Category: News

“Operation Babylift” screened at Pepperdine University

By: Jacklyne Rodriguez, Pepperdine University Graduate Student

Bert Ballard with his son, who was adopted in 2010. The journey to adopt the boy is highlighted in the film.
Bert Ballard with his son, who was adopted in 2010. The journey to adopt the boy is highlighted in the film.
Lyly Koenig Mendez and Ross Meador respond to questions from the audience. Mendez was evacuated during Operation Babylift and Meador was an orphanage volunteer during the Babylift. Both are featured in the film.
Lyly Koenig Mendez and Ross Meador respond to questions from the audience. Mendez was evacuated during Operation Babylift and Meador was an orphanage volunteer during the Babylift. Both are featured in the film.

On Saturday, February 9th, Pepperdine University screened  Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. The screening was part of the School of Law’s annual conference on Law, Religion, and Ethics, which focused on intercountry adoption this year.

The audience, about forty, consisted of Pepperdine faculty, students, friends and various cast members from the film as well as conference attendees.

The documentary film featured volunteers, activists, and orphans who were brought to the United States as a result of the government sponsored “Operation Babylift,” which evacuated nearly 3000 orphans from war-torn Vietnam in April 1975.

The film highlighted activists’ memories of the overcrowded orphanages and featured stories of the adoptees who grew up in the U.S. enduring feelings of separation and experiences of racism.

After the film, a question and answer discussion commenced with updates from two of the orphans featured in the film. Bert Ballard, a communication professor at Pepperdine and adoptee, and Lyly Koenig Mendez, adoptee and small business owner, shared their reflections and personal stories.

Orphanage volunteer, Ross Meador, also joined the discussion and explained why he felt leaving the young orphans behind was never an option.

The film also focused on the Ballard family’s attempt to adopt a son from Vietnam. His wife, Sarah Ballard, also a Pepperdine communication instructor, was present and shared about the journey.

Although the film concluded without the audience having a definitive ending regarding the Ballard’s adoption, the audience met the Ballard’s adopted son who was adopted shortly after the film was released in 2010.

With active participation from audience members during the discussion, it was clear that the film and the journeys shared left a strong impact for all those in attendance.

The screening was also sponsored by Pepperdine University’s Center for Entertainment and Media, who also moderated the discussion.

2013 ATG Vietnamese Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest!

Win $100 for Vietnamese Heritage/Culture Camp! Enter today!

Against The Grain Productions is proud to announce the 2013 ATG Vietnamese Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest! ATG is giving away camp scholarships to 10 lucky campers to help pay for the camp of their choice. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Register for Camp:
Catalyst Foundation www.catalystfoundation.org
Heritage Camps For Adoptive Families www.heritagecamps.org
Vietnam Heritage Weekend  www.dillionadopt.com/Vietnam_Camp.htm

Step 2: Email us with you child’s picture and your child’s answers to the following questions…
1. What does ‘Against The Grain?’ mean to you?
2. How do you go ‘Against The Grain’?

Email: outreach@againstthegrainproductions.com Attach a picture from camp to share on the contest page. 🙂
Rules: Kids must be registered for a heritage or Culture camp. Please send in your proof of registration. Only one entry per child.
Prize: 10 $100 stipends will be given away at random. The national drawing will be held July 1st.

Good luck!

Last Year’s 2012 Winners!

Click here for details

Here’s a clip of ATG’s very own Jared Rehberg performing at VHC 2012 with 8th grade camper Kali Hauck

Jared performing with 9th grade camper, Noelle Hemphill

 

 

Orphanage Update: A Letter to wish everyone a “Happy New Year” and “Thank You”

Below is a letter from one of the students who received a scholarship from ATG.  Each student was given  approximately $48 USD.  Because of this girl ‘s hardship, an ATG friend also gave her extra $1M VND from her own money.

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Dear Co,

I am LTNG, a student from Hoa Vang high school, who received the scholarship presented on behalf of ATG.

