About

“One Voice. Many Stories.”

Film is 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 over misrepresented. In true spirit of the definition, ATG Against The Grain Productions Inc. was founded to produce films, media outreach programs and community events that promote awareness and unity of Asian American culture and identity.

A little out of the ordinary in its methods, ATG is an innovative resource that gives voice to significant, relevant and untold stories in our community. These projects will create future educational, cultural, and artistic opportunities for Asians and Asian Americans. Led by a Board of experienced Asian American professionals and dedicated community leaders, ATG also functions as a traditional non–profit, using media projects to raise funds for international orphanages.

Your donations also provide food and medical supplies for needy orphanages in Saigon, Hue, and Danang.

Who we have helped:

• Duc Son
• House of Love
• Phu My
• Sisters of St. Paul
• Uu Dam Compassion House
• Son Ca

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 Miss Asian American Texas 1999-2001 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.

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 new mom, 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 daughter) and really good food
Color: True Blue/Action Orange

TREASURER – Liz Nguyen Ho

Liz was born in Denver, CO and raised in Houston, TX.  Recently moving back to Dallas, Liz accepted a job at Hewlett Packard working under the Finance organization for the Global Real Estate’s Strategic Workplace Services group as a Sr. Business Planning Analyst.  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 “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, 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.

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

SECRETARY – 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 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

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 Marketing Coordinator for MediaLink, a division of The NewsMarket.

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.

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: Capricorn/Tiger
Passionate about: International adoption and music
Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese
Can’t live without: Family and friends
Color: True Blue

COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Lily Yang

Lily Yang graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Economies and Computer Science.  In college, she was actively involved with several student organizations, including Society of Women Engineers and Women in Computer Science.  As an officer of both organizations, Lily initiated new programs, organized events and served as a liaison to other student groups and corporate representatives.

Since graduating, Lily has continued her involvement through Deloitte Consulting.  She led a group of analysts to coordinate numerous social, professional training and networking events in the Chicagoland area.  She was also actively involved in the community through Deloitte’s community service program.  Lily recently graduated from the University of Chicago with a Master’s in Business Administration and is currently working as a financial analyst.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you?

“To me, ‘going against the grain’ means to challenge yourself and the status quo by pursuing your interests and following your dreams.”

Quote to live by: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein
Sign: Capricorn/Rooster
Passionate about: Family, friends and food!
Favorite food: Chocolate
Can’t live without: Chocolate
Color: True Blue/Solid Gold

MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS – 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.

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

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 learned how to easily organize and promote her interests and passions by writing. As a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Dallas NuPros, Annie has been known as the person who would encourage her friends and family to support whatever causes and needs in the highest fashionable way.

After being in the real world for three years, Annie still resides in Dallas (probably always will) and is pursuing an interest in public relations through any social media network. Her role has been to try and uphold a high image of each company she has worked for, letting potential clients know what is offered. Annie currently works for Research Now, one of the largest online market research firms, dealing with the global key accounts group and is hoping to learn more and move up in the marketing/public relations industry. She hopes to travel the world and make a difference after learning her family’s daily experiences while visiting Vietnam for the first time in 2011.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you?

“Those who believe in ‘going against the grain’ hope to discover the passion and originality of what is offered in the path they choose to follow, especially from the experiences of being oneself.”

Quote to live by: “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” ― Marilyn Monroe
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 and Facebook
Color: Solid Gold

FUNDRAISING – Patrick Su

Patrick Su is a first generation Chinese-American born and raised in Dallas, TX. He attended the University of Texas at Dallas and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Finance and a minor in Music. During college, he held leadership positions in several organizations (Financial Leadership Association and a student chapter of Ascend, a non-profit organization promoting leadership of Pan-Asians in global corporations) and participated in community service activities through these organizations. He served as a founding officer of the Financial Leadership Association and contributed significantly to the development of the organization, including the inception of the first student managed investment fund. After graduating, Patrick joined the Credit team at Fortress Investment Group, where he is involved in fundraising and all aspects of the investment management process. In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants, discovering new music, meeting new people and traveling.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you?

“Honestly expressing yourself, despite the social pressures and challenges we face every day.”

Quote to live by: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
Sign: Gemini/Tiger
Passionate about: Music & Culture
Favorite food: Japanese, Korean, Pho and Chipotle
Can’t live without: My iPhone
Color: Solid Gold & Curious Green

PROGRAMMING/EVENTS CHAIR – Kandy Tran

Kandy Nhung Tran is a Louisiana native who relocated to Texas after Hurricane Katrina in ’05. She is the youngest of five children and lived most of her younger years in Louisiana. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. Unfortunately, at the time, Louisiana was not the most tech savvy state,  and she had to steer away from that career path and explore other avenues.  She landed a job with HSBC/Beneficial, where she was an Account Manager for about four years.

