Yun is a Taiwanese immigrant. From young age, she developed a deep passion for charitable work which she continued while pursuing both a B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering. Yun worked at IBM for 20 years before switching her career path to dedicate her personal and professional life to helping people and servicing the community. She became a well trusted LPL independent financial consultant who always places clients’ interests first.

Yun has served on the Asian Focus core team with Lily since its founding in 2009. Together they worked hard to create a great team to further the goals and mission of Asian Focus. The core team members each contribute their special talents, and through mentorship and collaboration, they create an even more sustainable future for Asian Focus.

Rajesh is originally from India but moved to US with his family in 2013 from Singapore. Has more than 15 years of experience in information technology field and currently works in Swiss financial organization. Beside regular technology job, Rajesh is an active volunteer in local community organizations. Currently live in Cary, NC with family, he loves spending time with family and friends as well as gardening.

Education: Master of computer Applications, India.

More to come!

Christin joined Asian Focus as the program coordinator in 2016, primarily organizing the performance program for the Asia Fest. She enjoys working with local artists and performers and promoting all types of culture. Over the years, Christin has been involved in a variety of community service organizations in the Triangle area including Raleigh Chinese School, Food bank and Habitat for Humanity. 

Christin holds a Master of Science in System Science from Binghamton University. She worked as a software engineer for 20 years before deciding to pursue her passion in the real estate field. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking.

Tho Nguyen grew up in Greensboro, NC and is an avid foodie, traveler and blogger. Tho holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA in International Business from England as an Ambassadorial Scholar from the Rotary Club. Tho works in the data and analytics industry for over 18 years and has recently published a book Leaders and Innovators: How Data-Driven Organizations Are Winning with Analytics with all proceeds going to charity. Tho and his wife live in Raleigh for over 20 years and have been very active in the community to preserve the Asian culture and values for their daughter and the future generation.

Benjamin UySmith is a passionate, big hearted, critical thinker. He joined Asian Focus in 2013 as a project manager and day-of-operations for Asia Fest. He has an extensive background in project management and a deep understanding of personal and business finance and taxes.

He calls Durham his home with his wife and their two daughters. A partner in Prestige Financial Group, he enjoys working in our local community. When he isn’t volunteering or working, he enjoys traveling with his family and rolling up his sleeves on DIY home and old car projects.

Lekenna Hicks is an African American who works as a Managing Director for a corporate AV production company. She

is a Project Manager with a BS degree in project management from Liberty University in NC. She is an active member of MPI (Meeting Planner international) and is newly approved to serve on MPI’s anti-trafficking committee. 

After traveling to China, Lekenna became deeply interested in Asian culture. She encouraged her family to start Mandarin lessons at the RACL and consistently worked with a Chinese teacher for several years. Together, they actively participated in various Asian activities, immersing themselves in the richness and beauty of Asian and world cultures.

Y. Ethan Lin is a software engineer specializing in the computer networking industry, and he has called the Triangle area home for over 28 years. Beyond work and family, Ethan has actively volunteered with organizations such as the Tzu-Chi Foundation and Raleigh Chinese Language School. He is passionate about creating broader avenues for Asian Americans to contribute to society and fostering social harmony through the appreciation of cultural diversity.

More to come!