DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions is in preparation to host its much awaited 4th annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, a fundraiser that brings together the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers, artists and musicians. The event takes 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 presenting designers includes Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh, Jerry Matthews, Danh Ta and NYC based designers Joanne Hong of JOLYNN and textile designer Sophia Wu of Leprosy. Each designer will have the opportunity to share his/her latest collection and will donate pieces that will be auctioned off live that night. In addition, each designer was given one month to complete a Project Runway-like challenge to recreate a signature ATG t-shirt into a masterpiece of their own styling that will be on display and auction. Online voting begins later this month, and the winning piece will be announced at the event.
President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee has high expectations from the designers, whether they are new or returning veterans. “Our team hand picks designers we feel possess not only design talent and a unique point of view, but also the ability to represent ATG’s attitude of ‘going against the grain’ in their philosophy. Being invited to participate in this event is an honor and carries with it a responsibility, as we invest so much in giving these designers not only a platform for their work, but who they are.”
Graduates from the Art Institute of Dallas, Jerry Matthews and Danh Ta will have their lines on the FFAP runway for the first time. Matthews said, “I’m very excited to be a part of this year’s Fashion For A Passion Charity event. I’ve attended and donated in the past, but I’ve never shown my [full] collection. This particular charity is so great, and I definitely have a passion for both the cause and fashion. I feel as if this is going to be an awesome event and life experience. I look forward to raising awareness for this cause and doing what I love at the same time.” Added Ta, “I am honored by this opportunity to represent artists and inspire creativity using fashion as a medium. As a first time designer for Fashion for a Passion, I hope to captivate the audience with my new 2013 S/S collection. I’m excited and intrigued to meet everyone that shares a common interest in fashion and help share my voice and story along with Against The Grain. ”
Joanne Hong of JOLYNN will be the first FFAP Presenting Designer ever to share a children’s wear collection on stage. Hong said, “I’m so honored to be a part of Fashion for a Passion. I look forward to helping ATG raise money for an amazing charity while seeing other talented Asian American designers. Through my designs, I hope to inspire and bring awareness to the Asian American communities all over the country.” Sophia Wu is the final newbie who rounds out the line-up with a unique perspective and experience in textiles. “ATG not only provides a platform for new artists and designers, it gives us an opportunity to be aware of and to be involved with the plight of orphans in Southeast Asia. I’m grateful to be able to invest my time and energy to support this worthy cause, and I hope that through this event, we can encourage more people to join us in turning our concerns into actions to make a real difference in the lives of children.”
There’s a reason why designers want to return to Fashion for a Passion. It’s not only for the welcoming audience and the incredible exposure, but also for the cause itself that becomes close to their heart. Lizzi Cook (also known as Lizzi Tran) is a returning face who has evolved since presenting her collection a the inaugural event. “The whole preparation and production of collaborating with creative artists makes this event come alive to raise as much funds as possible. For every small step we take, we can influence another for the better. I don’t expect anything more than seeing the love of each individual’s knowledge, professionalism and creativity in each talented artist to come together to have fun from beginning to end. “Returning for her second year is Hang Dang ofLucy Dang. Said Dang, “Last year was a blast, and I am very proud to be a part of an organization that does this much good. Lucy Dang was given a great launching pad with our debut last year and it is going to be a great opportunity for all our new coming designers to showcase their work. I know this year will be breath taking to watch, so let’s aim to break another record and make this the best FFAP ever!”
Dallas design star Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh is a 4th year veteran who has presented her collection with FFAP since its inception and gave her a launching pad that has established the brand today. Her work has been featured in numerous publications over the years and was just recently launched in Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and go on sale exclusively online starting Thursday, September 13th at the FFAP Event Page.
For more press/media information on the event, please contact pr@againstthegrainproductions.com.
