, Set, Gold! (RSG!) and serves on the leadership team at Sarang Community Church in Anaheim .  Kim is the winner of the 2012 Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship.

Ramey Ko

“I am honored and humbled to be included in the very first leadership event organized by Against the Grain.  As the U.S. Census and numerous recent polls, studies, and news reports have indicated, Asian Americans are now the fastest growing racial group in America. We have also achieved unprecedented levels of success, whether it’s the groundbreaking appointment of three AAPIs to President Obama’s cabinet, the more than doubling of the number of AAPI federal judges since 2009, or the increasing visibility of Asian Americans in entertainment and arts from Hollywood to YouTube.  With new opportunities also come new responsibilities, so it is more critical than ever that Asian Americans rise to the challenge of becoming the leaders, the innovators, and the agents of change in a diverse and changing America.”

Ramey Ko is a partner with Jung Wakefield PLLC, an immigration and business law firm, and an Associate Municipal Judge – the first Asian American judge in Austin. Ko is also an adjunct lecturer in Asian American Studies at the University of Texas and serves on the Austin Public Safety Commission and the Advisory Board of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.  In September 2010, President Barack Obama appointed him to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, which advises federal agencies on how to better serve the AAPI community.

Dr. Sam Lam

“I am honored to be part of this distinguished group of Asian community leaders and hope to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, movers, and shakers.”

Dr. Sam Lam graduated from Princeton. He is an entrepreneur, triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon and author of 6 major medical textbooks and over 150 scientific articles and book chapters. Dr. Lam lectures nationally and internationally throughout the year and has given over 150 lectures to date.  He is national course director for a Hair Transplant Workshop in St. Louis each year as well. He is the current owner and operator of the 27,000 square-foot Willow Bend Wellness Center in Plano that houses his other two businesses, The Spa at Willow Bend and the Jose Eber Salon. Dr. Lam’s newest venture is a skincare line named Ova that features plant-derived stem cells and has taken him two years to develop.

Sunna Lee

“I am thrilled and honored to be part of ATG’s first leadership forum as this speaks to which I am most passionate. The need for promoting, developing leadership among the Asian community is what drove me to create the Sunna Lee Leadership scholarship.  We need to understand what this means today and in the future for all generations to come. Leveraging the talent, intelligence and vision of Asians to drive strategic thinking, innovations, creativity that change the way we live is the ultimate step in assimilation to American society where the focus is not in rebuilding a life here but influencing other lives. Leadership comes in various ways.  I am very excited to hear others’ perspective and most importantly, to create a meaningful dialogue that will build a foundation for years to come.”

Sunna Lee is a first generation Korean American with 25 years as an executive in product development, which includes trends, design, marketing and sourcing for brands and retailers small to large, private and publicly traded companies with $7 million to $2.5 billion in revenues. She has served as Vice President of Marketing for Priss Prints and NoJo, Vice President of New Business Development for Crown Crafts Infant Products, Vice President of Merchandising for Riegel, Director of Fashion for Dorel Juvenile Group and currently the Director of Product Development for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. At Cracker Barrel, she leads the women’s group, Woman’s Connect, as a member of the steering committee to develop future women leaders of the organization.

Khanh Nguyen

“I am honored to be a part of Groundbreakers Speak for its first year. It is a great opportunity to voice what I have learned throughout my years in the industry and to learn what others have experienced as well. Everyday, we are thankful to be asked to be a part of such great events and to help make aware to the community all the organizations out there that make a difference.”

Khanh Nguyen has been surrounded by fashion and art throughout her life.  Nha Khanh’s designs focus on modern glamour, inspired by art, architecture and most importantly, nature. “Nha,” in Vietnamese, is a feminine word implying ‘light’, whereas “Khanh” is a masculine word, meaning celebration. The fusion of the words creates a balance of unison between what is feminine and what is masculine. Nguyen attended the University of North Texas and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Fashion Design. During her education, Khanh’s most notable recognition was the “Top Achievement Award at the Dallas Career Day Design Competition,” allowing her the opportunity to embark on an internship in Paris, France. Upon her return to Dallas, Nguyen started her own fashion firm, Nha Khanh. The company was officially established in January 2010. Design and production of the line are all based in Dallas, Texas, while the sales, marketing and public relations of the collection are based in New York City.

Patrick Wang

“I’m very much looking forward to the conversation that will come out of such a diverse panel. Our individual paths have been unusual and unpredictable, so who can guess where this dialogue will go.”

Patrick Wang is a graduate from MIT with a degree in Economics and a concentration in Music and Theatre Arts. Wang has become a well-known theatre and film director. He recently released his first feature film, In the Family, to critical praise. As an economist, he has studied energy policy, game theory, and income inequality at the Federal Reserve Bank, the Harvard School for Public Health and other organizations. As a theatre director, he has specialized in classical verse drama (world premiere of Diane Arnson Svarlien’s translation of Medea) and new works (Surviving the Nian, Jonathan Larson Award).

Tammy Nguyen Lee

“This is the first time ATG has hosted a speakers panel for the sole purpose of community outreach and education. Bringing together Asian American leaders of this caliber and diversity from all over the country to come to Dallas to share their experiences, perspective and insights is a rare opportunity. They are all groundbreakers in their own right and have amazing stories to share. We can learn so much from them and walk away inspired by what we can achieve as a community. ATG is also so excited to partner with the wonderful team at the Crow Collection of Art to give a beautiful backdrop to our event.”

