Tag: ATG Against The Grain Productions

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

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

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

by Mary Guthrie

Photo credit: Kim Ritzenhaler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Year-End Greetings & Thank You

2011 is coming to a close, and as we look back at the many blessings this year has brought, we are grateful for all the support we have received. With your generous contributions, we achieved many ambitious goals.

2011 Fashion for a Passion

Throughout the year, we partnered with California Pizza Kitchen, Pinkberry and Panda Express for “dine for a cause” fundraisers, which allowed us to have fun, eat, and raise money for our organization. We hosted our 3rd annual Fashion for a Passion, showcasing the talents of seven amazing designers, five musical performers and nine exhibiting artists. Our spectacular event was attended by over 300 guests and raised over $20,000 for orphanage aid, outreach programs and the ATG Artistic Scholarship Fund for Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts. We not only exceeded our goal, we made a record, doubling the amount raised from 2010!

Our documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, continues to receive accolades and screen at events across the world, from Florida to Australia.  We have plans to go even wider with distribution in the coming year to help the film find its audience and bring more awareness to this unique group of people.

Dragon Boat, Kite & Lantern Festival

And as always, we participated in local and national community festivals, including the GDAACC May Festival, World Festival and we even had our first team of rowers at the DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival.  Our ATG Rowers did pretty well the first time round, and our hope is to practice and become even stronger and better next year!

Supported orphanages in Vietnam

In addition to promoting education, cultural awareness and Asian American artists, one of our organization’s most important missions is outreach. This year, we provided scholarship to 5 young adoptees to attend culture camps at Catalyst Culture Camp and Vietnamese Heritage Camp, two Artistic Scholarships to deserving and talented young Asian American students and continued aid to orphanages in Vietnam that serve hundreds of children, sending needed food, milk, toys and educational assistance.

We are so blessed to have a hard working and 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.” Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and all the best in 2012!

Cheers!

Tammy Nguyen Lee
President/Founder

Orphanage Update: Fall 2011

ATG recently sent over funds to assist our supported orphanages with Back to School tuition as well as to celebrate Harvest Moon Festival. Below are heartfelt letters of appreciation we received from the orphanages with an update on the children. Thank you so much for supporting ATG and allowing us to help these children in need!

——-

Dear Aileen and members of the ATG family family.

We will use most of this money [you sent] to pay for the tuition of the children of Uu Dam and buy a little treats for them to celebrate the Mid-Autumn (Moon/Children Festival).  I would like to represent the Board and the orphans of Uu Dam to express our deepest gratitude to the ATG family.

Harvest Moon Celebration at Uu Dam Orphanage

With a small portion from your donation plus donations of other Buddhist friends, on Sunday, we were able to organize the Moon Festival for the orphans of Uu Dam as well as the children from the poor families surrounding Uu Dam.  Our yard was filled with children.  There were about 300 children who participated in the entertainment of dragon dance, lanterns and eating treats.  Though the weather was not very nice, the air was filled with happiness and warm feelings.  The children were so excited and encouraged.  Again, we appreciate that ATG family has contributed to bring happiness on the Children Festival Day to the children of Uu Dam, specifically, and the children of the poor countryside, in general.

Wishing the ATG family always laughter.

(continued)

Lion Dance at Harvest Moon Celebration

Reading your email, I am really touched by your compassion.  Again, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to you and members of the ATG family.

The two children who just passed the University entrance exam are Tu and Hoa.  Tu passed the Economy faculty, while Hoa passed the Telecomunication faculty of the Hue University-Technology and Science.  Both of them have been thru very hard situations.  Tu lost both his parents when he was 4 years- old.  He lived with his uncle, but because his uncle was so poor and has many children, Tu came to the Uu Dam center since the beginning of the 7th grade.  It has been almost 7 years now.  On the other hand, both of Hoa’s parents had HIV and passed soon after.  Hoa and both of his sisters entered Uu Dam Center 6 years ago.  All three of them are good kids and bright students.  Both of Hoa’s sisters are star students of the Phu My school (has both 1st and 2nd Grade classes) for 6 years in a row.

