Producing films, media, programs and events that promote awareness and unity of Asian American culture, artistry and identity. "One Voice. Many Stories."
The arts are one of the most powerful ways to enlighten, inform, and inspire. Yet it is also a medium where the Asian American perspective is often overlooked and underrepresented. Based on her personal industry experience as a filmmaker and actor, combined with her and her family’s passion for community service, and in the spirit of her award-winning documentary film Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, President and Co-Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee created 501(c)(3) non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions, Inc.
Led by a Board of experienced, dedicated and passionate young Asian American professionals and community leaders, ATG functions as a traditional non–profit, but with a twist. In true spirit of the definition, the organization finds unique, unconventional, innovative and entertaining ways to give voice to significant, relevant and untold stories in our community through social issue films, outreach/educational programs and cultural community events.Whether through glamorous charity fundraisers like Fashion for a Passion or educational leadership panels like Groundbreakers Speak, ATG’s purpose is this: to educate and promote leadership and positive identity and artistry in the Asian American community; create artistic and scholarship opportunities for Asians and Asian Americans; support and represent the diverse Asian American voice through media projects and raise funds for orphanages in Asia.
Your donations also provide food and medical supplies for needy orphanages in Saigon, Hue, and Danang (Vietnam) and now Bangkok (Thailand).
Who we have helped:
Duc Son
House of Love
SPC – Danang (Center for Street Children)
Phu My
Quang Chau
Sisters of St. Paul
Uu Dam Compassion House
Son Ca
Sacred Heart Center for Handicapped Children
Thanh Tam
Baan Fuengfah
ATG is a made up 100% of volunteers. None of us are paid, except in smiles. We do this because we believe in the cause. All our costs are kept to an absolute minimum so that we can give out the maximum amount we raise (nearly 100% of donations!) With your help, each year, we are able to give more and more to our supported orphanages, outreach programs and scholarships for Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts. Thank you for that!
Who We Are
PRESIDENT/FOUNDER – Tammy Nguyen Lee
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. A first generation Vietnamese American, she grew up bit unconventional by nature, dedicating her free time to honing her skills in the performing and fine arts. She attended gifted and talented schools, graduating near the top of her class with a full International Baccalaureate diploma from Garland High School and received a scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, where she studied abroad in Paris and graduated with honors with a B.A. in Cinema and double minors in French and Business. She later was accepted into the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA’s) elite Producers Program, where she received her M.F.A. and became a twice-over Finalist in the Producers Guild sponsored UCLA Marketplace competition. For her work in the arts, she has received several national scholarships and honors, including the Women In Film.Dallas College Scholarship and the Mickey Dude Diversity Fellowship. Her short films have screened at film festivals nationwide.
A passionate, creative and innovative leader, she has been an active advocate, volunteer and speaker as a former Miss Asian American Texas and for such SMU groups as East Asian Student Association (President), Program Council (Films Chair), Asian Council (Secretary) and non-profit community organizations like Wilkinson Center, AIDS Resource Center of Dallas, Deep Ellum Film Festival, Asian American Professionals of Dallas (PA2), Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) – Los Angeles, Monster Diversity Leadership Program, Asian American Leadership & Educational Conference (AALEC), The Vietnamese American Center of Greater Dallas and The Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. She previously served on the Women In Film.Dallas Board as Membership and Programs Co-Chair. She is a recipient of numerous scholarships and leadership honors, including the prestigious 2010 SMU Distinguished Alumni Emerging Leader Award, given to an alumae/alumnus who has graduated within the past 15 years and brought distinction to the University. She was recently honored with one of the 2012 NAAAP-DFW Leaders of Excellence Awards.
Tammy 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 for Best Feature Film (Vietnamese International Film Fesival) and Documentary Audience Choice Award (Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival). A seasoned actor, she has appeared in films, television, national commercials and print campaigns. 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. Now, as a working mom to two adorable daughters, Tammy’s focus is on her family, growing ATG and continuing to work as an actor, film/television producer and development consultant.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Daring to go bravely in the direction that no one else has. Forging a unique path apart from where others have gone. Standing steadfast and passionately to one’s own voice and beliefs.”
Quote to live by: “You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.” – Richard Bach, Illusions
Sign: Aries/Horse
Passionate about: Family, film, food, traveling and leading a life of meaning and purpose
Favorite food: Soup, comfort food and street/fair food
Can’t live without: My loves (especially my daughters) and really good food
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
VICE PRESIDENT – Nikki Duong Koenig
Nikki Duong Koenig spent her early childhood immersed in Vietnamese culture before her family immigrated to Dallas, TX. As a kid, Nikki was passionate about art/fashion and was nurtured by her family to pursue all her creative endeavors. She attended the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU and received a B.A. in Advertising and Art. While in school, she was on the SMU national winning advertising team, Praxis, and was active in Asian Council, EASA and VSA. She also established her handbag business, Cykochik Custom Handbags, from her dorm room.
Upon graduation, Nikki jetted off to New York City to launch her career as an art director, working at global advertising agencies for blue-chip clients such as American Express, Coca Cola, Motorola and Verizon. All the while, she was attending FIT’s CEO Program, growing her business, volunteering and maintaining a long distance relationship.
After her successful start in NYC, Nikki returned to Dallas to take her personal and professional life to the next level. She tied the knot with her college sweetheart and is currently the Creative Director at Envision Interactive, a Dallas marketing agency. When she is not busy building brands or designing handbags, Nikki enjoys supporting the arts and philanthropic causes, traveling, painting/drawing and spending time with family and friends. Nikki formerly served as the organization’s Director of Marketing/Public Relations.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It’s a state-of-mind, being able to trust/follow my instincts and not second-guessing myself despite external obstacles or influences.”
Quote to live by: “Just Do It” – Nike
Sign: Taurus/Boar
Passionate about: The Arts
Favorite food: Sushi
Can’t live without: The Internet
Color: Curious Green/Action Orange
TREASURER – Liz Lean
Liz Lean is a first generation Chinese-American born and raised in Houston, Texas. She moved to Plano at a young age. In 2005, she graduated with a BBA in Accounting and a minor in Chinese from Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Texas. During her college years, she studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, participated in community events, and volunteered for Big Brother Big Sisters of Lubbock, mentoring kids.
Shortly after graduation, Liz moved back to Plano, where she currently resides. Liz is a Senior Tax Accountant at Cain, Watters & Associates, P.L.L.C. and is currently preparing for the CPA exam. When she has free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, traveling, spending time with friends and baking (her specialty is whipping up some mean cakeballs!).
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
To “go against the grain” is taking your dreams and goals to the next level. Pushing yourself through challenges to make achieving your dreams and goals that much more worth it.