Tammy Nguyen Lee is a passionate producer, filmmaker and actor who founded ATG with her family as a result of her own experience as an American actor and filmmaker, fueled by the determination to give other Asian Americans a creative outlet, while raising awareness for Asian American issues and aid for worthy causes. Nguyen Lee graduated with a B.A. in Cinema from Southern Methodist University and earned a M.F.A. from the elite UCLA Producer’s Program. She produced/directed her first feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, an independent passion project that took nearly 5 years to produce and won the Audience Choice Award at the 2009 Vietnamese International Film Festival and Philadelphia Asian Film Festival. She has worked extensively in film/television production and has overseen the development and marketing of a heavy slate of non-fiction television series and documentary programs for major cable networks. In 2010, she was honored with SMU’s prestigious Distinguished Alumni Emerging Leader Award. Now, as a new mom, Nguyen Lee’s focus is on her family, growing ATG and continuing to work as an actor, film/television producer and development consultant.

ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing films, media, programs and events that promote awareness and unity of Asian American culture, artistry and identity. Signature events are Cocktails for a Cause and Fashion for a Passion, as well as the Artistic Scholarship fund. Their premiere documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, has received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.

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2012 Fashion for Passion Designer Line-up Announced

DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions will host their 4th annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, a fundraiser that brings together the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers, artists and musicicans. The event will take place at the Dallas Contemporary Museum in the Dallas Design District from 6:30 pm – 10 pm on Saturday, October 13th.

This year’s line-up of seven designers includes Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Joanne Hong of JOLYNN,  Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh, Jerry Matthews, Danh Ta and NYC based textile designer Sophia Wu. In addition to getting a first look at some of the designers’ latest creations, audience members will also get to bid on select pieces that will be on live auction. The funds raised go toward ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, community outreach programs and scholarships.

President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee is excited to announce this stellar group. “Each year gets better, and this year is no exception. We are proud to bring together another talented bunch of designers who are not only passionate about their craft but also in giving back to the community. This speaks volumes for what this event has become – it’s not only a showcase for incredible work, but also an opportunity to make a difference. We are also so thrilled to get to share this experience at the Dallas Contemporary, which is a perfect backdrop.”

 

Lizzi Cook (formerly Lizzi Tran) is the young fashion designer behind Lizzi London. Born in Vietnam as the third youngest child of eight children, she was later raised in London, England. Cook said, “I am truly honored…to showcase once again at FFAP as a fashion designer. I believe in life that it is essential to always give back to the community. A reminder of what it is important in life as we individuals sometimes get so caught up with our daily routines, we forget to appreciate what truly matters. To understand and know your past helps you determine where you want to go with your future.” She was inspired by her parents and the struggles they face. Cook continued, “I hope to inspire others to do what they love and never give up there dreams. It’s a truly rewarding feeling to be able to help others, and to see smiles on people’s faces is to know you can make a change in the world.”

Another returning designer is Hanh Dang who created the label Lucy Dang.  Said Dang, “I have always wanted to be part of an organization that does this much good, and I am glad this year I can still contribute to FFAP. Returning feels full circle, our label had an amazing year since the debut, and I wanted to continue giving because we have been so blessed. As independent artists, we might not make such a big impact; coming together, we are bigger than the sum of our parts.”

2011 FFAP Presenting Designers

Dallas design star Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh has participated in Fashion for a Passion since the event’s inception and credits it for being a launchpad for her skyrocketing career. A graduate of UNT who trained in Paris under iconic fashion masters, Nguyen has become a FFAP success story. Her collection was recently featured at Stanley Korshak and her designs have graced the figures of Hollywood celebrities such as Brooklyn Decker, Giuliana Ranic and Kim Kardashian. Said Nguyen, “It is an honor to be a part of Fashion for a Passion once again this year. It’s an amazing event to participate in with other creative minds within the industry.” 

This year’s event will also showcase the talents of new designers. Jerry Matthews is a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Dallas. Said Matthews, “I always try to help others in need whenever possible, and through FFAP, I’m able to do what I love while donating to such a great cause. Through being involved with this specific charity event, it’s opened my mind to the possibilities of how people can come together to show support. If I could help make people more aware of Asian talent and this particular world issue, then I think I have made good use of my voice as an Asian American designer.”

Taiwanese designer Joanne Hong of JOLYNN will be the first FFAP Presenting Designer to also present a children’s wear collection. Originally from Stillwater, Oklahoma, Hong said, “I’m so honored to be involved in FFAP.  To be able to share my passion while helping out others in need is one of the most gratifying feelings to me. By participating in this event, I hope to inspire and motivate others to follow their dreams and to open their eyes to the amazing world of fashion.”

Danh Ta is another designer new to the FFAP event. Born in Thailand and another graduate of the Art Institute of Dallas, Ta said, “It’s an honor to be a Presenting Designer for FFAP, because I have the opportunity to showcase my talent with a charity that’s making a difference. The idea of helping one another with our passion to reach a common goal is inspiring. I hope to establish a name for myself as a prominent designer.”