The twins, Xuan and Thu, achieved high grades in college during last year.  They are very good and study very hard.  While we are building the extension, they both have been working hard to help take care of things, because they are the oldest.  That was really helpful to me, and I feel so blessed to have them.

Both Xuan and Thu  received waiver of tuitions.   But tuitions are not much.  For example, at the beginning of the year, each University student must pay VND$3,000,000 for tuition and fees.  In that amount, tuition is only VND$300,000.  The remaining is for health insurance, books and supplies and other fees.  Whether the children are in 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, or 3rd Grade would not matter.  At the beginning of the year,  we must pay VND$600,000/each, then the school will only waive VND$65,000 of tuition.  Then we have to pay for the rest of the payments for the children.

It will only be another month until the extension will be complete.  I will continue to receive more children, but with the condition that they have to be real orphans.

Just a few notes to let you and everyone at ATG know.  I pray for safety and happiness to you and the ATG family.  Hope all is well.

– Uu Dam Orphanage

————

Dear Aileen and the very Dear ATG Group,

I have not written to you and to ATG, but the nuns and the children at Son Ca always remember you and your husband, especially when you visited us and talked about ATG. The Sisters and the children are very touched and will always have the deepest gratitude and feelings toward ATG. We daily pray that Christ and God will bless your family and everyone in the ATG group.

During the past weeks, we were very busy getting the children ready to go back to school.  We have 23 of the children from 6 to 9 years old who are going to elementary school now.  We used to have only one ‘cyclo,’ so we cannot take all of them to school on time.   I made the decision to borrow money from the bank so that we can make four trips each day to take them to schools that are 2km away from the orphanage.

Son Ca orphanage receiving ATG gifts

We just received funds from you and the ATG group.  We spent some of it to buy lanterns for the children to celebrate the Harvest Moon Festival and also to buy them some treats. The remaining amount we used to pay the tuition of the children who are in elementary school.   We were lucky that you and ATG came at the right time to save the day and put out the fire, or else we wouldn’t know what to do.  For the children in middle School and high School, we will apply for reduction in tuitions, but will have to buy and pay for other fees.  This year, we have three students who passed the high school graduation exam and got accepted to universities and/or colleges. Hoài Phúc entered  the Education Major with a minor in English.  Mi Sa will study Accounting, while Minh Ngoc applied to Medical School.  She wants to be able to help the poor people and the children at Sacred Hearts.  That’s her dream, very precious!  We hope you and the ATG group help her to achieve that dream.

In the next few days, I will receive a baby who was abandoned at the hospital, and four children from the highland whose family are so poor that they don’t have enough to eat and go to school.  I received one baby less than a year-old who is so tiny because her mother was only 1m10.  We have been taking good care of her, but she doesn’t seem to grow.  Even so, she is really cute.  You will see what I mean whenever you come back to VN and visit with us again.

Therefore, in total, we will have 70 children and 15 handicapped children.  We hope that God will continue to bless us so that we will have enough energy to help take care of them.

Again, we really appreciate you and the ATG group.  We wish you and the ATG group always are healthy, always happy and achieve all you have wished.

Sincerely,

The Sisters and the Children at Son Ca Orphanage

Learning How to Represent

ATG Board Member Hue Dao Miner recently competed in the 2011 Miss Asian American Texas Pageant. She was given the Asian Activist award, and we couldn’t be more proud of her for venturing to try something new! We asked us to tell her how this experience has changed her. Read her thoughts below:

Hue Dao Miner proudly wears the traditional Vietnamese 'ao dai.'

The lights, the eyes, the attention… they were on us girls. There were 22 of us total competing for the Miss Teen Asian American Texas, for ages 13-17 and Miss Asian American Texas, for ages 18-25. After weeks of rehearsals, our confidence was evaluated on stage. Twenty judges scored us based on talent, interview, and introduction in cultural attire and poise in evening gown. The event was spectacular, being broadcasted live stream.

The Miss Asian American Texas pageant allowed all of us to shine individually. We were clad in our robust confidence, gorgeous cultural and evening gowns. However, we were most proud to represent our countries. We collectively represented Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

I originally participated in the Miss Asian American Texas pageant because the ATG Fundraising Director, Sarah Tang-Horne, was joking around saying that I should compete since I was the youngest member on the Board of Directors, and one of two who could still meet the age requirements. The casual conversation became reality, I wanted to compete. I had to represent! Not only did I represent ATG; I represented my beloved motherland of Vietnam. So participating was more than just me.