Quote to live by: “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts
Sign: Taurus/Rabbit
Passionate about: Family, Friends & Baking
Favorite food: Sushi & Non-Authentic Italian (Olive Garden)
Can’t live without: Cell phone & TV
Color: Solid Gold
SECRETARY – Jennifer Devany Coffee
Jennifer Devany Coffee spent a majority of her childhood raised by her grandparents in the foothills of the Philippines (raising havoc in her village), before she joined her mother and new family in Dallas, TX. From 2008 through 2010, she travelled throughout Europe and some parts of The Middle East where she quickly learned about herself and the meaning of truly living life to its fullest. Upon returning to the U.S.(and fulfilling her itch to travel), she obtained her AAS at Colorado Technical University; and she is currently pursuing a double major in HR Management and Marketing.
During her spare time, she volunteers regularly for numerous non-profit organizations that raises awareness to local art, music, fashion, culture, and children’s charities. She is passionate and enthused about helping others, volunteering, and culture. She has a plethora of creative and fun ideas, and she cannot wait to put them in motion through her involvement with ATG!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Being off beat from what is traditional or what is expected. In order to be noticed, one must go against the grain.”
Quote to live by: “You can’t make footprints in sands of time by sitting on your butt. And who wants to make buttprints in the sands of time.”-Bob Moaward
Passionate about: Faith, love, family, fitness, culture and serving others
Sign: Gemini/Boar
Favorite Food: Filipino and Korean Food
Can’t live without: Galaxy S III and the Loves of my life (not in this particular order)
Color: True Blue
SECRETARY – Julianne Nguyen
Julianne Nguyen is currently a law student at Baylor Law School in Waco, TX. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While at SMU, she was active in Asian Council, EASA, VSA and AALEC. She also helped to establish ASCEND, a student business organization on campus. At Baylor, she is involved in Diversity in Law and Asian Law Student Association.
Upon graduation and passing the Texas Bar (fingers-crossed), Julianne plans to move back to Dallas, TX to start her legal career. She hopes to be a business transactional attorney and hopes to pursue that dream either with a firm or with a company. But until then, you can catch her shopping at one of the local malls, catching a movie with friends or cheering on one of the Dallas sports teams!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“To go outside the box, to go against stereotypes and expectations, to be fearless.”
Quote to live by: “I never regret anything. Because every little detail of your life is what made you into who you are in the end.”
Sign: Pisces/Dragon
Passionate about: Family & friends
Favorite Food: All types of Asian food, from pho to sushi to bibimbap and Italian
Can’t live without: My cellphone
Color: Solid Gold
COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Jared Rehberg
Jared Rehberg is a Vietnamese Adoptee born in Saigon in 1974. After nine months at An Lac Orphanage, he came to America on Operation Babylift. Jared is an Associate Producer on the documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam and currently lives in New York City, where he works as a Sales Operations Manager at Synaptic Digital.
Jared is a member of the International Adoptee Congress and the Vietnamese Adoptee Network (VAN). A passionate singer/songwriter, he released a CD in 2002 titled “Waking Up American,” sharing the stage with Kevin So at Club Passim in Boston and Angela Ai at The Cutting Room in New York City. His music has touched the hearts of those who have attended Asian culture camps (Catalyst Foundation, Colorado Heritage, FCVN of Boston and Holt International) and benefit concerts (Adopt-A-Minefield). He speaks on adoptee panels at adoption conferences and adoption agencies (Spence-Chapin) and has performed for VAN (Luke Wing Asian Museum), Also-Known-As, Children Homes Society and Family Services, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Center of Adoption and Families with Children from China in New York. He is a Co-Founder of the international adoptee e-magazine In Third Space. Jared has been interviewed on NPR (Crossing East) and appeared on PBS (Asian American) and ImaginAsian TV (Finding My America). He was also interviewed in Adoptive Families, MAVIN, Tieng Magazine and BN Magazine. Jared is a founding ATG Board Member. This year, he will also take on the duty of Camp Director for Colorado Vietnamese Heritage Camp in 2012 & 2013. www.jaredrehberg.com
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Believing that I can make a difference in this world. Breaking the mold, knocking down walls, bringing my own imagination and possibility within me to life.”
Quote to live by: “Seize the day.”
Sign: Leo/Tiger
Passionate about: International adoption and music
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese
Can’t live without: Family and friends
Color: True Blue
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Hue Dao Miner
Hue Dao Miner received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Texas. There, she was a member of the Public Relations Society of America and Public Relations Students Society of America. She has volunteered more than 700 hours of community service to various organizations, previously also serving as the Director of Marketing/Public Relations and Secretary for ATG before taking her current role.
Hue is a first generation Vietnamese American, uniquely raised in both an Asian American home and an Anglo American home. Through her own personal experiences, she has mentored her four younger siblings about the Asian-American identity. She is passionate about extending cultural awareness to the public.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Setting yourself apart. Doing what you feel is best. Being in control of your own thoughts and beliefs.”
Quote to live by: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Sign: Aries/Rabbit
Passionate about: Faith, family, health and fitness
Favorite food: Breakfast and fruit smoothies
Can’t live without: Love, beauty and sleep
Color: True Blue
MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS – Annie Tran
Annie Tran graduated from the University of North Texas in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, emphasizing in News Editorial/Print Media. Throughout her years in school, she realized her interests and passions submerged through writing. As a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Dallas NuPros, Annie is known as the person who would encourage her friends and family to support in the highest fashionable way.
Annie was born and raised in Dallas and believes to uphold a high image of each company she has worked for, letting potential clients know what is offered. She hopes to travel the world and make a difference, since learning her family’s daily experiences while visiting Vietnam for the first time in 2011. Annie wants to focus on finding her very own career path and ATG has helped point her in the right direction. In her spare time, she enjoys R&R and exploring her hometown with friends and family.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Discovering your passion and being original in your chosen path, especially through one’s life experiences.”
Quote to live by: “Go the extra mile, it’s never crowded.”
Passionate about: Writing – I believe any writer can impact any reader by expressing their true thoughts without any extreme boundaries.
Sign: Capricorn/Rabbit
Favorite food: Burgers and Fries – I’m an All Asian American girl!
Can’t live without: Cable television
Color: Solid Gold
MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS – Elizabeth Dinh
This Texan is thrilled to have travelled around the country for her career, and to be back in her hometown area to continue telling the stories of the fascinating people she meets each day. Elizabeth joined KTVT as a reporter for the CBS 11 Morning News in December 2012.
She was born in Irving, then raised in Grand Prairie and Arlington. Elizabeth graduated from Sam Houston High School and UT Arlington. During college, she anchored and reported for the Fort Worth City Cable before moving to the Texas Panhandle to become weekend anchor/reporter at KAMR TV in Amarillo. Another amazing opportunity then brought Elizabeth and her husband Kevin to WFTS TV in Tampa, Florida. Three years later, the duo, along with their pugs Tiny and Coco Chanel, travelled to the Pacific Northwest where Elizabeth joined the KOMO TV news team in Seattle, Washington.