New York based designer Sophia Wu rounds out the line-up with a unique perspective and experience in textiles. Said Wu, “ATG not only provides a platform for new artists and designers, it gives us an opportunity to be aware of events happening around the world today, such as what is going on with orphanages in Asia.  I’m grateful to be able to invest my time and energy to support this fundraising, and I hope that through this event we can encourage more people to recognize the problem of lost kids around the world.”

Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and will be on sale online starting early September at the FFAP Event Page. 

For more press/media information on the event, please contact pr@againstthegrainproductions.com. For sponsorship information, please contact fundraising@againstthegrainproductions.com or download the 2012 ATG Sponsorship Packet (PDF)

2012 Fashion for a Passion Presenting Designers

 

Lizzi Cook | LIZZI LONDON

Lizzi London Collection

Age: 27

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Where did you study/train:  University Art – London College of Fashion

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:

My childhood passion for abstract art, influence by Salvador Dali and fashion designer John Galliano, led my desire to observe visuals, manipulate materials and mold on bodies as an alternative to blank canvases and flat drawing.

The Lizzi London Spring/Summer 2013 collection continues to explore the vibrancy and seduction of ancient natural form rocks with all of its physical beauty and it’s long lasting influence on civilization leaving an empowerment of foot prints. My design collection features a diversity array of chic ready to wear, cocktail, formal and Avant Guarde. The inspiration of art truly lies within a women’s necessity to accent her beauty from inside and out. From the vivid lines to the easy fluidity of relax silhouettes, this season’s collection is also punctuated with structures: carefully engineered cuts and volumes, dramatic details and texture prints. The color palette of peppermint greens, bold coral salmon with a balance of neutral grey.

How did you go choosing your field:

I always loved art and architecture, later found my inspiration of fashion designs while attending college in Richmond upon Thames in England.

Honors/awards/achievements:

Lizzi graduated from the University of the Fine Arts in London College of Fashion, obtaining a Higher National Diploma in Pattern cutting degree in 2005 at the age of 20. She quickly established a fashion portfolio thereafter in 2003 and eventually secured a highly coveted slot in the 2005 London Fashion week assisting Designer Customer’s Own Property. Her work has been showcased in numerous fashion shows and magazines.

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

“It’s a huge non-profit organization with participation from all different ethnicities and different ages who care to give back to the community and help those in the third world counties who are less fortunate than us. A chance of reflection to realize the important of making a different in the world.”

Hanh Dang | LUCY DANG

Lucy Dang Collection

Age: 29

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Where did you study/train: BFA from University of North Texas; worked in New York City at Rebecca Taylor and Nicole Miller

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:  As a brand, we aspire to create designs that embody a woman’s inner loveliness as well as her outer lovely appearance. Our hope is that our clothes inspire women to live in loveliness each and everyday of their lives. Lucy Dang can be best described at times as beautiful, light-hearted, whimsical even, but when worn only one word remains, lovely.

How did you go choosing your field:  After earning a degree in fashion at the University of North Texas, I embarked on a career in the fashion industry and trained at various notable clothing companies and establishments in New York, such as Rebecca Taylor, Kai Kuhne and Nicole Miller. In the spring of 2011, I retraced my steps back to Texas to start my own company.

Honors/awards/achievements:

Fashion Group International Houston February 2008 (2nd place in Evening Wear), Texas Natural Fibers Dallas April 2007 (Best of Show at Dallas Career Day), F.G.I. Project Career Day Houston February 2007 (1st place for RTW Collection)

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

“In order to make a difference in this world, one must be willing to go against the flow of what everyone else is doing. Going against the grain means leading a new direction and following your own convictions.  Here at Lucy Dang, we don’t go with the grain, we like to cut on the bias.”

Joanne Hong | JOLYNN

Joanne Hong Collection

Age: 28

Ethnicity: Taiwanese

Where did you study/train: Oklahoma State University

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:

JOLYNN by Joanne Hong is a line that is feminine, romantic, and sophisticated.  The collection can be worn either as a staple or a statement piece.  In Jolynn, a woman can go from office, to events, to nightlife feeling confident and looking effortlessly chic. My inspiration is NYC. From the fashion I see walking around the city to the fabrics and textures I see in the fabric stores.  All the energy and excitement of the city inspires me to design and create beautiful clothes for women all around the world to wear.

How did you go choosing your field:

I didn’t always know that I wanted to be in fashion. When I first started college, I thought it would be fun to be a buyer, because I loved shopping.  But when I would shop, there would always be something missing or a detail that I wanted to change on the garment. I soon decided that it would be more interesting to actually design and create the clothes.  When I took my first sewing class, everything fell into place.

Honors/awards/achievements:

Picked as 1 of 16 emerging designers to showcase their line at Launch Pad at WWDMagic in Las Vegas Feb 2012. Blog on ElleGirl.com: Behind the Seams following my life as an emerging designer.

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

“Going against the grain means that we are standing up to fight against hunger and other needs all over the world. It only takes one small step in the right direction to make a big difference in someone’s life.”

Jerry Matthews

Jerry Matthews Collection

Age: 21

Ethnicity: Filipino/Caucasian

Where did you study/train: Art Institute of Dallas

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:

I always design with simplicity and luxury in mind. I tend to always think “the highest form of complexity is the severest form of simplicity.”