I am so grateful to have so many supportive people around me. My mom, Tammy Miner, taught me charm. ATG President and Founder, Tammy Nguyen Lee (Miss Asian American Texas 1999-2001) coached me through the entire process. Miss Vietnam Global Alex Tran let me borrow an evening gown and traditional Vietnamese “ao dai.” I truly felt like a princess that night.

Shining in the evening gown presentation.


I didn’t go into the pageant to win, but to represent my Vietnamese roots and share my adoption story. But once I started participating, I wanted to win to carry on a platform for adoption, not necessarily just the family adoption type, but to adapt oneself into the community to make a difference.

I’ve learned more about my capabilities than ever. Putting together the application made me realize exactly how much I’ve done in the community, not just for one specific group of people, but for a variety of people in different settings. I received the “Asian American Activist Award” for my service. As cliché as it may sound, I’ve also learned that beauty is more than just looks, and that it should be shared with everyone.

Way to represent, Hue!

Congratulations to our Vietnamese Adoptee Heritage/Culture Camp Scholarship Contest Winners!

Against the Grain Productions is proud to announce
the winners of the 2011 Vietnamese Adoptee Heritage/Culture
Camp Scholarship Contest!

Earlier this year, ATG offered a contest to Vietnamese adoptees planning to attend a summer culture camp.  The rules were simple. Just tell us what ‘against the grain’ means to you, and tell us how you go ‘against the grain.’ Winners were selected at random and awarded a $100 scholarship to their culture camp of choice.  Read their adorable answers below! Some were submitted by loving parents. 🙂

2011 Winners:

Gracie Linh Hoffman, John Thach Minh Wolfinger, Aiden Bao Kornas, Nicholas French, Jamison French

Gracie Linh Hoffman

What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

It means embracing our differences and being proud of what I am, and not to worry about whether I’m just like everyone else, because I’m not.  I’m Asian-American in a country where most people are not. I’m Vietnamese in a country where most Asian-Americans are not.  I’m Jewish when most Vietnamese are not.  So I have to go against the grain, whether I want to or not.  That will be hard to do sometimes, but will be rewarding in the long run because I can be a smart, creative, beautiful, and compassionate, and unique person, and don’t have to follow the pack or be like everybody else.  The fact is, I’m NOT just like everyone else, thank goodness.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

I try to learn new things every day. I throw myself into lots of things: gymnastics, music, science, coloring, mathematics, swimming, school, and more. Some day, I’ll figure out what I do best, and what I love, and how I want to find my own path to a fulfilling life. Because I am different from others, I know that my path doesn’t have to come from following everyone else, but will come from learning what I can from those I love and respect, and from my own talents and interests.

John Thach Minh Wolfinger

What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

‘Against the grain’ means to me that you try things differently than everyone else.  It means you do not back off when someone tells you that you can not do something.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

I am one of the shortest boys in my class.  I go ‘against the grain’ and try different sports or contest when the other boys say I am too short.

Aiden Bao Kornas

What does ‘Against The Grain‘ mean to you?

Doing what’s right for our family, even if it’s not the norm or what other families are doing.

How do you go ‘Against The Grain?’

Doing whatever I can to help Aiden feel connected to and be proud of  his Vietnamese heritage and the Vietnamese culture….even if it means missing family events to attend events with other Vietnam adoptive families; going to events at our local Buddhist temple or at our Vietnamese American Community Center where I am the minority and my son is not; making culture camp our one family vacation this summer and hopefully every summer.

Nicholas French


What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

Not conforming to everyone’s ideas and holding your own ideas and staying steadfast to them.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

Not being influenced by others and doing research for myself and believing in what I do.  I like to do community service and help others.

Jamison French


What does ‘Against the Grain’ mean to you?

I think against the grain means to do the unexpected or unusual; what you feel is right.

How do you go ‘Against the Grain?’

I go against the grain by being a member of the Natural Helper program in my school.

