Curious Monica InnovatorsBox

Growing up in a very traditional Chinese family in Chongqing, China as a gay man brought both happiness and difficulties. Still, Yao Zhao learned early on how important it is to focus on seeing every moment as an opportunity to learn and rewriting the narrative to growth. From how he became passionate about renewable energy to becoming the Founder and CEO of 50Hertz Tingly Foods, Yao never lets the challenges and changes stop him from pursuing what he wants to do. When he rediscovered his favorite flavor in a pasta dish, a green pepper oil that his mother often used, he realized he was onto something.
Today 50Hertz Tingly Foods products are available in local stores in Washington D.C., New York, Boston, San Francisco, and online. His innovative work was quoted numerous times by major publications like the New York Times and The Guardian. Zhao is just getting started but he isn't going to stop until everyone gets to enjoy the 'tingly' and his passion for good life. Tune into Curious Monica as we celebrate Pride Month and LGBTQ+ innovators. Learn more about his inspiring journey at Curious Monica.
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Jenn T. Grace has always been drawn to the transformative power of storytelling. Her affinity for communication and marketing, intertwined with her passion for storytelling, wasn't merely coincidental. Friends and family often sought her out to navigate explanations or bridge communication gaps during conflicts, finding solace and guidance in her ability to connect the dots. However, embracing her own narrative didn't happen overnight. Today, Jenn stands as the Founder & CEO of Publish Your Purpose, a thriving independent publishing brand that has facilitated the sharing of voices from over 200 individuals worldwide by redefining the publishing process. Yet, Jenn's journey into this realm began with a desire to leave behind a toxic workplace where she experienced discrimination for five years.
In our conversation, we delved into Jenn's remarkable journey of self-discovery, from finding her voice to establishing her publishing enterprise and emerging as the innovative leader she is today. Join us on Curious Monica as we celebrate Pride Month and honor LGBTQ+ trailblazers. Discover more about Jenn's inspiring odyssey on Curious Monica.
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Fashion designer Kimberly (Kim) Wong is not shy about building her own path. Today Kim is the founder of Cukimberly, a successful brand of original and colorful print, jewelry, clothes, and accessories in New York. But her journey into fashion was somewhat atypical, and in a way represented the very strength of her unique approaches to creativity and her work as an artist. Kim always loved art, but growing up Asian-American meant that she was encouraged to pursue a traditional career in business. Instead, she paved her own path, going to Japan and becoming an English teacher, and then starting her career in China. It was easier said than done to go to a country without speaking the language, or with a job. But her passion for food, community building, and marketing quickly helped her find her voice. She soon became the Shanghai go-to person to open restaurants and even worked in interior design. Today she is back in New York, working in the fashion industry and running her own brand full-time, but as she reflects on all these chapters, she shares how her past helped her be the better innovator and designer she strives to be.
This May, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are thrilled to dive deeper into Kimberly Wong's journey into fashion, business, restaurant and more. Connect with Kim Wong on her site, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Seeking inspiration? Subscribe to Curious Monica by InnovatorsBox, where host Monica H. Kang interviews trailblazers forging new paths to create positive change. Explore more at curiousmonica.com.
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The lack of a traditional background in business did not stop young Scott Sassa from dreaming of a future in Hollywood. He didn't like school nor wanted to finish college but he loved learning and was determined to find a path for his dream career - even if that meant calling the same office every day until they gave him a chance for an interview.
Today, Scott is renowned for disrupting numerous industries as an intrapreneur, establishing large-scale businesses within corporations. As an American entertainment executive, he has occupied several high-level positions in prominent entertainment companies such as Turner Broadcasting System, NBC, Hearst, and El Rey Network. He also ventured into the realm of social media with his role at Friendster before its widespread popularity. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of MILK Makeup, delving into the realms of beauty and skincare. Throughout his various roles, he is reminded that leadership is a journey marked by adaptation and persistence. His eagerness to learn, embrace new challenges, advocate for himself, and consistently show up demonstrates his audacity to share his contributions with the world.
This May, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are thrilled to showcase Scott's inspiring journey into his media, beauty, and business. Connect with Scott Sassa on his site, email, or LinkedIn.
Seeking inspiration? Subscribe to Curious Monica by InnovatorsBox, where host Monica H. Kang interviews trailblazers forging new paths to create positive change. Explore more at curiousmonica.com.
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From the outset, Jean H. Lee harbored a clear passion for journalism. Yet, breaking into a field devoid of faces resembling her own posed challenges. Undeterred by the lack of representation, Jean persevered, eventually emerging as one of the foremost journalists of her time. Over her 20-year tenure with the Associated Press, she not only achieved remarkable success but also secured unparalleled access to North Korea—a feat few could boast. Spearheading the opening of the Seoul and Pyongyang Bureaus, Jean made history as one of the first Korean Americans to oversee both South and North Korea's coverage, solidifying her status as a leading authority on the region.
Jean H. Lee's journey exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As a seasoned journalist, she has garnered acclaim for her incisive reporting and unparalleled insights into North Korea. From navigating safety concerns to establishing a bureau in an enigmatic nation, Jean's story is one of unwavering commitment to her craft and an unyielding pursuit of truth.
This May, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate Jean's remarkable achievements and her invaluable contributions to journalism. Connect with Jean Lee on LinkedIn and JHLeeMedia.com to delve deeper into her inspiring narrative.
For more stories of courage and innovation, subscribe to Curious Monica by InnovatorsBox, where host Monica H. Kang engages with trailblazers shaping positive change. Explore further at curiousmonica.com. 
 
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Geronimo Carlos Ramos III believes that the most rewarding journey is returning to your passion, regardless of the twists and turns along the way. Today, his culinary adventure is enriched by collaborations with Michelin-star chefs and prestigious events, such as the Tiger Woods Hero Golf tournament in the Bahamas. While food and people have always been central to Geronimo's story, the full picture of the chef and content creator he is today only came into focus later in his career.
Growing up in L.A., Geronimo developed a deep appreciation for food and community service from his family, who prioritized serving others. However, as an immigrant family wanting him to have the best opportunities, they initially questioned the viability of a career in cooking when he first expressed interest in becoming a chef. This uncertainty pushed Geronimo to explore diverse fields such as business, psychology, product management, technology, and design, leading him to discover the power of social entrepreneurship. Over time, he realized that all his experiences and passions ultimately tied back to his core love for food and people. He shares insights into honing his craft and managing his day as a chef, content creator, and product designer in the tech industry.
This May, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are thrilled to showcase Geronimo's inspiring journey into his true passion as a chef. Connect with Geronimo Carlos Ramos III on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Tag him or send him a direct message to say hello. Seeking inspiration? Subscribe to Curious Monica by InnovatorsBox, where host Monica H. Kang interviews trailblazers forging new paths to create positive change. Explore more at curiousmonica.com.
Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.