Formosa Foundation

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Advancing the Democracy of Taiwan

Class of 2009 -- the following 29 men and women have been selected from an international pool of applicants to particiate in the 2009 Ambassador Program.

	Eugene Chan Greenwood, IN Cornell Hotel Administration B.S. 2009	Eugene Chan is a recent graduate of Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in hotel administration. Born in Taiwan, Eugene immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age. He has always had a strong interest in international affairs; back home, Eugene is active in the local chapter of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) and hopes that his participation in the Formosa Foundation Ambassador Program will further his understanding of US-Taiwan relations. Eugene will be starting work at an investment bank in London after the Ambassador Program; however, he would like a career within an international organization such as the United Nations.
	Michael Chang San Francisco, CA Cornell MBA 2009	Prior to The Johnson School at Cornell University, Michael Chang worked as a M&A Analyst for Glass Lewis & Co., a leading corporate governance advisory firm based in San Francisco, California. He holds a B.A. degree in Economics with Honors of Highest Distinction from the University of California, San Diego. At The Johnson School, he is focusing on corporate finance, but is also taking classes at Cornell Law School.
	Phil Chang Philadelphia, PA Univ. Pennsylvania Economics Ph.D. 2012	Phil Chang is an easily amused person. His upbeat attitude and open-minded personality often draw to him friends from different backgrounds. Having spent most of his childhood in Taipei, Phil felt the urge to experience the world himself. After graduating high school, he decided to study in the U.S. He earned his undergraduate degree in applied mathematics from UC Davis, where he founded a billiards club and served as the activity chair of the Taiwanese Chinese Student Society. In addition, during summer 2007 he had a chance to intern at Charles Schwab in San Francisco. Currently, Phil is studying at University of Pennsylvania as a Ph.D. student in economics. His favorite activities include playing board games and going on a road trip.
	Renee Y Chang Tainan, Taiwan Univ. Arkansas Political Science M.A. 2009	Renee Yu-Ping Chang was an English major at Tamkang University in Taiwan, and is now pursuing a master degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas. She was accepted into the Youth Leadership Program of Taiwan Advocates in 2005 from where many inspirations for her later works come.Renee pays close attention to Taiwan's democracy, identity issue and its relations with US and China. Renee's desire to make more people understand and appreciate Taiwan motivated her to volunteer at the Taiwan culture exhibition in the International Bazaarar on campus. In her spare time Renee enjoys learning languages and singing, as well as reading about Taiwan's history.
	Shenning Chang Woodlands, TX Univ. Texas, Austin Business Admin BBA 2012	Shenning Chang is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. She plans on majoring in International Business and studying in Japan. She is active among second generation Taiwanese Americans in Houston and consistently follows current events in Taiwan. She is also a proud member of the University of Texas Women’s Choir.Shenning is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese and is learning Spanish and Japanese. Her hobbies include listening to music, singing, piano and cheering on Yankees’ pitcher Chien-Ming Wang.
	Douglas Close Durango, CO Univ. Denver Political Science B.S. 2010	Douglas (DJ) Close is a Junior at the University of Denver, Majoring in Political Science and double minoring in Leadership and Chinese. D.J. is very involved within DU's community as well as the greater Denver community. Working towards developing his community organizing skills D.J. is working towards empowering other students at the University of Denver and educating them on how they can become involved in their respective communities and make a meaningful impact. Born and raised in Colorado D.J. is excited to be a part of the Formosa Foundations where he can become better educated on current U.S. and Taiwan relations.
	Tareq Haidari San Diego, CA UC San Diego Political Science B.A. 2008	When he was an undergraduate at the University of California, San Diego, Tareq Haidari studied a wide range of policy projects, ranging from US-Taiwanese relations, to Americas geopolitical interest in Central Asia. Tareq was a Congressional Intern at the San Diego office of Congresswomen Susan Davis, where he observed first hand the legislative process, and how the local offices serve needs of their constituents. From the Ambassador Program, he is seeking a greater understanding of US foreign policy in regards to Taiwan, and acquiring the advocacy and grass-root organization skills needed to promote democracy and human rights. Tareq aims to have a career in US Foreign Services. In his spare time, Tareq enjoys reading about foreign affairs and surfing.