Join the 2011 ATG Board

Want to get more involved in the arts and give back to you community? Want to grow your leadership experience and potential? Want to work with some pretty awesome people and help make a difference? ATG is seeking strong, energetic  and passionate leaders to join our 2011 ATG Board!
 
Open positions:
 
* Vice President –  1. Is a member of the Board  2. Performs President responsibilities when the President cannot be available (see President Job Description)   3. Reports to the Board’s President . 4. Works closely with the President and other Board members.  5. Participates closely with the President to develop and implement officer transition plans.  6. Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
 
* Treasurer – 1. Is a member of the Board  2. Manages finances of the organization  3. Administrates fiscal matters of the organization, including audit and tax filing.  4. Provides annual budget to the board for members’ approval.  5. Ensures development and board review of financial policies and procedures. 6. Participates in fundraising for the organization.
 
* Director of Community Outreach – 1. Is a member of the Board. 2. Plans programs and presentations that will translate the organization’s mission to the community. 3. Provide organization linkage to other organizations. 4. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.  5. Maintains a database of organizations and leadership connections for possible partnership opportunities.  6. Serve on Scholarship committee to review applicants and determines a final recipient. 7. Participates in fundraising for the organization
 
* Director of Public Relations/Marketing – 1. Is a member of the Board. 2. Creates and implements appropriate strategic vision and marketing campaigns. 3. Writes news stories and press releases 4. Creates and maintains website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Blog). 5. Creates printed marketing and promotional materials including postcards, pamphlets, brochures and e-campaigns 6. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.  7. Maintains active relations with national/local press and media and keeps press and newsletter databases updated. 8. Participates in fundraising for the organization.
 
* Director of Fundraising – 1. Is a member of the Board. 2. Strategizes and leads fundraising campaign to search for funds through grants and public solicitation. Organizes fundraising campaigns in tandem with the Public Relations/Marketing and Community Outreach Teams  3. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.  4. Participates in fundraising for the organization.
 
Download the 2010 ATG Board of Directors Application and return it along with a cover letter and resume by Tues, November 30th to info@againstthegrainproductions.com.

Going Against The Grain: Bert Ballard

November is National Adoption Month. ATG is proud to highlight Bert Ballard, a Vietnamese adoptee and adoptive parent. He was a film advisor and his family’s compelling story was featured in Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. He is an assistant professor in speech communication at the University of Waterloo (Ontario) where he researches, speaks, and writes about international and transracial adoption, and he also co-founded an online humor blog for adoptees called Adopted the Comic.  He is married with three children – Adria (8), Kyla (6), and most recently, Jayden (1).

Full Name
Robert “Bert” Ballard

Hometown
Rangely, Colorado

Current City
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Ethnicity
Vietnamese

What does it mean to you to  “Go Against The Grain?”
To “go against the grain” to me means to carve a path that is different than others. Sometimes this is radical, sometimes it is subtle yet enough to make a difference or provocative enough to cause people to think. As an adoptee, in a lot of ways I think my life is a series of going against the grain – born in one country, raised in another; Asian on the outside, Caucasian on the inside; an only child with seven parents (2 birth parents, 2 adoptive parents, 2 stepmothers, 1 stepfather); in an interracial marriage and family; an adoptee who has adopted internationally; an academic who works to translate research and knowledge directly applicable to families and adoptees. 

My hope is that with my life going against the grain I will challenge others to consider ways to reflect upon and take responsibility for their own lives. I hope they will be inspired to act in ways that positively impact and influence others and go against the grain in their own ways.

 

What made you decide to pursue a career in adoption? 
At the 25 year reunion of Operation Babylift adoptees in 2000, it was the first time in my life that I felt like I fit, like I didn’t have to explain who I was to others. It was a wonderful feeling and it was one that I wanted other international and transracial adoptees to feel and experience. Originally my work took root in helping to create spaces and communities where adoptees could feel secure and safe in expressing and sharing their feelings. That moved to conducting research on adoptive families and adoption identity and writing and editing articles and books for scholarly, professional, and non-professional audiences. Recently, I organized the inaugural Intercountry Adoption Summit (http://adoptionsummit.uwaterloo.ca) that brought together representatives from influential countries and scholars around the world to dialogue about the current state of international adoption and its future. Through this evolution in activities and involvement, I try to remain grounded in my experience of finding fit and hope that my work can help families, adoptees, professionals, and researchers consider ways to reduce corruption in the adoption process and offer more support and awareness of what it means to adopt or be adopted. 

