Against The Grain Productions is proud to announce the 2015 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.
Grace Wu serves as Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment since 2009. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley, Wu began her career in entertainment casting as an assistant on the feature film “In & Out,” starring Kevin Kline. She transitioned into television when she joined Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, where she worked on casting for the critically acclaimed “Seinfeld,” “MadTV” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” While at NBC, Wu supervised the casting of such network series as “Freaks & Geeks,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood” and “The Black List.” She is responsible for overseeing the day-today casting on current scripted series as well as pilot productions.
Full name:
Grace Wu
Hometown:
Los Angeles, CA
Current City:
Los Angeles, CA
Ethnicity:
Taiwanese-American
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
Lately, it means to speak up when I feel the most scared.
What made you decide to pursue a career in this industry?
I like being around creative people, getting into their heads and helping execute their vision.
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
I can’t think of any challenges, but as the daughter of immigrants, it’s in my DNA to work hard and not whine or complain.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
My biggest accomplishment is picking the right guy to marry because I’ve created the family I always wanted.
What’s up next?
Finding time to shop Zappos.
Quote to live by:
You get what you get and you don’t get upset.
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac):
I’m a Rooster/Scorpio
Passionate about:
Keeping my iPhone and iPad charged at 100%.My kids think I’m crazy, but it must be!
Favorite food:
Sushi and fried egg sandwiches
Can’t live without:
Thinking about my next great meal.
I Go Against The Grain #beCAUSE:
It doesn’t seem as much fun to be regular and conventional.
DC Wolfe, an actor and writer, is one of the adoptees who is featured in the film. Although very private by nature, he openly shared his intimate and painful story to help others better understand the unique situation that adoptees face. He has supported Operation Babylift by attending numerous screenings and even speaking at Asian American Leadership and Educational Conference (AAALEC) panel at Southern Methodist University to discuss the film and his personal story.
The ATG family was saddened to learn that DC is currently battling cancer. In an effort to return the love and support that he has shown for many years in sharing his powerful journey and raising awareness about adoption, Tammy and the ATG Board would like to donate 100% of all proceeds from sales of Operation Babylift DVDs during the entire month of February to help offset DC’s medical costs.
If you would like to show your support, please click here to purchase your own copy of Operation Babylift. As you reflect on the message of love throughout the month of February, we encourage you to share the love and spread the message of hope that is embodied in the film by also considering copies of Operation Babylift for family and friends. We thank you so much for your continued support of our mission and hope that through our programming and community outreach efforts, you are not only enlightened and educated about Asian American culture, arts and issues but also inspired to do your part, in any measure, to make life better for others. #beCAUSE.
Read more Against The Grain posts featuring DC Wolfe and Operation Babylift:
Yasmeen Tadia is a 32 year-old single mother, with more than 10 years of Human Resources and Business Management experience. In her last role, she was the Corporate Director of Human Resources for the largest hotel management company in New York City, where she managed hotels all over the world from an HR perspective.
Yasmeen Tadia has transformed standard-issue, carnival cotton candy into a completely new and gourmet, flavor-packed experience—and a low-calorie, vegan and gluten-free one, at that. The entrepreneurial vision behind the sweet Fluffpop pouf was actually born out of her desire to provide a healthier candy alternative for her sugar-loving young son Zain—which also instantly made this single mom the CEO of fun for her son. Read more
The Ingredients of an ATG Leader and the Team that Makes It Happen!
Are you looking to make a difference? Want to get more involved with the community? Want to make amazing friends and have life changing experiences?
ATG is currently recruiting skilled, enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced leaders who have the necessary time to join our 2015 Board of Directors and Creative Team! Read more
Thanks to your support, we were able to expand our assistance to orphanages in Cambodia this year! Many special thanks to Rev. Sy Seng Ouk and his wife Mrs. Esther Ky (parents of ATG advisor and long-time friend Thear Suzuki) who recently visited our supported orphanages and gave us the report below. Read more
Cynthia Yung, Executive Director of The Boone Family Foundation
Cynthia Yung currently serves as Executive Director of The Boone Family Foundation, a resource for social change. In this role, she is responsible for identifying and recommending grants for nonprofit organizations that focus on supporting programs which advance equity for women and girls, improve quality of life for children and promote environmental stewardship.
Ms. Yung also serves on advisory boards for The Real Estate Council Community Fund and Texas Women Ventures, Austin College GO! Forum Advisory Council, Dallas ISD Literacy Campaign Committee and steering committees for the Zero to Five Funders Collaborative and Commit! Early Childhood Council. More than a decade of volunteer work on international mission trips and serving on nonprofit boards have paved the way for Ms. Yung’s transition from the corporate world to the nonprofit world.
A Telecom industry veteran, her previous corporate career includes roles in sales, strategic marketing, manufacturing operations and finance for Nortel Networks. Ms. Yung earned a Chartered Professional Accountant designation at Ernst & Young and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Canada.
Check out news on Ms. Yung’s latest work:
Full Name: Cynthia Yung
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Current City: Dallas, Texas
Ethnicity: 34th generation Chinese
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
Journey outside your “lines” be it gender, culture, tradition, stereotype, etc.
November 5, 2014 (Dallas, TX) – On Saturday, November 1, Against The Grain Productions held its 6th Annual Fashion for a Passion charity event at Three Three Three First Avenue. In a sold-out show that beat all event records, the event hosted 450 guests and raised more than $35K in funds to go to ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, scholarship fund and community outreach programs. Read more
Cykochik, a former Fashion for a Passion participant and one of our valued community shopping partners will have their line of oh-so-chic ATG Cause Clutches and more for sale at Fashion for a Passion November 1st! With Christmas around the corner, buy and give something that is artistic, fashionable, ethically made AND also gives back: 20% of all proceeds sold at FFAP will go to our supported orphanages in Asia, scholarship fund and outreach programs.
Can’t make it to FFAP this year? You can also shop online, where 10% always benefits ATG. Thanks so much to Cykochik Custom Handbags for the continued support…and for keeping us stylish!
Vatana Watters, bridal designer and CEO of Watters Bridal and first-time bridal presenting designer at Fashion for a Passion
We are proud to highlight Vatana Watters of Watters Bridal for this month’s Going Against The Grain feature. For the past three years, Watters has been a generous supporter of ATG and Fashion for a Passion, donating gorgeous dresses for auction to the delight of brides-to-be. In addition to providing new looks for auction, audiences at FFAP will get to see highlights from Watters’ bridal, bridesmaid and even flower girl collections float down the runway for the first time ever in her debut as an FFAP (and our first-ever bridal!) presenting designer.
Check out one of our wonderful FFAP media sponsors DFW Style Daily‘s feature on Watters Bridal, too!
Full Name: Vatana Watters
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Current City: Dallas, Texas
Ethnicity: Thai
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
When I started making bridesmaids gowns in the mid ’80’s, I offered an alternative solution to the big puffy sleeves and bows. I decided to ‘go Against The Grain,’ and it paid off in a great way, due to hard work, determination and staying true to my vision.