That day, I had left early, not knowing that you reviewed my file and recognized my hardship. To my surprise, ATG decided to give me an additional scholarship.

When I learned this news and received the additional funds, I was very touched.  I wanted to meet you in person to say thank you, unfortunately I could not, so I am writing you this letter.  I would like to thank you (again and again) and send my thanks to ATG very very much.  Wishing you all have a Happy New Year, filled with healthiness,  joy and happiness.

LTNG

PS.  Because of the scholarship money, our family’s hardship was lessened a lot this new year.  This is the first time in my life that I have received this much money. My mom is very happy too. Thank you!

Going Against The Grain: Lily Jang

Lily Jang grew up in northwest Houston and feels so blessed to finally be back at work in her hometown. She attended Lowery Elementary, LaBay Jr. High and Langham Creek High School. Lily’s first two jobs were teaching aerobics at Gold’s Gym in Bear Creek and working as a cashier at Randalls off Highway 6.

Lily is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She landed her first on-air television news job at KFDA-TV in Amarillo. After a year there, Lily joined WIAT-TV in Birmingham, AL as anchor/reporter. In 2000, she packed her things and moved across the country to the Pacific Northwest to join Northwest Cable News as a night-time anchor. Three years later, Lily moved across the street to anchor mornings at Q13 FOX.  Lily brings to her position significant television experience in reporting and anchoring. She provided continuing coverage of the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, 9/11, the war in Iraq and the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Lily is an Emmy-nominated journalist who leads the country when it comes to social media interaction with viewers. She is an avid social media user with a loyal following on both Facebook and Twitter. Lily has been honored twice by The Huffington Post as a Twitter Powerhouse. She is a fitness fanatic who enjoys mentoring, traveling the world, trying new cuisines and micro-blogging about her adventures on Facebook. Lily is happy to donate her time and energy to worthy charity causes in the community. On a typical weekend, you’ll find her emceeing a non-profit event in the area, throwing a tweet-up or speaking on a panel about social media. Lily is also fluent in Cantonese and Vietnamese. She began her duties as KHOU 11 News This Morning anchor in late February.

Full Name:
Lily Jang
 
Hometown:
Houston
 
Current City:
Houston
 
Ethnicity:
 Chinese/Vietnamese Texan!
 
 
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
It means being the voice for the minority. Asian Americans were few and far between in the first two TV markets where I worked. I was proud to put a voice to the silent minority and represent the Asian American community, even to this day in Houston where we have the biggest Asian American population in Texas and one of the biggest Asian American populations in the country.
 
What made you decide to pursue your career path?
I wanted to be a storyteller, and everyday after 16 years in the business, I still get to do that. I wanted to make sure that Asian Americans were heard and seen and that I would be a role model for younger Asian Americans that we can pursue any career path we want to.
 
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
I feel very fortunate because being Asian American early on in my career made me different. I was the first Asian American to work in Amarillo, TX and also Birmingham, AL.  I can’t say I’ve had many struggles because of my ethnicity. I’ve been pretty blessed.
 
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
My biggest professional accomplishment is coming full circle and working in my hometown where my parents can watch me everyday. But the most important thing about my life is the network of love and friendship I’ve made. I still have best friends from 2nd grade whom I talk to on a daily basis. That’s pretty special!
 
What’s up next?
I just moved back to Houston in 2012, so I hope to continue to emcee events throughout the community and be someone they can count on to represent them.
 
Quote to live by: My religion is simple. My religion is kindness. – Dalai Lama
 
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Ox and Sagittarius
 
Passionate about: paying it forward
 
Favorite food: Korean BBQ
 
Can’t live without: My iPhone!