What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in Academia?
I suppose my “industry” is academics right now, but I’ve definitely worked in the adoption world too. I think the biggest challenges for me personally being an Asian American who is adopted run along two lines. The first is credibility. As an Asian American, I’m most often viewed as young and therefore lacking in knowledge or experience (and am often mistaken as a student by many of my academic colleagues). As such, I often have to “prove” that I belong, am knowledgeable, and have the appropriate credentials to be in academics (in fact, many at the Summit came to tell me how surprised they were that I was not a 50-year old white male named Bob!). The second is always being seen as a kid. Working with adoption professionals, who are often older, I find they still see me as a “kid.” Even though I am asked to be a trainer or speaker, many still position me as a “child” with much to learn. On my good days, this provides me opportunities to educate others; on my not so good days, it is frustrating and I wonder if I will ever be judged on my education, knowledge, and character over how I look.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
Without a doubt, being married for 11 plus years and so far raising 3 children is my greatest accomplishment! There are few things in life as challenging or as rewarding as committing to one person for the rest of your life. It hasn’t always been easy for either of us, especially for myself coming from a family with so many divorces and remarriages and having married into a family with so many brothers and sisters! But it has been an amazing journey where I have learned so much about myself, most importantly that I am worthy of being loved by someone. As for being a parent, there is nothing more challenging and vulnerable than helping a human being come into her or his own; I’ve learned more from my children (two biological, one adopted; two daughters, one son) than I think they have from me. The hugs and cries of “Daddy!” when I come home from a long day makes it worth it and reminds me how important these relationships are in my life.

What’s up next?
Right now I’m working on two volumes coming out of the Intercountry Adoption Summit, which I hope will foster interdisciplinary research on international adoption while becoming important research contributions to international adoption as a whole. I am working on publishing work around my idea of “narrative burden,” and considering ideas for research on international and transracial adoptive families in Canada. I’m working on planning a screening of Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam in Waterloo, Ontario, where I live. And I am also trying to get some sleep (and help my wife get some too) with our new 1 year-old  son who we recently adopted from Vietnam in June 2010!

Visit Bert’s Adopted the Comic web page.

Pink Memo: Fashion for a Passion

Nini Nguyen and Alex Tran at 2010 Fashion for a Passion

Dallas based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions turned the Design District’s LandCo/7 Senses venue into a fashion extravaganza for its 2nd-annual Fashion For a Passion event – and the stylish certainly came out to play. Approximately 300 volunteers, philanthropists, and fashion fans joined to support the cause. The centerpiece of the event, emceed by bagsnob.com blogger Tina Craig and actress/model LeeAnne Locken, was the fashion show featuring designers Chloe Dao (season 2 winner of Project Runway); Khanh Nguyen for Nha Khanh; Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik Custom Handbags; Prashi Shah for Prashe; Judy Yang; Cac Lam for 2FeMale; and Susie Tachibana. Each designer donated looks for a live auction benefiting ATG. With plenty of party frocks, cocktails, and musical guests such as Mina Chang and Houston-based JR Kim, the fashionistas defintely had fun. And the best part: the evening’s proceeds will benefit orphanages in Asia and ATG’s community outreach initiatives, designed to aid Asian American students pursuing degrees in the arts.

Click here to read the original event coverage and photos.

Packed House at 2010 Fashion for a Passion Charity Event

Proceeds from charity fashion show to benefit international orphanages

Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions held the 2nd Annual Fashion for a Passion (FFAP) this past Saturday night at LandCo/7 Senses in the Dallas Design District. It was a packed house with nearly 300 volunteers and philanthropists who joined to raise $10,000 for ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, the newly started Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship to support Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts and year-round community outreach programs.

FFAP Emcees Tina Craig and LeeAnne Locken - Photo courtesy of Loc Truong Photography

“I was very impressed by the hard work that the ATG team put into the event. The FFAP show was such a high-quality and well-run event, and I’m sure that’s a direct reflection of the outstanding leadership and effort from ATG,” said Milton Lai, representing Hotels.com, a Producer Level Sponsor. “I think the partnership with ATG was exceptional, and I’m glad we could play a part in supporting the event and such a worthy cause. [It was] definitely a great night, great fashion, and great work for the orphanages.”