Elizabeth also speaks Vietnamese – something her parents made sure she did at home since childhood. During the Fall of Saigon in 1975, her mom and dad fled Vietnam before settling in Texas. She is the youngest and only daughter among 6 married brothers (plus 17 nieces and nephews, and counting). Her love for Vietnamese culture is expressed in making dishes at home or trying them at one of many great local restaurants.
She believes she’s part of an amazing love story because in June of 2012, Elizabeth’s husband, Kevin, donated one of his kidneys to her when a condition called IgA Nephropathy caused both of hers to fail. The selfless gift of life from him has renewed her health and her spirit after living with failing kidneys for nearly two years. Elizabeth is proud to be a former Miss Asian American Texas, recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award (the highest award a Girl Scout can achieve) and is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Following one’s heart toward achieving their dreams, despite any setbacks, no matter what others may say. It’s about having the courage to be ambitious, the faith to believe in yourself and the power to make a difference.
Quote to live by: “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” – Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel
Sign: Virgo/Monkey
Passionate about: Fashion, Life
Favorite food: Sweets, especially ones with chocolate, coconut or peanut butter
Can’t live without: My family and friends
Color: True Blue
FUNDRAISING – John Ting
John Ting is a North Texas native who earned his Juris Doctorate from The City University of New York School of Law. John moved back to Dallas to start his own practice – The Law Office of John Ting, which focuses on immigration law. Over the years, John has accumulated more than 400 hours of pro bono legal services and is actively involved in the community. He has volunteered for several years as a camp counselor with Catalyst Foundation Culture Camp and with Southeast Asia Service Leadership Network in Vietnam. He has helped organize a charity tennis tournament, which, for that year, raised money for Charity Water.
John is a first generation Taiwanese American. He is passionate about access to education and to the legal system, while maintaining cultural values.
During law school, John was Executive Articles Editor for City University of New York Law Review. John has held leadership positions with Dallas Asian American Bar Association, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, and various student conferences, such as Asian Pacific American Empowerment Conference and Vietnamese American Student Conference.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Staying committed to the goals and welcoming challenges, in spite of the barriers set by society.”
Quote to live by: “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell
Sign: Taurus/Ox
Passionate about: providing access to the legal system and education for those who may not otherwise have access
Favorite food: Oatmeal raisin cookies from Levains Bakery and Black and White cookies from William Greenberg (both only found in NYC)
Can’t live without: Faith and confidence
Color: True Blue
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS – Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a first generation Vietnamese American born and was raised in Carrollton, Texas. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she was involved in numerous Asian American organizations, including international Asian-interest sorority Alpha Kappa Delta Phi. Within Alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority, Kim was Secretary, Historian and Special Events Chair. Other organizations she was involved in were Vietnamese Student Association, the Asian American Student Association and President’s Community Scholars. She is currently working on getting her Bachelor’s in Communications and aspires to become an event planner. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and beloved dog, do arts and crafts and of course, shop!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“To me, to ‘go against the grain’ means against all odds, no matter what, you should follow your dreams.”
Quote to live by: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.”
Sign: Aquarius/Horse
Passionate about: Friends, family and fashion
Favorite food: Sushi
Can’t live without: Moscato and country music
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS - Vi Phung
Vi Phung graduated early from Texas Tech University in December 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in English. She interned at a local CBS and ABC affiliate in Lubbock, studied abroad in Spain and traveled to various places around the world before graduating. Vi is currently the Director of Online Communications for an online classifieds website, where she’s been working since early 2009.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Vi is excited to be back to spend time with family and friends and focus on her career. She has volunteered for ATG since graduation, previously serving as Co-Director of Marketing/Public Relations. She loves being part of such a meaningful organization. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her fiance, family and friends. She also loves to shop, travel every chance she gets and eat!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Always being yourself and letting your personality be your autograph. Going against the grain is being passionate and doing what you love, no matter what anyone else thinks.”
Quote to live by: “Let your personality be your autograph.”
Sign: Aries/Rabbit
Passionate about: Fashion and culture
Favorite food: Sushi, cheese, lobster, filet mignon
Can’t live without: TV, internet and family
Color: Action Orange
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS - Lily Phung
Lily Phung was born and raised in Texas, where she has lived her whole life. She recently graduated from the University of Texas, where she obtained a BS in Human Biology with a concentration in Genetics. There, she was involved with several organizations, including Sigma Phi Omega Sorority Inc., where she served as historian and TAPC Senior Delegate, Vietnamese Student Association, and Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council.
Lily is now back in Dallas after living in Austin for 4 years and currently working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician at a local CVS Pharmacy. She is working towards pursuing a career in pharmacy. A true southern belle, she enjoys watching football, eating barbeque, drinking iced tea, wearing cowboy boots and listening to good ol’ country music (and “all her exes live in Texas!”).
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Follow your dreams, however big or small, because you have a passion for it – even if people don’t agree with your decisions.”
Quote to live by: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Sign: Aquarius/Horse
Passionate about: Family and Friends
Favorite food: Sushi and Pho
Can’t live without: My family
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
SOCIAL MEDIA – Aivy Nguyen
Aivy Nguyen graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Business Marketing and a passion for advertising. She has been an active member in many Asian American student organizations, serving as an officer on the Executive Board for UNT’s Asian Student Association, Public Relations Director for the annual Asian Pacific American Empowerment Conference and as Regional Representative for the 2007 Vietnamese American Student Conference. She had the honor of being recognized as one of VANG’s 2007 Top 40 Vietnamese American Student Leaders. She formerly served as ATG’s Director of Marketing/Public Relations.
Since graduating, Aivy has traveled back to Vietnam to continue efforts to aid various orphanages abroad and serves as a counselor at Vietnamese Culture Camps. She’s currently living her Mad Men dreams as a Senior Account Executive at Leo Burnett Worldwide in Chicago.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“‘Going against the grain’ means being extraordinary and striving to be unconventional. It means to be a catalyst for change, whether that is within yourself or society.”
Quote to live by: “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” - James M. Barrie
Sign: Libra/Ox
Passionate about: Learning
Favorite food: Anything in the Chicago restaurant scene
Can’t live without: Happiness!
Color: True Blue
STREET TEAM - Bao Uyen Tran
Bao Uyen Tran was born and raised in Danang, Vietnam and came to the U.S. as an international student when she was 18 years-old. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Taxation.