2012 FFAP: Words of Praise

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Presenting Designers (left to right): Sophia Wu of Leprosy, Jerry Matthews, Joanne Hong of JOLYNN, Danh Ta, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh
Photo © Chi Tran

“This was my first time being involved with FFAP, and I was so impressed! It was great to meet so many creative people, and the fashion was amazing. I’m glad I could be a part of it!” – Melissa Woodbridge (Exhibiting Artist)

“I thought the event was self-evident of all the hard work and effort put into it. I was honored to have been a part of it. It was incredible to be around so many inspiring artists coming from so many different perspectives and meet the amazing people who make ATG Productions what it is. Thank you immensely for the opportunity!” – Thoa Nguyen (Exhibiting Artist)

“Being part of Fashion for a Passion was such a great experience. I loved meeting the ATG team as well as the other designers and artists. It was an amazing event that really exceeded my expectations. Sharing my love of fashion while helping others is what following my passion is all about. I couldn’t have asked for a more organized and successful show.” – Joanne Hong of JOLYNN (Presenting Designer)

“Bam! it was an AMAZING experience!” – Danh Ta (Presenting Designer)

“I would like to give my hearty congratulation to ATG on hosting such a successful and meaningful event, and to thank everyone who played a part in organizing this project. It is such an honor to be one of the presenting designers this year,  and words cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity to be able to invest my time and effort to help lessen the suffering of orphaned children. Looking forward, I hope that ATG will continue to provide this unique venue to both give new talented artists a platform to shine, and at the same time to help improve the educational opportunity and living condition of orphaned children.” – Sophia Wu (Presenting Designer)

 “The Exchange had an incredible time at ATG’s fashion for a passion event! The immense support, work, and dedication surrounding the event was very inspiring, and uplifting to see!”– Britt Espinosa ( Musical Entertainer)

“I am so proud to have been a part of Tammy’s wonderful work.  Way to go, Tammy!” – Sam Lam, Facial Plastic Surgeon

“As always, this event as a huge success! The designs were beautiful, staff was amazing and professional, and the event was a blast 🙂 We always feel so privileged to be a part of such an amazing cause” – Damaris Grogan, Page Parkes Management

 

 

 

2012: A Year in Review

2012 has been a year to celebrate. With the start of the Year of the Dragon, we welcomed a new Board and Creative Team. We hosted several events to educate and inspire, including the return of Cocktails for a Cause, a new panel event called Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation with Asian American Movers and Shakers hosted at the Crow Collection of Asian Art and the ever popular 2012 Fashion for a Passion hosted at the Dallas Contemporary that broke new attendance and fundraising records of nearly 400 guests and nearly $30,000 net!

Throughout the year, we partnered with California Pizza Kitchen, Cindi’s NY Deli, Yogurtland and Pho is for Lovers for “dine for a cause” fundraisers, which allowed us to have fun, eat, and raise money for our organization and others in need. Many thanks to our generous Year-Round Sponsors Lam Facial Plastics | Ova Skin Care, Saigon Block, Cindi’s NY Deli, Pho is for Lovers, W Dental, and Tiny Prints. Because of them and to folks like you, we were able to accomplish and give so much in 2012, including more than $13,000 in aid to our supported orphanages in Vietnam and Thailand. We reviewed more than 150 scholarships applications and awarded the $5,000 Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship to Becky Kim, two $1,000 Artistic Scholarships to Britt Espinosa and Thoa Nguyen and nine $100 camp scholarships to young adoptees! With your support, we have done so much for our community. Thank you for your support of our mission and being a part of this worthy effort.

We created new partnerships with Asian Film Festival of Dallas, Kollaboration Dallas and NAAAP-DFW to expand our outreach and strengthen our community relations. Our documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, continues to receive accolades and screen at events across the world. And as always, we participated in local and national community festivals, including the GDAACC May Festival and DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival.  We are so blessed to have a hard working Board and team of volunteers who devote their time unpaid to our organization.  Even though we are a small group, we hope we can and are making a big difference.

