FOUND IN TRANSLATION
When I moved from China to the U.S. in sixth grade, neither of my parents spoke English, so I quickly became the family translator — from grocery store trips and doctor's appointments to parent-teacher conferences. It taught me to be resourceful and comfortable tackling unfamiliar situations.
READY FOR HER CLOSE-UP
The summer after ninth grade, I interned in the director's department for a multi-million-dollar television series about the entrepreneurs behind WeChat. I even appeared in a few scenes as the CEO's assistant. It was my first real glimpse into how much coordination, creativity, and teamwork go into bringing something big to life.
I'm looking forward to being in an environment where I can keep learning, stay curious, and grow alongside the people and companies around me.
Let's start at the beginning. What were you like as a kid?
Very independent. When I moved from China to the U.S. in sixth grade, neither of my parents spoke English, so I quickly became the family translator — grocery store trips, doctor's appointments, parent-teacher conferences…
You translated your own parent-teacher conferences?
I did! And my English was barely conversational at the time. I was learning the language by ear, keeping up with schoolwork, and helping my family navigate a new country all at once. It was a lot of responsibility for a sixth grader, but it taught me to be resourceful and figure things out on my own.
Was there a formative experience from childhood that made you who you are today?
I attended boarding school from kindergarten through fifth grade, coming home only on weekends. It had a very structured, almost military-style routine: make your own bed, finish studying before having fun, follow through on a task once you start it. Those habits have stayed with me ever since.
What was it like to grow up in your family?
My parents were incredibly supportive but always let me make my own decisions. When I wanted to learn piano, they didn't just sign me up — they first walked me through what it would actually take, from hours of practice to giving up part of my weekends.
So you had to commit before you played a single note.
Exactly. I value the freedom to choose my own path, and I take ownership of the choices I make.
Are there any early work experiences you'll never forget?
The summer after ninth grade, I interned in the director's department for Entrepreneurial Period, a multi-million-dollar television series about the team of entrepreneurs who launched WeChat. I assisted the script supervisor — and even appeared in a few scenes as the CEO's assistant.
Wait. You were in the show?
Just a few scenes! But it was my first real glimpse into how much coordination, creativity, and teamwork go into bringing a large-scale production to life.
Shifting to the weekend: what's your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
A morning round of golf, then exploring the city and trying a new bakery, coffee shop, or restaurant — I'm always up for a good food recommendation. Then winding down with a movie or a TV binge. A little bit of everything: outdoors, discovery, good food, and rest.
And what gets you most psyched about working at VMG?
The chance to constantly learn — from people at the firm with deep consumer expertise who challenge the way I think, and firsthand from entrepreneurs building and scaling brands. Every company and investment can teach you something new.
Anything you could teach us in return?
Where to find the best bakery in the city. I've done extensive research.
Croissants count as consumer research, right?
Absolutely. Somebody has to do it.