During her college years, Bao Uyen was a volunteer tutor for the America Reads/America Counts program and actively participated in community service projects for the Vietnamese Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Dallas. She has also volunteered for the Asian Film Foundation of Dallas and filmAsia by the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Bao Uyen is currently working at STMicroelectronics as a Tax Specialist. She has previously served as ATG’s Treasurer.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Having the courage to pursue what you love doing even if that means having to take bigger risks.”
Quote to live by: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato
Sign: Aries/Boar
Passionate about: Family, travels and FIFA World Cup
Favorite food: Sushi
Can’t live without: My iPhone
Color: True Blue
STREET TEAM – Liz Nguyen Ho
Liz was born in Denver, CO and raised in Houston, TX. Now living back in Dallas with her husband and daughter, Liz is working at Hewlett Packard under the Technology and Operations organization as the Business Applications Program Manager for Global Real Estate. Prior to her move, she worked at PCS-CTS as the PMO Director, where she was in charge of the program management group in Houston, TX and heading the business development ventures for the company in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Latin America regions. With an experienced background in account management and customer support, Liz has portrayed a strong record in leadership and service.
This experience was built on top of a solid education as a marketing and psychology major at Southern Methodist University. During college, she was active in various organizations including Asian Council, East Asian Student Association, Vietnamese Students Association, Student Senate, Student Foundation, Mustang Marathon (fundraiser benefiting pediatric AIDS) and Student Rep of the Students Affairs Committee for the Board of Trustees. She was awarded SMU’s most coveted recognition, the “M Award,” which is given to students, faculty, staff and administrators in recognition of exemplary service to the University. When not working, she enjoys cooking, yoga, singing and goofing off with family and friends and volunteering as a martial arts instructor for Unified Tae Kwon Do. She has previously served as ATG’s Co-Director of Marketing/Public Relations and Treasurer.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“If someone asks me what does it mean to ‘to against the grain,’ my first thought involves breaking boards in martial arts – you never want to hit against the grain because it is harder. In the context of the question, “to go against the grain” means to go outside the box, beyond conventional thinking, possibly outside your comfort zone in order to achieve above and beyond expectations. Standard practices set the current boundary of possibilities. To extend the boundaries and to remove the ‘im’ in impossible, you have to go ‘against the grain.’”
Quote to live by: “Live everyday of your life to the fullest. Hope for the best to come and…Love every single moment of it.”
Sign: Taurus/Dog
Passionate about: My family + loved ones (Elite 10)
Favorite food: Anything that tastes good… oohhh! Scallop Hand Roll at Sushi Sake
Can’t live without: My iPhone & lip balm
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
STREET TEAM - Kate Nguyen
After attending the University of Texas at Arlington, Kate Nguyen has established a career as a Financial Analyst within the Telecom industry. She is currently working as a Mobile Coordinator at Belo, one of the largest multi-media companies in Dallas.
Kate has past non-profit experience volunteering for the Vietnamese community, the United Way Campaign and as an active volunteer with ATG for the past several years and previously served as the organization’s Treasurer. She has always found that the act of giving your time to a worthwhile cause is its own reward with unexpected benefits.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It’s an ability to knowingly go down the road not taken, knowing when to take risks and follow your own path.”
Quote to live by: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sign: Taurus/Boar
Passionate about: Loved ones… my friends and family
Favorite food: Home cooked meals
Can’t live without: iPad and sriracha/tobasco Sauce
Color: True Blue/Curious Green
STREET TEAM – Vy Le
Vy is from Vietnam originally, located to Dallas in the year 2002. Vy Le is a graduate of University of Texas at Dallas at the age of 19. Since graduation, she had been working as a telecommunication engineer. However, Vy has strong interest in the creative fields including arts, music and multimedia productions. Joining ATG, she hopes to pursue growth through community involvement and making a difference.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Taking chances, planting a seed, hoping it will grow into something beautiful despite the odds.”
Quote to live by: “Balance is key.” – Chinese proverb
Sign: Libra/Horse
Passionate about: Family, friends, food, fun and learning
Favorite foods: Fried food, chocolate and sushi
Can’t live without: My family
Color: Curious Green/True Blue
ADVISOR/Co-FOUNDER – George Lee
George Lee is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in the Army as a Ranger qualified Captain for several years. While in the Army, George held several leadership positions, including leading a platoon as part of OPERATION INTRINSIC ACTION in Kuwait in 1996, as well as working in Planning and Operations coordinating Missions for Battalion size units. Upon completion of his military service, he became a Manufacturing Engineer responsible for both current product lines and new product development for BancTec Technologies. While at BancTec, he participated in their “Reading to Kids” program, being a mentor to a local elementary school. George is currently a national Strategic Accounts Director for OraPharma, a dental pharmaceutical company.
Having grown up in a small southern town in South Carolina, George participated in several community service projects to include working with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind as a youth. He experienced the challenges of being from the only Korean American family in his community. From the parallels in his own life, he took an interest in the experiences of the Babylift adoptees and in promoting Asian American identities and became an executive producer and camera operator on Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. He is a founding member of ATG and formerly served as the organization’s Vice President, combining his operations, logistics and even entertainment experience to execute events such as Fashion for a Passion and Cocktails for a Cause.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It means fighting your way through the strong currents of a lifeless existence.”
Quote to live by: “Hoo-ah!” – Army battle cry
Sign: Pisces/Rat
Passionate about: Gadgets, fashion
Favorite food: Korean
Can’t live without: My iPhone
Color: Curious Green
ADVISOR/CO-FOUNDER – Aileen Nguyen
Aileen Nguyen has more than 20 years of progressive and wide-ranging domestic and international tax experience. She has previously worked at STMicroelectronics as Director of Tax, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and KPMG. A Certified Public Accountant, she holds a Master’s degree in Taxation from the University of North Texas and is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas. She is currently a Senior Director of Tax at Borden.
As a refugee and first generation Vietnamese American, she faced the struggles first hand that many new families face in a new country. She has been an avid supporter and contributor to the Vietnamese and Asian American community at large, helping with immigrant groups and planning events. She has volunteered for The Greater Dallas Vietnamese American Community, Wilkinson Center, Miss Asian American Texas Pageant, and Miss Ao Dai Dallas Pageant and has been an enthusiastic fundraiser and volunteer for orphanages and philanthropic causes. In addition to being a successful careerwoman, she is a dedicated mother of two. Aileen is a founding member of ATG and formerly served as the organization’s Treasurer. She now serves as their tax advisor and liaison/translator to orphanages in Vietnam.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“For me, ‘going against the grain’ is just pulling effort to do something that you know is the right thing to do, whether you like doing it or not.”