Thank you for your support to help us achieve these goals. Please continue to be an active participant in our mission to achieve “One Voice. Many Stories.” We welcome your suggestions and feedback. On behalf of the entire team, ATG wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays and all the best in 2013!

Cheers!

Tammy Nguyen Lee

President/Founder

Going Against The Grain: Ha Mai (aka Fur Face Boy)

Ha Mai is the mind, soul and heart behind Fur Face Boy, an independent apparel line based out of Dallas, TX. He studied and received a BFA in Graphic Art / Design from the University of Texas at Arlington. After years of working for design studios, agencies and in-house design groups, he decided to leave the comforts of a settled career to concentrate on his brand and to fully have 100% control of his life. Fur Face Boy is found in a handful of boutique shops around the U.S. and Canada and has been featured in the Dallas Morning News, D Magazine, The Angry Asian Man Blog, The Hundreds Blog and G4TV. His fan base grows by the day via his designs, the Fur Face Boyblog, social media and simply living his life the way he wants to.

Full name

Ha H. Mai

Hometown

Grand Prairie, TX

Current city

Dallas, TX

Ethnicity

Vietnamese

What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”

Going against standards, boundaries and specifics to go about things your way.

What made you decide to pursue a career in art?

Simple…I just like it.

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

Make sure to speak up and speak your feelings, no matter how idiotic others AND yourself will think of you.

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

Starting my own T-shirt brand, Fur Face Boy. It allows me to completely, totally and 100% be me.

What’s up next?

Zero clue. I’m so spontaneous and random with plans and scheduling, that whatever happens just happens.

Quote to live by:

I don’t live by quotes, but I just like this one…”I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.” – Kurt Cobain

Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Cock (heh-heh) / Libra

Passionate about: Breathing

Favorite food: Tie between Lobster and Ice Cream

Can’t live without: Opcon-A eyedrops

Hurricane Sandy Relief

ATG sends our thoughts and prayers to all our friends in the Northeast who are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Director of Community Outreach Jared Rehberg shares his perspective while experiencing the highs and lows of Hurricane Sandy.

“Greetings from the Northeast! It’s been a crazy few weeks up here with days heading toward the Presidential election and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The city of New York stopped public transportation and braced itself for uncertainty and hope for the least amount of damage. Memories of last years’ hurricane kept many people in denial and at ease from the dangers of mother nature’s wrath. The storm came into town overnight, pummeling the area. NJ got hit the hardest, but many people would have to pause to remember such fury on Long Island, Rockaway Beach, flooding on the subway lines and street. They cancelled the NYC Marathon, when running by families in Staten Island without food or shelter felt so wrong. I know this was not 9/11, but as we walked home from work over the bridge, I was told of similar feelings as we left Manhattan. For many the power is still out and cable is going to take awhile to be restored. House and towns on the Jersey shore are gone or torn to shreds along with years of memories. My heart goes out to everyone who lost loved ones and the families who will have a long road to recovery to get their lives back to normal, if there is anything normal anymore.”

FFAP Designer Joanne Hong reached out and let us know that her power is up and running since last night and got her hot water running today.

“It’s been a crazy week since Hurricane Sandy came through NYC.  I lost electricity, hot water, and heat, but luckily there was no damage to my apt.  The city never seemed to lose its energy despite the storm.  Everyone was helping one another and the sense of comradely filled the air.  I have been so blessed with all my friends and family that contacted me to make sure I was doing well and friends that offered a place for me and my roommates to stay and shower.  I was very fortunate and my thoughts and prayers go out to those that lost everything in the storm.”

Show your ATG spirit. Join us at our final Dine for a Cause Fundraiser for the year at Cindi’s NY Delicatessen this weekend, drop your receipt in the box, and ATG will donate our 25% to help victims of Hurricane Sandy via the American Red Cross. If you can’t make it but would still like to donate to our cause, please visit: http://www.againstthegrainproductions.com/donate/ to help us raise the funds.