Dallas, TX – After a year of planning and the final three months of execution, ATG’s own Director of Community Outreach, Jared Rehberg, marked his first successful year as Co-Director of Vietnamese Heritage Camp, hosted in Estes Park, Colorado. ATG Secretary Hue Dao Miner joined him as a High School counselor, becoming an instant role model. ATG had a special table set up for the Saturday night show that featured performances by the children and workshop presenters.
Jared had the honor to make a dream come true by sharing the stage with two younger adoptees. He performed “Someone Like Me “with Kali Hauck from Boulder, Colorado. He also sang “Connected to You” with cellist Noelle Hemphill from Fort Collins, Colorado. The weekend went by quickly, and both Jared and Hue miss the families already. Jared is excited to start planning next year’s camp with his new Co-Director, Kristi Kremer.
Jared Rehberg and Noelle Hemphill
Rehberg said, “It was an honor representing ATG with Hue Dao Miner by my side. We gave out checks for $100, personalized certificates and copies of our Operation Babylift DVDs to our Heritage Camp Scholarship winners.”
Miner, who is herself a Vietnamese adoptee, made the decision to participate this year and drove all the way from Dallas to attend. Said Miner, “Being camp counselor at Vietnamese Heritage Camp gave me a 360 degree perspective on adoption. Paired with my experience as a board member at ATG helping raise funds for orphanages and being uniquely adopted, I was equipped with more knowledge on adoption. It’s all so real and tangible to me. I had the opportunity to hear from the children, and the issues they face. Now I have a vested interest in the lives of these children and will definitely return to this camp as often as I can.”
Hue Dao Miner and the High School Group
This year’s winner were Olivia Thompson, Noelle Hemphill, Maria Kremer, Thomas Anh Huy Morton, Liz Boyle, Allison Foust, Sarah Foust, Hannah Foust and Emily Morgan-Tracy. Congratulations to all the winners!
Rebekah Kim (right) receives 2012 Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship from Sunna Lee (left)
DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions hosted their inaugural Groundbreakers Speak: A Conversation with Asian American Movers & Shakers on Saturday, July 28th. Event guests received a docent guided tour of elegant The Crow Collection of Asian Art before packing the main gallery to enjoy champagne, coffee, dessert and experience a lively panel discussion comprised of a diverse cross section of Asian American industry leaders. Each panelist represented a different occupational field, from medicine to fashion, business to film, sports to politics and was carefully selected to share their unique perspective and journey that led to their ultimate success. After awarding the 2012 Sunna Lee Leadership scholarship to recipient Rebekah Kim, the stimulating discussion topics ranged from witty and profound advice and anecdotes, insightful personal confessions, cultural observations on being raised by Asian immigrant parents, thought-provoking questions for self-actualization and identity, a strong call to action for more mentorship in the community and a round-robin of humorous answers to Inside the Actors Studio questions.
2012 Groundbreakers Panel (left to right): Patrick Wang, Sunna Lee, Dr. Sam Lam, Khanh Nguyen, Ramey Ko, Nur Ali, Rebekah Kim, Tammy Nguyen Lee
Leadership scholarship founder Sunna Lee said, “Many countries, many age groups and many professions were represented [at Groundbreakers], yet the challenges we face are so similar. It was refreshing and encouraging to hear a point of view of empowerment rather than that of a victim.” The Groundbreakers Speak panel included 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, filmmaker Patrick Wang and film/tv producer and philanthropist Tammy Nguyen Lee moderating the discussion. Nguyen Lee, who is ATG’s President and Founder, conceived of the event to continue the organization’s unique method of community outreach in an engaging and entertaining format, while also dealing with an issue she views as lacking in the Asian American community. Said Nguyen Lee, “Up to this point, ATG has made great strides in promoting emerging Asian American artists and fundraising for our causes. However, this year, we wanted to add more education to our repertoire and bring leadership to our focus so that we can inspire others to step up. It’s a subject that we need to address, understand, nurture and educate ourselves on so that we can evolve into a stronger community and truly give back to the best of our potential.”