The centerpiece of the event featured a knock-out fashion show with a live auction of select pieces from each presenting designer’s collection and other exclusive pieces from designers around the world. Presenting designer collections were showcased by Chloe Dao (Season 2 winner of Project Runway), Khanh Nguyen for Nhã Khanh, Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik Custom Handbags featuring Freedom Parc, Prashe, Judy Yang, Cac Lam for 2FeMale and New York-based designer Sumie Tachibana. Additional fashion pieces were provided for the live auction from Ann Hoang, CC Couture, Dolly Pearl, Lizzi London, and Lyly Thanh.
Melissa Brown (Page Parkes) modeling Sumie Tachibana - photo courtesy of David Loi (Infini Studios)
Kamille Carlisle (Campbell Wagner) modeling Cykochik Custom Handbags by Nikki Duong Koenig - Photo courtesy of David Loi (Infini Studios)
Keegan Wheeler (Page Parkes) modeling 2 Female by Cac Lam - Photo courtesy of Loc Truong

The event featured artistic, musical and design talents within the Asian American community. Event highlights include dynamic musical performances by Houston based JR Kim, Xuan Nguyen and Miles Machon, hip hop performer Twisted Optiks and a surprise performance by Mina Chang.  The Live Auction of designer pieces hosted by beautiful and witty emcees  LeeAnne Locken (actress/model, She’s Got the Look) and Tina Craig (Bagsnob.com, former MTV Asia veejay)  provided many memorable moments throughout the evening.

“We are so thrilled that this year’s Fashion for a Passion was a huge success and continues to not only promote awareness for our social cause overseas, but also the profiles of emerging designers and artists in our community,” said Against The Grain President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee. “ATG brings together a volunteer base with a lot of heart, soul and passion. Saturday’s turnout makes all the hard work so rewarding, and we are humbled and honored by the overwhelming support. We doubled the amount raised from last year’s event, a huge accomplishment, and are looking forward to growing what we can do globally.”

To see photos from the event, please visit the ATG Flickr Site.

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. Their premiere documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, has received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.

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Rave Reviews for 2010 Fashion for a Passion

Nikki Duong Koenig, Chloe Dao, Nini Nguyen, Khanh Nguyen - Photo courtesy of Quoc 'QC' Cong (XO Photography)

Thank you to everyone who contributed your talents to the 2010 Fashion for a Passion charity event. With your help, we were able to have one heckuva show and raise $10,000 (a 200% increase from last year) for our supported orphanages, new ATG Artistic Scholarship fund and year-round community outreach programs. Thank you so much!

Read below all the wonderful comments that are coming in:

What the Designers had to say:

“It was wonderful event. It was pleasure to be in such well organized and successful event. Honestly, it was really nice to see the Asian community, young and old, come out and support  the cause. I am game for next year if you need.”

–          Chloe Dao (Designer, DAO Chloe Dao)

 

“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this event…”

–          Vi Hoang (Designer, Dolly Pearl)

 

“Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the show. I had a great time and enjoyed it very much. Thank you for working so hard to put up the show.”

–          Cac Lam (Designer, 2FeMale)

 

“Great job! I had a blast! My first “real show,” thanks to you!”

 –          Lyly Koenig (Designer, Lyly Thanh)

“…It was such a fabulous event, thank you for letting me be a part of it all. It was a pleasure working with you and the ATG crew – you guys are just amazing. I’m definitely a fan and would love to help out with future ATG events/initiatives.”

–          Nikki Duong Koenig (Designer, Cykochik Custom Handbags)

 

“… Fashion for a Passion was such a huge success! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful cause again!”

–          Khanh Nguyen (Designer, Nhã Khanh)

“Thank you so much for planning a fabulous event and allowing me to participate. Everyone was so welcoming, helpful, and truly sweet. You have a great team of people!”

–          Sumie Tachibana

“I am so honored to be part of this event and get to meet so many great people. The night was a great success and would love to part of FFAP again next time.”