	Laura Hsin Feng Ashland, MA Harvard Education M.E. 2009	Laura Hsin Feng is currently finishing her Master of Education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She received her B.A. from the University of Richmond with a History major and Secondary Education minor. Born in Taipei, Taiwan and raised in the United States since the age of four, Laura has maintained a strong affinity to her native country and culture and looks forward to collaborating with others interested in Taiwan. She is a strong believer in the important role that Taiwanese-Americans, especially in the second generation and beyond, can take in advocating for Taiwanese interests.
	Tracy Huang Tainan, Taiwan Georgetown Foreign Service M.S. 2011	Tracy Tzerjing Huang graduated from National Taiwan University with a BA in Foreign Languages and Literatures in 2008, and will pursue a graduate degree at Georgetown University in Foreign Service starting in the fall of 2009. She is currently a fellow at a non-profit organization in Los Angeles, working on Asian American policy issues. She is an active member of the Taiwanese American Citizens League, Los Angeles chapter. Born and raised in the US and mainly educated in Taiwan, Tracy has been interested in how her two worlds affect each other on the international stage. Tracy loves listening to different accents and languages, swimming, sketching, and mastering public transportation systems.
	Wen-Chi Huang Taipei, Taiwan New York Univ. International Law M.S. 2009	Wen-Chi Huang recently earned a master degree from NYU Law School on international legal studies. Wen's belief in justice inspired her to pursue a career as criminal prosecutor in Taiwan. Prior to NYU she had already worked for 5 years as a prosecutor in Taipei's District Office. Wen is interested in the international community’s relation with Taiwan. She was honored to be a speaker at the 10th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors in Copenhagen with almost five hundred prosecutors in attendance. In her speech she emphasized on Taiwan's improvement regarding witness protection. In her spare time, Wen enjoys music, dance, movies, sports and photography.
	Yi-Ching Hwang San Diego, CA Cornell Engineering B.S. 2003	Born in Taiwan, Yi-Ching Hwang and her family immigrated to the States when she was nine. Since graduating from college, Yi-Ching has been pursuing her interest of working in international development/affairs, all with a focus on sustainability and social justice. Yi-Ching’s last job led her to Bolivia where she learned about policy analysis and the art of public advocacy and citizenry campaigns. Prior to that, she spent three years working with indigenous communities in Ecuador and Bolivia. Yi-Ching hopes to use her past experience and the training from the Ambassador Program to further Taiwan’s cause.
	Crystal Jewett Reno, NV Univ. Nevada Political Science M.A. 2011	After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno majoring in anthropology, with a minor in East Asian studies, Crystal Jewett planned Antarctic expeditions for an environmental education company. Her first trip to Asia took her to Taiwan in the fall of 2008. While in Taiwan, she travelled the length of the country, learning about different regions and their cultural practices. She studied Japanese language for three years in college and is now beginning to learn Mandarin. She is excited about participating in the 2009 Ambassador program and views it as an opportunity to learn about the issues currently facing Taiwan, a place that has become very dear to her. Easy going, creative and occasionally funny, Crystal operates and illustrates a weekly web comic with her free time.
	Jason Jung Torrance, CA Univ. Michigan Political Science M.A. 2011	Jason Jung is studying political science at the University of Michigan. He is a member of the University of Michigan Men’s Varsity Tennis Team. Jason has traveled to countries like Taiwan, China, Japan, Thailand, South Africa and Costa Rica to compete in international tennis tournaments. He hopes to create awareness of Taiwan and the Taiwanese American identity wherever his travel takes him. On his spare time Jason likes to watch Food and Travel networks.
	Kathleen Kuo Honolulu, HI University of Hawaii Architecture D.Arch 2008	Kathleen Kuo received a Doctor of Architecture degree in May 2008 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Architecture. In school, she served separately as President and Vice President of the American Institute of Architecture Students Hawaii Chapter. She also traveled to various countries, resided in Taipei and New York City for her practicum, and received two Awards of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects Hawaii Chapter Student Design Awards and the Taiwanese American Association Hawaii Chapter. Kathleen’s final doctorate project addressed the homelessness issue in Hawaii. Her professional goal is to empower communities on a local level through architecture.
	Fred Lin Palos Verdes, CA Univ. Southern CA Business, IR B.S. 2010	Fred Lin is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Corporate Finance and a minor in International Relations at the University of Southern California. At school, Fred is on the executive board of the Chinese American Students Association and a member of the Asian American Business Association. On his spare time he promotes Taiwanese American identity by participating in the Taiwanese American Citizens League. Fred speaks fluent Taiwanese and takes the time to visit Taiwan once a year, and he is very interested in Taiwan’s political and international situation and Taiwan’s role in Asian security issues.