How did you go about choosing this field:

I’ve always wanted to be involved in designing since I was a child, I was inspired my fashionable mother at a early age. I would always go shopping with her when my family was based in Tokyo.

Honors/awards/achievements:

1st place winner (2008 National Art institute of Dallas’ fashion design scholarship competition), 2012 Art institute of Dallas’ Outstanding Graduate in Fashion Design Award

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

“For me, going against the grain means to pursue your dreams and what you feel is right instead of pursuing what’s expected of you.”

Khanh Nguyen | NHA KHANH

Nha Khanh Collection

Age: 31

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Where did you study/train:

University of North Texas, haute couture techniques under Nina Ricci, draping methods of Madame Gres, millinery skills from Jean Paul Gaultier and crafting of handbags and accessories from Anne Valerie Hash

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration: 

Fashion is a form of art in term of self-expression.  Everything I design, from the intricate details to the finished garment, tells a story.  I want my designs to bring out the joy and femininity of a woman.  I design to uplift their spirit and allow them to dream and escape.  The concept of opposites attract is simple and creates a balance of unison. Nha is a feminine word meaning light and delightful while Khanh is more masculine meaning success and victory. Fuse those words together, and both worlds collide leaving behind the perfect semblance of harmony. That is the foundation for the Nha Khanh label.

How did you go choosing your field:

Born in Vietnam and raised in Texas, I am a third generation fashion designer who grew up surrounded by art and fashion.  Having a father as a talented artist and a mother that was a former bridal designer, creativity and art was encouraged throughout my life.  At the age of 5, I became fascinated with apparel and started making dresses for my dolls, thus learning and picking up the design process early on.

Honors/awards/achievements:

Most Creative Designer Award at the UNT ArtWear Fashion Design Competition, 1st PLACE for Best of Show of FGI of Houston Career Day Design Competition and the coveted, Top Achievement Award for Fashion Group International of Dallas Career Day Design Competition, named “Style Setter You Need to Know” (D Magazine 2009)

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you? 

“Against The Grain Productions not only allowed me to connect with my native country, but it also helped me to realize the importance of charity work. I loved the experience, the effort and the energy that everyone puts in to make the show happen.”

Danh Ta

Danh Ta Collection

Age: 28

Ethnicity: Vietnamese born in Thailand

Where did you study/train: The Art Institute of Dallas

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:

Sensuous and chic / Self-confidence, simplicity , bold and always stay true to yourself / A modern women looking for subtlety and elegance in her everyday appearance.

How did you get into this field? 

I grew up watching my father paint in my mother’s tailor shop. Everything sort of fell into place after that.

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

“ATG is a platform for Asian Americans that want to achieve their dreams no matter where they come from. The idea of an organization that wants to help the community grow and support gifted individuals is impressive. I’m honored to be part of this event and looking forward to the 13th.”

 

Sophia Wu

Sophia Wu Textile Designer

Age: 28

Ethnicity: Taiwanese

Where did you study/train: Moore College of Art and Design (Philadelphia, PA)

Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:

I like to explore the relationship between the masculine and the feminine and bring in abundance of texture, color and experimental prints onto the silhouette. My inspirations include but are not limited to: nature, architecture, gospel, Matisse and the spirit of Marcel Duchamp.

How did you go choosing your field: 

I’m always passionate for fashion and to extend my love for  painting. I chose print design as my minor focus in college. Therefore, instead of seeing artwork in the gallery, they are transformed onto human bodies in everyday life.

Honors/awards/achievements:

After graduating from college with a major in Fashion Design and minor in Textile, I started working as a Textile Designer. Within 4 years, I worked my way up to a senior textile design position at Ali Ro, a contemporary dress line company based in New York.

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

“ATG not only provides a platform for new artists and designers, it gives us an opportunity to be aware of events happening around the world today, such as what is going on with orphanages in Asia. My heart goes out to these poor kids, so I’m grateful to be able to invest my time and energy to support this fundraising and help out these children in Vietnam and Thailand.”

Going Against The Grain: Thoa Nguyen (2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner)

 

2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner Thoa Nguyen

18 year-old Thoa Nguyen was born in Hue, Vietnam.  In 1996, her family (including herself, her parents and older sister) immigrated to America when she was three years-old. After living in Arkansas with her grandparents for six months, the family moved to Arlington, Texas. The family experienced culture shock, but the opportunity to pursue the American Dream was a dream come true.

Although the language barrier was initially an issue, school quickly became one of Thoa’s strengths. She challenged herself, taking advanced classes whenever possible, as well as courses that interested her artistically. After stints in choir, band and theatre, she found her passion for studio art.  She served as Vice President and then President of her school’s National Art Honor Society, Vice President of the National Honor Society, Historian of the Drama Club, was a Project SOAR mentor and part of the International Thespian Society, Environmental Club and Future Business Leaders of America. She recently graduated from Juan Seguin High School ranked number three in her class. Thoa plans to study Radio/Television/Film as well as Studio Art at the University of Texas at Austin.