–          Judy Yang (JudYang)

What the Sponsors/Guests had to say:

“I was very impressed by the hard work that the ATG team put into the event.  The FFAP show was such a high-quality and well-run event, and I’m sure that’s a direct reflection of the outstanding leadership and effort from ATG. I think the partnership with ATG was exceptional, and I’m glad we could play a part in supporting the event and such a worthy cause.  Definitely a great night, great fashion, and great work for the orphanages.”

–        Milton Lai (Hotels.com)

“It was great to see everything come together.  We definitely had a good time and [were] very happy about the turnout at Lumi.  I would love to work with you on future events with ATG.”

–          Susie Bui (Lumi Empanada & Dumpling Kitchen)

“What a great party and show…it all turned out great, and I am so happy to have been able to work with you and would love to continue help out however we can in the future.”

–          Damaris Grogan (Page Parkes Management)

“The second annual Against The Grain Fashion for a Passion event on September 25 was one of the most inspiring I’ve attended in a long time.”

–          Haley Schultheis (Pink Memo)

“My friend and I had a total blast!  I’m more than happy to help for such a great cause… You guys totally rocked in organizing the event!”

–          Joie Chau Pham (Luxe Petals)

“It is our pleasure to be part of your event, and we are thrilled that it was a great success…”

–          Michelle Byrd (Ben E. Keith)

“Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of Fashion For A Passion. We were thrilled to be there and found the evening to be wildly successful!”

–      Ryan Glenn (Subjective Media/The Photo Stand)

“Last night was a great event. Very well organized. Great Job!”

–      Steve Peris (Guest)

“I had a blast… Thanks so much to everyone who participated.”

–      Arienne Cartier (Guest)

“Great job…Your event was beautiful and very organized and energetic.”

–      Mina Chang (Musical Performer)

What the Volunteers had to say:

“Good cause, good fun and a whole lot of fashion at the second annual charity event Fashion for a Passion to benefit world orphanage. Against the Grain did an amazing job at promoting, producing and organizing such a fantastic event to raise awareness and supports for their humble cause. Great job to everyone.”

–      Quoc Cong “QC” (Volunteer, XO Photography)

 

“It was a great night. You did a fabulous job of pulling it together!”

–      Tina Craig (Emcee, Bagsnob.com)

“Thank you, Tammy, for including me as a part of such an amazing event!! YOU are inspiring & amazing!!! Much love.”

–      LeeAnne Locken (Actress/Model, She’s Got the Look)

“It was an honor to be invited to work for such a great cause again…Congrats goes to ATG, sponsors and volunteers for making it happen.”

–      David Loi (Volunteer, Infini Studios)

“We had a blast…Great job on your end, too.  Very well done.”

–      Trevor Hyslop (Volunteer, Day 18)

“Tammy, you and your team were absolutely wonderful. Anytime you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I have to say, in all of the years that I have done events, yours was by far the best put together most calm and just fun event I have done.. Please pass along our gratitude for such a fun and pleasant group!”

–      Dianne Gomez (Toni & Guy)

 

“Thank you, Tam and George, for the opportunity! It was a lot of fun!”

–      Keisha Murrell (Volunteer, FFAP Show Coordinator)

“I was honored to be a part of Against the Grain this year…I really appreciate and admire people like the two of you with such big hearts reaching out to help others and having an organization that allows us to be a part of it. Great hearts are contagious, and you guys totally inspire me.”

–      Nini Nguyen (Volunteer, FFAP Show Coordinator)

“You all did an excellent job, and I really respect you and George for your generosity for the cause…”

– Cuong Nguyen (Volunteer)

“It was a great event…”

–      Travis Petty (Volunteer, Frozen Fire Films)

“I’m so glad i was able to make it to the event and help out with my small bit for such a wonderful cause…Keep up the great work!”

–      Alex Tran (Volunteer, Miss Vietnam Global)

“Had a blast…”

–      Chi Tran (Volunteer, Infini Studios)

“Against The Grain did an amazing job at promoting, producing and organizing such a fantastic event to raise awareness and support for their humble cause. Great job to everyone…It was a pleasure to participate.”

–      Loc Truong (Volunteer, Loc Truong Photography)