Curious Monica InnovatorsBox

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.
Click here for the episode shownotes, video, mentioned resources, episode transcripts, and more.

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.
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Sheena Yap Chan is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Asian female leaders in the workplace. Through her role as author and podcast host of "The Tao of Self-Confidence," she has engaged with over 900 Asian female leaders, reshaping our understanding of leadership and self-confidence in professional settings.
Her journey began with a simple yet powerful question: why aren't people who look like me speaking up? Motivated by a desire for representation, Sheena, an active writer and influencer, entered the media and podcasting arena to address this gap. In our conversation, she shares insights into managing her time and projects, highlighting how she continually cultivates confidence to inspire and empower others. She emphasizes the profound connection between vulnerability, authenticity, and self-confidence, a thread woven through her journey and the stories of many others.
This May, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are thrilled to spotlight Sheena's courageous role as an innovator, contributing to the empowerment of AAPI voices. Connect with Sheena Yap Chan on any social media platform, and don't miss her podcast and book, "The Tao of Self-Confidence." Sheena hails from the Philippines and currently resides in Toronto, Canada. 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.