Full name:

Thoa Thi Kim Nguyen

Hometown:

Born in Hue, Vietnam but I consider my ” hometown” to be Arlington, Texas

Current City:

Arlington, TX

Ethnicity:

Vietnamese

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

To me, ‘going against the grain’ is synonymous to swimming against a current, doing what your heart tells you to do, despite what is expected. By pushing yourself to reach your goals no matter the circumstances or resistance, you are going against that opposing force. We would not be where we are now if minorities throughout history had not conformed and sparked revolutions. Like they say, ‘if there’s a will, there’s a way,’ even against the grain.

How do you go against the grain?

I believe that the most important characteristic to be able to go against the grain would be courage. It takes a lot of courage to STAND UP for your ideals when everyone else is sitting. I’d also have to say that it has taken me my entire life so far to earn that courage. I go against the grain by putting full faith and spirit into what I have realized I want to do for the rest of my life: incorporate my art with my love for film(making). Any person with traditional Asian parents can agree that they want the best for their children’s futures, which means they expect us to be in high paying career like medical or engineering fields. Having come from an immigrant family, I was expected to earn outstanding grades, then pack my bags for medical school. To my parents dismay, I had no interest in such fields… I had my heart set on being an art director for film. Although it may not seem like much, it took me my entire life to figure that out. To stand behind what I was passionate about, even if it was not what was expected of me. To have courage.

 

On the importance of art to a community: (excerpted from scholarship essay)

“If there were a few imperishable and infinite things in this world, art would be one of them. Art takes so many forms and is perceived by so many perspectives that it can never be nonexistent.  Lucky for us, as human beings, we need it in our world to survive. It is a wonder that something that can be seen as trivial and even unnecessary and impractical, is so embedded into ourselves, we almost forget it is there, if it were not for the people who express it so well. Art is soul, and life, and presence, and void. It is what adds color to our world, our community, and our being.”

What made you decide to pursue a career in film (art direction)?
Film production has always been interesting to me, and I believe that you should pursue a field that provokes your curiosity and interest for it. And with my art skills and creativity as a precursor, I want to associate that with film production to be an art director for film.

 

What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
It is not a common field for an Asian American (especially an Asian American with traditional parents) to pursue, so the toughest challenge is proving myself based on my passion and skill, not my race, to every one else. Something that I’ve learned is to do what suits me, no matter what any one else says, and do it well to the best of my ability, because it does reflect on my culture and where I come from.

 

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
My greatest accomplishment would probably be making it in my graduating class’ Top 2 % and being ranked number three. I know how proud that makes my parents and that all the hard work I have put into my studies for the past four years in high school was with that goal in mind.

 

What’s up next?
The great, scary, life changing experience called ”college” is next for me! I’m so excited to be in a new city, surrounded by the immense creative atmosphere that UT will offer me!

 

Quote to live by:
”It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” – Albert Einstein

 

Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Rooster/Scorpio

 

Passionate about: All forms of visual arts; learning

 

Favorite food: Barbecue chicken!

 

Can’t live without: My best friend and future roomate, Alexa Harrington

 

What it means to you to be named the 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner:  
“It means the most to me spiritually. It’s a sign of reassurance that what I am doing will be worth it in the end, because someone out there believes in me.”

 

To read more about Thoa, visit the  2012 ATG Scholarship Finalist Announcement.

Going Against The Grain: Britt Espinosa (2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner)


2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner Britt Espinosa
Britt Espinosa graduates this June after being homeschooled with a variety of academic courses through public school, online, community private courses and self-directed learning.  His community service and leadership experience includes a month long service trip to South Africa with Global Expeditions, Food packaging and shipping (Children of the Nations), Sharenet Christmas Shop volunteer, Small Group Leader and Kairos Youth Group Leadership Team.  Britt is an Awana Citation Award winner after serving for 10 years with Awana International.

Britt studied classical piano for 10 years and had formal voice training for 2.5 years. He quickly discovered he loved music and found himself on various musical groups singing and playing; not only piano, but also guitar, bass, and the occasional drums.  Britt is actively involved in leading a musical ministry team, teaching younger and newer musicians.  He has received multiple artistic awards, including Superior Ranking in Male Vocal Solo and Superior Ranking in Christian Band.   In the past two years, Britt has performed and toured regionally throughout the West Coast with his band, The Exchange, playing about 100 events during that time.   Whether it is through singing with fellow team workers in South Africa, performing for youth on stage or leading a team of young musicians, Britt values the power of music.  “When words fail, music speaks. – Hans Christian Anderson  Britt will attend Northwest University this coming fall, with his anticipated major being Music Business Management and Performance.

Full name:

Britt Larson Espinosa

Hometown/Current City:

Kingston, Washington

Ethnicity:

Filipino/Caucasian

What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?

To me ‘going against the grain’ means having the discipline and drive to pursue a dream in the midst of hardship, stigma, and setbacks. Discipline includes dedication to education, working when you don’t think you can go anymore, and having foresight. Having a ‘drive to pursue’ means to make the most out of every opportunity, and to also hold onto to the dream when things are slow and require patience.

How do you go against the grain?

I live to pursue and accomplish. When I set my sights on a goal, I will do everything to accomplish that goal. I go against the grain because I know that education, foresight and patience are essential to success.