Quote to live by: “Kindness is a language that the dumb can speak and the deaf can hear and understand.”- Christian Nevell Bovee
Sign: Aries/Rooster
Passionate about: Helping people, classical music
Favorite food: Sushi and pho
Can’t live without: My socks
Color: Solid Gold/Curious Green
ADVISOR - Shirley Yu
Shirley Yu graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Professional Accounting. In college, she was actively involved with several student organizations, including the Asian Culture Committee, a student union committee sponsored by the University to promote multi-culturalism and diversity on campus. As an officer of ACC, Shirley chaired various programs and served as a liaison to other campus organizations.
In 1997, she co-founded PA2 – Asian American Professionals of Dallas, a non-profit group for young Asian Americans in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to network and develop leadership skills. In 2003, PA2 merged with another young professionals group to form Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) Dallas, where she served as Treasurer, Membership Chair, and as an advisor on the Steering Committee.
Shirley is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas. In her career, she has worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young LLP and held various positions in audit and finance at both Verizon and Nortel. She is currently employed by McKesson as a Senior Manager – Controls and Compliance. She is also a founding ATG Board Member and formerly served as the organization’s Secretary & Vice President.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“To me, going “against the grain” means to do something that is unexpected and out of the ordinary.”
Quote to live by: “The most important things in life aren’t things.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
Sign: Capricorn
Passionate about: Family and Texas Longhorns football
Favorite food: Dumplings
Can’t live without: Television…I’m a TV junkie!
Color: True Blue/Solid Gold
GRAPHIC DESIGN – Carol Nguyen
Carol Nguyen is an alumnus of the University of North Texas where she earned a B.F.A. in Communication Design and B.B.A. in Business Marketing. Her work was showcased at the 2008 Dallas Society of Visual Communication National Student Show and she was awarded with a Fort Worth Addy in 2009. Carol has been in the professional design industry for 5 years, gathering experience from large agencies, smaller in-house companies, and local private businesses. She has gained much insight through working with diverse industries such as technology, education, oil & gas, medical, food, entertainment and beauty.
Carol’s interests in philanthropy have led to her involvement with several organizations. She is a member of the National Association of Asian American Professionals and volunteers with the Marketing team, serves breakfast regularly at the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, and she helped to build and maintain the website for Blended Profit – an online resource promoting responsible business practices.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Going against the grain means being proactive about change and carving out a path for yourself instead of following in the footsteps of others and waiting for change to occur.”
Quote to live by: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Sign: Gemini/Tiger
Passionate about: Family, dancing, local music and great food
Favorite food: Blue Bell Ice Cream and Nutella
Can’t live without: MacBook
Color: Action Orange
WEB ADVISOR – Darren Leong
Darren Leong is a sixth generation Chinese-American born and in raised in Los Angeles, California. He has spent time designing in entertainment and technology for clients including Access Hollywood, Washington Mutual, Univision, Deutche Bank and Nippon Oil. In 2005, he joined Automotive.com, now part of Source Interlink Media, and has overseen the creative direction for a network of 200+ internet properties including Intellichoice, Automobile, Motor Trend, and Hot Rod. Darren’s design choices were recognized with the 2008 Gold Folio award for best consumer site design on Motortrend.com, beating out Time Magazine.
Today, as Creative Director for Source Interlink Media on the Mediaworks team, Darren has transitioned to mobile and emerging media product development. Recent projects include Motor Trend on Google TV, Truck Trend, Surfing, Sail, and SLAM.
Darren is a graduate of UC Irvine. He majored in sociology and studio art with a minor in digital art earning consecutive ArtsBridge Scholarships. He has volunteered time with the Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, which seeks to register and match potential donors with patients in need of marrow transplants and early grass roots promotions for AsianAvenue.com which focused on connecting the Asian American community.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It’s about supporting a positive representation of the Asian American voice and community in the media.”
Quote to live by: “It’s all about perspective.”
Sign: Horse
Passionate about: The details
Favorite food: Paseo’s Midnight Press
Can’t live without: Sleep
Color: Curious Green
Take the Color Test and find out what Color Personality you are!
“One Voice. Many Stories.”
The arts are one of the most powerful ways to enlighten, inform, and inspire. Yet it is also a medium where the Asian American perspective is often overlooked and underrepresented. Based on her personal industry experience as a filmmaker and actor, combined with her and her family’s passion for community service, and in the spirit of her award-winning documentary film Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, President and Co-Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee created 501(c)(3) non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions, Inc.
Led by a Board of experienced, dedicated and passionate young Asian American professionals and community leaders, ATG functions as a traditional non–profit, but with a twist. In true spirit of the definition, the organization finds unique, unconventional, innovative and entertaining ways to give voice to significant, relevant and untold stories in our community through social issue films, outreach/educational programs and cultural community events.Whether through glamorous charity fundraisers like Fashion for a Passion or educational leadership panels like Groundbreakers Speak, ATG’s purpose is this: to educate and promote leadership and positive identity and artistry in the Asian American community; create artistic and scholarship opportunities for Asians and Asian Americans; support and represent the diverse Asian American voice through media projects and raise funds for orphanages in Asia.
Your donations also provide food and medical supplies for needy orphanages in Saigon, Hue, and Danang (Vietnam) and now Bangkok (Thailand).
Who we have helped:
Who We Are
PRESIDENT/FOUNDER – Tammy Nguyen Lee
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. A first generation Vietnamese American, she grew up bit unconventional by nature, dedicating her free time to honing her skills in the performing and fine arts. She attended gifted and talented schools, graduating near the top of her class with a full International Baccalaureate diploma from Garland High School and received a scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts, where she studied abroad in Paris and graduated with honors with a B.A. in Cinema and double minors in French and Business. She later was accepted into the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA’s) elite Producers Program, where she received her M.F.A. and became a twice-over Finalist in the Producers Guild sponsored UCLA Marketplace competition. For her work in the arts, she has received several national scholarships and honors, including the Women In Film.Dallas College Scholarship and the Mickey Dude Diversity Fellowship. Her short films have screened at film festivals nationwide.
A passionate, creative and innovative leader, she has been an active advocate, volunteer and speaker as a former Miss Asian American Texas and for such SMU groups as East Asian Student Association (President), Program Council (Films Chair), Asian Council (Secretary) and non-profit community organizations like Wilkinson Center, AIDS Resource Center of Dallas, Deep Ellum Film Festival, Asian American Professionals of Dallas (PA2), Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) – Los Angeles, Monster Diversity Leadership Program, Asian American Leadership & Educational Conference (AALEC), The Vietnamese American Center of Greater Dallas and The Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. She previously served on the Women In Film.Dallas Board as Membership and Programs Co-Chair. She is a recipient of numerous scholarships and leadership honors, including the prestigious 2010 SMU Distinguished Alumni Emerging Leader Award, given to an alumae/alumnus who has graduated within the past 15 years and brought distinction to the University. She was recently honored with one of the 2012 NAAAP-DFW Leaders of Excellence Awards.