Dr. Sam Lam, a triple-board certified plastic surgeon and author of numerous books, acknowledged that one of the biggest ways to impact the lacking leadership in the Asian American community was through mentorship. Dr. Lam is well acquainted with the significance of ATG events, putting his money where his mouth is by supporting the organization as a year-round sponsor for the past several years. “Tammy Nguyen Lee once again has proven how talented she is at putting together and leading a first-rate panel to inspire present and future generations of Asian American leaders.” Nur Ali continued, “We as Groundbreakers need to be more available as mentors to youth and adults alike in our community and work to give them the strength to follow their hearts. It can be a bit worrisome, but the payoff can also be huge.”
With years already under his young career belt, activist and attorney Ramey Ko shared one of the day’s most poignant thoughts that “if you ever find yourself saying ‘someone ought to do that,’ perhaps that someone ought to be you.” Ko acknowledged ATG as an example that proves “Asian Americans are not only breaking new ground, but we’re doing it in style” and adding that “the tremendous diversity of the panel demonstrates that there are no doors that are closed to Asian Americans, if we have the passion, the commitment and the faith to make our dreams happen.”
With the success of the first Groundbreakers Speak, ATG plans to take Ko’s thoughts to heart and continue hosting this panel as one of its staple community outreach events. Said Nguyen Lee, “This was a great beginning, but there is so much more we can do to help engage and nurture future Asian American leaders. We’ll bring more voices to the table. This was just the tip of the ice berg.”
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 is proud to announce the extension of their efforts to support orphanages in Asia to Bangkok, Thailand. Last month, our ground representative, Ewe Wee, gathered a group of friends and visited Baan Fuengfah Orphanage to deliver lunch and lots of love. We served lunch, dessert and milk to 272 boys and 160 girls. We look forward to continue our support to more orphanages in Bangkok in the near future. We had a volunteer photographer capture the afternoon.
Check out our photo gallery on Facebook, click here.
Many thanks to Ewe Wee and her amazing team for making this all happen.
To support our orphanage aid efforts and make a donation, visit our Donate Page.
ATG is proud to announce the winners of the 2012 ATG Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest. Many thanks to all of our campers who submitted this year. Check out how our winners go against the grain and what going against the grain means to them. Congratulations to our winners!
Olivia Thompson
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
I go against the grain by wearing different colored socks and mixing and matching them. I am doing things in my own way by dressing differently. I also have different interests than others people. And I don’t change my interests just because other people are interested in other things. Also at school, I don’t do things and hang out with certain people because others categorize them as “cool,” I hang out with people who I think are nice and trustworthy. I believe that going against the grain is important, and it is important to learn that it isn’t bad. I believe this because later in life, it will allow you to feel more comfortable speaking out and even fighting to get your opinion heard.
What does against the grain mean to you?
“Going against the grain” means many things. I believe that going against the grain means you do things in your own way. For example, if Bob, Sally, Joe, Steve and Fred all decide that wearing green is super cool, but you hate green, you decide to wear red. This would be going against the grain. Going against the grain can be difficult, thanks to peer pressure and sometimes bullies. Thankfully, most of the time, going against the grain isn’t too hard because there are always people who follow and help you along the way. Believe it or not, the way the cool new trend got started was by somebody going against the grain! Way cool, right?
Noelle Hemphill
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
I go against the grain by being who I am. I am an energetic, outgoing, incredibly talkative musician who just happens to be an Asian Adoptee.
“All children have the to right be children: to be safe, to attend school, to play, to be treated with respect, to be heard, to be understood and to be loved.”
What does against the grain mean to you?
Against the grain means being who you are without people telling you you’re supposed to be, pursuing things you love like music, art, writing, sports, whatever it may be that you love, listening to the kind of music that you like, even if it’s not what all the people at school like, because so what if I like classical music or jazz more than most 14 year-olds might like.