On the importance of art to a community: (excerpted from scholarship essay)

“A man named Thomas Merton once said, ‘Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.’ Art plays a huge role in culture, community, relationships and everyday life. In my opinion, a society without art is a society that has no identity or soul. Art is an expression of the soul, like Thomas Merton said, it pushes us to ‘find ourselves’ and lose ourselves’…Art affects much of our culture and the way we identify with our culture.  From branding to movies, art is the aspect that our souls react and respond to. Art is important in our society and community because it gives meaning, purpose and identity to individuals and groups. Without art, the world would be a bland place, full of people without an identity and without the desire to find one.”

What made you decide to pursue a degree in music/music management?

I’ve always loved music, and musical performance. I started the band, The Exchange,  in 2010.  Over the next two years, we went on to perform almost 100 events, playing shows, youth camps and conferences throughout the West Coast. As we gained more experience and play time, I started to fill the role of managing the business and road management aspects of the band. Through this and also my years of leading young musicians on a musical team, I came to find that I greatly enjoyed and was challenged by the business aspects of leading a band/team.  I want to sharpen my skills as an artist in my college years.  Additionally, I believe an artist can be much more effective and influential if combined with skills of leadership and management expertise.  A possible outcome of my combined education would be to become an artist developer and manager.

What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?

As an Asian American, I have always been aware of the undercurrent that exists, that I may not be given the “benefit of the doubt” as to my abilities or education.  Sometime during my middle school years, I read a book entitled Do Hard Things – A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.  I came to realize I may not be able to change people’s initial perceptions about me based on their first impression. However, if I personally pursue excellence and not make excuses, in the end, I would become the best I could be and would eventually earn the trust and confidence of those I am working with.  Serving overseas in South Africa as well as through the various countries that I have traveled has also allowed me to apply this same principle of acceptance and openness to others, no matter what culture I may find myself in.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?

While I could initially say it could be my band, grade point average or even my overseas service project, as I truly reflect on a personal accomplishment, I would say it would be completing 10 years of classical piano training. This is my biggest accomplishment, not because of the years or even the hours of practice, but because there were several times I wanted to quit.  During my 8th and 9th year of piano lessons, I doubted whether sticking with piano was even worth it. What kept me going was simply my personal discipline and knowing that even though it was not always easy or enjoyable, I wanted to finish strong with my piano training.  Now, looking back, I can see how my piano training has opened so many doors and possibilities, even allowing me to learn other instruments more quickly.  I learned perseverance.  I learned that hard work can pay off and that reaching for excellence, even when there is no motivation, is truly the most rewarding after all.

What’s up next?

I will be attending Northwest University, where I will be working towards obtaining a degree in Music Business Management and Performance.  I also plan to continue touring with my band, The Exchange.  Recently, I was asked to be in Northwest University’s choir called Choralons.  This is an innovative choir comprised of 110 vocalists and a 7 piece rhythm section, of which I will be the piano player.

Quote to live by:

“He is no fool who gives, what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot

Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Rooster/Capricorn

Passionate about: Music, Jesus Christ and Rock-n-roll!

Favorite food: Lumpia

Can’t live without: Listening and playing music on a daily basis

What does it mean to you to be named the 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner?

I feel incredibly honored to be chosen out of all the very impressive entries and participants! It humbles me to see so many young people like myself making beautiful art and giving back to the community. To be chosen out of this group is a very great honor!

Learn more about Britt in the 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Finalist Announcement.

2012 Cocktails for a Cause Sets Stage for Entertainers and Community to Unite

ATG Team and Entertainers

DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions hosted the return of their charity event Cocktails for a Cause (CFAC) on Wednesday, May 30th at LaGrange in Deep Ellum. Guests enjoyed Asian tapas, drinks, live entertainment, got a chance to win raffle prizes and learn more about ATG’s cause. The fundraiser packed the venue and raised several thousand dollars for the 501(c)(3) organization’s supported orphanages in Asia, outreach programs and scholarship fund.  Guest emcee and local Dallas man about town Sam Liu kept the evening moving along with his unique, golden voice, with energetic performances by up-and-coming Asian American artists Xwansongs (from Houston), hip-hop performer Twisted Optiks and indie pop band Duette.  San Francisco comedian Mark “Zhangster” Zhang stole the stage at the end of the evening with his signature raucous humor.

ATG Founder/President Tammy Nguyen Lee is grateful for the outpouring of community support. “It takes a lot of time, effort and sacrifice from our ATG team of volunteers to put on events like this. We work to promote good, quality entertainment and bring the community together to raise money for a worthy cause. We are so thankful to all the people who continue to come out and support us and the artists. It makes all the effort worthwhile to know that people also appreciate what we do to make a difference.”

Comedian Mark "Zhangster" Zhang

Mark “Zhangster” said, ” The night was filled with tremendous fun energy! It’s a great honor to support ATG, because as artists, we spend so much time working on our craft that sometimes we forget in life there is nothing more important than being loved.”

Xwansongs

Xuan Nguyen of Xwansongs is a veteran performer to the ATG audience. Said Nguyen, “It was wonderful to see people pull together and work to help others in need. The evening was filled with infectious laughter and an overwhelming sense of unity from all of the artists and ATG staff members who rallied together to give back to the community in our own unique ways. We are humbled and blessed to be a part of Cocktails for a Cause.”