Tammy 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 for Best Feature Film (Vietnamese International Film Fesival) and Documentary Audience Choice Award (Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival). A seasoned actor, she has appeared in films, television, national commercials and print campaigns. 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. Now, as a working mom to two adorable daughters, Tammy’s focus is on her family, growing ATG and continuing to work as an actor, film/television producer and development consultant.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Daring to go bravely in the direction that no one else has. Forging a unique path apart from where others have gone. Standing steadfast and passionately to one’s own voice and beliefs.”
Quote to live by: “You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.” – Richard Bach, Illusions
Sign: Aries/Horse
Passionate about: Family, film, food, traveling and leading a life of meaning and purpose
Favorite food: Soup, comfort food and street/fair food
Can’t live without: My loves (especially my daughters) and really good food
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
VICE PRESIDENT – Nikki Duong Koenig
Upon graduation, Nikki jetted off to New York City to launch her career as an art director, working at global advertising agencies for blue-chip clients such as American Express, Coca Cola, Motorola and Verizon. All the while, she was attending FIT’s CEO Program, growing her business, volunteering and maintaining a long distance relationship.
After her successful start in NYC, Nikki returned to Dallas to take her personal and professional life to the next level. She tied the knot with her college sweetheart and is currently the Creative Director at Envision Interactive, a Dallas marketing agency. When she is not busy building brands or designing handbags, Nikki enjoys supporting the arts and philanthropic causes, traveling, painting/drawing and spending time with family and friends. Nikki formerly served as the organization’s Director of Marketing/Public Relations.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It’s a state-of-mind, being able to trust/follow my instincts and not second-guessing myself despite external obstacles or influences.”
Quote to live by: “Just Do It” – Nike
Sign: Taurus/Boar
Passionate about: The Arts
Favorite food: Sushi
Can’t live without: The Internet
Color: Curious Green/Action Orange
TREASURER – Liz Lean
Shortly after graduation, Liz moved back to Plano, where she currently resides. Liz is a Senior Tax Accountant at Cain, Watters & Associates, P.L.L.C. and is currently preparing for the CPA exam. When she has free time, she enjoys shopping, reading, traveling, spending time with friends and baking (her specialty is whipping up some mean cakeballs!).
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
To “go against the grain” is taking your dreams and goals to the next level. Pushing yourself through challenges to make achieving your dreams and goals that much more worth it.
Quote to live by: “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts
Sign: Taurus/Rabbit
Passionate about: Family, Friends & Baking
Favorite food: Sushi & Non-Authentic Italian (Olive Garden)
Can’t live without: Cell phone & TV
Color: Solid Gold
SECRETARY – Jennifer Devany Coffee
During her spare time, she volunteers regularly for numerous non-profit organizations that raises awareness to local art, music, fashion, culture, and children’s charities. She is passionate and enthused about helping others, volunteering, and culture. She has a plethora of creative and fun ideas, and she cannot wait to put them in motion through her involvement with ATG!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Being off beat from what is traditional or what is expected. In order to be noticed, one must go against the grain.”
Quote to live by: “You can’t make footprints in sands of time by sitting on your butt. And who wants to make buttprints in the sands of time.”-Bob Moaward
Passionate about: Faith, love, family, fitness, culture and serving others
Sign: Gemini/Boar
Favorite Food: Filipino and Korean Food
Can’t live without: Galaxy S III and the Loves of my life (not in this particular order)
Color: True Blue
SECRETARY – Julianne Nguyen
Upon graduation and passing the Texas Bar (fingers-crossed), Julianne plans to move back to Dallas, TX to start her legal career. She hopes to be a business transactional attorney and hopes to pursue that dream either with a firm or with a company. But until then, you can catch her shopping at one of the local malls, catching a movie with friends or cheering on one of the Dallas sports teams!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“To go outside the box, to go against stereotypes and expectations, to be fearless.”
Quote to live by: “I never regret anything. Because every little detail of your life is what made you into who you are in the end.”
Sign: Pisces/Dragon
Passionate about: Family & friends
Favorite Food: All types of Asian food, from pho to sushi to bibimbap and Italian
Can’t live without: My cellphone
Color: Solid Gold
COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Jared Rehberg
Jared Rehberg is a Vietnamese Adoptee born in Saigon in 1974. After nine months at An Lac Orphanage, he came to America on Operation Babylift. Jared is an Associate Producer on the documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam and currently lives in New York City, where he works as a Sales Operations Manager at Synaptic Digital.
Jared is a member of the International Adoptee Congress and the Vietnamese Adoptee Network (VAN). A passionate singer/songwriter, he released a CD in 2002 titled “Waking Up American,” sharing the stage with Kevin So at Club Passim in Boston and Angela Ai at The Cutting Room in New York City. His music has touched the hearts of those who have attended Asian culture camps (Catalyst Foundation, Colorado Heritage, FCVN of Boston and Holt International) and benefit concerts (Adopt-A-Minefield). He speaks on adoptee panels at adoption conferences and adoption agencies (Spence-Chapin) and has performed for VAN (Luke Wing Asian Museum), Also-Known-As, Children Homes Society and Family Services, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Center of Adoption and Families with Children from China in New York. He is a Co-Founder of the international adoptee e-magazine In Third Space. Jared has been interviewed on NPR (Crossing East) and appeared on PBS (Asian American) and ImaginAsian TV (Finding My America). He was also interviewed in Adoptive Families, MAVIN, Tieng Magazine and BN Magazine. Jared is a founding ATG Board Member. This year, he will also take on the duty of Camp Director for Colorado Vietnamese Heritage Camp in 2012 & 2013. www.jaredrehberg.com
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Believing that I can make a difference in this world. Breaking the mold, knocking down walls, bringing my own imagination and possibility within me to life.”
Quote to live by: “Seize the day.”
Sign: Leo/Tiger
Passionate about: International adoption and music
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese
Can’t live without: Family and friends
Color: True Blue
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Hue Dao Miner
Hue is a first generation Vietnamese American, uniquely raised in both an Asian American home and an Anglo American home. Through her own personal experiences, she has mentored her four younger siblings about the Asian-American identity. She is passionate about extending cultural awareness to the public.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Setting yourself apart. Doing what you feel is best. Being in control of your own thoughts and beliefs.”
Quote to live by: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Sign: Aries/Rabbit
Passionate about: Faith, family, health and fitness
Favorite food: Breakfast and fruit smoothies
Can’t live without: Love, beauty and sleep
Color: True Blue
MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS – Annie Tran
Annie Tran graduated from the University of North Texas in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, emphasizing in News Editorial/Print Media. Throughout her years in school, she realized her interests and passions submerged through writing. As a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Dallas NuPros, Annie is known as the person who would encourage her friends and family to support in the highest fashionable way.