Maria Kremer
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
Maria is a Vietnamese adoptee adopted at 14 months-old. She was born in Hanoi, VN and now lives with her adoptive parents and sister in Colorado. She is five years-old and getting ready for kindergarten.
Since we started the adoption process, we had heard that international adoptees have a foot in both their home country and their birth country. However, I would argue that if that’s true, Maria seems to have a finger dipped in a lot of other cultures and countries. That’s one way that she goes against the grain.
What does going against the grain mean to you?
Maria truly is a global citizen and what makes her really go against the grain is her ability to make friends in all of these countries and cultures while being proud of being Vietnamese. At age five, she has the beautiful ability to notice the differences in peoples’ appearance, dress and language. Yet, it’s not a bad difference but a fascinating, adventure-giving difference. She is looking forward to going to the ESL so that she “can help the other kids learn some English and learn what they eat.” I believe this attitude of hers can really change the world if given the opportunity to do so!
Thomas Anh Huy Morton
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
Some kids are bullies, and they hurt other kids, but I don’t hurt other kids. When kids bully me, I get mad. I don’t like it. I walk away and tell my Dad.
What does going against the grain mean to you?
Going against the grain means that I do what is right instead of doing what the other kids are doing. I don’t turn into a bully. I get help when I’m being bullied.
Liz Boyle
How do you ‘go against the grain?’
I go against the grain by saying words like carmel, aunt, data , etc., the other way than my parents do.
What does going against the grain mean to you?
I think of against the grain as something you do that is not very normal, but, I like doing this because it makes me feel unique.
Allison Foust
How do you go against the grain?
We are open to those around us and embrace our differences. We limit our consumption of unnecessary items, get outside and enjoy nature as a family, ride our bikes instead of taking the car when we can and encourage kindness. Our youngest daughter, Allison, is very out-going and quick to make friends wherever she goes. Like her sisters, she likes to recycle and re-use anything that seems as though it might have another purpose. Allison has a very strong opinion about what is fair and what is not fair, and she is not afraid to speak up when things just don’t seem quite right. At six, her opinions have room to develop, but her sense of fairness and outspoken nature will serve her well.
What does it mean to go against the grain?
Going against the grain means living in a way that maintains our personal integrity, regardless of whether or not it is the “popular” thing to do. We make choices every day that require us to think about what the right thing to do is versus what we think we may want. Our choices affect the environment and the people around us and there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make a decision that has a positive impact.
Sarah Foust
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
We are open to those around us and embrace our differences. We limit our consumption of unnecessary items, get outside and enjoy nature as a family, ride our bikes instead of taking the car when we can and encourage kindness. Our oldest daughter Sarah was just awarded the Good Citizenship Award in her 5th grade graduation for the kindness that she showed to other kids in her class, especially those kids who have trouble making friends with other members of the class and kids who were picked on by other members of the class. She went out of her way to give comfort to those kids, choosing them to help with special activities and sitting with them when no one else would. Her example inspired other kids in the class to start doing the same.
What does mean to go against the grain?
Going against the grain means living in a way that maintains our personal integrity, regardless of whether or not it is the “popular” thing to do. We make choices every day that require us to think about what the right thing to do is versus what we think we may want. Our choices affect the environment and the people around us and there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make a decision that has a positive impact.
Hannah Foust
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
We are open to those around us and embrace our differences. We limit our consumption of unnecessary items, get outside and enjoy nature as a family, ride our bikes instead of taking the car when we can, and encourage kindness. Hannah is the Queen of recycling and re-using things that might otherwise be considered trash. She diligently reminds us when we are about to throw something away that might be recyclable and many times she insists that she can re-use bits of paper and wrappers, old clothes, etc. for different projects, and she then does. Hannah prefers to bike when she can, and she proudly sports any clothing that she has requested be re-made from old dresses even if her wardrobe differs greatly from her comrades.
What does it mean to go against the grain?
