Path

Tide Shifts.

1970s

1970s — 80s · Beijing🥟

Roots

Early Influences

Rooted. Born and raised in a humble three-generation farmhouse in rural Beijing. There was just enough to get by. Everything on the table was grown from the land. Love was steady but rarely spoken. Art and music were always present. Ancient teachings such as Daoism and Buddhism quietly ran beneath the surface, while school and society took center stage. Wide-eyed and stubborn, made sense of what could be understood, left what couldn’t, quietly reconciling contrasts and softening contradictions. A curiosity about the world beyond began to rise.

1988 — 1992 · Beijing📚

Emergence

First Independence

Beijing International Studies University

Bachelor of Arts

The Beginning of Becoming. A season of firsts. New ideas, new friendships, and new perspectives expanded an understanding of the world beyond home. Curiosity about other cultures and the wider world continued to grow. A raw yet genuine sense of direction began to emerge.

1988
1992

Early-Mid 1990s · China🌐

Connecting Worlds

Early Career Bridging East and West

Cross-Cultural Bridge Builder. A career began by connecting worlds during a pivotal period of China’s economic reform and global emergence. Established joint ventures and strategic partnerships for international organizations entering China, with projects including The China Club, the UK Department for International Development, and the Hong Kong Youth Leadership Symposium. Worked at the intersection of government, business, and culture, helping leaders navigate complexity and forge lasting partnerships. Learned early on that complex projects move at the speed of trust, shared understanding, and stakeholder alignment.

mid-late 1990s · New York City🗽

Hello New York

A Great Leap. Eyes Wide Open.

A Literal Sponge. Self-dropped into New York, alone and fresh from Beijing, listened, watched, learned, absorbed, hustled, and adapted. Like many first-generation immigrants, moved through industries with curiosity and tenacity, from selling cars at Honda to diamonds at Fortunoff and Tiffany & Co. Along the way, explored the interests that genuinely intrigued: earned a Diamond Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and studied classical vocal performance, finally scratching a singing itch that had lingered since childhood, a pursuit considered impractical and discouraged back home. Curiosity extended beyond understanding a new society to finding a voice within it. That deeper yearning led back to the classroom and a master’s degree.

1995
1999

1999 — 2001 · FSU🎓

Reshaping

Seeing the World Anew

Florida State University

Master of Arts, School of Theatre

A Worldview Reshaped. Florida State University was the place where inherited beliefs met intentional inquiry, and long-held assumptions were examined, challenged, and expanded. Began seeing theatre through the lens of history, culture, politics, psychology, philosophy, and the human experience. Enjoyed teaching undergraduate courses, introducing Asian theatre traditions such as Beijing Opera. Created original performance works exploring identity, cultural narratives, and the life in between. Invited to stay and teach after graduation. Chose to head north instead. New York City was calling

2002 — 2012 · New York City🍎

Big Apple

Finding Voice Between Acts

A Decade in the Arts. Headed north on I-95 in a packed little car, returning to New York City. Soon became immersed in the city’s music, theatre, film, and arts scene, working across multiple storytelling platforms. Performed on and off Broadway as an actor and singer, produced high-profile concert fundraisers, special events, and international film markets and conferences. To confront a fear of public speaking, took the stage with original stand-up sets at clubs such as Caroline’s and Gotham, and even won a Funniest Asian Comic Contest in 2002. Mission accomplished. Onward. The center of gravity shifted from performing to producing, managing, and leading creative organizations and initiatives. Realized that creating the conditions for meaningful stories to be told was even more fulfilling, and the true game changer.

Producer, Asian Excellence Awards – Produced the annual Asian Excellence Awards at Second Generation Productions (2G), celebrating the achievements of Asian Americans in music, film, television, and the arts on some of New York City’s most iconic stages. Brought together acclaimed artists, industry leaders, corporate partners, media, and supporters from across the United States and Asia, helping elevate Asian American voices and expand their visibility in mainstream culture.
Managing Director, Independent Film Week – Led Independent Film Week, the flagship annual convening of IFP, the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to independent film and the organization behind the Gotham Awards (The Gotham). Produced, rebranded, and expanded the international event, bringing together filmmakers, producers, financiers, distributors, and industry leaders from around the world. Contributed to the vision and early evolution of what would later become the Made in NY Media Center.
2002
2012

2012 — 2015 · San Francisco

Into the Fog

The Scenic Route

Into the Fog. Left with Clarity. A cross-country road trip led west, following the promise of a new chapter. A different pace and season of life unfolded. While discovering the hidden corners of the city through San Francisco Trolley Dances and becoming immersed in the Bay Area’s creative culture, strategic advisory work began to emerge, less by design than by resonance. A season of unexpected twists and turns quietly brought this chapter to a close. The East Coast was calling home once again. It was time to listen.

Director, San Francisco Trolley Dances – Led Epiphany Dance Theater through its first strategic planning process while partnering with the Founder and Artistic Director to produce the nationally recognized San Francisco Trolley Dances, transforming neighborhoods and public spaces into stages for artistic expression and community engagement. Strengthened governance, communications, operations, fundraising, and organizational systems, while expanding educational partnerships and fostering greater alignment across the organization.

Since 2016 · New York City🎩

I'm Back Baby

New Yawk, how I've missed you

Home Sweet Home. Another coast-to-coast move. Another leap of faith. After scouting cities across the country, the heart found its way back to New York City once again. The West Coast chapter was neatly wrapped with a bow. Every belonging sold, packed, shipped, donated, or passed on. With an empty pocket came plenty of faith and the resolve to rebuild. Knocked down ten interviews in one week despite a brutal viral flu amidst a nor’easter. Looking back, the strength that carried those days came from somewhere beyond this 5’5” frame. In June 2016, joined the Apollo Theater as Chief of Staff.

Chief of Staff, Apollo Theater – Trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the President of the Apollo Theater. Advanced critical institutional priorities across long-range planning, executive alignment, Board governance, institutional recalibration during a period of significant growth, physical expansion, and a $65M+ capital campaign. Led complex cross-functional initiatives and special projects while championing and operationalizing the organization’s first enterprise-wide culture transformation.
2016
2021

Since 2021 · NY’s Hudson Valley🦆

Hermitage

The land remembered me

Where it all began to make sense. Between 2020 and 2022, a series of life-altering events amid the global pandemic brought everything to an abrupt halt, without warning. What followed was an intentional season of deep reflection. Nestled in the natural wilderness of upstate New York, nature became a constant companion, with a flock of ducks, chickens, and a loyal Blue Heeler standing watch. In the stillness, long-held assumptions and inherited beliefs gradually gave way to deeper truths. What had long been buried deep beneath expectation, criticism, and conditioning came back into view. From that organic place, HeartHeaded™ emerged.

Now🪷

The Journey Deepens…

Now the Fun Begins…

Stay curious. Stay free. Stay sovereign. Stay present.

∞