 

 

Going Against the Grain: Thanh Le Hoang

 

Thanh has wanted to be many things: an artist, a designer, an entrepreneur, a humanitarian.  Starting her jewelry company sprang naturally by coming from two generations in the jewelry business.  It is where she developed a true and impressive eye for color and design.  As the founder and creator of Le Dragon d’Or, Thanh creates extraordinary pieces with a passion that ignites from deep within her.  Nothing is ordinary, but everything is extraordinary.

Born in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, Thanh along with her family immigrated to the United States when she was two.  Thanh received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in marketing and management from the University of Texas.  After graduation, Thanh then went on to work in sales and managed her family’s jewelry business.

Thanh has been actively involved in helping underprivileged children from foreign countries, supporting a numerous of charities.  One is to help sick and special needs children around the world.  Thanh resides in Los Angeles and enjoys traveling all over the world, collecting inspiration for her jewelry collections.

On her first trip back to Vietnam in 2008 with her sister Dr. Dane Hoang, Thanh witnessed first-hand the dire poverty that so many of our children face on a daily basis.  Thanh and her sister made it a mission to help the needy children around the world by working tirelessly to form the Le Hoang Foundation with the help of their family and friends. Thanh developed a true understanding of how one person can make a difference in the lives of others, and the most powerful path towards change is by empowerment through education.  Thanh passionately believes that the Le Hoang Foundation has the power to affect that change, and she knows that every journey truly does begin with that first step.  The task that lies ahead seems daunting, but Thanh also knows that this children’s charity will truly be the seed of positive change in the lives of countless children.

Full name

Thanh Le Hoang

Hometown

Quy Nhon, Vietnam

Current city

Los Angeles, California

Ethnicity

Asian-American

 What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”

Going against the grain is to march to the beat of your own drum; to do things and live on your own terms regardless of what society and industry says is the norm.  I try to be true to myself and my own vision rather than following a course set by others.

What made you decide to pursue your career? 
Growing up in the family jewelry store definitely played a huge influence on, and helped develop my passion for jewelry and design. I remember as a child admiring the luster of polished metals and the intricacies of some of the designs; touching the carved curves of some of the jade pieces we had. It sounds corny, but their creation was kind of magical to me. Even at that early age, I already knew what I wanted to pursue.

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

I think I’ve been lucky to not have faced many challenges as an Asian American in my field because jewelry is art and art is objective.  It’s all about connection and whether the person has a connection to the jewelry piece.  The challenge I face is balancing work, family and friends.  Also, I’m learning to live in the moment.

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

My biggest accomplishment is to have stayed true to myself personally and professionally.  Personally, being open and honest with yourself and others is the best in order to have authentic and meaningful relationships.  Professionally, many people told me I should look into producing lower quality jewelry due to our economy, but it just wasn’t me.  It wasn’t about making money to me…it was about making beautiful art by designing from my heart.

What’s up next?
I have a trunk show coming up in November hosted by my dearest friends.  It’s being held at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills and is benefiting Operation Smile, a non-profit charity that provides free surgeries to children with facial deformities.  Also, I’ve been working on a bridal line and plan to launch it next year.
Quote to live by:
“What you think, you become.”  – Buddha; I’ve learned that our mind is a powerful thing.  Never ever let negative thoughts get into your mind.
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac):  Dragon/Capricorn.  We’re very passionate about our work, thoughtful and have a lot of compassion towards people.
Passionate about: I’m passionate about spirituality, because it’s a part of my growth and development in liberating my soul through truth, giving and love.
Favorite food:  I love all things sweet!  There’s this little charming bakery called Sweet Lady Jane on Melrose Avenue.  They make this amazing Triple Berry Shortcake that is to die for!  It’s a yellow butter cake filled with three layers of lightly sweetened whip cream and layers of fresh berries.
Can’t live without:  My mobile phones and my date planner, because it keeps me organized.