	Hillary Lin Stony Brook, NY Stanford Biology B.S. 2011	Hillary Lin is currently studying Biology at Stanford, with a special interest in Neurobiology, and intends to pursue medical studies after her graduation in 2011. She is an active leader in a number of organizations on campus, including premedical groups and Stanford's Taiwanese Cultural Society. Born in Taiwan, where she lived for her first five years, Hillary is very interested in the rising movement across the U.S. of Taiwanese Americans in promotion of Taiwan. She takes Taiwanese classes at Stanford, and enjoys her work with both on-campus and off-campus organizations to educate the public about Taiwanese culture and politics. In her spare time, Hillary enjoys reading novels, watching movies, and playing the violin.
	Nikki Lin Oakville, Canada York University Accountancy B.B.A. 2009	Nikki Lin recently completed her BBA at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, the world’s most culturally diverse metropolis. Studying at National ChengChi University in Taipei in 2008 furthered Nikki’s appreciation of Taiwanese culture and politics. Her passion for Taiwan’s national predicament and global human rights issues were fueled by her participation in Dr. Keating’s Breakfast Meetings, Amnesty International, and several political rallies during her exchange term. Having ample diverse cultural interactions has instilled upon her a greater sense of pride in sharing the unique Taiwanese qualities of honesty, genuine amicability, and having a great sense of responsibility.Nikki aspires to protect democracy and sovereignty in Taiwan.
	Roger Ling Walnut, CA UCLA Economics B.A. 2009	Roger Ling is a recent graduate from UCLA with a BA in Economics, and will be attending law school in the fall. Fluent in Taiwanese, he has published articles in a Taiwanese American newspaper. Roger is a sports and classical music enthusiast, having served as a founding officer of UCLA Club Tennis and a violinist in the UCLA Symphony Orchestra. In the Spring of 2009, Roger interned at the US Department of Transportation under the Obama administration. He hopes to one day influence policy in the nation’s capitol.
	Jeanette Low San Gabriel, CA UC San Diego Human Dev / Chinese B.S. 2010	Jeanette Low is studying Human Development and Chinese Studies at UCSD and is an active member in the Taiwanese American Student Association on campus. She was the Public Relations Chair (07-08), Co-President (08-09), and will become an advisor in Fal 2009l. Jeanette enjoys working with young kids and hopes to pursue a career in education. With a love for Taiwanese culture, she is always trying to find a way to become more actively involved in the Taiwanese American community. Jeanette strongly believes that anyone can make an impact in this world and is looking forward to making a difference by using her experience gained as an ambassador.
	Margaret Pan Lexington, KY Vanderbelt Economics B.A. 2012	Maggie Pan is an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University and plans to study Economics and Earth and Environmental Science. She has been involved in her local Taiwanese American community since she was young and currently serves as a District Chair and Assistant Programs Director in the Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Student Association. In the past, Maggie has participated in various programs geared towards Taiwanese Americans and looks forward to the opportunities the Ambassador Program will bring.
	Chih-Mao Tang Kaohsiung, Taiwan Essex, UK Int'l Relations PhD. 2010	Chih-Mao Tang is currently pursuing a PhD in University of Essex, UK, on international relations theory, focusing on foreign policies of the U.S., China and southeast Asian countries. He received BA degree in international relations from National Taiwan University. Previously Chih-Mao worked as a legislative assistant in Legislative Yuan in Taiwan for three years (2003-2005), where he worked on domestic policies concerning economic, labor, agricultural, and environmental issues, as well as issues pertaining to Taiwan’s international status.
	Eileen Tsai San Jose, CA Nat'l Tsing Hua Foreign Literature B.A. 2009	Eileen Tsai was born in Indiana, but has been educated in Taiwan since the age of six. Eileen is gratuating fro Taiwan's National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in foreign literature, and will enroll in the graduate program of NTHU’s law for science and technology in September 2009. Eileen participated in the 2006 Youth Forum, and was a member of the Wild Strawberry Protest of 2008. Eileen enjoys reading books, comparing different cultures and observing human behaviors.