Going against the grain means living in a way that maintains our personal integrity, regardless of whether or not it is the “popular” thing to do. We make choices every day that require us to think about what the right thing to do is versus what we think we may want. Our choices affect the environment and the people around us and there is a great responsibility on our shoulders to make a decision that has a positive impact.
Emily Morgan-Tracy
How do you go ‘against the grain?’
I stir things up by being funny and hyper. I make up funny songs and parodies. I make up games for my friends and me. If I didn’t go against the grain, I wouldn’t be myself.
What does it mean to go against the grain?
Stirring things up and making them exciting and fun.
This month’s GATG Spotlight is truly an inspiration. It is no wonder that Rebekah “Becky” Kim won the 2012 Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship. The entire ATG team and scholarship committee is so impressed by this young talent and can’t wait to see all that she will accomplish. She is a U.S. Olympian (Beijing Olympics Games), a 2 Time Athlete of the year and has won the OSU Scarlet and Gray Leadership Award and a 7 Time USSS All-American Award. She has served on the Leadership Team at Sarang Community Church and volunteered for the Bay Area Rescue Mission.
Rebekah Kim’s journey to the Olympic Games started at the age of nine. She has been involved with the sport of synchronized swimming for 19 years. In 2004, she led Ohio State’s Synchronized Swimming Team to win a National Collegiate Championship, winning gold in all three events (duet, trio, team). With one year left at OSU, Rebekah took a break from school to train with the Olympic team in 2006. 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. 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. She is the first Korean American to have ever made the U.S. Olympic Synchronized Swimming team.
Currently, Kim gives back to the sport by raising and coaching the next generation of synchronized swimmers. She is also 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). She is a speaker for Ready, Set, Gold! (RSG!), a program that tackles the epidemic problems of diabetes and obesity through the promotion of health and fitness in the Los Angeles Unified School District. In addition, she serves on the leadership team at Sarang Community Church in Anaheim. She has visited churches and orphanages in Israel, Indonesia, Mexico, and Korea with the Lost Sheep Mission Ministry to give faith, hope, and education to those in need. Lastly, she is very excited to be giving her $1000 to the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond, California where she has been serving the homeless for 15 years. She is currently attending the University of Southern California pursuing a M.A. in Teaching.
Full name:
Rebekah “Becky” H. Kim
Hometown:
Walnut Creek, CA
Current City:
Fullerton, CA
Ethnicity:
Korean
What does it mean to you to “go against the grain?”
A person “going against the grain” is not only a trailblazer, but is also someone who dares to thrive on unfamiliar grounds. Their drive is passion, empowerment and a whole lot of “everything is possible” attitude.
How do you go against the grain?
I think I go against the grain by believing in the truth that I’ve been entrusted with certain talents and abilities to dream and to be a part of something that is bigger than myself. I am teaching, equipping and empowering our younger generation to conquer their own dreams and fears – not letting them justify their shortcomings or circumstances – and doing it all so that they can do the same for others. The other week I was invited to a school dance (one of the schools I’ve been speaking at) and I had a fifth grader come up to me and thank me because I helped her overcome her fear of dancing in front of people. It forced me to bust out some of my special moves that I thought were long gone, but it did the trick!
On “What makes a good leader?” (excerpted from scholarship essay)
Every leader must be raised and taught and must therefore, be teachable…A leader with a teachable heart, regardless f the shortcoming she may have, will in the end bear life lessons which can transform and make great impact on people’s lives…A good leader must know exactly where she is coming from…must know where she is going…is aligned with her passion and goals. She knows where she is effective and where she is not…Furthermore, a good leader knows when and how to say ‘no.’ A leader should have a giving and servant-like heart, [but] is not merely a slave to be pushed around…and knows the boundaries of her own and those of others….A good leader never ceases to motivate and encourage others, especially when people are lost without hope. [A leader is ] a seeker of the truth [who] not only accepts herself, but accepts the society she lives in. She holds true to what is right and just in her own heart through her actions, as well as her actions in life. Therefore, it can never be the title, rank or position that makes a good leader, but rather the character of the person that does.