Annie was born and raised in Dallas and believes to uphold a high image of each company she has worked for, letting potential clients know what is offered. She hopes to travel the world and make a difference, since learning her family’s daily experiences while visiting Vietnam for the first time in 2011. Annie wants to focus on finding her very own career path and ATG has helped point her in the right direction. In her spare time, she enjoys R&R and exploring her hometown with friends and family.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Discovering your passion and being original in your chosen path, especially through one’s life experiences.”
Quote to live by: “Go the extra mile, it’s never crowded.”
Passionate about: Writing – I believe any writer can impact any reader by expressing their true thoughts without any extreme boundaries.
Sign: Capricorn/Rabbit
Favorite food: Burgers and Fries – I’m an All Asian American girl!
Can’t live without: Cable television
Color: Solid Gold
MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS – Elizabeth Dinh
She was born in Irving, then raised in Grand Prairie and Arlington. Elizabeth graduated from Sam Houston High School and UT Arlington. During college, she anchored and reported for the Fort Worth City Cable before moving to the Texas Panhandle to become weekend anchor/reporter at KAMR TV in Amarillo. Another amazing opportunity then brought Elizabeth and her husband Kevin to WFTS TV in Tampa, Florida. Three years later, the duo, along with their pugs Tiny and Coco Chanel, travelled to the Pacific Northwest where Elizabeth joined the KOMO TV news team in Seattle, Washington.
Elizabeth also speaks Vietnamese – something her parents made sure she did at home since childhood. During the Fall of Saigon in 1975, her mom and dad fled Vietnam before settling in Texas. She is the youngest and only daughter among 6 married brothers (plus 17 nieces and nephews, and counting). Her love for Vietnamese culture is expressed in making dishes at home or trying them at one of many great local restaurants.
She believes she’s part of an amazing love story because in June of 2012, Elizabeth’s husband, Kevin, donated one of his kidneys to her when a condition called IgA Nephropathy caused both of hers to fail. The selfless gift of life from him has renewed her health and her spirit after living with failing kidneys for nearly two years. Elizabeth is proud to be a former Miss Asian American Texas, recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award (the highest award a Girl Scout can achieve) and is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
FUNDRAISING – John Ting
John is a first generation Taiwanese American. He is passionate about access to education and to the legal system, while maintaining cultural values.
During law school, John was Executive Articles Editor for City University of New York Law Review. John has held leadership positions with Dallas Asian American Bar Association, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, and various student conferences, such as Asian Pacific American Empowerment Conference and Vietnamese American Student Conference.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Staying committed to the goals and welcoming challenges, in spite of the barriers set by society.”
Quote to live by: “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell
Sign: Taurus/Ox
Passionate about: providing access to the legal system and education for those who may not otherwise have access
Favorite food: Oatmeal raisin cookies from Levains Bakery and Black and White cookies from William Greenberg (both only found in NYC)
Can’t live without: Faith and confidence
Color: True Blue
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS – Kim Nguyen
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“To me, to ‘go against the grain’ means against all odds, no matter what, you should follow your dreams.”
Quote to live by: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.”
Sign: Aquarius/Horse
Passionate about: Friends, family and fashion
Favorite food: Sushi
Can’t live without: Moscato and country music
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS - Vi Phung
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Vi is excited to be back to spend time with family and friends and focus on her career. She has volunteered for ATG since graduation, previously serving as Co-Director of Marketing/Public Relations. She loves being part of such a meaningful organization. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her fiance, family and friends. She also loves to shop, travel every chance she gets and eat!
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Always being yourself and letting your personality be your autograph. Going against the grain is being passionate and doing what you love, no matter what anyone else thinks.”
Quote to live by: “Let your personality be your autograph.”
Sign: Aries/Rabbit
Passionate about: Fashion and culture
Favorite food: Sushi, cheese, lobster, filet mignon
Can’t live without: TV, internet and family
Color: Action Orange
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS - Lily Phung
Lily is now back in Dallas after living in Austin for 4 years and currently working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician at a local CVS Pharmacy. She is working towards pursuing a career in pharmacy. A true southern belle, she enjoys watching football, eating barbeque, drinking iced tea, wearing cowboy boots and listening to good ol’ country music (and “all her exes live in Texas!”).
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
Quote to live by: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
Sign: Aquarius/Horse
Passionate about: Family and Friends
Favorite food: Sushi and Pho
Can’t live without: My family
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
SOCIAL MEDIA – Aivy Nguyen
Since graduating, Aivy has traveled back to Vietnam to continue efforts to aid various orphanages abroad and serves as a counselor at Vietnamese Culture Camps. She’s currently living her Mad Men dreams as a Senior Account Executive at Leo Burnett Worldwide in Chicago.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“‘Going against the grain’ means being extraordinary and striving to be unconventional. It means to be a catalyst for change, whether that is within yourself or society.”
Quote to live by: “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” - James M. Barrie
Sign: Libra/Ox
Passionate about: Learning
Favorite food: Anything in the Chicago restaurant scene
Can’t live without: Happiness!
Color: True Blue
STREET TEAM - Bao Uyen Tran
Bao Uyen Tran was born and raised in Danang, Vietnam and came to the U.S. as an international student when she was 18 years-old. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Taxation.
During her college years, Bao Uyen was a volunteer tutor for the America Reads/America Counts program and actively participated in community service projects for the Vietnamese Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Dallas. She has also volunteered for the Asian Film Foundation of Dallas and filmAsia by the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Bao Uyen is currently working at STMicroelectronics as a Tax Specialist. She has previously served as ATG’s Treasurer.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Having the courage to pursue what you love doing even if that means having to take bigger risks.”
Quote to live by: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” – Plato
Sign: Aries/Boar
Passionate about: Family, travels and FIFA World Cup
Favorite food: Sushi
Can’t live without: My iPhone
Color: True Blue
STREET TEAM – Liz Nguyen Ho
Liz was born in Denver, CO and raised in Houston, TX. Now living back in Dallas with her husband and daughter, Liz is working at Hewlett Packard under the Technology and Operations organization as the Business Applications Program Manager for Global Real Estate. Prior to her move, she worked at PCS-CTS as the PMO Director, where she was in charge of the program management group in Houston, TX and heading the business development ventures for the company in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Latin America regions. With an experienced background in account management and customer support, Liz has portrayed a strong record in leadership and service.