	Jennifer Tsai Irvine, CA UC San Diego Biology B.S. 2008	Jennifer Tsai graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in biology and minors in music and Chinese Studies. She was active in various campus organizations including the La Jolla Symphony and TASA. Jennifer also took a special interest in courses pertaining to Taiwan, which opened her eyes to Taiwan’s rich political history and unique identity. Her current job in a bioinformatics research laboratory is a constant reminder of Taiwan’s status as a leader in biotechnology. Jennifer aims to continue to promote Taiwan's democracy through the knowledge gained from the Ambassador Program. In her spare time, she enjoys eating, reading and traveling.
	Helen Wang Roseland, NJ New York Univ. Politics/Economics B.S. 2011	Helen Tsai-Hsuang Wang is studying Politics and Economics at New York University. Born in Taiwan and raised in New Jersey, Helen is extremely proud of her Taiwanese heritage. On campus Helen is active in the Asian American community, and is especially involved in the Taiwanese American Student Society. As a TACL Political Intern in 2008, Helen worked at Congresswoman Diane Watson's office and saw first-hand foreign relations between US and Taiwan. The experience peaked her interest in promoting stronger ties between Taiwan and US. Two summers before that Helen traveled to Taiwan where she volunteered as an English tutor to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. A museum and music enthusiast, Helen is eager to learn from the Program to better promote better Taiwan-US relations.
	Susan Wang West Windson, NJ McGill Univ. International Dev. B.A. 2011	Susan Wang was born in Taiwan, grew up in the United States, and now lives in Montreal, Canada where she attends McGill University studying International Development. At school she spends most of her free-time volunteering at a student-run cafe and participating in various cultural clubs. When she was in high school, Susan volunteered at Taiwan Tribune, a US-based weekly newspaper, as an English proofreader. Her hobbies include vegan-baking, dancing, reading, and playing guitar.
	Jo-Han Wen Taipei, Taiwan Nat'l Chengchi Taiwan Literature M.A. 2010	Jo-han Wen is pursuing a Master’s degree in Taiwanese Literature at Taiwan's National Chengchi University. Her interest in Taiwanese history and culture bagan when she was an undergraduate student at the Natioanl Taiwan University, where she was a founding member of Dalawasao in 2005, a student club concerned with Taiwan issues. In 2008, Jo was a demonstrator in the Wild Strawberries Movement and helped publicized this movement on various campuses throughout Taiwan. She wishes to be one of the keepers who can make Taiwan a better country.
	Pei-Yi Wu Taipei, Taiwan Nat'l Tsinghua Univ. Sociology M.S. 2011	Pei Yi Wu received her B.S. degee in Political Science at National Taiwan University, and will begin graduate studies in Sociology at the National Tsinghua University in the fall of 2009. Pei-Yi has been an active member of the Dalawasao Student Society on campus which concerns its members about Taiwan’ issues. She is a volunteer at several NGO's, namely, Tsai Jui-Yueh Dance Foundation, Dr. Chen Wen-chen Memorial Foundation, and Deng Nylon Liberty Foundation. Since her involvement in the Wild Strawberry Movement, Pei-Yi is inspired to become an even stronger and more persistent activist for Taiwan's cause. Pei-Yi was born in Keeling, Taiwan, and currently lives in Taipei.
	Albert Yan E. Brunswick, NJ Northwestern Poli Sci, Music B.A. 2013	An undergraduate at Northwestern University, Albert Yan, is pursuing a B.A. in Political Science and Music in Violin Performance. As the Public Relations agent for Northwestern's Student Government, Albert also works at the LGBT Resource Center under the Department of Social Justice. He is a member of the Taiwanese American Students Association at Northwestern and most notably acted as Delegation Leader in the Future World Leaders Summit at Georgetown University. As a Wright Foundation Scholar, Albert studied German in Vienna and holds a certificate from the Beijing Foreign Studies University in Mandarin Chinese. After an elucidating experience in Beijing, Albert is determined on advocating for a sovereign Taiwan.
	Tony Tsungli Yang Taipei, Taiwan Chi-Nan, Taiwan SE Asian Studies M.A. 2010	Tony Tsungli Yang is pursuing a graduate degree in SE Asian Studies at Chi-Nan University in Taiwan. Previously he worked as research assistant at the Institute of Sociology Academia Sinica, where he conducted surveys and analyzed data on Taiwan’s social changes. Tony is an active participant in several NGO’s that advocate judicial reforms in Taiwan and human rights issues. He is particularly concerned about the rights of the Burmese, Tibetans and Taiwan’s migrant workers. Tony would like to dedicate his career as a human rights activist in Taiwan.