Kandy’s career background experience has included pretty much every aspect of the real estate industry, from loan origination to refinancing, protesting property tax values, insurance and now home sales. Kandy primarily works with home buyers who are interested in relocating to Dallas/Fort Worth and/or looking to upgrade to a new home in the area. Aside from real estate sales, she recently opened up her Glitz & Glam, an event rental company that specializes in event lighting & drapery for any occasion. Both businesses have been keeping her on her feet, and she loves it!

What does going Against The Grain mean to you?

“It means giving back to the community with all that you can and hoping that others around you will do the same by paying it forward.”

Quote to live by: “Life goes on.”
Sign: Cancer/Dog
Passionate about: Yoga, food and making money
Favorite food: Creole/Cajun and anything spicy
Can’t live without: Manis/pedis and Burt’s Bees lip balm
Color: Action Orange

PROGRAMMING/EVENTS CHAIR – 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

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR – 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.

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 finished a competitive Brand Management internship at The Richards Group and in Client Services for Rapp Collins Worldwide. She now works in Chicago as the Marketing Coordinator for the global marketing intelligence firm, Synovate.

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

VOLUNTEERS CHAIR – 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 an Account Manager/Mobility Specialist at Insight.

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

HISTORIAN -  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

STREET TEAM  - 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

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 – Ann Chao

Ann Chao is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Arts in Alternative Dispute Resolution.  Most recently, she received her J.D. from Dedman School of Law, where she was a Sarah T. Hughes Scholar.  During law school, Ann was inducted into the SMU Barristers Honorary Service Society, and she was also invited into the National Order of the Barristers. She was the Champion of the SMU 2L Moot Court Competition and the Regional Champion of the Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition.

At SMU, Ann has served on the executive board of Asian Council, Student Senate, the Board of Advocates and the Association for Public Interest Law.  She was also President of the National Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, President of the SMU Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and the Manager of Business Development of the SMU International Law Review.

Ann has also been a volunteer for the Genesis Women’s Shelter and a counselor for a national crisis hotline.  She has helped raise over $160k for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Bryan’s House in Dallas, Project Night Night and the March of Dimes.  Additionally, Ann has served as the ATG Director of Fundraising and the ATG Secretary.

Before law school, Ann was an Enterprise Technology Consultant at Dell.  Since then, she has worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, the Texas Attorney General, and both state and federal judges.  Ann passed the bar in 2011 and is currently working as in-house counsel at BT Furnishings.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you?

“Following your heart, no matter what else is going on around you, and inspiring others to do the same.  Forging a new path and persevering through so that others may have more opportunities.”

Quote to live by: “Shoot for the moon, because if you miss, you’ll still land among the stars.”
Sign: Sagittarius/Boar
Passionate about: Family & friends, great food & wine, exploring the world, good music, relaxing on white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue water, the Dallas Cowboys and cooking
Favorite food: Pastas, fries, ice cream
Can’t live without: My iPhone and Gmail
Color: Solid Gold & Curious Green

STREET TEAM – Jimmy J. Tran

Jimmy J. Tran was born and raised in Houston, TX, where his parents resettled after leaving Vietnam in 1975. He attended Southern Methodist University, where he was a Hunt Scholar, received the prestigious “M Award” for service to the University and graduated magna cum laude with honors in the liberal arts. Afterwards, he joined Bain & Company as a strategy consultant and worked with multiple clients at Bain’s offices in Dallas, Singapore and Hong Kong. He then took a leave from work to complete his graduate studies at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School (HBS), where he completed a MPA and MBA. While in graduate school, Jimmy was published in the Asian American Policy Review (AAPR) and served as an Associate Editor in the HARBUS, an independent publication of Harvard Business School.

In addition to his experience in the corporate sector, Jimmy has broad experience in a number of leadership roles with nonprofit and community organizations. Jimmy served as an AmeriCorps*VISTA Corps Member with College Summit, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged youth enroll in college. While at Harvard, Jimmy received a Social Enterprise Fellowship through the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative, which enabled him to work in Nairobi, Kenya with TechnoServe, a nonprofit that aims to provide business solutions to rural poverty. In addition, Jimmy spent a summer at Jumpstart, an early education nonprofit based in Boston, where he assisted with a 5-year strategic plan for the organization.

Jimmy still maintains a strong connection with SMU. He currently serves as a Class Ambassador and in the past, has served on the 5 Year Reunion Planning Committee and Board of Trustees (as President of the Asian American Alumni Association). Jimmy has served previously as Director of Community Outreach for ATG.

What does going Against The Grain mean to you?

“To seek change, to think deeply and to question…all to inspire and encourage progress.”

Quote to live by: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell
Sign: Virgo/Monkey
Passionate about: Bringing out the best in others
Favorite food: Anything edible
Can’t live without: Hair gel
Color: True Blue

STREET TEAM – Lisa Tran