What made you decide to pursue a career in teaching and previously, sports?
Growing up, I decided to be involved with sports because I was an extremely active child. My mom recognized my athletic abilities and allowed me to experience all kinds of sports and activities including gymnastics, golf, dance, ballet, swimming, diving and figure skating (I am truly blessed to have such an awesome mom, who I believe also, went against the grain by her willingness to support me in my passion to excel in something other than academics and music). I finally decided I wanted to pursue synchronized swimming because it encompassed everything I loved- swimming, gymnastics, dance and music! After the Games in 2008, I went into coaching and I really loved the teaching aspect of it. There’s something so rewarding about seeing the lightbulb go off in your students’ minds and body. When I went to Indonesia for a mission trip in the summer of 2009, I found myself in a rural area among tons of children. I had heard that there was a great lack of teachers in the area and I felt an overwhelming burden come upon me. I remember thinking to myself, “What about all of these children? Who’s going to teach, lead and empower them?” I believe teaching is a tool that you can use wherever you go. It’s a critical asset to have if you want to inspire and have great impact on people’s lives.
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
To be considered to have “potential” in the sport of USA synchronized swimming, one is required to have “straight” long legs, be tall, and have a toned, athletic built body- most of which were out of my control- I was shorter, had bowed legs, and I’m Asian. Although I practiced just as hard as my teammates (10 hours a day in and out of the water), I always had a higher percentage body fat with less muscle definition. It was always a challenge being compared to an ideal synchro athletic body that was more fit for my white, long legged teammates. At the age of 14, my coach told me to tie my legs together while sleeping to get rid of my “bowed leggedness.” In the end, I was still the same person, but I made the Olympic team. Sometimes, you have to figure out what makes you unique and stand out from everyone else, rather than figuring out how to be like everyone else.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
Many people would think the fact that I competed in the Olympic Games is my biggest accomplishment. I think differently. Two months before the Games, I had a freak accident in the pool while doing acrobatic lifts. I ended up tearing my ulnar collateral ligament in my left elbow and having nerve impingement in my entire right arm. I had to cast both arms. I had 19 doctors diagnose me and was told that it would take 9 months to recover. Those two months were the hardest months of my life. There were days I wanted to give up – the possibility of not being able to compete in the Olympics and 16 years of my life in this sport going down the drain because of an injury would have been the hardest thing to swallow. Instead, I pressed on and even though I was in a lot of pain, I fearlessly competed. Till this day, I don’t know how I was able to do it. The only thing I know for sure is that without my faith in Jesus and myself, it would have been impossible to overcome.
What’s up next?
I’m excited to start student teaching in the fall. I’m going to be coaching less hours, but at least I’m still able to coach!
Quote to live by:
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): I’m an Ox! We’re not afraid of hard work!
Passionate about: Jesus, youth kids, food, any activity that involves the beach, music, shoes/accessories and doing tricks with my adorable one year-old niece!
Favorite food: Nothing can beat a juicy slab of ribeye and red wine together.
Can’t live without: My planner (some of my friends laugh at me because it’s the size of a college textbook and I carry it around with me everywhere I go) and sadly, my iPhone…I dropped it in the pool while coaching the other day, and I literally felt handicapped.
What it means to you to be named the 2012 Sunna Lee Scholarship Winner:
I am extremely encouraged to know that an organization such as ATG, that is truly making a difference in the Asian American community, is supporting me in my endeavors to be who I want to be and do what I want to do. It definitely makes a special mark in my heart and impacts my life in a way that I would like to do for others.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions is in preparation to host its much awaited 4th annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, a fundraiser that brings together the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers, artists and musicians. The event takes place at the Dallas Contemporary Museum in the Dallas Design District from 6:30 pm – 10 pm on Saturday, October 13th.
Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and go on sale exclusively online starting Thursday, September 13th at the FFAP Event Page. 