 

Twisted Optiks

 

Hip-hop performer Twisted Optiks (aka Ronnie Chea) entertained the audience with his unique musical flavor and improvisational freestyle. Said Chea, “Cocktails for a Cause was certainly an inspiring evening. I had the opportunity to work with various artists and people with hearts to bring both entertainment and awareness to the public. It was an honor to be a part of honor ATG event, where I am able to showcase my talents to bring hope and help others in need.”

Tex Sirisawat, front man of Duette, said, “We think the night went great. It is important to have an opportunity to use art not only as an expression of self, but also as a vehicle for unity and to help those in need. If we continue, and they continue, the cycle will never end.”

Tex Sirisawat of Duette
Emcee Sam Liu

Entrepreneur Sam Liu, who has emceed all three of ATG’s Cocktails for a Cause events, added, ‘It was very exciting to see Asian American talent showcased in Deep Ellum. What an amazing night for an excellent cause!”

All photos of the evening are courtesy of David Loi Photography and can be viewed at the ATG Flickr site.

To read about ATG’s upcoming events, please visit – https://againstthegrainproductions.com/events

ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. In addition to giving out an annual scholarship to exemplary Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts, they also produced the feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, which has screened at over a dozen film festivals nationwide and received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.

 

ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee Speaks at 2012 SMU Meadows Commencement

ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee was honored to be invited to speak at the recent SMU Meadows School of the Arts Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12th and welcome new graduates on behalf of the Meadows Alumni.

Congratulations to all SMU Meadows Graduates and Arts Graduates nationwide! Read or watch Tammy’s welcome remarks below:

Meadows Dean Jose Bowen with ATG President and SMU Alum Tammy Nguyen Lee (B.A.' 00 Film & Media Arts)

Congratulations, Graduates!….yes, I said GRADUATES! Let’s let that sink in for a moment. Feels good, right?

This is a special day, for you, for your friends, for your family. It represents the culmination of three, four, perhaps even five or more years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, long days and nights of  blood, sweat and tears.

Some of you may be the first in your family to follow this path. Some of you may be joining a tradition. Whichever the case, your unique journey lies ahead, and it is YOURS to make and YOURS to take.

This is a day of endings and beginnings. As I think back on what this day meant to me over a decade ago as an aspiring filmmaker, I’m sure many of you are feeling an assortment of emotions — happiness, excitement, relief, nervousness and anticipation. There are few moments in life that are quite like this, so cherish  it.

One of the most important investments you have made in your education here at SMU is the network of people you have met. The relationships you have made will help support and propel you to new heights.  From this day forward, you join the Meadows Alumni Community, an elite group of artists. These are some of the most influential communicators, trendsetters, thought provokers, movers and shakers, leaders.  We are thrilled to have you a part of our family.

I cannot tell you how important this community has become to me. They are your future colleagues, bosses, and team members. Beyond letters of recommendation, from personal experience, I can affirm that they provide you the emotional, intellectual and artistic support that is second only to that of your own family. This is your SMU family that will look out for you, fight for you, share disappointments with you, lift you up and celebrate you.

When you picked up your diploma in the Hope Lobby, you were given a small gift from all Meadows Alumni to you- a holder for business cards.  When you find your calling and put it on a card, you will always have those cards with you.  You can also collect the cards of others who will want to invest in your journey.

Inside are several very important pieces of information on how to stay connected with the school and Meadows Alumni. One is a card with information on creating a legacy SMU email so we can always get in touch with you! Each day, you are creating your legacy. We look forward to hearing from you.

Tammy with SMU Film & Media Arts Professor Carolyn Macartney and Division Chair Sean Griffin

Be proud of being a Meadows alum. Stay in touch with us. Let us know about the accomplishments you’ve achieved. We want to share these milestones with you, celebrate you.  Let us know when you need help.  Our job doesn’t end here. It is to nurture you and make our community even stronger. We are a network available to you and we look forward to being in touch. One day, when you make it big, you will have “people.” Well, from the beginning, for now, and for always, WE are your people.

You have a special message to share, so make sure the world hears you, sees you, feels your spirit. I challenge you. Each and every day,  move closer towards your goals and dreams.  You have studied, you have trained. Practice time is over.  You are now officially a SMU Meadows Alum.

Congratulations, again, GRADUATES! Now, as Dean Bowen commanded you, go start a movement!

Spotlight on ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee in Inaugural SMU MPrint Magazine

Spotlight on Tammy Nguyen Lee (B.A. Film & Media Arts, ’00)

Wanting to positively impact the world, Nguyen Lee directs a nonprofit that promotes education, cultural awareness and Asian American artists. 

by Mary Guthrie

Photo credit: Kim Ritzenhaler

Tammy Nguyen Lee’s life reads like a movie script: When she was just three months old, her mother took her out of war-torn Vietnam to a Hong Kong refugee camp, where they lived for over a year, then moved to the United States. She grew up in Garland, Texas, where she graduated near the top of her class and then accepted a scholarship to SMU. She won the title of Miss Asian American Texas at age 21. Majoring in Cinema (now Film & Media Arts) at SMU, she was a campus leader in the East Asian Student Association and the SMU Asian Council. After graduating in 2000, she earned her M.F.A. from UCLA, where she began work on an award-winning documentary, Operation Babylift. Motivated by the work she could do to positively impact the world, Nguyen Lee created the nonprofit organization Against The Grain, which promotes education, cultural awareness and Asian American artists. She is a television show consultant/producer and the energy behind an annual haute couture fashion show that raises money for orphanages in Asia. She met her husband, George Lee, a West Point graduate, while playing the role of his wife on a photo shoot. In 2010, SMU presented Nguyen Lee with the Emerging Leader Award, given to young alumni who show distinguished service and extraordinary achievement in a particular discipline, organization or cause. Shortly after receiving the award, she and George had their first child, a baby girl they named Gabriella.