This experience was built on top of a solid education as a marketing and psychology major at Southern Methodist University. During college, she was active in various organizations including Asian Council, East Asian Student Association, Vietnamese Students Association, Student Senate, Student Foundation, Mustang Marathon (fundraiser benefiting pediatric AIDS) and Student Rep of the Students Affairs Committee for the Board of Trustees. She was awarded SMU’s most coveted recognition, the “M Award,” which is given to students, faculty, staff and administrators in recognition of exemplary service to the University. When not working, she enjoys cooking, yoga, singing and goofing off with family and friends and volunteering as a martial arts instructor for Unified Tae Kwon Do. She has previously served as ATG’s Co-Director of Marketing/Public Relations and Treasurer.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“If someone asks me what does it mean to ‘to against the grain,’ my first thought involves breaking boards in martial arts – you never want to hit against the grain because it is harder. In the context of the question, “to go against the grain” means to go outside the box, beyond conventional thinking, possibly outside your comfort zone in order to achieve above and beyond expectations. Standard practices set the current boundary of possibilities. To extend the boundaries and to remove the ‘im’ in impossible, you have to go ‘against the grain.’”
Quote to live by: “Live everyday of your life to the fullest. Hope for the best to come and…Love every single moment of it.”
Sign: Taurus/Dog
Passionate about: My family + loved ones (Elite 10)
Favorite food: Anything that tastes good… oohhh! Scallop Hand Roll at Sushi Sake
Can’t live without: My iPhone & lip balm
Color: True Blue/Action Orange
STREET TEAM - Kate Nguyen
Kate has past non-profit experience volunteering for the Vietnamese community, the United Way Campaign and as an active volunteer with ATG for the past several years and previously served as the organization’s Treasurer. She has always found that the act of giving your time to a worthwhile cause is its own reward with unexpected benefits.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It’s an ability to knowingly go down the road not taken, knowing when to take risks and follow your own path.”
Quote to live by: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sign: Taurus/Boar
Passionate about: Loved ones… my friends and family
Favorite food: Home cooked meals
Can’t live without: iPad and sriracha/tobasco Sauce
Color: True Blue/Curious Green
STREET TEAM – Vy Le
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Taking chances, planting a seed, hoping it will grow into something beautiful despite the odds.”
Quote to live by: “Balance is key.” – Chinese proverb
Sign: Libra/Horse
Passionate about: Family, friends, food, fun and learning
Favorite foods: Fried food, chocolate and sushi
Can’t live without: My family
Color: Curious Green/True Blue
ADVISOR/Co-FOUNDER – George Lee
Having grown up in a small southern town in South Carolina, George participated in several community service projects to include working with the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind as a youth. He experienced the challenges of being from the only Korean American family in his community. From the parallels in his own life, he took an interest in the experiences of the Babylift adoptees and in promoting Asian American identities and became an executive producer and camera operator on Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam. He is a founding member of ATG and formerly served as the organization’s Vice President, combining his operations, logistics and even entertainment experience to execute events such as Fashion for a Passion and Cocktails for a Cause.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It means fighting your way through the strong currents of a lifeless existence.”
Quote to live by: “Hoo-ah!” – Army battle cry
Sign: Pisces/Rat
Passionate about: Gadgets, fashion
Favorite food: Korean
Can’t live without: My iPhone
Color: Curious Green
ADVISOR/CO-FOUNDER – Aileen Nguyen
As a refugee and first generation Vietnamese American, she faced the struggles first hand that many new families face in a new country. She has been an avid supporter and contributor to the Vietnamese and Asian American community at large, helping with immigrant groups and planning events. She has volunteered for The Greater Dallas Vietnamese American Community, Wilkinson Center, Miss Asian American Texas Pageant, and Miss Ao Dai Dallas Pageant and has been an enthusiastic fundraiser and volunteer for orphanages and philanthropic causes. In addition to being a successful careerwoman, she is a dedicated mother of two. Aileen is a founding member of ATG and formerly served as the organization’s Treasurer. She now serves as their tax advisor and liaison/translator to orphanages in Vietnam.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“For me, ‘going against the grain’ is just pulling effort to do something that you know is the right thing to do, whether you like doing it or not.”
Quote to live by: “Kindness is a language that the dumb can speak and the deaf can hear and understand.”- Christian Nevell Bovee
Sign: Aries/Rooster
Passionate about: Helping people, classical music
Favorite food: Sushi and pho
Can’t live without: My socks
Color: Solid Gold/Curious Green
ADVISOR - Shirley Yu
Shirley Yu graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Professional Accounting. In college, she was actively involved with several student organizations, including the Asian Culture Committee, a student union committee sponsored by the University to promote multi-culturalism and diversity on campus. As an officer of ACC, Shirley chaired various programs and served as a liaison to other campus organizations.
In 1997, she co-founded PA2 – Asian American Professionals of Dallas, a non-profit group for young Asian Americans in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to network and develop leadership skills. In 2003, PA2 merged with another young professionals group to form Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) Dallas, where she served as Treasurer, Membership Chair, and as an advisor on the Steering Committee.
Shirley is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas. In her career, she has worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young LLP and held various positions in audit and finance at both Verizon and Nortel. She is currently employed by McKesson as a Senior Manager – Controls and Compliance. She is also a founding ATG Board Member and formerly served as the organization’s Secretary & Vice President.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“To me, going “against the grain” means to do something that is unexpected and out of the ordinary.”
Quote to live by: “The most important things in life aren’t things.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
Sign: Capricorn
Passionate about: Family and Texas Longhorns football
Favorite food: Dumplings
Can’t live without: Television…I’m a TV junkie!
Color: True Blue/Solid Gold
GRAPHIC DESIGN – Carol Nguyen
Carol’s interests in philanthropy have led to her involvement with several organizations. She is a member of the National Association of Asian American Professionals and volunteers with the Marketing team, serves breakfast regularly at the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, and she helped to build and maintain the website for Blended Profit – an online resource promoting responsible business practices.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“Going against the grain means being proactive about change and carving out a path for yourself instead of following in the footsteps of others and waiting for change to occur.”
Quote to live by: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Sign: Gemini/Tiger
Passionate about: Family, dancing, local music and great food
Favorite food: Blue Bell Ice Cream and Nutella
Can’t live without: MacBook
Color: Action Orange
WEB ADVISOR – Darren Leong
Today, as Creative Director for Source Interlink Media on the Mediaworks team, Darren has transitioned to mobile and emerging media product development. Recent projects include Motor Trend on Google TV, Truck Trend, Surfing, Sail, and SLAM.
Darren is a graduate of UC Irvine. He majored in sociology and studio art with a minor in digital art earning consecutive ArtsBridge Scholarships. He has volunteered time with the Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, which seeks to register and match potential donors with patients in need of marrow transplants and early grass roots promotions for AsianAvenue.com which focused on connecting the Asian American community.
What does going Against The Grain mean to you?
“It’s about supporting a positive representation of the Asian American voice and community in the media.”
Quote to live by: “It’s all about perspective.”
Sign: Horse
Passionate about: The details
Favorite food: Paseo’s Midnight Press
Can’t live without: Sleep
Color: Curious Green
Take the Color Test and find out what Color Personality you are!