MPRINT magazine visited with Tammy recently to catch up on the latest adventures in her life.

Tell us what you’ve been doing since received SMU’s 2010 Emerging Leader Award.

My life has been completely turned upside-down, from being someone who is incredibly organized and had life planned down to the second, to being a first-time parent learning to go with the flow.

One of the biggest lessons about becoming a parent was being able to adapt at a moments notice, because it’s never about you anymore, it’s about someone else. And that’s a good lesson for anyone. In life you should have a vision and a game plan, but be open to reading the winds of change and be able to adapt very quickly. The people who survive the best are the people who can learn to bend when the wind is strong. And the wind was really strong for me last year! [laughs]

Your mother was a big influence in your life. How has she mentored you?

She came to the U.S. [from Saigon, in 1978] in her early twenties, having to completely start over after the war. The family had everything taken away from us because of the Communist regime, and so the only way to have a better life was to leave. We came as boat people.

Coming here to the U.S., she had me [age three months], and then 7½ years later she had my sister. With two children, she worked two to three jobs, regained a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in record time, with honors. In Vietnam she was always at the top of her class, always doing extracurriculars.

She has a huge spirit of wanting more for her family. You see that a lot in first-generation refugees. She taught me that if you want something you have to work really hard for it, you have to be the best at it, you have to be prepared; you have to be willing to hear “no” and be willing to overcome it somehow. She’s always been an incredibly hard worker and overachiever and perfectionist, so I’ve learned a lot of good things from her and acquired a lot of quirks! [laughs]

After producing Operation Babylift, you were moved to create a nonprofit organization called Against The Grain Productions (ATG). What do you see in the future for ATG?

We’ll continue to create films and events to promote awareness and unity of the Asian American culture and identity.

We’re also expanding how much money we can give for scholarships. Last year we gave two $1,000 scholarships. One went to an SMU student, Meadows junior Monika Thao-Ngan Hoang (B.A. Creative Advertising, ‘13); she’s a wonderful girl. The grant helped her buy printing supplies and will help send her to the annual ONE Show ad conference in New York.

Tell us about ATG’s annual Fashion for a Passion event. 

Fashion for a Passion is unconventional. The event raises funds for Asian orphanages, and we do it with designers, musicians, visual artists, singers, anyone who is involved in the arts. The spotlight is on the designers; many are from Dallas and Texas, but some are from New York and Los Angeles. In the past we had Ninh Nguyễn, now in New York, of NINH Collection, and Khanh Nguyễn of Nhã Khanh; Khanh just exploded after her first Fashion for a Passion show. Some of our designers are SMU grads, like Nikki Duong Koenig, owner of Cykochik Custom Handbags. Nikki started her collection when she was a student at SMU.

Operation Babylift was an impactful film that touched a lot of people. Looking ahead, are there other film projects you’d like to work on?

I’d love to get back into the hard issues, the issues people don’t want to talk about, like domestic violence. And children’s advocacy. As a mother you become more and more passionate about children and families and women’s issues. But it’s hard to find the time to pour into a film when raising a baby. There’s a lot I want to do. I want to find those people who have a voice but haven’t been heard.

There’s motherhood, family, Against The Grain…you also work as an independent television consultant?

Yes. Before my life as a mom, I was a full-time TV show development producer. I consulted on cable reality shows such as Girl Meets Gown (series for WE TV) and Ma’s Roadhouse (truTV). I continue to consult production companies who want to develop TV shows. I have the best of both worlds: I can stay home, set my hours, still be active doing what I’m good at, help pay the bills, and I still get to be around Gabby and ATG.

When you were a student at SMU, was there anyone who particularly inspired you or helped you on your career path?

There were always film professors who helped me grow as an artist. Professors like Rick Worland, Tom Bywaters and Kevin Heffernan always let me follow my muse and were supportive.

Raj Sethuraju was the Asian American student adviser. He was so pivotal. As Asian American students, leadership is not something that is instilled in us; we are taught to follow, not lead. He really inspired us to stand up and be heard and to come together as a group and represent.

What advice do you have for today’s SMU student?

I know that for me, I started out not being a typical SMU student. I didn’t rush Greek. I felt independent of the cultural fabric. I felt kind of like an outsider, watching to see where I fit in. I think the best way as a student, whether you feel like SMU is in your blood or you’re one of those students on the outside, is to dig in. That’s when I was able to find what I was good at, where I could give back.

While I was at SMU I was involved on campus. I was president of the East Asian Student Association and participated on Asian Council; I was Chair of the Program Council/Films Committee. That’s what plugged me into the mainstream SMU community.

A quotation I always live by is by Richard Bach, in his book Illusions. I read it when I was a senior in high school: “You’re never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.”

SMU MPrint is a magazine for alumni and friends of SMU Meadows School of the Arts. Read the original online article here.